Heart's Desire fullfilled for Downers Grove fire battalion chief and his dad
Almost 25 years ago, ProMedica Senior Care (formerly HCR ManorCare) began the Heart's Desire program. It was originally designed to supplement existing customer service programs; it quickly became a hallmark in the industry. The program has fulfilled thousands of wishes since its inception, received local and national media attention, won awards and has been copied by others in the industry.
Tom Pindelski, a resident at ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Palos Heights, wanted to be present at the retirement ceremony for his son Jeff Pindelski, a battalion chief for the Downers Grove Fire Department.
More than anything, Tom wanted to be present at the celebration for Jeff and the family gathering afterwards. Robin Koch, director of recreational therapy, heard Tom's wish and immediately knew it was a "Heart's Desire waiting to happen." Through the help of local businesses, Koch arranged for a limousine service to transport Tom, his wife Diane and their daughter Donna Bensema to Downers Grove to surprise Jeff at the July 23 ceremony.
Jeff has been a student of the fire service for more than 30 years. He has served as a chief officer for more than 15 years.
"I am so very proud of my son. As a little boy, he never gave me problems and he used to volunteer to help the local firefighters," Tom said. "When he told me he would be a firefighter, I was proud and after serving the Downers Grove area as a first responder for such a long time, I am even more proud of him today. He is so smart and he has written several books about firefighting and has been asked to continue writing them."
"He has won medals for his bravery and even carried a 200 lb. lady out of her home to save her life. He is a hero for sure and he deserves a happy retirement to enjoy his (and our) family", Tom told the team at ProMedica.
"The Heart's Desire program enhances our patients' experiences, but it also has the added benefit of improving employee morale," stated administrator Kelly Ciger.
One of the special things about the Heart's Desire program is the community participation component. This participation is critical because a Heart's Desire relies on the resources and generosity of employees, their friends, family and other organizations to fulfill a wish, but at the same time, sharing these exciting events with the community helps to keep the patients actively involved.
ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, 7850 W. College Drive in Palos Heights, is part of ProMedica, a mission-based, nonprofit integrated healthcare organization which includes a network of 12 hospitals, 2,500+ physicians, a health plan, 335+ skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, memory care communities, home health and hospice agencies. Driven by its mission to improve health and well-being, ProMedica has been nationally recognized for its advocacy programs and efforts to address social determinants of health. For information about ProMedica Senior Care facilities, visit www.promedicaseniorcare.org.