Posted on October 23, 2023
A New Era for Michigan’s Kids: Announcing Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
It’s a significant milestone for our community as we proudly unveil the name for Michigan’s first pediatric rehabilitation hospital at Mary Free Bed: Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital.
The name not only represents state-of-the-art rehabilitation care but also celebrates the continuing legacy of one of our community’s most devoted philanthropists, Joan Secchia.
The Secchia family’s dedication to improving the lives of others, especially children, has left an enduring mark on West Michigan. Joan and Peter Secchia have a history of meaningful charitable endeavors, and an unwavering commitment to making our community better.
Joan Secchia’s generous gift to the new hospital made naming it in her honor an easy decision. The hospital will deliver top-tier pediatric rehabilitative care, pioneering medical research, and steadfast support to families in their times of need.
“Joan has always believed in the power of community and the importance of giving back,” said Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. “Her philanthropic efforts have impacted countless lives, and this naming serves as both a tribute to her commitment and a promise of the high-quality care we aim to provide.”
Mary Free Bed’s partnership with Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, which began two years ago, paved the way for the shared vision for a children’s rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids on the Mary Free Bed campus. The $60M project is a public-private fundraising partnership, and the public fundraising campaign will begin this winter.
Groundbreaking for this freestanding hospital is planned for spring 2024 with expected completion in 2026. When finished, it will be the first children’s rehabilitation hospital in Michigan and one of only three between the country’s east and west coasts.
Commitment to family and commitment to community have been hallmarks of the Secchia family for years. Their ongoing, significant support for community projects through the Secchia Family Foundation, UFP, SIBSCO, and personal gifts have fostered new ideas and established programs that benefit West Michigan in many ways. This project is another example of their commitment to family, the community, and the benefits they help bring to Michigan.
About the Project:
The Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital will be built on Wealthy Street across from Mary Free Bed’s Grand Rapids Campus with a pedestrian walkway connecting the hospitals. The two-story, facility will have 24 private inpatient rooms, sophisticated technology fit for children and spaces for specialized services. Learn more.
