Condell receives its largest individual donation

Other than the day he was born, Joe Nemmers Sr. never spent a day in the hospital.

So when the 81-year-old Libertyville man was diagnosed with colon cancer last summer, his anxiety about tubes, tests and treatment was understandable.

But Nemmers said those fears were quickly vanquished. The retired Abbott Labs executive was so impressed by the care he received at Advocate Condell Medical Center, he and his family wanted to give something back. They did, in a big way.

Hospital officials say their $100,000 donation is the largest individual gift in the 82-year history of the Libertyville hospital. "The family's generosity is overwhelming," said hospital president Dr. Ann Errichetti.

The gift was given by Nemmers and his wife Jackie, and their son Joe Nemmers Jr. and his wife Kathy of Lake Forest. Hospital officials said the institution has received larger gifts from corporations and the estates of deceased people, but this is the biggest from living individuals.

"These people were so good and so kind, they made me feel like family," Joe Nemmers Sr. said. "They treated me like an old friend. I was even on a first-name basis with the janitor."

Condell doctors performed surgery to remove the cancerous polyp. Nemmers said their work was proficient. "I didn't feel a thing," he said. "It was like a went to sleep, woke up and it was gone. I was just so impressed."

Joe Nemmers Jr. said the doctors, nurses and chaplains made an impact on his dad and the entire family.

"He was so overwhelmed by the professionalism and compassion shown by everyone he had contact with, he was compelled to show his gratitude," the younger Nemmers said.

The family requested the money go toward the construction of the new chapel being built as part of a major expansion under way at Condell.

The 1,200-square-foot facility will be named the Nemmers Family Chapel in honor of the gift.

"The new chapel will be on the first floor and in place of prominence," Errichetti said. "Advocate has a tradition as a faith-based institution. This is another example of that tradition."

Plans include a "prayer wall" where family and friends can post prayer requests. And, technology will be in place to broadcast services directly to patient rooms.

The chapel will be in the new $92 million West Patient Tower expected to open in spring 2011. It will have 68 medical/surgical beds, a heart and vascular center, a sleep disorder center among other treatment centers.

Joe Nemmers Jr. said the family's donation will pay spiritual dividends.

"This is an investment like any other," he said. "But with a different kind of return. Spiritual care is a vital piece of treatment."