August 4, 2010

Dear Children’s Hospital,

We were so impressed with the care our son received at Children’s Hospital on August 2, 2010. He had to receive three stitches on his eye lid at the age of three. The nurses and doctors made him feel so good that he did not even cry! We will always remember this experience with fond memories. Thank you for all of your hard work to make children happy during traumatic times.Lauren Richardson

Knoxville, TN

Dennis Ragsdale, Chairman • Bill Terry, M.D., Vice ChairmanMichael Crabtree, Secretary/Treasurer • Debbie Christiansen, M.D. • Dawn Ford Keith D. Goodwin • Steven Harb • Lewis Harris, M.D. • Dee HaslamA. David Martin • Larry Martin • Christopher Miller, M.D. • Steve SouthLaurens Tullock • Danni Varlan • Jim Bush, Chair EmeritusDon Parnell, Chair Emeritus • William G. Byrd, M.D., Chair Emeritus

John Buchheit, M.D., Chief of Staff • Lise Christensen, M.D., Vice Chief of Staff Mark Cramolini, M.D., Secretary

Lori Patterson, M.D., Chief of MedicineCameron J. Sears, M.D., Chief of Surgery

Keith D. Goodwin, President/CEO • Bruce Anderson, Vice President for Legal Services & General Counsel • Laura Barnes, R.N., M.S.N., C.N.A.A., B.C., Vice President for Patient Care • Joe Childs, M.D., Vice President for Medical ServicesZane Goodrich, CPA, Vice President for Finance & CFO • Rudy McKinley, Vice President for Operations • Sue Wilburn, Vice President for Human Resources

Ellen Liston, APR, Fellow PRSA, Director of Community RelationsWendy Hames, APR, Editor • David Rule, Director of DevelopmentNeil Crosby, Contributing Photographer

www.etch.com

Board of Directors

Medical Staff

Chiefs of Services

Administration

It’s About Children Staff

“Dear Children’s”

A quarterly publication of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, It’s About Children is designed to inform the East Tennessee community about the hospital and the patients we serve. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s vision is Leading the Way to Healthy Children. Children’s Hospital is a private, independent, not-for-profit pediatric medical center that has served the East Tennessee region for nearly 75 years and is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.

“Because Children are Special…”…they deserve the best possible health care given in a positive, family-centered atmosphere of friendliness, cooperation and support -- regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.”…their medical needs are closely related to their emotional and informational needs; therefore, the total child must be considered in treating any illness or injury.”…their health care requires family involvement, special understanding, special equipment and specially trained personnel who recognize that children are not miniature adults.”…their health care can best be provided by a facility with a well-trained medical and hospital staff whose only interests and concerns are with the total health andwell-being of infants, children and adolescents.

Statement of Philosophy East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

July 25, 2010

Dear Children’s Hospital,

Thank you to Dr. John Carder

who attended to our daughter, Mia

on July 22. We are a long way from

Mia (in Australia) at the moment,

while she participates in CISV camp

in Knoxville. It is very reassuring to

us as her parents, to know that Mia

received such fantastic, immediate

care and follow up. Our sincere

thank you goes to Dr. Carder

and all concerned. Lisa Taitapanui

Torquay, Australia

August 9, 2010

Dear Children’s Hospital,

I was 100% satisfied with the care we received at Children’s

Hospital. They listened to our concerns and did what was best

for our child. Dr. Hollingsworth was kind, compassionate and

genuinely concerned for our son. The check-in process went

smooth and the nursing staff was great. It was a wonderful

experience for such a stressful time.Letitia Cox

White Pine, TN

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Children’s Hospital NOTESVolunteer gift benefits

Children’s Hospital

Hospital voted among best places to work

Children’s Hospital was runner-up as East Tennessee’s “Best Place to Work (over 50 employees)” in the 2010 Knoxville News Sentinel’s East Tennessee’s Best. Winners were selected by online balloting on the newspaper’s website. The hospital is honored to be recognized as one of the best places to work in Knoxville. We appreciate the dedication and service of all our staff members who help Children’s Hospital succeed in its mission of “Leading the Way to Healthy Children.” The winners of each category were revealed in the East Tennessee’s Best special section of the Knoxville News Sentinel on October 15. by Claire Quinn, student intern

More than 250 volunteers dedicate their time and efforts

to making Children’s Hospital a special place for patients and

families. Volunteers not only brighten patients’ days with fun

activities, but they also provide important services to various

departments in the hospital.

In addition to the services they provide on a daily basis,

the volunteers also give generous gifts to the hospital each year.

On September 21, the Children’s Hospital Volunteers presented

Children’s Hospital CEO Keith Goodwin with a donation of

$60,000.The money was generated from Gift Shop sales and

are allocated as follows:

• $25,000 for the Capital Equipment Budget for 2010/2011.

• $15,000 to sponsor the Ticket Lobby at Fantasy of Trees.

• $10,000 for funding of a water feature in the new lobby.

• $5,000 for funding of the Children’s Art Program, which

provides therapeutic healing for patients through art.

• $4,000 for the Open Door Endowment Fund, which ensures

that all children receive care at Children’s Hospital regardless

of their families’ ability to pay their medical bills.

• $600 for the Social Work Meal Fund, which provides meals

for families facing financial hardships during their child’s stay.

• $400 for the Pastoral Care Fund, an endowment fund that

helps ensure the work of the Pastoral Care Department and

other support services at Children’s Hospital.

Children’s Hospital extends special thanks to the many

compassionate volunteers who donate their time and assistance

to the hospital and their financial donations to support the

hospital’s many projects, programs and departments.

by Claire Quinn, student intern

Children’s Hospital employees (from left to right) Kristen Slusher, Robin Griffey, Valorie McCanelley, Jimmy Inklebarger, Denise Hall, Porsha Jones, Mark Bailey, Amy Hill, Kathy Shelton and Brian Etters gather around one-year-old patient Parks Lederer (center) in the Emergency Department.

Special thanks to Children’s Hospital would like to extend thanks to The

Incredible Christmas Place on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge

for graciously allowing us to shoot our cover photo for this

issue in their beautiful Christmas store.

Hospital to debut new

website in January A brand new website for Children’s Hospital is currently in

development, with a projected launch date in January 2011.

The new site will feature many enhancements, as well as an

entirely different look and feel, mirroring the beautiful, bright

color scheme of the hospital’s new lobby.

The new website will offer improved navigation, a site

search tool, a content management system and expanded

information about the hospital’s services and pediatric

subspecialties. Look for more information on the new

website in the Spring 2011 issue of It’s About Children.

Children’s Hospital is working with In10sity Interactive-

Advertising-Consulting of Lenoir City to develop the new site.

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Some Children’s Hospital employees never experience the hospital from the patient/parent side. Melissa Cox of the Admitting Department is one of those who has been on the parent side, and she has quite a story to tell about her family’s experience. She took the time to write a letter to the hospital to offer her thanks to the many coworkers involved in the care of her children. In August, Cox and her children, Easton (5½ years) and Makenlee (3½ years) were involved in a car crash in West Knoxville. While Melissa suffered just bruises and some achiness, the children did not fare nearly as well. Makenlee, who was seated on the side of the family’s minivan that took the brunt of the crash, was unconscious for several minutes. She and Easton both had obvious cuts on their faces; other injuries were unknown at that point. Easton was in shock and was screaming to his mother, “Take me to the doctor!”

When the ambulance arrived to transport the children, Cox requested they be taken to Children’s Hospital. Although Children’s Hospital is not the primary trauma center for the region -- and another hospital is located just a few minutes away from the crash scene -- Cox couldn’t imagine sending her children anywhere besides Children’s Hospital. “There’s no way I would have done otherwise,” she said. “I had no doubt we’d get quality care – I believe in Children’s Hospital.” Cox and her childern rode in the ambulance, with Easton strapped into an ambulance seat while still in his car seat, Makenlee strapped to a stretcher, also still in her car seat, and Cox next to Makenlee. For transport of young children after such a crash, it is safest to leave them in their child passenger seat.

