st. joseph's foundation, volume 4, issue 1, 2008

ST. JOSEPH’S magazineA magazine for friends of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Volume 4, Issue 1, 2008

REPAIRING BROKEN HEARTSSt. Joseph’s specialists offer effective

option for people with heart valve disease

Home Away From HomeNew unit for congenital heart patients

eases the stress of a hospital stay

As we welcome a new year, it is always good to take stock of our successes and achievements forthe past year. This issue of St. Joseph’s Magazine highlights a number of them, and I hope thatwhen you finish reading this issue, you will be as proud of St. Joseph’s as I am.

We continue to expand and enhance our medical services and have just finished remodeling theformer Barrow Neuroscience Tower to house the new Heart & Lung Institute. Ourcapabilities in the area continue to grow, and we have developed some very uniqueclinical expertise. You’ll read about our new Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive CareUnit, which is devoted to caring for congenital heart patients with a continuity ofcare that is the first of its kind in the country. We also have a mitral-valve repair clin-ic that provides new hope to adult patients who are struggling with chronic heart disease. All of these innovations give our patients a level of heart and lung care thatis unsurpassed in the Southwest.

In other good news, St. Joseph’s recently received the Association of AmericanMedical Colleges’ Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Service.The award recognizes exceptional programs that go well beyond the traditional role of academicmedicine in reaching communities whose needs are not being met through the traditional health-delivery system. We are one of a very small number of teaching hospitals in the United States thathave won this award, and it is a prestigious national distinction for our hospital.

We deliver our community outreach every day, sometimes in small ways—like providing new toysto young patients through community donations—and sometimes through larger efforts, like thehome safety makeover you’ll read about in this issue. Each endeavor helps our patients and fami-lies heal, as well as transition back to their normal lives. That is the best gift we can give, and yoursupport of our hospital helps us do that.

I hope that you enjoy the stories in the magazine and that you join me in celebrating the work ofSt. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.

Linda HuntPresidentSt. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

OPENING THOUGHTS

On the cover: Scott Duemler is back to rock climbing after undergoing a heart-valve repair at St.Joseph’s Heart & Lung Institute. Read more starting on page 2.

2 Repairing Broken Hearts St. Joseph’s specialists offer an effective option for peoplewith heart valve disease.

5 Their Home Away From HomePediatric Cardiothoracic ICU eases stress of hospital stay.

7 Heart & Lung Institute moves into renovated tower

8 Take Me Out to the BallparkScott and Laura Eller Congenital Heart Center treats children and their families to a Diamondbacks game.

10 A Gift of ComfortArizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb stocks lockers for kids in St. Joseph’s Pediatric ICU and CRS.

12 Health & Wealth Raffle: Why I Participate

15 Local Values, National HonorSt. Joseph’s receives prestigious Spencer Foreman Award.

17 Giving BackPatient hosts cut-a-thon to thank Women’s Wellness Clinic.

18 Home Safe HomeSt. Joseph’s, Phoenix Fire and Arizona Childproofers givesafety makeovers to soldiers’ homes.

20 St. Joseph’s allRewards: Give While You Shop

23 St. Joseph’s SantasGovernor, local businesses make holidays brighter.

25 Benefactor Briefs

29 Puttin’ on the RitzAnnual event brings together benefactors, physicians andscientists.

ST. JOSEPH’S magazineA magazine for friends of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Volume 4, Issue 1, 2008

contents

Catherine [email protected]

Justin DetwilerArt Director/Designer

Jackie Mercandetti, Jeff NobleD Squared Productions, Murphy/ScullyPhotography

Panoramic Press Printing

Linda Hunt, PresidentSt. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

Mary Jane Crist, CFRECEO, St. Joseph’s Foundation

• H o w t o R e a c h U s •St. Joseph’s Magazine is published twice a year by St. Joseph’s Foundation. We welcome your comments, suggestions and requests to beadded to or deleted from our mailing list. Call 602-406-1041, email [email protected] or send mail to St. Joseph’s Magazine, Office of Philanthropy, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85013. Please include your name, address, email ad-dress and daytime telephone number in all correspondence. Visit us online at www.StJosephs-Phx.com.

S T . J O S E P H ’ S M A G A Z I N E2

REPAIRINGBROKENHEARTSST. JOSEPH’S SPECIALISTS OFFEREFFECTIVE OPTION FORPEOPLE WITH HEARTVALVE DISEASE

An avid runner and a regular at spin class, 42-year-old Dan Sierka was a model of perfect health. So,

imagine everyone’s surprise when the married fatherof three discovered he had a life-threatening heartcondition.

