By Mary Margaret Colliver
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To make a donation, checks can be made
payable to the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital Fund, noting the donation
is for the adolescent lounge, and sent to the UK Children’s Hospital Fund, 500 South
Limestone, Lexington, KY 40506-0306. For more information, call (606) 257-1121.
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LEXINGTON, KY (Jan. 14, 1999) -- Officials at
the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital
and Louise and Patrick Bieschke announced today plans to construct an adolescent lounge at
the UK Children’s Hospital. The Bieschkes have pledged $35,000 to help build and
furnish the special room. UK Children’s Hospital has had a long-standing
relationship with the Bieschke family. In 1986, their son, Joe, was diagnosed with
Burkitt’s lymphoma and was a patient at the Hospital throughout his treatment. The
teenager died later that year. Following Joe’s death, the Bieschkes expressed
interest in developing a special place for adolescents. They began an annual fund-raising
effort through the Joe Bieschke 5K Run, which has been ongoing for the past 14 years. The
fund-raising will continue as construction of the new lounge begins.
The UK Children’s Hospital serves patients from infancy through adolescence.
Adolescents have different needs than younger children. They need a place to escape from
the daily hospital routine, a place to go with their friends, and a place to capture their
interests. The lounge will be designed to encourage adolescents to socialize – talk
with other patients and participate in recreational activities.
The 210-square-foot adolescent lounge will contain an entertainment center complete
with a 25-inch television, 100-disc CD player, a VCR, a display case for UK sports
memorabilia, a Fitastic punching bag, an exercise bike and an interactive tree.
Plans are underway to begin construction which should take about six weeks. The cost of
the adolescent lounge will be $63,000. The Bieschkes plan to continue to raise funds for
the adolescent lounge through the annual Joe Bieschke 5K Run and other activities. The
remainder of the cost will come from private donations. |