Melissa’s husband, Jon, came from work in Farragut to meet the family in the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital. He found the children together in a trauma room with 10-12 hospital staff in the process of caring for the children. Makenlee had a CT scan and X-rays, while Easton only had X-rays. Tiffany Holt, the Child Life Specialist assigned to the Emergency Department when the Coxes arrived, came to the children’s room soon after their arrival and stayed until their discharge about 6 hours later. “Tiffany worked with the kids and really helped me,” Cox said. “She offered me assistance and asked if I need a drink or anything. She was very kind and helpful.” Easton required just three stitches on the bridge of his

nose. But it took Molly Warren, a physician assistant, two hours to put in 33 stitches over Makenlee’s left eye.

Makenlee later began vomiting and

returned to Children’s Hospital; she was admitted to the Third Floor inpatient medical unit and later diagnosed with a concussion. Makenlee said, “I had an owie on my face, and my head hurt a lot. I loved getting stickers and popsicles. They were nice to me.” Easton remembers having X-rays taken as well as a number of things that happened at the hospital: “I got lots of stickers after [the X-rays]. A very nice lady sat and played with me when they gave me stitches on my nose. She gave me a stuffed animal, and I sleep with it now every night. I watched cartoons and got to eat popsicles. I was very scared when I got there, but I felt safe and well taken care of. Everyone was nice.”

Easton &

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MakenleeName: Makenlee Avery CoxAge: 3 1/2

Grade: PreschoolPersonality traits: Loud, funny, sweet, enthusiastic, driven.Favorite expression: Chop Chop Buttercup

Favorite color: PinkFavorite food: Pizza and blueberries

Favorite movie: TinkerbellFavorite TV show: Mickey MouseFavorite song: Jesus Loves MeFavorite game: Candy LandFavorite school subject/activity: arts and craftsHeroes: Wonder Woman and JesusLikes: Playing with dolls, dressing up as a princess, painting and coloring

Dislikes: Cleaning upWhat I do for fun: Ride my bike, go to the park and playWhat’s the best thing about being a kid?: Free ice cream at Bruster’sChildhood dream: To be a veterinarian like Easton

Name: Easton Jonathan Cox

Age: 5 1/2

Grade: Kindergarten

Personality traits: Caring, kind, loving,

witty, easygoing, funny

Favorite expression: “That’s delicious.”

Favorite colors: Green and blue

Favorite food: Real hamburgers

and strawberries

Favorite movie: Batman

Favorite TV show: Justice League

Favorite song: Super Friends theme song

Favorite game: Memory

Favorite school subject/activity: PE, art

and recess

Hero: Jesus and Batman

Likes: Soccer, dressing up as

superheroes, playing pirates,

coloring and drawing pictures

Dislikes: Cleaning my room

What I do for fun: Play soccer,

play outside, watch movies

What’s the best thing about

being a kid?: Playing and watching

Super Friends

Childhood dream:

To be a veterinarian

If I could change one thing in the world:

I would make sure everyone had food

and clean water so that no one would

go to bed thirsty or hungry.

5

difference in the level of injury that Makenlee experienced because it was so secure in keeping both her hips and her head from moving around.” Cox tells all her friends now about the importance of child passenger safety. “I am on a soapbox now,” Cox said. “I was before, but I am even more so now. Parents need to think and they need to follow the laws. It is our job as parents to keep our children safe and protect them. I don’t take that job lightly.”

Easton & Makenlee The Cox family’s crash served to support Melissa’s belief in the value of child passenger safety and proper use of child passenger restraint systems. “I have always been safety conscious,” she said. “I’ve read too many things, seen too many videos. That’s what saved my kids’ lives.” Easton is old enough -- from the legal standpoint -- to have been in a regular booster seat, using the van’s built-in belt system. But Melissa had chosen to keep him restrained in the more protective five-point harness car seat system. “There would have been nothing really to hold him in the seat” if he had been in a regular booster, Cox believes. She now plans to keep Easton in a five-point harness at least through first grade (he is now in kindergarten). Before the crash, the Coxes had spent a good deal of money on high-rated car seats, but they felt the purchases were an investment in their children. Now that they have survived a potentially serious crash, the Coxes know they made the right decision. “The seats are a lot cheaper than a tombstone, a funeral and the loss of a child,” Cox said. Susan Cook, coordinator for Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area (based at Children’s Hospital), met Cox in the Emergency Department after the crash to pick up the car seats involved in the crash. Seats that are involved in such a serious crash need to be destroyed because they are no longer deemed safe (the crash can damage the seat or weaken the structure, although such damage may not be visible on sight – so the safest approach is simply to destroy the seat and not take a chance with it failing in the future). Safe Kids provided Cox with new car seats so her children could be transported safely home after they were released from the Emergency Department. Later, Cox arranged with Susan to install the new seats in the family’s new vehicle to ensure they were properly secured. “Melissa is a very well informed mom who had correctly installed both car seats,” Cook said. “She used five-point harness car seats with side impact protection that really secured both of her children. The car seats made a huge

Text of Melissa Cox’s letter:

My children, Easton and Makenlee Cox, were in a car crash on

8/19/10. A truck T-boned my minivan and the impact was to my

daughter Makenlee’s side of the van. We were ambulanced to Children’s

Hospital, and we had quality care from the nurses in the ER, specifically

Mark Bailey to Physician Assistant Molly Warren, who did three stitches

on Easton and 33 on Makenlee. Makenlee ended up with a concussion

as well. We went home and then Makenlee started vomiting so we came

back to the ER and were later admitted to 3rd floor where the excellent

care continued with [nurses] Crystal Blake and Debra Sharp and PCAs

Martha Jordan and Susan Beckham.

I take even more pride in working at Children’s Hospital now that

my kids received A+++++ quality care. I am so happy to work here.

My kids were treated so well and loved on by Child Life as well.

They brought books, bubbles and toys to calm and distract them, and I so

appreciated that. When the ambulance driver asked where to take my kids, and I said

Children’s Hospital, I now know why. I don’t think I would have gotten

the same care if we went anywhere else.

I also appreciated Susan Cook from Safe Kids coming down to talk

about my car seats. She was a great resource.

6

Commitment. Compassion. Achievement. These are the traits shared by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes. One of the Health Care Hero honorees in the Physicians category for this year was Lise Christensen, M.D., Medical Director of the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. Dr. Christensen was profiled with other honorees in the Business Journal’s September issue.

ER leader continuously seeks to improve care Dr. Lise Christensen doesn’t think families should wait needlessly when they show up in the emergency room at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “People’s time is really valuable, and one of my biggest pet peeves is when I hear, ‘Well, they came to the ER, they can expect to wait,’” she says. Appointed medical director of the hospital’s emergency department in 1996, Christensen began working to reduce wait times. “Years ago, we realized one of the best practices for having an efficient ER is to not get financial information first,” she says. She helped implement bedside registration in which children are assessed and nurses address pain, fever and other concerns before parents are asked to fill out paperwork. “Your priority shouldn’t be, ‘How are you going to pay for this?’” she says. “It should be, ‘Let’s take care of your child.’” Christensen said it’s difficult to go into a situation and not find a way she thinks it could be improved. “My husband tells me I’m tunnel-vision focused because I’ve always had a goal,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be a physician since I was 10.” Growing up in a family of teachers and professionals who cared for children influenced her decision to specialize in pediatrics. “I didn’t know the word pediatrician, but I knew I wanted to take care of kids,” she says. She completed medical school in 1985 at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and then a pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where she worked as an emergency department physician following her training. When her husband’s career relocated their family to Augusta, Ga., in 1991, Christensen accepted a position as an attending physician in the pediatric emergency department at University Hospital. “It was my niche,” she says. “I think I smiled for the entire first six months.” She thrived on the ER’s daily challenges and helping seriously ill children get well. Christensen interviewed for jobs at hospitals across the country before selecting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in 1995. “The people I met were unhappy,” she says of the other hospitals. “I remember thinking, ‘Why would they have me meet people that are unhappy?’ … When I came here, it felt like home. … When I walked in, it felt friendly. It felt open. A lot of the physicians and nursing staff were on a first-name basis.” Nine months after joining the staff at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, she was appointed director of its emergency department. Besides bedside registration, she has begun and nurtured a number of initiatives to improve patient care, including protocol orders that speeded up the turnaround time for common tests, and allowed for medication to be dispensed more quickly to treat fevers and agents to be used to numb wounds that would later be sutured.

