Olean General Hospital (OGH), a member campus of Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), hosted a plaque revealing ceremony for the newly added comfort care rooms. The two comfort care rooms were named in memory of Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer as their son, Bryan Schwabenbauer, made contributions to OGH to bring the rooms to fruition.

The ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 9 on the second floor of OGH, just down the hall from the redesigned comfort care rooms. A presentation that included Steven Jackson, OGH Foundation, president, Gregory Hare, MD, radiation oncologist, Pastor Vickie Hedlund, pastoral care, and Ronald Higley, BSN, RN, nurse manager, OGH, all spoke on how the generosity of Bryan and his family will impact countless others in the community as well as memorable moments of Bryan’s parents from providers who oversaw their care.

“This has been a project we have bene looking to undertake for several years. The single rooms will provide those undergoing comfort care with physical comfort, addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, and practical tasks in a private setting,” said Steve Jackson, OGH Foundation, president.

The new comfort care rooms will provide a private, personal space for family and friends to spend with patients who have decided against any further medical treatment. Prior to the introduction of the comfort care rooms, there were no designated spaces or single rooms where families could say goodbye to loved ones in private. Additionally, a common room with added amenities for families was also included in the redesign. This common room provides family members with a sanctuary to quietly decompress whenever a break is needed.

The plaque hung felicitously in memory of Bryan’s parents was unveiled by his children, Gunner and Angeline. Deeply touched, Bryan and his wife Kelly, hugged their children tightly as the staff in attendance were moved by the raw emotion shared by the Schwabenbauer family.

At the time of the ceremony Bryan’s favorite quote came to mind that he wanted to share with his children and those in attendance. “Vincit Qui Patitur” a latin phase meaning “he who suffers will succeed”.

 “Bryan’s gift is a true testament of what community is about. Providing solace and care for others even though he had endured pain and suffering through the loss of his memorable parents, Ben and Rose,” added Jackson.