It was during a routine physical in early 2007 thatSierka’s primary-care physician and friend, Dr. ScottSteingard, discovered that Sierka had a loud heartmurmur. An evaluation by a cardiologist revealedsevere mitral regurgitation, a common condition inwhich one of the heart’s four valves does not closeproperly, causing blood to leak backwards towards thelungs and increasing the workload on the heart.

Sierka received the same advice that many patientswith his condition receive: to simply monitor it untilsymptoms or evidence of subtle heart damage devel-op, at which point surgery to replace the faulty valvewould be necessary.

by Sarah Padilla

Dan Sierka

Edward Lifesciences, a

leading heart-valve company,

has recognized the Heart &

Lung Institute at St. Joseph’s

for having the only Center of

Excellence in Heart Valve

Repair in the western

United States.

S T . J O S E P H ’ S M A G A Z I N E 3

“I wasn’t happy with waiting until I had a minor heartattack to do something about it,”says Sierka.“I’m a typ-ical man and if something’s broken, I want to fix it.I wanted a second opinion.”

In a fortunate coincidence, Dr. Steingard had recent-ly attended a seminar about new treatment options forvalve disease. Impressed by what he’d learned, hereferred Sierka to the Heart Valve Clinic at St. Joseph’sHeart & Lung Institute (HLI). Established by Dr.Lishan Aklog, director of the Cardiovascular Center and chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, and Dr. BriandeGuzman, associate chief of Cardiovascular Surgery,the clinic provides a patient-centered multidiscipli-nary care model unique to the region and the nation.

The benefits of repairing ratherthan replacing heart valves

Patients with valvular heart disease typically have twooptions: to replace the valve or to repair the valve.With the former, the valve is replaced by either amechanical or animal-tissue valve. Due to a high riskof blood clots, most patients who receive a mechani-cal valve have to take blood thinners indefinitely. Onthe other hand, animal-tissue valves can wear out andhave to be replaced as often as every 10 years.

Repairing the valve, on the other hand, is a cutting-edge procedure in which a faulty valve is recon-structed using the patient’s own tissues and restored tonormal function. Both Dr. Aklog and Dr. deGuzman,who were recruited from prestigious medical centersin New York and Boston, are recognized experts inheart-valve repair and believe that it offers severaladvantages over valve replacement.

“Patients whose valves are repaired live longer, havebetter heart function and suffer significantly fewercomplications, such as stroke, bleeding or infection,”says Dr. deGuzman.

The St. Joseph’s physicians aren’t alone in theirbeliefs. In fact, a new set of guidelines released in 2006by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) andthe American Heart Association (AHA) recommendsearly and preventative mitral-valve repair even inpatients who don’t have symptoms or evidence ofsubtle heart damage—patients like Dan Sierka. Theguidelines further recommend that such patients bereferred to the limited number of centers, such as theHeart & Lung Institute at St. Joseph’s, with expertise invalve repair and a likelihood of repair greater than 90percent. The national average is less than 50 percent.

Opting for surgery now rather than later

Based on the criteria in the new guidelines, Sierkafit the bill for early surgical intervention. In April 2007,he had surgery to repair his valve. The minimally inva-sive procedure left only a 4.5-inch scar. At 43, he wasback to his active lifestyle in less than two months.

“Dan was one of the lucky few whose primary-carephysician was aware of the new guidelines. But untilmore physicians understand the benefits of early valve

repair, patients need to take the time to educate themselves,” says Dr. Aklog.

Mesa teacher Scott Duemler didn’t need his physi-cian to tell him to have his heart checked. Becausevalve problems run in his family, he began seeing a car-diologist in his early 30s and was soon diagnosed withmitral-valve prolapse. By late 2006, his cardiologistrecommended that Duemler have his valve replaced assoon as possible.

Like Sierka, Duemler—also a father of three—didnot want to rush into anything. He also wanted toavoid having to take blood thinners for the rest of hislife, since it would mean giving up one of his favoriteactivities—rock climbing. He began researching the

Scott Duemler with two of his three children


benefits of valve replacement versus repair, and hisresearch led him to the St. Joseph’s team.

“I was looking for two things—mainly expertise inthe medical field, but also someone with a good bed-side manner,”says Duemler.“Dr.Aklog and Dr. deGuz-man were very personable. They were just really niceguys. I felt I was in good hands immediately.”