ER Director named “Healthcare Hero”

New treatment protocols have been established for children with less serious injuries and illnesses, as well as those with high-risk complaints, such as infants with fever. “Door to antiobiotic time” for infants with fever is now less than 45 minutes and less than an hour for hematology/oncology patients with a fever. She still works the “hard hours, the nights and holidays herself, because that’s the kind of person she is,” notes Dr. Joe Childs, the hospital’s vice president of medical services. Very process oriented, always focused on continuously improving, Christensen has “also assembled a great staff in the emergency department, recruiting people from all over the country to come here,” Childs says. “She has been a dynamic leader in terms of improving the care in the emergency department.” The hospital has one of the busiest pediatric emergency rooms in the country, with more than 75,000 patient visits annually. In January, she will become the hospital’s chief of staff, leading “virtually every aspect of medical staff activity here,” notes Childs, as well as serving on the hospital’s board of directors. Christensen, who will step down as the ER’s director but continue to see patients there, looks forward to the opportunity. “I take pride in the hospital and want it to have a great reputation,” she says. Fifteen years is a long time to direct an emergency room, says Keith Goodwin, the hospital’s CEO, noting the high-rate of burnout among physicians working in that setting. Christensen never became stale. “When you think of continuous improvement and the desire to always ask, ‘How can we get better?’ she embodies what that is,” Goodwin says. “She has been a wonderful advocate for the children who come here.” Christensen says she’s enjoyed having the support of colleagues, but happy parents and patients serve as her biggest motivators. “I still get goose bumps when someone gets better,” she said. “Last Friday night, this little girl was running around the ER, and I said, ‘That’s why we do emergency medicine.’ As soon as they get better, they run around and play.”

by Laura Ayo, Greater Knoxville Business JournalReprinted with permission of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal,

knoxbiz.com, August 2010.

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winkling lights, the sounds of children laughing and holiday tunes filling the air are signs the holiday season has arrived in East Tennessee. This November, Fantasy of Trees will help East Tennessee families kick off another “Holly Jolly Christmas” season with activities and attractions for people of all ages. Taking place at the Knoxville Convention Center November 24-28, the fun and festive atmosphere of Fantasy of Trees will spread holiday cheer among first-time and returning visitors alike. At the event, visitors can wander through a “forest” of more than 300 intricately designed and decorated trees, while enjoying the holiday shops, room scenes, children’s activities and “Adopt-a-Trees” decorated by local school children. The “Fantasy Theater” will offer entertainment for people of all ages, with entertainers from throughout East Tennessee performing in shows such as the “Handbell Festival.” The entire Holiday Marketplace will be open for shopping throughout the five-day event, offering something for everyone on each guest’s holiday shopping list. In addition to the new shops and children’s activities offered this year, many favorites will return. Traditional attractions include the Gingerbread Village, where guests can view and purchase delicious creations made by area bakers, chefs and students. Children at Fantasy of Trees have many options for fun-filled activities. The 30-horse carousel is a returning favorite, as well as Decorate-A-Cookie, Face Painting and Reindeer Games. New kids’ activities this year include Letters to Santa, where children can write their own note to St. Nick and Reindeer Pals, where kids can decorate

a wooden reindeer. Santa will be at Fantasy of Trees every day to hear children’s holiday wishes and to take photos with them. The return of the Target Raffle Tree is sure to bring excitement to many visitors at the Fantasy of Trees. Thanks to Target Stores, a 7-foot, beautifully adorned tree along with a selection of gifts beneath it is the grand prize for the winner of the raffle, and four second prize winners will receive a $250 Target gift card. Tickets are only $5 each and will be sold throughout the event; a drawing at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 28 will determine all the raffle tree winners. Visitors can also show a sick child they care by “purchasing” or making a donation of the amount needed for certain items such as diapers, popsicles or phone cards for parents at The Giving Tree. All participants will receive a special paper ornament to commemorate their holiday contribution to Children’s Hospital.

Preview PartyTuesday, November 23, 7-10 p.m. The Fantasy of Trees Preview Party offers a first look at the season’s most anticipated event in Knoxville and gives attendees the chance to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, enjoy food and dancing, and get a sneak peek at the trees and other décor before anyone else. Sponsored by the Cazana Family and Commercial & Financial Investments Company, this event will feature a live band and photo opportunity areas. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are $62 per person (adults and children); attire is festive holiday wear. Each ticket pays for one night’s worth of electrodes for use on patients in the Children’s Sleep Medicine Center (as part of a sleep study, eight to 10 electrodes are placed on a patient’s body to monitor electrical signals, movements and muscle tension in the head, face, torso and legs). For more information and to purchase tickets, call (865) 541-8441.

Wednesday, November 24 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving Day) – 3 to 9 p.m.Friday and Saturday, November 26 and 27 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Sunday, November 28 – noon to 6 p.m.

Adults – $10Children 4-12 – $5; Children under 4 – Free

Daily Show Times

Admission

8

Tinsel Time for Moms & TotsWednesday, November 24, 9 a.m.-noon Special activities are planned for moms and their toddlers on the first morning of Fantasy of Trees, including easy and fun crafts for the toddlers and a variety of safety information for moms. Adults with a child under age 4 get a special half price admission to enjoy all of Fantasy of Trees when they arrive during this event from 9 a.m. to noon. Sponsors for this special event are Emerson Process Management, Shoney’s, knoxmoms.com and Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area (Not valid with any other discount coupons on Wednesday).

Live at Five at FourWednesday, November 24, 4-5 p.m. A special holiday edition of WBIR-TV Channel 10’s “Live at Five at Four” will take place at Fantasy of Trees on November 24 from 4-5 p.m. Beth Haynes and Russell Biven will highlight designer trees and take viewers on a tour of what has come to be known as East Tennessee’s premiere holiday event.

Babes in Toyland ParadeWednesday, November 24, 7 p.m. The Dollywood-sponsored Babes in Toyland Parade is the first and only indoor holiday parade of the season, featuring children dressed in holiday attire, a marching band, costumed characters including Shoney Bear, Dollywood entertainers and Santa Claus. This fun parade begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on WVLT-TV Volunteer News Channel 8.

Santa’s Senior StrollFriday, November 26, 9 a.m.-noon Seniors 55 and over can purchase a $5 half-price ticket during Santa’s Senior Stroll on Friday, November 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. This event offers seniors the opportunity to take a mile-long walk through Fantasy of Trees to enjoy the sights and splendor of the holiday season. Information on health topics of interest to seniors will be provided by this event’s sponsor, Mercy Health Partners. (This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts.)

Kris Kringle’s Kiddie PartyFriday, November 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kris Kringle’s Kiddie Party is a holiday favorite among the preschool crowd. Bring your preschool aged children to enjoy interactive holiday music and activities, take pictures with Shoney Bear and receive a holiday goodie bag. Tickets are free and are distributed on a first-come basis on the day of the event; seating is limited. This event, held in the Fantasy Theater, is sponsored by Knoxville Pediatric Associates and U.S. Cellular.

