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On July 21, Children’s turned 140, and to celebrate, employees throughout the Children’s network turned out for an ice cream social. Click HERE to see photos of yourself and friends at the event.
On July 23, Children’s Hospital Boston at Peabody celebrated with an ice cream party of their own. Agnes Robars, practice administrator for the Peabody satellite, tells says the staff had a ball.
Martha Eliot Health Center had a terrific showing at their ice cream event in celebration, which drew more than 70 employees. "Many of the employees commented how great it was," says Kelsey O’Toole, administrative associate.
This month, the Children’s Hospital Ophthalmology Foundation—the professional corporation of Children’s Hospital Boston’s Department of Ophthalmology—and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary established a formal relationship, creating one of the most comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology networks in the country.
As part of the agreement, Children’s ophthalmologists will provide pediatric eye care at Mass. Eye and Ear locations, giving patients easier access to a team of ophthalmologists and subspecialists. "By bringing together the most highly trained specialists with state-of-the-art treatments and equipment, we’re ensuring even greater access to the world’s best pediatric eye care," says David Hunter, MD, PhD, chief of Ophthalmology.
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United States Congressman Barney Frank recently met with Joseph Slowe and his son Ashton, David Hunter, MD, PhD, ophthalmologist-in-chief at Children’s Hospital Boston and Katherine Majzoub, RN, MBA, regional director for Prevent Blindness America. Ashton, who is now 6, suffered vision loss from amblyopia. Earlier detection of his eye problem might have prevented the vision loss. The group discussed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia and other eye conditions in children, the urgent need for significant federal funding for programs that will promote eye health and prevent vision loss and the far-reaching benefits of vision research.
Sailors from the USS Constitution, stationed in Charlestown, MA, visited patients and gave out ball caps donated from shore and fleet commands in the Navy as part of its annual Caps for Kids program. Patient Brenna Grusheski, pictured, got to pick a hat and ask the sailors questions when they stopped by to visit her in July.
Earlier this year, the Information Services Department (ISD) launched a new initiative called Floor Buddies, in which ISD employees pair up with individual clinical departments to offer personalized help. Instead of communicating by phone, Floor Buddies representatives make proactive in-person visits and inquire about technological challenges, check the department’s hardware and software, educate users about new technology and solicit feedback about how the technology is aiding or impeding workflow. "Any suggestion that may improve the computing experience is encouraged to be shared with the floor buddy representatives," says Kevin Murray, manager of Technical Services, who spearheaded the initiative.
Dan LaBonte, application specialist, is part of the Floor Buddies team assigned to Plastic Surgery. "We listen and try to meet the department’s needs, whether it’s as simple as a broken mouse, an application running slowly or a long-term problem with a computer," he says. There are currently 28 teams and team captains meet bi-weekly to bring each other up to date on changes to applications, share concerns mentioned by their floors and exchange ideas.
Enjoy Orlando, FL, this winter as you loop through Walt Disney World in the Disney half and full marathons. Run as a member of Children’s Miles for Miracles Team Disney and not only will Mickey and Goofy cheer for you along the course, you’ll have other supporters—the patients and staff at Children’s.
Miles for Miracles team members agree to fundraise for the hospital. They receive great benefits including guaranteed race entry, access to experienced coaches, a detailed training program, and the support of a community of runners.
Half marathon – January 9, 2010
Full marathon – January 10, 2010
For more information, visit childrenshospital.org/run or call Emily Clark at
857-218-3141.
Join Boston’s biggest champions (five sports teams) to support our smallest champions—Children’s patients—at Champions for Children’s, November 3, at the Seaport World Trade Center. Last year, this Trust-led dinner and auction entertained and inspired the city’s biggest names in business and sports, raising $3 million for Children’s. This year promises to be as spectacular. Red Sox Josh Beckett will be honored with the 2009 Champion Award for his service to the hospital.
Ticket options begin at $1,500 each. For more information:
www.childrenshospital.org/champions.
Interested in sponsorship? Contact Keri Campiola: 617-355-0969 or keri.campiola@chtrust.org
This summer, host a lemonade stand to support the hospital. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about business and giving back to others. The Trust will provide everything you need in the Lemon Aid For Children’s starter kit. To get started, email events@chtrust.org or call Marah Thornhill at 857-218-3103.
In only five weeks, Olympia Sports and its customers raised more than $63,000 for Children’s Brain Trauma Clinic. The sporting goods company collected donations at 186 stores across eight states—all of New England, New York and Pennsylvania.
During the Trust-led program, public service announcements highlighting the work of David Mooney, MD, MPH, director of the Brain Trauma Clinic, aired on the NESN.
The 2009 NSTAR’s Walk for Children’s drew the largest turnout in the walk’s seven-year history—4,700 walkers. Patient families, friends, hospital staff and corporate sponsors walked seven or two miles on June 14, raising more than $1.3 million for Children’s care and research.
WCVB Channel 5 news anchor Heather Unruh, Boston Celtic Brian Scalabrine and Boston Breaker Kristin Lilly attended and cheered walkers on. And there was a lot of cheering to be done. In total, there were 302 walk teams—39 of them led by hospital staff. NSTAR’s team was one of the largest with 600 members.
"We’re grateful for each walker’s commitment to raising funds for Children’s exceptional care and cutting-edge research," said James Mandell, MD, CEO of Children’s. "The walk is a great family event; not only is it fun, but it also teaches young kids about giving back to others."
Mandell helped kick-off the walk with patients Corrine Prohovich of Weston, MA and Nathan Jedow of Bedford, NH. Both were honored as Child Ambassadors for their triumph in overcoming tremendous medical odds and their commitment to inspiring others to participate in, and fundraise for, the walk.
Also committed to supporting the hospital were generous walk sponsors NSTAR, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Marriott, Pepsi, Roche Brothers, Waste Management, JN Phillips Auto Glass, the Allied Group, Longwood Security, Sodexo, Panera Bread, Cambridgeside Galleria and Ricoh. Media partners include WCVB-TV, The Improper Bostonian and Gatehouse Media Group. Check out walk day photos at childrenshospital.org/walk.
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Congratulations to Children’s Blood Donor of the Month for August, Doug Kennedy. Twenty-five years ago, Doug Kennedy began donating blood at Children’s after his son spent a week at the hospital. Fortunately, his condition was treatable. Today, Kennedy donates for the patients that constantly need his help—those with cancer, leukemia and transplants who require daily platelet transfusions. When he realized how important platelets are to the health of the kids at the hospital, he started giving platelets regularly. "I just became a grandfather so I’ll keep donating as long as possible," he says.
Kennedy has donated more than 30 gallons of blood, which is almost 250 pints. He is so committed to giving blood that that he sets up his appointments a year at a time. He also encourages others to make that same effort. "You can help," he says. "You’ll feel really good about yourself if you do." For information on how you can become a platelet donor, please call 617-355-6677.
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