In an effort to support children and families affected by childhood cancer, Northwestern Mutual’s Cedar-Rapids based firm is donating $50,000 to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital over the next three years.
The $50,000 grant was made possible through Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program. The funds will help improve the culture and experience on the pediatric cancer floor, while also providing holistic long-term support to the nursing staff.
“At Northwestern Mutual, we firmly believe in the power of transforming the communities around us and improving the lives of others,” said Kalvin Grabau Keele, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa. “We are pleased to support Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s efforts to invest in their nursing staff to ultimately enhance the culture and help the hospital recruit and retain great nurses. Most importantly, we want the children and families affected by childhood cancer to get the best possible care.”
In a recent staff engagement survey, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital staff reported that 33% feel they have an unreasonable amount of job stress, over half struggle to free their mind from work when they leave and 44% lose sleep over work issues.
These funds will support the nursing staff by investing in initiatives to improve morale and the overall culture and experience on the pediatric cancer floor.
Since 2012, the Childhood Cancer Program has focused on accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, while supporting families undergoing treatment and survivors who suffer from the lasting effects.
The company has contributed more than $40 million and funded over 500,000 hours of research through the program.