Funds from the 2010 Fantasy of Trees will be used to purchase high tech medical equipment for the Children’s Sleep Medicine Center and for the Laboratory. In 2009, almost 159,000 children were seen at Children’s Hospital; 872 of them had sleep studies performed in the Children’s Sleep Medicine Center, while the Laboratory completed nearly 400,000 tests of all kinds on thousands of patients. With the funds raised through Fantasy of Trees, Children’s Hospital will be able to add a fifth sleep study room in the Sleep Medicine Center, which will cut down on waiting time for patients who need to have a sleep study. The Laboratory will benefit through the new Mobilab technology that is being used in the Children’s Hospital Laboratory, which decreases the chance of errors of mislabeled specimens as well as improves accessibility to the Lab throughout the hospital. Fantasy of Trees raised $348,354 for Children’s Hospital last year, its second highest total ever, and has raised more than $5.3 million total over its 25-year history. The yearly success of Fantasy of Trees would not be possible without the generous contributions of time and money from volunteers, sponsors and guests. Thousands of volunteers contribute 155,000 hours yearly to make this event the success it is. Special thanks goes to the 2010 Co-Chairs, Jody Cusick and Todd Hepinstall, as well as to Assistant Co-Chair Genia Jackson, who have been working hard for many months to coordinate this event. Children’s Hospital would like to thank everyone who makes this event possible, ensuring that Children’s Hospital can continue its mission of “Leading the Way to Healthy Children.” For more information about the upcoming Fantasy of Trees, visit www.etch.com/fantasy.cfm or call (865) 541-8385.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

2010 Fantasy of Trees Major Event Sponsors

at this year’s Fantasy of Trees

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Subspecialist Profile:Eric Robert Jensen, M.D.

Academic Background B.S. (Biology) – University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Ill., 1991M.D. – Northwestern University, Chicago, 1995 Residency (General Surgery) – Indiana University, Indianapolis, 1995-2001Fellowship (Pediatric Surgery) – Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., 2001-03Other experience – Served in the United States Army (honorably discharged at the rank of Major in 2006); served with the 745th Forward Surgical team deployed to Iraq in late 2004 to mid-2005.

A great place to raise a family and a good fit in a pediatric surgical practice are two of the reasons Children’s Hospital has welcomed a new pediatric surgeon to our medical staff. Eric Robert Jensen, M.D., recently moved to Knoxville to join the East Tennessee Pediatric Surgery Group practice of Drs. Carlos Angel and Carol Fowler. Dr. Jensen and his wife, Sheila, are the parents of three elementary-school age children, and living in a family-friendly community was important

to them. The Jensens also love the outdoors, and East Tennessee certainly offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities. Children’s Hospital also had a need for an additional pediatric surgeon, and Dr. Jensen was pleased to learn of the opportunity in Knoxville. He and his family have most recently been living in Nashville, where Dr. Jensen served for the past four years on the medical staff at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “I enjoy taking care of children,” Dr. Jensen said. “I can have a profound, lifelong effect on a child when I operate at a young age.” Dr. Jensen was attracted to his specialty of pediatric surgery for that reason as well as because he likes the technical and hands-on aspects of surgery. During their fellowship, pediatric surgeons are trained in operating on patients from the tiniest premature newborns to teens who have reached their full adult size. Many of the medical instruments used in pediatric surgery come in different sizes to accommodate the different sizes and age of patients.

Common conditions Dr. Jensen and his pediatric surgery colleagues treat include hernias and appendicitis, which are probably the most common conditions seen. In addition, they care for patients with feeding tubes and reflux problems; intestinal problems; tumors, primarily of the lungs or abdomen in both newborns and older children; congenital abnormalities, such as those of the trachea and esophagus in newborns; and traumas to the chest and abdomen. “It’s a broad range of processes and diagnoses, from life-threatening to relatively straightforward,” he said. “I have a special interest in congenital neonatal problems and chest wall abnormalities, but I really enjoy all of it.” Dr. Jensen is trained in the latest laparoscopy and thoracoscopy (minimally invasive) techniques for surgery. While accomplishing the same goals as more invasive open surgeries, minimally invasive procedures involve smaller incisions, shorter surgeries, more brief hospital stays, quicker recovery times and better cosmetic appearance due to smaller post-surgery scars. “It is the biggest enhancement in pediatric surgery by far,” Dr. Jensen said. “Many surgeries can now be done this way, and the benefits for the patient are tremendous.” While surgery techniques have greatly enhanced the outcomes of pediatric surgeries, Dr. Jensen notes that there are still plenty of challenges to be faced each day. “It’s difficult to make something perfect,” he said. “You can usually make something much better, but you can’t usually make it 100 percent. “Some children are born with serious conditions for which there is no cure or no great treatment. Some of these are lifelong conditions, requiring several surgical procedures over the child’s lifetime,” he said. In such cases, Dr. Jensen and his colleagues provide the best care they can to offer the child the brightest possible future. Working in concert with Drs. Angel and Fowler, Dr. Jensen will help to expand the availability of pediatric surgery care for children in the East Tennessee region.

About Dr. JensenFamily – wife, Sheila Jensen; and children, Derick (9), Carlie (9) and Luke (7)Personal interests – Church worship and activities, Family outdoor activities such as camping, spending time on lakes and rivers, all kinds of fishing.

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Subspecialist Profile:Allyson Schmitt, M.D.

Allyson Schmitt, M.D., entered medical school with a variety of interests because of her experiences doing foreign mission work. After shadowing a pediatric ophthalmologist early in medical school, Dr. Schmitt decided to follow that path for the remainder of her medical training. She enjoyed ophthalmology because it had both medical and surgical components, it provided an opportunity to make a difference in a patient’s quality of life, and it was well suited to medical missions. “I had been on several mission trips around the world with my father, but two that had a lasting impression were trips in which ophthalmologists from Knoxville were part of the team of doctors. The need for eye care was tremendous and the impact that improving a patient’s vision can make on their life cannot be overstated. The trips confirmed my interest in ophthalmology and my enjoyment of ophthalmologic surgery,” Dr. Schmitt said. During residency in ophthalmology at Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, Okla., she decided to pursue pediatric ophthalmology. “I have always enjoyed working with children. My mentors in residency and fellowship provided wonderful examples of the difference a pediatric ophthalmologist can make in a child’s life. Like my mentors, my goal is to provide comprehensive eye care for my patients to achieve the best visual outcomes,” she said. Dr. Schmitt joined Dr. Gary Gitschlag’s pediatric ophthalmology practice in August. The practice is located on the fourth floor of the Koppel Plaza building at Children’s Hospital. The practice also has an optical shop, Tots and Teens Optical, for the convenience of the patients. Dr. Schmitt treats patients beginning at birth and although the majority of her patients are children, she also treats adults with strabismus, or ocular misalignment. “I try to put children at ease during their visit by using a variety of exam techniques and distractions to ensure that the experience is as fun as possible,” she said. As a pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Schmitt provides comprehensive eye care. She specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of strabismus (eye misalignment) in adults and children.

She also specializes in amblyopia (lazy eye), pediatric cataracts (cloudiness of the lens), glaucoma (vision loss by damage to the optic nerve) and blocked tear ducts. She also frequently treats refractive error (the need for glasses). “Pediatric ophthalmology was attractive to me because there are such a variety of conditions within the subspecialty,” Dr. Schmitt said. “I enjoy the surgical aspect of ophthalmology and the fact that so many of the conditions can be successfully treated.” While some of the surgical methods in pediatric ophthalmology have changed little in several decades, the surgical techniques for pediatric cataracts have evolved over the past several years. Dr. Schmitt was fortunate to gain significant experience with implanting intraocular lenses in children, and is looking forward to bringing these new techniques to her practice in Knoxville. Dr. Schmitt is glad to return to East Tennessee with her husband and children. “I grew up in Knoxville so it is a privilege to serve at Children’s Hospital in my hometown,” Dr. Schmitt said. Dr. Schmitt has a passion for overseas medical mission work. Her travels have included trips to China, Cuba and Brazil while in undergraduate school. She has also been a part of several mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Haiti during medical school and residency. “I want to continue to provide ophthalmologic care in underserved areas both domestically and abroad,” she said. Children’s Hospital is looking forward to working with Dr. Schmitt as she joins Dr. Gitschlag in providing ophthalmology care to the children of East Tennessee.

by Hayley Martin, Public Relations Specialist

Academic Background B.S. (Biology with a concentration in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology) – University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2001M.D. University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, 2005Internship – University of Tennessee Medical College, Knoxville, 2006Residency (Ophthalmology) – Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Okla,. 2006-2009Fellowship (Pediatric Ophthalmology) – Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 2010

About Dr. SchmittFamily – husband, Jonathan Schmitt; children, Hudson (4), and Lydia (1)Personal interests – hiking, spending time at the lake, mountains or beach with her family.

