Apr 19, 2024
Olean General Hospital has revealed a commemorative plaque for the newly added comfort care rooms — places where family and friends may spend time with patients who have decided against any further medical treatment.
The two comfort care rooms were named in memory of Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer as their son, Bryan, made contributions to the hospital to bring the rooms to fruition.
Joseph Fuglewicz, marketing director, for Upper Allegheny Health System, said the plaque is on the second floor of OGH, just down the hall from the redesigned comfort care rooms. When the plaque was unveiled, Steven Jackson, president of the OGH Foundation; Dr. Gregory Hare, radiation oncologist; Pastor Vickie Hedlund, pastoral care; and Ronald Higley, OGH nurse manager, all spoke of the generosity of Bryan Schwabenbauer and his family.
“This has been a project we have been looking to undertake for several years,” Jackson said. “The single rooms will provide those undergoing comfort care with physical comfort, addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, and practical tasks in a private setting.”
Prior to the introduction of the comfort care rooms, there were no designated spaces or single rooms where families could say goodbye to loved ones in private. Additionally, a common room with added amenities for families was also included in the redesign. The common room provides family members with a sanctuary to quietly decompress whenever a break is needed.
The plaque hung in memory of Schwabenbauer’s parents was unveiled by his children, Gunner and Angeline. He and his wife Kelly hugged their children as the staff looked on.
Schwabenbauer said a favorite quote came to mind that he shared with his children and those in attendance: “Vincit qui patitur,” a Latin phrase meaning, “He who suffers will succeed.”
“Bryan’s gift is a true testament of what community is about,”Jackson said. “Providing solace and care for others even though he had endured pain and suffering through the loss of his memorable parents, Ben and Rose.”