For all the craziness that goes on in the parks sometimes, it’s important to remember that Walt Disney World is part of the Central Florida community. As such it has made great contributions to many non-profits in the area, but the one that moves me the most was the amazing job the company did at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. They’re not stopping with the Walt Disney wing either, The Walt Disney Company just presented a $3 million gift to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children to help fulfill a critical need in the treatment of young patients at the hospital’s Bert Martin’s Champions for Children Emergency Department & Trauma Center.
The gift will enable the purchase and installation of a new 3T MRI machine that will serve as a critical first step in the treatment of children in need of emergency and trauma care in addition to supporting other key pediatric programs at Arnold Palmer Hospital.
“Our friends at The Walt Disney Company have been great partners to Arnold Palmer Hospital since the day we opened our doors almost 25 years ago,” said John Bozard, president of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation. “We’re delighted that our partnership continues to this day as we look for new and innovative ways to extend our patient-centered philosophy and heighten the care we provide for children.”
Currently, Arnold Palmer Hospital has one Flash CT scanner and one 1.5T MRI machine within its Imaging Center. A growing patient population and the expansion of key pediatric specialty programs have significantly increased the demand for the existing MRI machine.
The new 3T MRI machine ensures patients receive the highest level of care by providing more detailed images faster than ever. It also improves patient safety by providing a radiation-free imaging option. Also, by adding a new machine, the patient experience will be enhanced for both child and family.
Providing quality pediatric care with the latest technology is critical for Central Florida and its dynamic community of local residents and millions of visitors from around the world who come here to visit theme parks and attractions. Orlando Health values its longstanding relationship with The Walt Disney Company, who proudly supports children’s hospitals across the country and is focused on improving the quality of life of children and families.
“Disney’s commitment to the health and happiness of children and families can be traced back to our founder, Walt Disney, who frequently visited children in hospitals and guided company giving toward supporting children in need,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Here in Central Florida, Disney’s gift to Orlando Health will enable medical staff to more quickly diagnose children in their greatest hour of need. We’re pleased to support Orlando Health’s commitment to providing life-saving care for young patients.”
Way to go Disney. I hope I never need to bring my child to the hospital. But if I do, its comforting to know these services will be there.