Making the most of what we have

At 37 and 40, Savannah and Jeremy Merkel are among the youngest Guardian Society members at Children’s Wisconsin. They have always wanted to give back, so in 2006, while they were engaged and living in West Allis, they found out that Children’s had openings for volunteers. Volunteering was the start of their connection to Children’s.

In 2011, the Merkels were expecting their first child but, sadly, he passed away before birth due to a silent placental abruption. Savannah and Jeremy were devastated. During their grieving they looked for organizations doing fetal research, which led them again to Children’s, where they decided to support this work and make a difference through their estate planning. The Merkels have been recognized as Guardian Society members ever since.

Going through something as traumatic as losing their child made Savannah and Jeremy realize it wasn’t just their pain. They saw their parents, siblings and friends also experience the loss. “We want to do everything in our power to prevent that from ever happening to others, even if we play just a small part.”

Their son Theo was born in 2014. The Merkels found themselves back at Children’s, where Theo had two separate procedures before his first birthday. After becoming Children’s volunteers and donors, they were now anxious parents waiting for their son to recover. “Everything worked out fine and the care providers were wonderful.” Theo has a creative spirit and loves animals and insects. “We spend a lot of time in nature and are learning so much through him!”

The Merkels agree that people can donate a small sum of money or a little bit of time and make a big difference. “People shouldn’t be discouraged if they don’t have much to give. It all adds up. And it’s never too early to start. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, so if we can live today knowing that we made this gift to Children’s—a place we wholeheartedly believe in—we’re making the most of what we have.”

Like the Merkels, you too can extend your support of Children’s Wisconsin with a gift through your estate that will benefit future generations. Contact Kelly Sachse at (414) 266-6121 or ksachse@childrenswi.org .