SwedishAmerican Health Foundation

02/20/2026

Your heart needs rest too.

Getting 7–8 hours of sleep each night helps your body recover and supports heart health. Create a bedtime routine that helps you unwind and recharge. 😴💙

Taking care of yourself is an important part of living well.

02/19/2026

Giving back has always been part of Jan Hagenlocher’s story, and we are grateful beyond words for the lasting impact she has made on SwedishAmerican Health Foundation and our community. 💙

Volunteers are the heart of UW Health SwedishAmerican, and Jan is a wonderful example of the difference one person can make.

Her lifelong commitment to service reflects the spirit we see every day in our volunteers, people who welcome patients, support families and strengthen our community through simple acts of kindness.

Inspired by Jan’s story? We would love to have you join our volunteer team. Your time and compassion can make a meaningful difference for patients and families across northern Illinois. https://www.uwhealth.org/volunteer

Giving back has always been part of Jan Hagenlocher’s life. From a career as a Director of Public Relations at SwedishAmerican Hospital to volunteering in the Rockford community—she’s always loved connecting with people. Over the years, Jan has served as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, participated in literacy programs and even sang in local choirs.

When she retired, it felt natural to keep giving back at a place she had loved working. The best part? Working alongside amazing, caring people every day. “Helping others, answering questions and making sure they feel welcome brings me so much joy,” she says.

Apply today to join our team of volunteers: https://uw.health/4afeCpu

02/19/2026

Did you know? UW Health offers the largest network of clinics and hospitals and serves more patients than any other health system in northern Illinois!

Join us at UW Health N. Bell School Rd Medical Center to learn more fascinating facts about UW Health and hear stories about some of the ways SwedishAmerican Health Foundation supports health care in our community at our “Health Matters” monthly presentation.

To RSVP: Call (779) 696-2496 or email Tricia at tcratty@uwhealth.org.
Refreshments will be served.

02/18/2026

The Maggie Strong Bowling Event rolls into Cherry Bowl on February 28, and it’s shaping up to be a great night. Expect bowling, 50/50 raffles, booze raffles and plenty of fun for an important cause. 💗

🕘 Check-in at 8:45 p.m.
🎳 Bowling starts at 9:30 p.m.
🎟️ $20 per person

Your participation helps support breast cancer care, resources and patient assistance at UW Health SwedishAmerican in northern Illinois.

02/16/2026

An Applications Analyst in the Nursing Professional Development Department, Collette Gillies has been part of UW Health SwedishAmerican for 30 years. Her work helps track education, quality data and outcomes that shape future learning for nurses and strengthen patient care across the system.

“I realized how much this organization has given me — opportunities to grow, continue my education and build skills I never imagined. I could never give back half of what I’ve received” she says.

She’s seen firsthand how Foundation support funds robotic patient simulators that enhance staff training and supports educational events that impact care across the region.

Her advice? “Like a mustard seed, a little can go a long way. Every little bit helps and counts.”

💖 Be part of something meaningful and give where you can: https://www.swedishamericanhealthfoundation.org/ways-to-give/

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕

Love at first sight 💘

This little Valentine is already surrounded by so much care, comfort, and compassion thanks to our incredible staff at UW Health SwedishAmerican Women and Children’s Hospital. Every cuddle, every check, and every reassuring moment helps families begin their journey together with confidence and love.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the tiniest hearts—and the team who helps them grow strong. 💗

02/13/2026

What you eat matters — and balance is key.

A healthy heart helps you keep doing the things you love.

02/11/2026

There are so many ways to support SwedishAmerican Health Foundation. You can host a fundraiser, attend a community event or volunteer your time at UW Health SwedishAmerican . Every action helps strengthen care for patients and families in northern Illinois.

However you choose to give back, you’re helping deliver remarkable health care when it matters most. 🌟

💖 Get involved today: https://www.swedishamericanhealthfoundation.org/get-involved/.

02/09/2026

We’re proud and thankful to have Dr. Murtaza as part of our UW Health SwedishAmerican team. His advanced approach to heart surgery, combined with his expertise, innovation and commitment to involving patients in their care, helps make life-changing heart care possible right here in northern Illinois.

Cardiovascular surgeon Ghulam Murtaza is an expert in robotic and minimally invasive heart surgery. He treats blockages in coronary arteries that can put patients at risk for heart attacks. He also repairs or replaces heart valves that are not opening or closing very well.

He’s one of only a few surgeons nationwide performing totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB). Using robotic technology and tiny incisions, Dr. Murtaza performs heart surgery to help get blood flowing again to areas that aren't getting enough blood.

Those surgeries can be lifechanging, so he believes that involving patients in the treatment plan is the most important part of his job.

02/07/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Tad More Tailoring Sustainability Institute for hosting and sponsoring a beautiful collaboration in support of our cancer center patients. 💙

Thanks to their generosity and the many caring hands involved, these cozy scarves, blankets, and handmade creations will be shared with patients at UW Health l Carbone Cancer Center bringing warmth, comfort and a reminder that our community stands with them.

Swipe to see the love, creativity, and heart woven into every piece. ✨
Thank you, , for helping us wrap our patients in care and compassion.

02/06/2026

Small moves make a big difference.

Taking care of your heart helps support lifelong health care and well-being at UW Health SwedishAmerican in northern Illinois.

02/04/2026

Today and every day, we’re inspired by the courage of our patients and the compassionate care of the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center Rockford team. Thank you for making a difference in our community. We appreciate you! ❤️

Today, we recognize World Cancer Day - a time to honor the strength of our patients, the dedication of our clinical staff and the memory of those lost. Pictured is our clinical team from UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center Rockford. 🌍🔬⚛️