Before his January 2007 surgery, Duemler says theblood flowing back and forth in his heart soundedlike a washing machine. Today, he describes it not onlyas a well-tuned machine, but also a “piece of artwork.”

Educating physicians and patientsThe St. Joseph’s team has performed dozens of

valve-repair procedures since their arrival in late sum-mer 2006. They both trained with the leading heart-valve surgeons in the world, including the legendaryFrench surgeon Professor Alain Carpentier, who isacknowledged as the father of the field. They havepublished extensively and lectured worldwide on thetopic. Fortunately for patients around the nation,they’re using this knowledge and expertise to step upefforts to educate both physicians and patients aboutthe benefits of heart-valve repair.

Among their first steps in educating their peers wasthe establishment of the Valve Repair Educational Net-work, which provides intensive training and proctor-ing to surgeons from across the country. They devel-oped a unique hands-on laboratory experience inwhich surgeons learn the procedures firsthand. Usinglive video links to their own teaching stations, Dr.Aklog and Dr. deGuzman mentor the visiting surgeonsthroughout the lesson. The St. Joseph’s team is avail-able to proctor surgeons at their own hospitals, too.

They are also launching an online component of theValve Repair Educational Network —an internet-basedtool that will feature educational materials and forumsto encourage interactive communications among St.Joseph’s specialists and surgeons interested in advanc-ing heart-valve repair.

It was this combination of clinical expertise and edu-cational endeavors that led Edward Lifesciences, one ofthe country’s leading heart-valve companies, to nameSt. Joseph’s HLI the only Center of Excellence in HeartValve Repair in the western United States.

Patients like Sierka and Duemler and their familiescouldn’t agree more.

“Patients whose

valves are repaired

live longer, have

better heart function

and suffer fewer

complications, such

as stroke, bleeding

or infection.” Dr. Brian deGuzman

Dr. Brian deGuzman and Dr. Lishan Aklog


THEIR HOME AWAY FROM HOMENEW PEDIATRIC CARDIOTHORACIC ICUEASES THE STRESS FOR CONGENITALHEART PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

by Sarah Padilla

As a pediatric cardiac intensivist, Dr. Steven Choihas seen time and again how stressful heart sur-

gery can be on young patients and their families.Andas a father who’s been there himself—his own sonunderwent heart surgery at five months old—Dr.Choi can relate to his patients on a more personal level.

It was his family’s experience that was the impe-tus behind the new Pediatric Cardiothoracic Inten-sive Care Unit (Pediatric CT ICU) in the Scott andLaura Eller Congenital Heart Center. The unit caresfor congenital heart patients from infancy to adult-hood. Because these patients often require multiplehospital visits and surgeries, the unit provides com-prehensive care from the time they’re admitted tothe time they’re discharged.

“Having lived through this, I realized what it meansto parents to not have to move throughout the hos-

“I think not having

to move from unit

to unit and floor

to floor has really

made a difference

in her recovery

this time.”

Ursala Salas

pital during their stay,”says Dr.Choi, chief of Pedi-atric Cardiac Intensive Care. “I realized how diffi-

cult it can be to change units and have to get toknow different staff members in every unit.”

First unit of its kind in the countryAt the time of his son’s surgery. Dr. Choi was com-

pleting a critical-care fellowship at Children’s Hospitalof Los Angeles.His friend and colleague,Dr. John Nigro,performed the successful procedure with world-renownedDr.Vaughn Starnes.A few years later, Dr. Nigro came toSt. Joseph’s, and shortly thereafter,he recruited Dr.Choito join him. It was at St. Joseph’s that the duo began thepush to create the Pediatric CT ICU, believed to be thefirst of its kind in the country.

The 24-bed, family-friendly unit features a soothingnature theme. It has all private rooms with private bath-rooms,wood floors,plantation shutters and pull-out sofasthat allow family members to sleep in the room. It alsoincludes a family lounge,a Child Life center,a multi-mediaconference room,a satellite pharmacy and a separate treat-ment room for minor procedures.

State-of-the-art medical equipment includes ICUcapabilities in every room,a rapid-deployment extracor-poreal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine for fastresuscitation,and a system that allows caregivers to viewmedical imaging studies (including cardiac CT scans andx-rays) throughout the unit. In fact, it is believed that thePediatric CT ICU is the only unit in Phoenix with anechocardiography machine—essentially,a machine thatprovides cardiac ultrasounds—on standby at all times.