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What’s New atTino print release raises funds for Children’s Hospital

For the past 20 years, nationally-known artist Robert A. Tino of Sevierville has been creating unique works of art to help sick children who are treated at Children’s Hospital. Throughout those years, he has created five paintings for Children’s Hospital’s benefit – paintings which have held an extra special meaning to him since his first child with wife, Mary John, was born in 1995. Now with two children, Tino’s perspective has changed from when he first became involved with the hospital in 1990. During the weekend of October 2-3, Tino released his fifth print benefitting Children’s Hospital. “River Ride” evokes nostalgia for the carefree days of childhood by portraying children floating down the Pigeon River by a covered bridge. Its companion piece, “Skipping Stones,” was created to be sold in conjunction with “River Ride.” This painting features children spending a relaxed autumn afternoon in the Great Smoky Mountains skipping stones at the river. Tino also took time out of his busy schedule to host two painting activities for patients in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic in August. With help from the artist, patients in the clinic were able to express their creativity on individual canvasses provided for them. These patients’ paintings, along with Tino’s “River Ride” and “Skipping Stones” were unveiled at a September 21 reception hosted by Tennessee State Bank and attended by art enthusiasts, Children’s Hospital supporters, staff and patients, Tennessee State Bank customers and employees, and Robert Tino and his wife Mary John. Reception guests had the opportunity to see the new paintings, and the children were thrilled to see their art displayed next to a “real” artist’s work.

Past Tino print sales to benefit Children’s Hospital have raised more than $25,000 each. His donation goes to the Special Services Fund, which helps families that may need assistance immediately after a child’s illness for the benefit and recovery of that child. “We are so aware of how lucky all of East Tennessee is to have our Children’s Hospital; it’s something our family is proud to be a part of and contribute what we can,” said Tino. These prints are exclusively sponsored by the Knoxville News Sentinel. A limited number of “River Ride” prints to benefit Children’s Hospital are still available. To order, visit www.robertatinogallery.com or call the Tino Gallery at (865) 453-6315.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Blount Memorial Hospital, Covenant Health and Mercy Health Partners are going tobacco-free on January 1, 2011. Children’s Hospital employees will not be able to use tobacco of any kind during their shift, even off-site. Family and visitors to

Children’s Hospital will also not be able to use tobacco starting on the same day, as our pediatric medical center is instituting a campus-wide ban on tobacco products. “As a health care facility that solely focuses on children, we have an obligation to the patients and families we serve to provide an atmosphere of care that is optimum in every way,” said Keith Goodwin, President and CEO of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “Children’s Hospital believes this extends to our patients’ caregivers and their personal commitment to their

own health as part of our vision statement: Leading the Way to Healthy Children. Children’s Hospital has been aggressive in the past year expanding wellness initiatives that will make a difference in our employees’ health, and our administration believes this smoke-free policy for employees is a key to wellness for every man, woman and child that visits, is treated at or works in our facility.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tennessee has the sixth highest percentage of smokers in the United States and the 14th highest percentage of smokeless tobacco product users. Tobacco-related diseases cause more than 443,000 deaths every year in America, making it the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Tobacco also costs the United States more than $193 billion each year due to health care costs and lost productivity while at work. In 2008, 45 percent of hospitals in the United States were tobacco-free.

by Hayley Martin, Public Relations Specialist12

What’s New atHealth tips at your fingertips

  You have a crazy day ahead of you – first, dropping off one child at pre-school and the other at the elementary school, then work and errands for the family before picking up both children for different doctor appointments. You’ve got to remember the correct insurance cards and immunizations records, past surgery information and a list of what medications each child is taking. How can you manage all that information you need for your children’s health? Children’s Hospital has a solution for what you need to know when you’re on the go – an App for your iPhone or iPad. This FREE App is available now at the App Store for iPhones and iPads; it debuted in October and is named “East TN Kids” in the Healthcare & Fitness section of the App Store. In addition to providing general hospital information and a map and directions on the best way to get to Children’s Hospital and where to park, the new App lets you keep your children’s medical history in one convenient place - in a device that’s with you at all times. Use the Children’s Hospital App to keep information about your kids’ medications, allergies and immunizations – and emergency contacts right at your fingertips. Imagine how easy filling out those doctors’ forms will be with all that information already stored and insurance information readily available in one place. The new App also features hundreds of articles to help parents with medical information when they can’t get to their computer to

access the Children’s Hospital web site. The KidsHealth section of the App includes countless articles in the following categories: General

Health; First Aid & Safety; Medical Problems; Infections; Emotions & Behavior; Growth & Development; Nutrition &

Fitness; and Pregnancy & Newborns. The Children’s Hospital App is THE app for parents who like to be prepared, with everything password protected so information is secure. Why did Children’s Hospital do an App? Because

that’s where the moms are! Research shows that over 60 percent of U.S. smart phone use is on iPhones, and that number is growing. So is the use of Apps; in the last

2 years, over 3 billion Apps have been downloaded, and that number is expected to increase to an

estimated 21.5 billion by 2013. Children’s Hospital is excited to be only the third pediatric specialty hospital in the country to have its own App. “We want to provide innovative services to our

patients and families, and that includes the latest technology that families, particularly moms, are using,” said Keith Goodwin, President/CEO of Children’s Hospital. So download the new Children’s Hospital App today for the most convenient way to have your children’s health information in one place and as a great resource for medical info for your family when you’re on the go.

Leadership 2010-11 class (left to right): Kym Lightholder, Michele Simpson, Allison Burchett, Casey Peters, Barbara Barr of Children’s Hospital Surgical Services, Michelle Anningson, Children’s Hospital President/CEO Keith Goodwin, Richard Grover, Deborah Sanderfur, Chad Hatmaker and Margie Kidd. Not pictured: J.W. Johnson.

In August, Children’s Hospital welcomed its third class of Leadership Children’s, a group of young professionals in East Tennessee who are taking part in activities for a year to learn more about the many services and programs available at our pediatric medical center. The program introduces young professionals to Children’s Hospital, enables rising community leaders to be aware of the hospital and what it offers to the East Tennessee community, and cultivates advocates for the hospital. Members of the 2010 class were joined by Children’s Hospital senior administration and Board of Directors and members of the two previous Leadership Children’s classes at a reception at the Knoxville home of Board member Dee Haslam and her husband Jimmy Haslam on August 24. The new class then took part in their first meeting at the hospital on August 25. Leadership Children’s class members will participate in a variety of activities through late spring 2011. Members of the Leadership Children’s class of 2010-11: Michelle Anningson, Allison Burchett, Richard Grover, Chad Hatmaker, J.W. Johnson, Margie Kidd, Kym Lightholder, Casey Peters, Deborah Sanderfur and Michele Simpson.

by Hayley Martin, Public Relations Specialist

Children’s Hospital welcomes third Leadership class

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What’s New atHenley Street Bridge closing may detour Children’s Hospital patients

The Henley Street Bridge, a major route to downtown Knoxville, will close for renovations in January 2011. The closure is expected to last for 30-36 months, and the bridge will be closed to all traffic. The 80-year-old bridge has been classified as structurally unsound, and all but the arches and beams will need to be reconstructed to meet current safety standards.

