Reflections on Giving:
PAMF 2000 Annual Report
Health Care
To lift the spirit: Dr. Richard Greene Children's Play Area
View the playground with our 360o interactive IPIX photo.
Pediatricians are entrusted with the care of what is often closest to a parent's heart: his or her child. For this reason, the relationship that evolves between parents and pediatricians can be a deeply profound one, according to Dr. Richard Greene, a pediatrician at Palo Alto Medical Clinic since 1967.
"Pediatricians are really healers," says Dr. Greene. "We take care of children and advise their parents in ways that often transcend the boundaries of traditional medicine." Dr. Greene has taken care of Judy and Robert Swanson's two daughters from the day they were born -- a span of more than 18 years. "Dr. Richard Greene exemplifies what you want from a physician," wrote donor Judy Swanson in a recent letter to PAMF President Dr. David Druker. "He is a skilled, capable, caring and responsive human being who gives attention to all the facets of health care -- physical, mental and emotional."
During the past year, the enduring bond between Dr. Greene and the Swanson family found unique expression with the opening of the Dr. Richard Greene Children's Play Area. Located just outside the pediatric waiting room at our new campus, the play area was funded through the New Building Equipment Fund established in 1996 by Judy Swanson's late husband, Robert Swanson. "Bob decided to offer a contribution in honor of Richard Greene that would acknowledge what a wonderful physician he is," wrote Judy Swanson, "and to celebrate the spirit of the man who brings so much life and fun to his patients and their families."
The play area features a "By the Sea" theme and was constructed using the most advanced child-safe materials. Children enter across a wooden "gangplank" that leads to soft, rubberized flooring patterned with blue ocean waves. The central area is edged in sand-colored cement bearing the impressions of footprints, shells and starfish. There are even grass shacks with benches so parents can sit in the shade while their children play. The central playscape is a brightly colored wooden "ship" dubbed the "S.S. PAMF" where children can climb, dangle and slide to their heart's content -- or at least until it's their turn to see their doctor.
The Swansons' initial gift motivated other parents and grandparents to make donations in honor of Dr. Greene, and the entire cost of the project was ultimately funded through philanthropy. "I think it's a wonderful gift to the Department of Pediatrics," says Dr. Greene, "because it symbolizes everything we strive for in pediatrics: to keep children healthy so they can have fun and play outside."
Letter from Mrs. Swanson:
Dear Dr. Druker,
Dr. Richard Greene has been there for us in a very personal and caring way since the day our first daughter was born. I am writing on behalf of our whole family to express our love and gratitude to this remarkable man. Dr. Greene exemplifies what you want from a physician. He is a skilled, capable, caring and responsive human being. He provides individual and unique attention to all the facets of health care -- physical, mental and emotional. He gives us a peace of mind that comes from trust. His doctoring transcends pediatrics.
This brings us to another very important part of our relationship with the pediatric department of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Over the years, we have developed close relationships with many of the other pediatric physicians and each one of them seems to embody Dr. Greene's philosophy, because they have all been there to reassure us and support us in countless ways that go far beyond a pediatric appointment.
Bob always believed that it was his responsibility to give back to the community that has given so much to us. When we decided to participate in the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's fund raising, the feelings were clear that we wanted to find a personal way to say thank you to someone who has made such a difference in our lives. Bob decided to offer a contribution in honor of Richard Greene that would acknowledge what a wonderful physician he is and to celebrate the spirit of the man who brings so much life and fun to his patients and their families. When he suggested naming the playground after Dr. Greene, he had no idea how many truly generous people would embrace the idea.
Bob always wanted to change the world for the better. Richard Greene has done just that. AndÂ…we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Judy Swanson
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