Donors raise $12.5 million for NICU at Marshfield Children’s

Nov. 4, 2026

Contact:
Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic
715-389-4978 / Jeffrey.Starck@sanfordhealth.org

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Thanks to the generosity of donors across the region, more than $12.5 million has been raised to support the creation of a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Marshfield Children’s Hospital.

The fundraising milestone will allow Marshfield Children’s Hospital to move forward with plans for a new, family-centered NICU designed to enhance care for premature and critically ill infants while creating a more supportive environment for parents and loved ones.

The new NICU is part of a multi-phased effort to reimagine intensive care spaces on the Marshfield Medical Center campus. The successful fundraising effort, led by the Sanford Health Foundation, was made possible through philanthropic support from donors who believe every baby deserves the best possible start in life.

“We are beyond grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to make our dream for a new NICU a reality, including our NICU Campaign Co-Chairs Dr. Edna DeVries and Dr. Bill Hocking, our emeritus physicians and leaders who have committed more than $1.6 million as part of this campaign and other local donors,” said Teri Wilczek, vice president for the Sanford Health Foundation Marshfield Clinic.

“Their leadership, ideas and charitable investments will help us create a NICU where our tiniest infants can grow stronger, where families can stay close to their babies, where caregivers have the tools they need to provide extraordinary care and where countless future stories of hope will begin. The fact that our community came together to raise more than $12.5 million for this project is truly remarkable.”

Big care for our littlest patients

In collaboration with pediatric care teams, the new NICU will enhance the care experience for babies and their families. It will feature:

• 26 private rooms in a space more than twice the size of the current NICU, allowing parents and guardians to stay overnight with their infants.
• Innovative care with the latest equipment and technology, as well as access to breakthroughs in research at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.
• Dedicated spaces for families to gather and find support during a NICU journey.
• Areas for NICU staff to collaborate on care plans and focus on wellness.
• Services for families like child life and music therapy in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network.

Dr. Brian Hoerneman, Marshfield Clinic president & CEO, said the fundraising success demonstrates the community’s commitment to local families.

“Marshfield Children’s NICU has been caring for high-risk infants for more than 50 years,” Hoerneman said. “Over that time, its lifesaving mission has not changed, but the needs of our patients have. As more families with more complex needs turn to us, the need for a new NICU is greater than ever.

“Raising more than $12.5 million for this project sends a powerful message to families throughout our region. It reflects a shared belief that every newborn deserves access to world-class care close to home. We are incredibly grateful to every donor who helped make this milestone possible.”

Next Steps

With more than $12.5 million in philanthropic support secured, planning for the new NICU will continue with construction expected to begin in late 2027.

Once it opens, ongoing support from local donors will help fund the evolving needs of infants and families.

Continued support for Marshfield Children’s NICU can be made online https://sanfordhealthfoundation.org/marshfield-nicu.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience and providing access to world-class healthcare in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 60,000 employees and serves more than 2.5 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 60 hospitals, 315 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,900 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. Nearly 450 residents and fellows are trained each year through over 40 graduate medical education programs, with Sanford Health serving as the primary funding source for 75% of the programs. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural healthcare across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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