Specially-trained staff day and nightBut for patients, the appeal of the unit lies within its

consistent, specially-trained staff—five cardiac inten-sivists, two critical-care nurse practitioners, more than40 cardiac ICU nurses, respiratory therapists, a pediatricpharmacist, a social worker, and Child Life staff. Physi-cians complete multidisciplinary patient rounds threetimes a day, helping to eliminate medical errors.

“There’s a real sense of security for the families,knowing that everyone on the unit knows their child,”says Dr. Choi.“By consolidating all of our care into oneunit, we’ve removed a lot of anxiety for them.”

Families of children with heart problems might spendmonths at a time in the hospital over a series of years.Ursula Salas has been there.Her five-year-old daughter,Vianna, recently underwent her third of a three-part surgery to repair a single-ventricle congenital defect,

meaning that one of herheart’s pumping cham-bers was underdevel-oped. Vianna also hasdextrocardia,a conditionin which the heart formson the right side of the body.

Vianna spent months in the hospital’s Neonatal ICUas an infant.Over the next several years, she would expe-rience extended stays in the Pediatric ICU and on the acutepediatric floor.While the family’s experiences were pos-itive,Ursula admits that transferring from unit to unit—and having to meet all new staff members—was taxing.

“In the new unit, we’ve been able to get more famil-iar and more personal with the nurses,”she says.“We lovethem.Even Vianna says that she’s ready to go home,butthat she’s going to miss everyone.”

Vianna’s most recent stay at St. Joseph’s, and her firstin the Pediatric CT ICU,was only a little over a week long,her shortest yet. Ursula credits Vianna’s quick recoveryin part to the structure of the new unit.

“I think that not having to move from unit to unitand floor to floor has really made a difference in her recov-ery this time. It really lets the patients get the extra restthey need,” she says.

An extended familyIn addition to high-quality medical care, another

advantage of the unit is that it provides families with avariety of support and networking opportunities. An outreach committee has hosted events at Arizona Diamondbacks games, and the hospital co-sponsorsHeart Day at the Phoenix Zoo with Phoenix Children’sHospital. Last spring, St. Joseph’s held its first Congen-ital Heart Day picnic for alumni.

Photos of a handful of those success stories line thewall leading into the Pediatric CT ICU. Among them isthe inspiration for the unit—Dr. Choi’s son, now ahealthy 4 1/2-year-old.

“For me, those photos are a daily reminder of whywe are here” says Dr. Choi.

And for the hundreds of patients who will call the CTICU their home-away-from-home,the photos are a just preview of theextended family that’s waiting for thembeyond the double doors down thehall.


Dr. Choi’s son, Ethan

The playroom of the Peds CT ICU

S T . J O S E P H ’ S M A G A Z I N E

The Pediatric Cardiothoracic ICU is only one of manynew spaces in the hospital dedicated to cardiotho-

racic care. In early January, the newly refurbished Heart& Lung Tower became the home of many of the hospi-tal’s growing number of thoracic-surgery,lung-transplan-tation and cardiovascular patients.St. Joseph’s now offersone of the most comprehensive programs in the region.

“The new Heart & Lung Tower focuses on the needsof each patient.A patient’s illness determines the unit

where they receive care,” says Lisa Kelly, clinical direc-tor of the HLI. “The healthcare team on each unit hasa specific area of focus. This approach allows us to pro-vide specialized quality care for each patient and helpsus implement the best safety practices.”

Housed in the former Barrow Tower, the newly ren-ovated space includes the following services on the fol-lowing floors:• HLT2 - Procedure rooms• HLT4 - Four surgical suites (two dedicated to heart

surgery and two dedicated to lung and esophageal sur-gery); CT ICU - 16 intensive care rooms (eight ofwhich are dedicated to lung-transplant and thoracicpatients)

• HLT6 - Thoracic Telemetry, 18 beds• HLT7 - Cardiovascular Telemetry, 21 beds.

The tower features state-of-the-art technology, notonly to facilitate high-quality patient care, but also toenhance the hospital’s teaching mission. For example,the operating rooms and other rooms throughout thetower include high-definition video recording and inter-net streaming capabilities that allow users in differentparts of the building—and even off site—to interface inreal time. Such technology allows specialists at the HLIto share their expertise with colleagues around the worldwithout leaving the hospital.

