04/08/2026
What started as a fun, lighthearted challenge during National Pulmonary Rehab Week turned into meaningful community support and plenty of smiles at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program in the Wisconsin Dells.
During the week of March 8, patients and staff participated in a “Coin Challenge,” a creative fundraiser designed to celebrate patients while giving back locally. Five containers were set out - one for each participating staff member - and patients were encouraged to drop spare change into the container of the employee they wanted to see receive a pie in the face.
“Our patients love to be involved, and we wanted to do something that was fun, playful and interactive,” according to Darcy Nedev, an SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo registered respiratory therapist. “They brought in change throughout the week and really got into choosing who they thought should get pied.”
By the end of the week, the program raised $236, all of which was donated to the local St. Vincent de Paul with a request that the funds be used to support individuals with medical needs or cost assistance.
“The generosity of our patients was incredible,” Darcy says. “It meant a lot to our team to see them so excited to support a cause that helps people right here in our community.”
In the end, team member Amanda Hazuga was crowned the “winner.” On March 18, during the 1:30 pm rehab class, she took a good-natured pie - complete with Reddi Whip and a graham cracker crust - to the face as patients cheered her on.
“Amanda was such a good sport,” Darcy shares. “We even had extra patients stop by just to watch and cheer. It turned into this really fun, shared moment for everyone.”
The Coin Challenge is just one example of how the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab team keeps patients engaged beyond exercise sessions. The program serves roughly 70 phase three maintenance patients and about 20 phase two cardiac and pulmonary rehab patients, and creating a welcoming, social environment is a priority.
“We have a great group of patients who are very active in our program,” Darcy says. “Having these events creates opportunities to talk, connect and enjoy being here.”
Other activities currently underway include a March Madness bracket, where the patient with the best bracket will win a free month of phase three rehab, and a cookbook exchange, allowing patients to swap and share favorite recipes.
“The cookbook exchange has been a big hit,” Darcy says. “Patients bring in cookbooks they no longer use and take one that someone else shared. They really enjoy it.”
During Pulmonary Rehab Week, patients were also invited to bring in photos of pets they currently have - or have had in the past - to celebrate the comfort animals bring.
“Animals, especially dogs and cats, can help reduce stress and anxiety,” Darcy explains. “The patients loved seeing each other’s pets and sharing those stories.”
The team’s commitment to creativity extends beyond the rehab space. Last summer, patients participated in a virtual walk from the rehab site to Lambeau Field, logging roughly 240,000 steps over several weeks in the lead-up to the first preseason game.
“I always like to do events that are different and a little out of the box,” Darcy says. “It gives people something to work toward and talk about together.”
Adding even more warmth to the space, current phase three patient Jim Johnson and his wife Amy, both artists, generously donated artwork currently displayed in the rehab area. Other patients enjoyed the paintings so much that Jim began gifting artwork to them as well.
“Jim just loves giving to others,” according to Darcy. “He’s donated many pictures to patients and continues bringing new artwork to replace what’s been given away.”
For Darcy, the success of the Coin Challenge and the many patient-centered activities comes down to connection.
“Having patients involved in fun events creates a positive atmosphere,” she says. “It helps them enjoy exercising, build relationships, and hopefully spread the word about how great our program is.”
