by John Suchon

Well, actually there have been a couple of official opening nights, but on November 28th the hospital in cooperation with the Michigan Athletic Department brought in the student-athletes to view the new Mott Hospital. The evening was an opportunity for the student-athletes to view the patient rooms, activity areas and the famous “The Michigan Game Day Experience” room; an interactive play area designed to look like a miniature “Big House”.

The evening began with several busloads of student-athletes meeting up at the hospital to listen to some heartfelt words from a Mott patient family and hear personnel from Mott speak about the good that Michigan From The Heart does. Then, it was on with a hospital tour. Poignantly included in the tour were several rooms provided by contributions by Michigan From The Heart and the neonatal unit provided by donations from Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon’s family, showing their commitment to Mott Hospital.

But the highlight of the evening for the athletes was the visit to “The Michigan Game Day Experience” play room, where student-athletes got a chance to run around a little bit themselves.

Since the opening night, Michigan From The Heart personnel have made several visits to the new Mott Hospital getting assigned floors and familiarizing ourselves with the new layout in anticipation of restarting our patient visits with the student-athletes after winter break. Although we will leave many wonderful memories behind in our old location we are excited about the wonderful new environment at Mott.

Michigan From The Heart thanks Tammi Carr and our own Brian Bush from Mott Hospital for making the night a huge success as well as Dan Fischer from Family Services and Pat Warner; Executive Director C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital. In addition, as always, thanks to Dave Brandon and all the coaches, athletes and administrative people at Michigan Athletics who allow us, and help us, to bring the student-athletes to Mott Hospital.

Keep watching our website for news on Michigan From The Heart’s upcoming contribution to the new Mott Hospital and how it will enhance our patient’s lives. (Hint; it involves technology!)