This bridge construction will alter the route of patients coming to Children’s Hospital from Chapman Highway. Motorists on Chapman Highway will be detoured to James White Parkway and across the South Knoxville Gay Street Bridge. Additional turning lanes and traffic lights will be placed along Moody Avenue where it intersects James White Parkway and Chapman Highway. The Gay Street Bridge will be open for local traffic but is not an official detour. The official detour will re-route an average of 38,000 vehicles per day, so travel time to Children’s Hospital may be longer than expected. For updates on the bridge construction, FAQs and detour routes, visit www.tn.gov/henley.

by Claire Quinn, student intern

Play safe! be safe! workshopfire safety to preschool children. The workshop covered fireplay and

firesetting, the preschool child’s understanding of fire, safety skills for

a preschool child, fire prevention skills and how to involve the family

in fire safety. The response of those wanting to attend the workshop was

tremendous, but the class size was limited to 120 people. “We were

overwhelmed by the response of those who wanted to attend,” Cook

said. “The feedback from the workshop was very positive and helped

us identify the need for additional training, which will likely happen

in spring 2011.” Each participant at the workshop received the award winning

play safe! be safe! workshop multi-media classroom fire safety

education kit. The kit included a DVD in both English and

Spanish featuring “Firefighter Dan,” colorful story cards, two activity

boards, the “Keep Away!” card game and a comprehensive teacher’s

manual with materials for parents in both English and Spanish.

by Hayley Martin, Public Relations Specialist

On August 20, Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area and

the City of Knoxville Fire Department, in association with the

Tennessee State Fire Marshall’s office, offered a workshop on

child fire safety. The workshop, play safe! be safe!® ,was free

to all public safety officers, school nurses, safety advocates and

representatives from fire departments, day care centers and

Coordinated School Health. “Tennessee has such a high child death and injury rate

from fire that we thought it was imperative to bring our

partners together to offer this resource,” said Susan Cook,

Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area Coordinator.

The workshop was taught by Dr. Robert Cole, who

formed Fireproof Children/Prevention First, a company

solely focused on injury prevention through research, training,

global educational programs and organizational partnerships.

The play safe! be safe! workshop provided effective and easy-

to-implement fire safety education materials needed to teach

in East Tennessee

The official detour

will utilize James

White Parkway and

Moody Avenue.

Chapman Highway will NOT close. Access between Moody Avenue and Blount Avenue will be maintained.

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What’s New atHyundai gives hope to children with cancer at Children’s Hospital

Children’s Hospital staff, childhood cancer patients and their families, and media filled the Hematology/Oncology Clinic on September 15 for an exciting announcement from Hyundai Motor America representatives and local Hyundai dealers. Children’s Hospital was chosen as a recipient of a $100,000 grant from Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels program, which funds childhood cancer research and supports programs dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer. During the announcement, Gina Johnson, Social Worker for the Hematology/Oncology Clinic, and Margie McKelvey, Clinic Nurse Manager, spoke about what an impact this grant will have at the hospital. One of the major goals of the Hematology/Oncology Clinic is to offer resources and materials to be used as family education tools for families of a child diagnosed with cancer. These include: Family Handbook – The clinic has developed a handbook for families to keep with them to help ease fears when having to take care of their sick child at home. The family handbook includes information on taking care of chemotherapy catheters and other medical equipment a child with cancer may have to use for an extended amount of time. The grant will help fund updates and future printings of the handbook. Home Visits – Home Health Care visits by Children’s Hospital staff also are being made possible through this generous grant; these visits are designed to help families adjust to their child’s new diagnosis. Education Conference – Perhaps most importantly, nearly half of the funds are earmarked for a Family Conference to help patient families build better skills in dealing with their child’s disease. “Childhood cancer is the most stressful thing a child and parents can experience. The Hyundai grant will make it possible for parents and families to come together to learn about and cope with cancer,” said Johnson. Hyundai Field Operations Manager Mark Williams and representatives from the three local Hyundai dealers (Arthur Grayson from Grayson Hyundai, Ray Ivy from Royston Hyundai and Anthony Scott from Twin City Hyundai) presented the $100,000 “Hope Grant” check to Keith Goodwin, President/CEO of Children’s Hospital; Johnson; McKelvey; and Dr. Ray Pais, Medical Director of the clinic. “The hospital always gives us what we need for the clinic, but it is a struggle. This grant will help step things up a notch in the care we can provide to our patients,” Dr. Pais said. Hyundai donated more than $6.8 million to hospitals and non- profit organizations to help fight childhood cancer from April to September. Created in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will have

donated more than $23 million by the end of 2010. Hyundai’s generous grants are helping make a difference in childhood cancer research and treatment all over the country. “We have a bold vision,” said Williams. “Our vision is a world where no child has to suffer from cancer.” For more information, visit hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

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Children’s Hospital is the only area hospital that was not founded by a religious group or governmental body. It is a true demonstration of this community’s love for its children. The physicians and community leaders who were our founders began working in the middle of the Great Depression to build a special facility for children with polio and orthopedic problems. They wanted excellent care to be available locally. And in 1937, they wanted it to be accessible to all children regardless of their race, religion or parents’ ability to pay their medical bills. Community support has helped Children’s Hospital survive, grow and expand its services. Generous groups like Northside Kiwanis helped by providing air conditioners for the original building on Laurel Avenue. The former Knoxville Journal newspaper promoted the Brick Fund to raise money for our current building, which opened in 1970. Community leaders conducted a fund drive in the late 1970s to build our first Emergency Department. In 1983, Children’s Hospital signed on as a charter member of the Children’s Miracle Network, and sponsors such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Goody’s Family Clothing raised funds and motivated the community to contribute millions of dollars for facilities and equipment. The Fantasy of Trees started with a dream and seven volunteers traveling to similar events in the fall of 1984; it has grown to include more than 10,000 volunteers, an annual attendance of nearly 60,000 guests and annual net proceeds topping $300,000. Center Stage, which was started by the Goodfriend family in 1993, has raised over $3 million for critical care facilities. Look what YOU have accomplished with your gifts! Your vibrant and generous community support has allowed Children’s Hospital to build the facilities and purchase the equipment needed to attract a medical staff of about 400, including 100 practitioners in nearly 30 pediatric subspecialties. Children’s Hospital simply would not be the vital community asset that it is today without this strong community support.

Now we are asking you to take the next step in assuring Children’s Hospital remains strong far into the future. We are asking you to consider including the hospital in your estate plans. We can work with you on:• Gifts that return an income• Gifts of land or life estates that allow you to donate your home while continuing to live in it for the remainder of your days• Gifts of life insurance• Gifts of IRAs and other retirement plans• Bequests

The physicians and community leaders who were our founders would be overwhelmed by what the community has accomplished in 73 years for the love of its children. You can help ensure Children’s Hospital continues “Leading the Way to Healthy Children” far into the future. No one can predict the exciting medical advances that will take place over even the next decade. However, you can be certain your gift will be put to excellent use helping area children treated at our pediatric medical center. Children’s Hospital is large enough to use your gift wisely, yet small enough that all gifts are important. Please call the Development Office at (865) 541-8244 today for information on how to help.