“We’ve worked together not only to create a very effi-cient and user-friendly system for our patients and staff,but also to enlarge the footprint of our teaching capa-bilities,” says Dr. Ross Bremner, surgical director of theCenter for Thoracic Disease and chief of General Tho-racic Surgery.

Benefactors’gifts to the Pushing Boundaries Campaignhelped fund the new Heart & Lung Tower.

THE HEART & LUNG INSTITUTE MOVES INTO RENOVATED TOWER

Top, one of two surgery suites dedicated to heartprocedures. Above, a nurses station in the newHeart & Lung Institute Tower.



The Arizona Diamondbacks played host to about500 children and their families as part of the Scott

and Laura Eller Congenital Heart Center Day at ChaseField on September 23. St. Joseph’s sponsored the eventto celebrate its congenital heart patients and to give thehospital staff an opportunity to see how their patientshave grown and flourished.

“The day at the ballpark is an opportunity for patientsand families to enjoy a day of baseball with others whohave been treated for congenital heart ailments at St.Joseph’s,” says Stacy Youngkrantz, RN, event organizer.

The families received free tickets, compliments ofSt. Joseph’s, and each child received a specially designedSt. Joseph’s T-shirt. After the game, the children and

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLPARKSCOTT AND LAURA ELLER CONGENITALHEART CENTER TREATS CHILDREN ANDTHEIR FAMILIES TO DIAMONDBACKS GAME

About 500 former patients, families and staff celebrated the many successes of the Scott and Laura EllerCongenital Heart Center during a Diamondbacks game on September 23.


their families were able to go down to the field and runthe bases. It was the final game of the regular season forthe Diamondbacks.

The Scott and Laura Eller Congenital Heart Centerat St. Joseph’s provides lifelong care—including diagno-sis, surgery, medical treatment and rehabilitation—forchildren, teens and adults with congenital heart defects.It is the only center of its kind in Arizona.


Asoft blanket, a cuddly toy, a cozy pair of PJs. Theseare basic items for most kids, but for those who

are sick,badly injured or who have chronic and disablinghealth problems, such “everyday”possessions can be giftsof tremendous solace during stressful medical times.For children at St. Joseph’s Pediatric Intensive CareUnit (PICU) and Children’s Rehabilitative Services(CRS), the comforts of home are now just a lockeraway, thanks to the generosity of one major leaguebaseball player.

On behalf of his K Foundation, Brandon Webb,pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, donated twoBrandon’s Lockers to help ease the hospital experience

for kids who are patients at St. Joseph’s PICU or CRS.The lockers, which bear the image of Webb, were ded-icated on December 3 with the 2006 Cy Young Awardwinner, hospital officials and K Foundation boardmembers in attendance.

Brandon’s Lockers are continually stocked withbooks, blankets, stuffed animals, puzzles, coloringbooks, crayons and other goodies. The items are cho-sen to help make treatment and recovery easier forchildren who are receiving care at St. Joseph’s, says JeffGinn, president of Legacy Management Group, whichoversees Webb’s K Foundation.

Through Brandon’s Lockers, every child is offereda welcoming blanket and stuffed animal that they can

A GIFT OF COMFORTby Sally J. Clasen

Brandon Webb met parents and their children duringthe dedication of Brandon’s Lockers on December 3.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS PITCHERBRANDON WEBB STOCKS LOCKERS FOR CHILDREN AT ST. JOSEPH’S


take home.“We have themed blankets for boys and girls,”Ginn says. Children also have access to additional lock-er supplies while they are patients in the PICU or CRS.Eventually, educational toys, electronic games, DVDplayers, iPods and other interactive equipment will beadded to Brandon’s Lockers for all patients to enjoy whilethey are in the hospital.

Future plans include adding a Brandon’s Locker inthe Teen Lounge, a room that is specifically designedfor children ages 10 to 19. Locker supplies in the TeenLounge will focus on decreasing the isolation forpatients, with an emphasis on computers and internetaccess to help teens stay connected to family and socialnetworks while they are hospitalized and receivingtreatment.

St. Joseph’s an easy choice for WebbWhile he’s famous for having one of the nastiest

sinkers in baseball, Webb is equally known for his bigheart. He identified St. Joseph’s as the location for hislockers after visits to the medical center on behalf of theDiamondback’s community involvement initiative. Anew focus for his K Foundation—chronically ill chil-dren—as well as welcoming daughter Reagan into theworld two years ago also made St. Joseph’s an ideal part-ner in his gift-bearing gesture.

