March 1, 2024
Dave and Lori Janeson are a couple who walk the walk when it comes to supporting their community.
At St. Boniface Hospital, the Janesons witnessed firsthand the immense strain that the COVID-19 pandemic placed on the staff. Their family saw the tireless efforts of the compassionate caregivers within the Hospital’s walls as they provided comfort, saved lives, and overcame ongoing challenges. They knew they had to do something to help the people who help countless others.
“You don’t think about a hospital, really, until that moment you’re in one. To have the experience we had when we were there; everyone was so kind. The care was incredible,” recalled Lori.
“When you need it, and your everything depends on it, to have that compassion and knowledge behind you – you don’t realize how important it is, until you do,” added Dave.
Determined to make a difference, they opened their hearts and gave an incredible $165,000 donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.
The Janesons first set their sights on improving infection prevention and control in the Intensive Care Medicine/Surgery Unit (ICMS). The couple wanted to ensure the Hospital had the necessary tools to emerge strong after the pandemic. Their generosity enabled the purchase of a new ceiling lift, upgrades to their existing ceiling lifts, and new trauma and critical care stretchers.
Their amazing gift helped St. Boniface Hospital become a leader in intensive care monitoring. Staff were able to secure two new cutting-edge Masimo Sedline monitors. These innovative machines track sedation levels before, during, and after surgery by monitoring brain waves, improving patient outcomes and recovery. St. B is the first to use this in an intensive care unit.
But the Janesons’ generosity didn’t stop there.
They recognized the critical need to provide comfort and support to families experiencing profound loss in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The remainder of their donation will create a dedicated palliative comfort room for families in the NICU ward.
This room will provide a private, comforting, and dignified space for families to spend precious moments with their little ones, say their goodbyes, and grieve their loss in peace. It will provide a much-needed sanctuary where families can support one another and find solace during their darkest times.
“The impact of this donation is truly amazing,” remarked Karen Fowler, Foundation President and CEO. “The staff are better supported and empowered to provide the highest level of care. Lives will be changed because of their kindness. We’re so grateful.”
St. Boniface Hospital welcomed the Janesons in shortly before Christmas to see the impact they have had. As their family toured the revitalized ICMS floor and saw what became possible because of their generous gift, they thanked Hospital staff for their hard work and unwavering compassion. From a family who’s so giving to others, they insist those who work on the front lines at St. B are the ones deserving of recognition and celebration.
“The people within St. B, they’re the ones who should be the focus,” said Dave. They’re doing the work, day in and day out, to care for others. They’re what matters.”