David Rule, Director of Developmentdsrule@etch.com, (865) 541-8172

Teresa Goddard, CFRE, Senior Development Officer-Grants Managertgoddard@etch.com, (865) 541-8466

Joe Brandenburg, Major Gifts Officer jwbrandenburg@etch.com, (865) 541-8467

Planned givingChildren’s Hospital – a Vital Community Asset

Year-End Gift Catalog provides an easy way to give to Children’s Hospital this holiday season

What do you get for the one person on your holiday list who seems to have everything? This year, consider making a donation in his or her honor to Children’s Hospital and help supply materials that children at the hospital need each day. The Children’s Hospital Development Department has compiled a list of daily needs and “extras” that boost the morale of patients and their families into a year-end Gift Catalog. During the holiday season, this catalog is available to show the many items Children’s Hospital provides to patients and their families free of charge and how much it costs. Without help from the community, the hospital is unable to provide these items for hospital patients. Items include diapers ($200 buys a day’s supply of diapers), baby bottles ($80 buys a day’s supply of bottles), family meals for families facing financial hardships ($60 buys 10 meals; $120 buys 20 meals), and art and craft items to entertain children in waiting areas (suggested gift amount of $25). Some Gift Catalog items are necessities, while other

items are used to make a sick child smile. The Gift Catalog shows exactly what is being purchased by the amount of the donation. People in the East Tennessee community often ask what they can donate to make a difference in a child’s life. When making a donation in honor of someone you know, a thank-you card, with information telling the recipient a gift was made in their name, is sent to the honoree. This is an idea to keep in mind when deciding on a meaningful present to get your loved ones. To view the Gift Catalog, visit www.etch.com/ETCHGiftCatalog.pdf. For questions or more information on ways to help Children’s Hospital this holiday season, contact the hospital’s Development Department at (865) 541-8441.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern16

Mark your calendars NOW for several upcoming events to entertain families and benefit Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the generous people of East Tennessee who host and participate in these events, Children’s Hospital can continue to provide the best pediatric health care to the children of this region.

Jammin’ in Your Jammies Children’s Hospital is once again hosting Jammin’ in Your Jammies, an overnight pajama party to help families chase away the winter blues. The event will be February 4-5 and February 5-6 at the Holiday Inn Select at Cedar Bluff. Jammin’ will feature activities for the whole family including swimming in the hotel’s indoor pool, karaoke, games and activities, dancing and a pajama contest for all guests. A family of four can enjoy the night for $130, and additional guests are $30 per person. After January 15, the registration fee is $140. Families have the option to arrive at 5 p.m. Friday and stay through Saturday morning brunch or to arrive at 5 p.m. on Saturday and end the fun with brunch on Sunday. Families that plan on attending the Saturday night event must register before 5 p.m. on Saturday.  Jammin’ in Your Jammies is a project of the Committee for the Future, which raises money for the Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital. For more information or to register, call the Children’s Hospital Development Office at (865) 541-8437.

Dancing with the Knoxville Stars Star 102.1 will host the third annual Dancing with the Knoxville Stars, a take-off of the hit reality television show “Dancing with the Stars,” on February 17. The event will feature local celebrities performing a variety of dances, including the foxtrot, the cha-cha, jive/swing, tango, rumba, mambo and the waltz. Each local celebrity is paired with a professional dance partner from a Knoxville dance studio and receives 10 hours of professional dance lessons in preparation for the event. WATE-TV 6 anchor Tearsa Smith was last year’s judge’s favorite, and Jed Bakri from the Cotton Eyed Joe was the top celebrity fundraiser. The event raised $37,000 for Children’s Hospital Home Health Care program through donations and proceeds of ticket sale and V.I.P. table sales. Those who attend the event can donate money to their favorite dancer and anyone can vote online up to the start of the event on February 11; each dollar counts as a vote. The winner is determined by the judges’ votes the night of the competition and by online voting. For more information on how to purchase event tickets or how to vote, contact the Children’s Hospital Development Office at (865) 541-8441.

East Tennessee’s Princess Party Girls age 4-12 should plan for a special night on the town with their fathers at the 4th Annual East Tennessee’s Princess Party. This father/daughter dance will be held at the Holiday Inn in downtown

Knoxville on Saturday, February 19 from 7-9 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Star 102.1 Radiothon, which raises money for Children’s Hospital’s Home Health Care and the CarePages service. For ticket information, contact the Children’s Hospital Development Office at (865) 541-8608.

UT Dance Marathon UT students will dance the night away to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic on February 25-26. This 14-hour event begins at 7 p.m., and activities last through the night. This year’s Dance Marathon entertainment will include music from local bands, a children’s carnival for hematology/ oncology patients, an opportunity for the patients to throw pies at Children’s Hospital staff, and other fun activities for patients and Dance Marathon participants. During the night, “dance marathoners” will learn a choreographed dance that will be performed at the end of the celebration at 9 a.m. on February 26. Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the country, with more than 800 colleges and universities “dancing” for children’s hospitals in their areas each year. Last year’s Dance Marathon raised more than $37,000 for the Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. For more information, contact the Children’s Hospital Development Office at (865) 541-8608.

Cutest Little Baby Face In March, parents, grandparents and friends have the chance to pick the cutest baby in East Tennessee. The 22nd annual Cutest Little Baby Face contest hosted by the Sevierville Kiwanis Club will take place at Belz Outlets in Pigeon Forge, and all proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital. Children will have their portrait taken by Gary Woods Photography, and Belz shoppers can vote on the candidates to determine the cutest baby in East Tennessee. Children ages 6 and under are eligible to participate; registration for the event is $5 in advance or $7 at the door. The fee includes a 5x7 portrait of the participating child, a T-shirt and a goody bag. Look for more information and dates in the next It’s About Children.

Star 102.1 Radiothon Don’t forget to “tune in for the children” during the 10th annual Star 102.1 Radiothon on March 24-25 at West Town Mall. The station’s morning personalities, Mark & Kim and Frank, will broadcast live from the mall both days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Listeners can call in and make a financial pledge to support Children’s Hospital. Last year the event raised more than $209,000 for Children’s Hospital Home Health Care and the hospital’s CarePages service. Since its start in 2002, the Star 102.1 Radiothon has raised more than $1.4 million for Children’s Hospital.

by Claire Quinn, student intern

Calendar of Events

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Q&APart 4 of 4

Smoking: Good News and Bad News

The U.S. smoking rate has dropped sharply since the mid-1960s, when it was around 40 percent, to a little over 20 percent now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the CDC had hoped to see the rate drop to 12 percent by 2010. And, according to the American Lung Association, each day 6,300 American children try their first cigarette, and nearly 2,000 of those children will become daily smokers. The bad news continued with a government report stating that more teens and young adults are smoking menthol cigarettes. Experts think menthol masks the harshness of tobacco, thus making it more appealing to young smokers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to consider banning menthol (the only flavoring not banned under tobacco laws passed in 2009) in 2010. It’s not just conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products that parents need to watch out for. Gaining momentum are electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes), marketed as the “healthier alternative” to regular smoking, with many brands offering free trial kits through online promotions that children can easily access. While manufacturers promise “no tar, smoke or tobacco,” e-cigarettes do contain cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins, including a compound used in antifreeze, the FDA warns. Worse, the cartridges — available in kid-preferred flavors like vanilla, chocolate and mint — contain nicotine, which is converted into a vapor that’s inhaled by the user. While they may indeed be a “healthier alternative” than regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes are far from safe — their makers admit they’re “not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women” and even advise potential customers to consult with a doctor before use. Trendy now, too, is smoking tobacco with a water pipe (also called a hookah or shisha), especially among young adults. Though this is widely believed to be safer than cigarettes, a study showed that, on average, participants had higher levels of carbon monoxide after

Few issues are closer to our hearts or more crucial to our future than the health of children. As an abundance of children’s health issues hit the media spotlight last year, it was a challenge for many parents to keep track of them all or determine which matter most. From financial turmoil to immunization challenges, 2009 turned out to be a year of reflection and reaction. In 2010, Children’s Hospital is highlighting 10 important children’s health issues to watch. Each issue of It’s About Children this year will focus on two or three topics. This Top 10 list is not meant to be comprehensive, nor does it suggest that other health issues aren’t also important. But we think these 10 subjects will have a lasting impact on children’s health well into the future.

smoking using a water pipe versus a cigarette, with about 48 times more smoke inhaled with a water pipe than with a cigarette. And of course, all of these methods of smoking deliver nicotine into the body.

