June 2007
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Running from the heart
As Annmarie Connors climbed Heartbreak Hill during the Boston Marathon, her beeping heart monitor kept her mind on Children's Hospital Boston patient Savannah Villarreal. Savannah has Vascerl Syndrome, a collection of birth defects that left a huge gap in her esophagus and a faulty valve in her heart. "When my heart monitor beeps, I always think of Savannah,"Connors says. "I can run because my heart's strong enough, but hers isn't." Connors was one of 177 runners on Children's Miles for Miracles team. The group has raised $1.3 million so far, with more still coming in. Some runners come to the team qualified, but most receive a marathon waiver in exchange for raising at least $3,000 for Children's. Team members enjoy coaches and pre-race pep rallies, and many are paired with a patient partner for extra support. Connors likes the relationship that having a patient partner fosters.
"With other charities, you run for a vague group. I chose Children's because I wanted a closer relationship," Connors says. She's become so involved, the Villarreals have even asked her to be Savannah's godmother. It's a relationship that will have Connors running on Children's marathon team for years to come.
Children's patient is chosen as Champion Child
What do several congressmen, President Bush and Mickey Mouse all have in common? A recent visit from Children's patient Ryan Brewitt. Chosen as New Hampshire's Champion Child, he and other members of the Champions Across America went to Washington, D.C. to tell President Bush and several congressmen that children's hospitals need more support. Champions Across America honors children from every state who have overcome severe medical challenges. Ryan's challenge came in the form of a tumor on his nose that he jokingly calls "Bob." After the White House, Ryan took his message to "bigger ears" and ended the celebration at Walt Disney World.Waltham's first overnight surgery patients
On April 18, Children's Hospital Boston at Waltham had its first overnight patients on its new surgical Inpatient Unit. James Dwyer, 7, was one of the first to stay that week after having a bilateral heel cord lengthening procedure. His mother, Elizabeth, told us she loved the sunny private room and that Dr. Kasser and the nursing staff did a great job with her son. James was quick to tell everyone about how his pain medicine made it not hurt so much. He is patiently waiting for casts to come off both of his feet so he will be able to walk normally again. James is looking forward to playing little league baseball as soon as his feet are healed. Mom and dad call him their "outdoor boy," so they're counting down the days until he can play again.Employee wellness fair
Many employees stopped by the Patient Entertainment Center on May 24 for the annual Employee wellness fair, where vendors, along with Benefits, Occupational Health and other hospital departments, were on hand to address a range of health topics.Also, several lucky raffle winners took home the following prizes:
- Grand Prize-Office Chair: Maya Levine
- Children's Fleece: Jason Kulesa
- Duffle bag: Jackie Budrow
- Cookbook: Suzanne Graca
- Red Sox T-shirt: Susan Harris
- Red Sox T ’Ä́shirt: Sheila Hightower
- Red Sox Sweatshirt: Magda Sequeira
- Red Sox Hat: Marlene Vilmont
- WB Mason shirt: Dean Campagna
- Red Sox Hat: Veronica Faughnan
- Umbrella: Alyssa Kazin
- Red Sox Sweatshirt: Magda Sequeira
- Fleece Blanket: Cristina Cobb
- Travel Mug: Maria Rodriguez
- Travel Mug: Kristen Myers
- Red Sox Desk Item: Alvin Kho
- Children's Bag: Mary Ellen Pierce
- Children's Bag: Kara Vanick
- KGA: CD Case: Gwedolyn Gilner
Hoops for Heart
In April, Virna Sales, MD, Department of Cardiac Surgery, spoke to students at North Attleboro Middle School about recent research on congenital heart disease. The North Attleboro Middle School has been the National Champion in the American Heart Association's Hoops for Heart program for five years running, and last year raised $100,000—the most by any school in the program's history.Nursing exemplars
The dedication of our nurses to their patients and their profession was celebrated during Nurses Week, which took place from May 8 to 11. During the annual Grand Rounds, the seven Nursing Exemplars were presented to Meghan Gregory, RN, Kristen McGrory, RN, Caroline Farley, RN, Karen Hennessey, RN, Jack Gorgone, RN, Debra Forbes Morrow, RN, and Vivian Rabe, RN.
- Gregory wrote about the many ways she was able to support the parents of a 10-month-old patient just diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor.
- McGrory describes how she applied what she'd learned through PERCS to establish a connection with a difficult patient.
- Farley explains how she faced her fears while balancing her role as charge nurse with helping a family in need.
- Hennessey recounts how establishing a therapeutic relationship with her patient's family emboldened her to challenge doctors' decisions.
- Gorgone discusses how mentoring a SCOOP intern in the OR gave the high-school boy an experience he will never forget.
- Forbes writes about how she was able to help a family not make a rash decision about their child's care.
- Rabe illustrates how preparing a complex patient to be admitted required unwavering attention to detail.
