A Fitting Honor for a Beloved Mother
The creation of the Marion C. Risman and Family Endowed Pet Pals Coordinator last year was a dream come true for Barbara Nalette, Dee Kleinman Endowed Director of UH Volunteer Services. She currently oversees the health system’s pet therapy program, which uses trained volunteers and their adult dogs to make short, in-room visits to adults and children who would enjoy the company of a furry friend.
“With this new coordinator we can screen more Pet Pals volunteers, go out to the community hospitals, mentor our pet handlers and just grow the program,” explained Barbara. “Countless people will be positively affected by the Risman’s gift.”
Members of the Risman family, including Rob, his wife, Tricia, and Rob’s brother, R. Wayne, established the dedicated position in memory of late family matriarch Marion Risman, who had both a love for animals and incredible empathy for others.
“A therapy animal can help kids forget their worries,” said Rob. “That’s what my mom did for me and everyone else she knew, and why it’s so amazing to have this position in her name.”
Endowed Chairs, Directors and Master Clinicians are prestigious titles at University Hospitals which are awarded to leading physicians and administrators, recognizing profound contributions in healthcare and the potential for continued innovation. They are sources of support, providing dedicated funds for research, education and training in perpetuity. And they are, above all else, inspiring reminders of our community’s generosity, each a lasting legacy for individuals and families that will endure for generations.
Visit UHGiving.org for more information about endowments and to view a complete list of endowed positions.
To establish an endowment fund, please contact the Director of Gift Planning, Patricia Fries, at 216-844-0430 or patricia.fries@UHhospitals.org.