What This Means to You Urge your child to kick the habit with the assistance of these safe, reliable methods: • using a nicotine gum or a patch (after talking to a doctor first) • using substitutes such as sugarless gum, hard candy, carrot sticks, mints, toothpicks or even lollipops • getting involved in healthier activities: lifting weights, shooting baskets, going for a swim, etc. • And be sure to add e-cigarettes to the list of no-no’s whenever you talk to your children about the dangers of smoking and using tobacco products. If your child is trying to quit, make sure he or she knows e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative or even a good way to step down from nicotine addiction.

And remember: You’re the most important role model of all for your children. So if you smoke, it’s time to quit. Maybe this time of year can be an inspiration to you. After all, November is the month for the annual Great American Smokeout; this year, it is on November 18. To learn more, visit http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GreatAmericanSmokeout/index. After reaching this milestone, hopefully you will be on the road to quitting permanently.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Most of us know vitamin D is crucial to bone health. In fact, Vitamin D plays a part in the bone-building process by helping the body to absorb calcium. If someone doesn’t get enough, it could affect the body’s ability to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. But now it has also been shown that insufficient levels of Vitamin D can cause or increase the risk of developing a number of health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). It is believed vitamin D is also crucial for maintaining the body’s immune system and that low levels increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular health problems, as well as some cancers. Recent studies report that about 70 percent of children in the United States have low vitamin D levels. The two main forms of vitamin D are: • D2 (or ergocalciferol, the main form of vitamin D in foods), which is made by plants and fungi • D3 (cholecalciferol), made by the body when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet light.

A few foods are rich in vitamin D, such as cod liver oil, egg yolks, cheese and fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and tuna or sardines canned in oil). Vitamin D-fortified foods include milk,

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Upcoming community education classesCPR Certification CourseDates: December 6, January 10, February 7, March 7Time: 6-10 p.m. This certification course teaches the American Heart Association chain of survival -- from when to call 911 to how to effectively administer CPR to an infant, child or adult. This course is designed for anyone who may be expected to respond to emergencies at home or in the workplace. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Following the course, participants will receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver certification card. This course is $25 per person.

Safe SitterDates: December 11, January 22, February 5, February 26Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch is provided) Safe Sitter is a national organization that teaches young adolescents safe and nurturing babysitting techniques and the rescue skills needed to respond appropriately to medical emergencies. Instructors

are certified through Safe Sitter nationally. Participants must be ages 11-14. This course is $25 per person.

Class size is limited, so preregistration is required. All classes are offered in the Koppel Plaza at Children’s Hospital unless otherwise noted. For more information, to register for any of these classes orto receive our free Healthy Kids parenting newsletter, call(865) 541-8262. Announcements about upcoming classes can be seen on WBIR-TV 10 and heard on area radio stations. Or visit our web site atwww.etch.com and click on “Healthy Kids Education and News.” Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Kids Campaign, sponsored by WBIR-TV Channel 10 and Chick-Fil-A, is a community education initiative of the hospital’s Community Relations Department to help parents keep their children healthy.

Content edited and abridged from the KidsHealth section of www.etch.com. © 2010 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. Used under license.

orange juice, margarine and some cereals. Traditionally, milk has been the main source of vitamin D for children, but fewer children now drink much milk every day. Another likely risk factor for low vitamin D levels is the three to four hours of TV and computer time many children get each day. Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because ultraviolet rays absorbed by the skin help the body make a usable form of vitamin D — so children who are parked inside day after day aren’t getting these natural “doses” of vitamin D the way children did in the past.

What This Means to You Low vitamin D levels can be harmful to a child’s health, so parents should try to get kids to drink more milk or take a vitamin D supplement — and decrease the hours they spend indoors in front of a screen. Although the body also makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, it can be hard to gauge just how much sunshine is safe and effective for an individual child. So to be sure your children are getting adequate vitamin D each day, make sure you give your children three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free fortified milk, which has about 125 IU of vitamin D added. Milk is a convenient source of Vitamin D – but just who should get what kind of milk and when? Infants under a year old shouldn’t have whole milk or milk products at all because of the possibility of a milk allergy. Stick with breast milk or infant formula as your baby’s major source of nutrition during the first year. Children between 1 and 2 years old should have whole milk to help provide the dietary fats they need for normal growth and brain development. After age 2, most children can switch to low-fat or nonfat milk, although you should discuss this with your doctor first. Some children can’t or won’t drink milk. In situations like this, offer 100-percent orange juice (not juice drinks), reduced-fat cheese, soy milk, salmon or tuna, eggs, some breads and fortified cereals. Read the nutrition facts label to see how much vitamin D is in each serving. You can also try putting some pizzazz in milk by occasionally adding a touch of strawberry or chocolate syrup (which doesn’t add a

significant amount of sugar or calories). Avoid store-bought flavored milk drinks, though, because they can be packed with unnecessary sugar. Educate teens about the misconceptions of milk. Adolescent girls, in particular, may decide to diet and avoid eating dairy foods they think will make them fat. But it’s important for your teen to understand that an 8-ounce glass of skim milk has only 80 calories and zero fat. Supplements are available as vitamin D2 or D3. While both raise vitamin D blood levels, D3 supplements appear to be more effective and long lasting. Doctors recommend 400 IU (the standard unit of measure of vitamins) of a daily vitamin D supplement for:• exclusively and partially breastfed babies beginning the first few days after birth • formula-fed infants and all older children if they get less than 1 quart of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk daily (that’s 32 ounces, or four 8-ounce bottles or cups) • teens who don’t get 400 IU of vitamin D each day through foods. There are several other reasons why people don’t get enough vitamin D:

Less exposure to UV rays. When we do spend time in the sun, more of us are making the wise decision to use sunscreen to block the UV rays that cause sun damage and cancer. Where we live makes a difference, too: If you live in the northern U.S. and Canada, it’s possible you’re not getting the UV exposure required for your body to make enough vitamin D.

Dark skin. The melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) in darker skin protects against sun damage, but it can also block the sun needed to produce vitamin D.

Certain health conditions. Some health conditions, like cystic fibrosis or inflammatory bowel disease, affect how well the body absorbs nutrients, including vitamin D. And because vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that gets stored in the body’s fat cells, obesity increases a person’s risk for vitamin D deficiency.

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29th Annual Children’sMiracle Network Telethon

to be held January 30

The ringing of a telephone has been a sound familiar to Children’s Miracle Network Telethon volunteers for the past 28 years. On Sunday, January 30, the sound of ringing phones will again fill Children’s Hospital as the 29th telethon takes place. WBIR-TV Channel 10 will broadcast the 2011 telethon live from 3-11:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 30. The 2010 telethon raised more than $1.2 million through individual pledges and corporate donations. These generous donations have helped the hospital in fulfilling its mission of “Leading the Way to Healthy Children.” This year, the telethon’s success will be dependent on all East Tennesseans in the Children’s Hospital service area. Funds raised during the telethon will be used to purchase new and sophisticated medical equipment for many areas throughout the hospital. Ongoing support from the community is essential in helping the hospital grow and in guaranteeing that each child who comes to Children’s Hospital receives the care he or she needs. Now, more than ever, Children’s Hospital needs your help in staying on the cutting-edge of pediatric medicine. Children’s Hospital is a charter member of the Children’s Miracle Network. In 1983, the hospital participated in the first telethon that raised nearly $95,500 in East Tennessee, all of which remained at Children’s Hospital for the sole benefit of our patients. Since that year, the telethon has raised more than $32 million for our pediatric medical center. Again this year, viewers will have the opportunity to donate to Children’s Hospital online. While watching the broadcast on WBIR-TV, viewers can log on to www.etch.com and make their donation. The season of giving can be extended past Christmas this year by making a donation to the telethon on January 30, no matter how big or small. For more information or to volunteer, call (865) 541-8441 or visit www.etch.com.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern