We did not have to look far to discover the perfect partner in Ranken Jordan.  The specialized pediatric hospital serves patients who are too ill or injured to go home, yet not ill enough to keep them in the main pediatric hospitals.  It is one of a handful of hospitals in the country that provide rehabilitation and sub-acute medical treatment for children regardless of their family’s ability to pay. For children with complex medical conditions, such as brain injuries or complications due to premature birth, Ranken Jordan helps bridge the gap between traditional hospital treatment and going home. Ranken Jordan offers care through a 34-bed inpatient program and several outpatient programs, including outpatient therapy, intensive day treatment and comprehensive orthopedic/rehabilitation clinic.

For the parents of these sick children, a comfortable, convenient, free place to stay means the world. “Ranken Jordan has found a true partner in Equis so we can provide excellent care for our patients and their families without regard to payment,” said Lauri Tanner, president and CEO of Ranken Jordan. “The average length of stay for our patients is 51 days, and many children come from families with incomes below poverty level. It's comforting to know that our parents will be able to get their much needed rest as they prepare to take their children home.”

The partnership has also quickly proven to be special to the associates of Equis, who had been looking for the right charity with whom to partner long-term. “As a St. Louis-based company, we want to give back to our community in a real, meaningful way,” said Michael Mullenix, chairman and CEO of Equis Hospitality Management. “As individuals, many of our associates actively volunteer for and donate to worthy organizations. As a company, we wanted to team up to make a true difference in our home town. Ranken Jordan was the perfect partner.”

In addition, the associates at both the corporate office and Equis’ area hotels organized a can food drive to benefit Ranken Jordan. Hundreds of cans were collected and delivered to the hospital just in time for Thanksgiving.

Visit the Photo Gallery to see photos from the launch of the partnership.

In September 2009, two St. Louis organizations joined forces for the purpose of serving sick children and their families. Equis Hospitality Management announced at the grand opening of its new Homewood Suites by Hilton - St. Louis Galleria that it was partnering with Ranken Jordan—A Pediatric Specialty Hospital, to provide complimentary housing and transportation for the families of Ranken Jordan patients. Since Sept. 28, 2009, the first night a patient family member stayed at Homewood Suites, Equis hotels have provided a home away from home for more than 30 families. The not-for-profit hospital estimates savings of more than $30,000 in the last five months.

In recognition of Equis Hospitality Management's valuable partnership, Ranken Jordan officials surprised CEO Michael Mullenix, President Jerry Fisher and three of their hotel general managers with a progressive three-hotel celebration on Friday, March 5.

The festivities began when Ranken Jordan President and CEO Lauri Tanner and a large contingent of hospital staff members surprised Mullenix and Fisher at their corporate office and whisked them away. They were taken to the three Equis hotels in the metro area that have housed Ranken Jordan families so far - the Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Galleria, Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Riverport - Airport West and the TownePlace Suites by Marriott - St. Charles. At each, there was a mini celebration with the hotel staff, as well as the families of Ranken Jordan patients staying at the hotels.

"The partnership with Equis has been a huge boost for us," said Tanner. "With all the emotion and stress our parents deal with daily, they need a place to get away for a warm shower and good night's sleep. The Equis' hotels have provided a comfortable and convenient escape for our families and they have allowed us to direct the revenue elsewhere." Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site

Barbara Fleetwood, the mother of a Ranken Jordan patient, lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She has stayed at a Homewood Suites hotel for several months. "The daily pressure and danger of back-and-forth driving would be almost overwhelming," said Fleetwood. "My son's getting better because of the wonderful people at Ranken Jordan—and because his mother is able to be with him every day."

"My child is more secure and knows that everything's going to be okay if I'm here with him. I don't have much to offer but words, so 'thank you' to the Equis hotels people and the staff of Ranken Jordan for helping my family stay together during this stressful time."

Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty Hospital is one of a handful of hospitals in the country that provide rehabilitation and sub-acute medical treatment for children regardless of their family's ability to pay. For children with complex medical conditions, such as brain injuries or complications due to premature birth, Ranken Jordan helps bridge the gap between traditional hospital treatment and going home. Ranken Jordan offers care through a 34-bed inpatient program and several outpatient programs, including outpatient therapy, intensive day treatment and comprehensive orthopedic/rehabilitation clinic.