KALAMAZOO, Mich. — This summer, three leaders from Bronson Health are pushing their limits to raise awareness and funds for Bronson Children’s Hospital, the sole children’s hospital in southwest Michigan.
Dr. Aaron Davies, interim chief clinical officer of Bronson Medical Group and pediatric hospitalist at Bronson Children’s Hospital; Dr. Mark Atkinson, retired anesthesiologist and former board member of Bronson Healthcare Group; and Becky East, chief financial officer at Bronson Healthcare, have each set personal goals involving hiking, biking, and climbing respectively, to support programs and services at the hospital through the Bronson Health Foundation.
Dr. Aaron Davies embarked on his hiking journey in 2014, starting from the Michigan-Ohio border to traverse the 1,100-mile Michigan section of the North Country Trail. Over subsequent summers, he tackled segments of the trail, pausing due to the pandemic and personal commitments before recently completing the final 162 miles to the Michigan/Wisconsin border. Davies has used his trek to raise awareness and funds for the Pediatric Subspecialties Endowment, crucial for recruiting and sustaining pediatric specialists at Bronson Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Mark Atkinson, who retired from full-time duties in 2023 but continues part-time as an anesthesiologist at Bronson, is preparing for a 3,567-mile cross-country bicycle ride from Oregon to New Hampshire starting July 7. His goal is to raise $20,000 for Bronson Children’s Hospital, a target he has already doubled with support from Kalamazoo Anesthesiology colleagues, who contributed $25,000. Atkinson underscores the hospital’s unique role in the community and aims to highlight its importance amid nationwide pediatric program closures.
Becky East manages hospital finances during the week but is gearing up for a different challenge this fall: scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 19,341 feet. Her ascent is not only a personal feat but also a fundraiser for Bronson Children’s Hospital, inspired by her own experience when her daughter received care there years ago. East aims to give back to the hospital that provided exceptional care during a frightening time for her family.
Terry Morrow, president of Bronson Health Foundation, applauds their efforts, emphasizing how their personal goals have become powerful vehicles for supporting the children’s hospital and raising community awareness.