Logan Health Children’s is planning a dedicated space, named the Rita Fitzsimmons Pediatric Infusion Center, designed to meet the unique needs of children undergoing infusion treatments. This initiative is made possible by a $500,000 leadership gift from Michael Kozlowski, given in honor of his mother, Rita Fitzsimmons. The project has gained additional momentum with a $105,000 contribution from the Kalispell Rotary Club, recognizing Fitzsimmons, a fellow Rotarian, through the generosity of local club members.
The inspiration for this center comes from Fitzsimmons, a local graphic designer and high-risk multiple myeloma patient who has spent the past three years receiving treatment at the Logan Health Infusion Center. During her care, she observed children undergoing cancer therapy in shared hematology and oncology areas. “The nurses and staff do everything they can to make patients comfortable, but my heart always goes out to the little ones—there’s not much about cancer therapy that’s fun,” she shared.
Moved by his mother’s experience and diagnosis, Kozlowski wanted to give back to cancer care in the Flathead Valley. In her honor, he made a transformative $500,000 gift to Logan Health Children’s pediatric oncology, helping to create this specialized care space for young patients.
“The addition of a dedicated pediatric infusion center will allow us to better address the unique medical, emotional, and developmental needs of our young patients,” said Courtney Stout Paterson, MD, pediatric hospitalist and physician executive for Women’s and Children’s Services at Logan Health. “We know children do better in specialized care environments designed just for them. This center will provide a dedicated space where families can feel supported, allowing these special patients to not only receive outstanding care but also feel like they are still kids.”
The planned infusion center is part of Logan Health’s broader vision to enhance women’s and children’s services, including consolidating care within the three-story Logan Health Children’s facility. This approach will allow families to remain close together during appointments and treatments, creating a more seamless and supportive experience.
The Kalispell Rotary Club played a significant role in advancing this project. Longtime champions of philanthropy in the Flathead Valley, Rotarian Everit Sliter and his wife, Nikki, led the way with a $50,000 gift, inspiring fellow club members to rally behind the cause. Their generosity, along with leadership gifts from Lucy Smith and Jim Hollensteiner, helped drive an overwhelming response, ultimately raising $105,000. Additional notable contributions have come from Susie Williams, Marty and Kay Heneghan, Bob and Marge Hoene, John and Ellen MacMillan, Leslie Mercord, the Mission Valley Amish Church, and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
“We are deeply grateful to Michael, the Kalispell Rotary Club members, and all who have come together to support this vision,” said Kevin Abel, CEO of Logan Health. “Their contributions served as an energizing catalyst for our pediatrics team to envision a possibility that only philanthropy can bring about. This center will be an essential resource for families across Montana.”
The Rita Fitzsimmons Pediatric Infusion Center represents Logan Health’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, specialized care for children and families in the region. Logan Health Children’s is honored to steward these gifts as it works toward making this vision a reality.
For more information about the infusion center, to make a gift to the fund, or to explore ways to support health care in our community, please contact Michael Barth at the Logan Health Foundation at mbarth@logan.org or (406) 751-6930.