Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Bethenny Frankel, founded BStrong, the disaster relief initiative in 2017 to offer emergency assistance to those in crisis. ThedaCare recently received a PPE donation from BStrong and Global Empowerment Mission.
Honoring the Frontline Team Members Caring for COVID-19 Patients
December 8, 2020
APPLETON, Wis. – ThedaCare is privileged to recently receive a donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from BSTRONG and Global Empowerment Mission. Since 2017 BSTRONG and Global Empowerment Mission have served the needs of those affected by tragedies and catastrophes around the globe.
“We are extremely grateful to receive this donation,” said Kristin Lyerly, MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist with Women’s Care of Wisconsin, an affiliated ThedaCare physician. “Our team members are doing everything they can to offer the best care possible for our patients and families, and the acknowledgment of their dedication through a PPE donation like this shows them that many people are standing behind them with support.”
BStrong is a disaster relief initiative led by Bethenny Frankel, who has been organizing efforts to support those on the frontlines of the pandemic. Global Empowerment Mission in partnership with BStrong have provided millions of articles of PPE to hundreds of facilities, including health care organizations, police departments, fire departments, state health departments, funeral homes and military bases.
“Right now, so many people are going through difficult times, and everyone is reflecting on what it means to feel safe – at their job, at home and in the community,” said Frankel. “If we can help those on the frontlines who are caring for COVID patients feel safe at work through PPE donations, it’s our way to give back, supporting those health care workers to keep doing what they do, day in and day out.”
Dr. Lyerly became connected to BStrong and Global Empowerment Mission after joining performer Amy Schumer on a Zoom event for the Biden Campaign while Dr. Lyerly was running for Wisconsin’s 88th State Assembly District.
“Before the Zoom went live, Amy and I chatted a little bit about the COVID-19 situation in Wisconsin, and the impact to health care workers in our state,” said Dr. Lyerly. “Amy, who has a close friend in nursing on Long Island, was concerned that hospitals were still running into hurdles to acquire certain PPE. The next day Amy called me, and asked where she could send a donation to help keep our team members safe. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture from a woman who has dedicated her career to lifting us up and making us laugh.”
The PPE donation to ThedaCare included surgical masks, KN95 masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.
“These PPE items will help protect our team members, and ensure that we are here to care for our communities,” said Dr. Lyerly. “It means a great deal that this donation was coordinated through a very neat source to offer support for our hospital system.”
