Piano man is "part of the hospital family," making a difference at West Allis hospital

MILWAUKEE -- From Broadway tunes to classical -- you'll hear it all at Aurora West Allis Medical Center. And the music is making a real difference for patients and doctors alike.

Len Pawelski

Music fills the air at Aurora West Allis Medical Center every weekday morning.

"I try to play music that people would recognize. Broadway show tunes, movie stuff, a little bit of Ragtime and something to liven the spirits," said Len Pawelski.

Pawelski needed a way to take his mind off his wife's surgery, and he found the piano near the hospital's main entrance.

"All of a sudden the security guard comes up and says 'whoops we can't be doing this,'" said Pawelski.

But one thing led to another and now he's someone patients and doctors count on.

"He's really become part of the hospital family," said Rick Kellar, president at Aurora West Allis Medical Center.

"Sometimes people will just stop and pause and enjoy the moment," said Dr. Glenda Lee.

An accordion player for 40 years, his musical talent drew even more attention.

"All of a sudden, people just started throwing money on the piano," said Pawelski.

Len Pawelski

Donations because of Pawelski's music have already raised about $5,000 for the hospital.

"They got a smile and that is a reward in itself.  You know those people are just a little bit better," said Pawelski.

Pawelski has been playing at the Aurora West Allis Medical Center since 2011. You can catch his tunes ever Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.