“I wanted to put lockers in St. Joseph’s so that thekids will have things to occupy their time while they arein the hospital,”Webb says.“Helping sick kids is some-thing my wife and I feel strongly about. When you visitthese hospitals and see the kids, you want to do any-thing you can to help make these kids’ lives more enjoy-able.”

Brandon Webb has donated two Brandon’s Lockers to St.Joseph’s and plans to donate a third in the future.

The K FoundationTo learn more about Brandon Webb’s charity forchronically ill children,visit his K Foundation web-site at www.brandonwebb.org or call toll-free888-330-7529, ext. 14.

“I wanted to put

lockers in St. Joseph’s

so that the kids will

have things to occupy

their time while they

are in the hospital.”

Brandon Webb


WHY I PARTICIPATE

From: C. Fleckenstein Subject: Jeffrey Fleckenstein

My son Jeffrey Fleckenstein was a patient at St.Joseph’s hospital for twenty five years. He was bornwith a congenital heart defect called tetralogy of Fallot.When he was born I was told that his life would be short.Maybe two years.

Dr.Robert Williams and Dr.Ravi Koopot teamed upto do surgery after surgery to give my beautiful sontwenty five years. I cannot express the gratitude that Ihave in my heart for these incredible doctors and thenursing staff at St. Joseph’s.

Jeffrey had a heart transplant in Tucson but only liveda little more than three weeks. He passed away on April21, 2007.

Every year during the Health & Wealth Raffle, Jeff andI would plan to buy a ticket. Every year when we count-ed our money, there just wasn’t enough. This year, inremembrance of Jeff, I made sure there was enough.

Thank you, St. Joseph’s.

From: Marji Fergerson Subject: Our Story

My son was flown from Las Vegas to St Joseph’s tostay at Select Speciality until his halo came off. That wasMay 2003. After 88 days the Halo came off and he gotmoved downstairs to Barrow. He was so excited. He’s aC4/5 Quad with just shoulder movement. All the stafftaught us so much. They all go way beyond what isexpected. We finally came home on Dec 12, 2003. Welive in Topock (between Lake Havasu and Bullhead

City). I took off work and stayed in a little apartmenton 7th Ave within walking distance. Hopefully one ofthese days we can get back down to see everyone thatmade dealing with such a traumatic life changing injurynot seem like the end of the world.We are truly blessedthat Byron is still with us and he is the same guy, justgets around a little different!

From: Diana Ryan Subject: Barrow saved my daughter

Jessica Aguilar suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury inApril 2003 and spent 8 weeks in the hospital and 6months at CTN.She is now attending the UofA and wasselected by the NIH to do a research internship in Nor-way. She is conducting research to develop a learningtool for people with brain injuries. She is a miraclechild, but Barrow & the grace of God made that possi-ble. Thank you.

HEALTH & WEALTH RAFFLE

Many of the prize winners in the Health & Wealth Raffle send emails to the Raffle website, explaining whythey entered. But just as many people who did not win prizes email their reasons for entering—and many

consider themselves to be the biggest winners of all. Here are a few examples of their stories:

Jessica Augilar was featured in St. Joseph’sFoundation’s 2002-2003 Recognition Report. She ispictured here with her Trauma ICU nurse JoanneHartman, RN.

From: John & Teresa Subject: Our daughter

Lauren’s story is too long to type here but she was bornwith many problems and not expected to live.Enter Dr.Gre-gory Legris...we knew from the moment he evaluated hercondition that she was turning a corner toward healing.Dr. Legris was instrumental in saving her life and getting herhome. He and his wife, Cynthia, were and still are a bless-ing in Lauren’s life.Lauren is 7 yrs.old now,healthy and enjoy-ing 2nd grade. Thank you Dr. Legris! When we have achoice, we choose St. Joseph’s Hospital, it’s the best.


From: Maria RosasSubject: St.Joseph experience

In December 2001, I was admitted to the hospital,I was 29 weeks pregnant. My baby wasn’t doing wellinside my belly, so doctors decided to take her out. Shewas 1 pound and so tiny, but so beautiful. She was at thehospital 46 days fighting for her life. I was there everyday till the day when doctor called me to let me knowshe wasn’t doing ok. That day, she passed away in myarms. I will never forget those days,and how doctors andnurses not only take care of their tiny patients, but alsothey take care of the families and make those dark dayslighter.When we heard about the raffle, we knew it wasfor something good. We will continue to participate inevery raffle, not only hoping to win, but also to supportthe hospital and the great job they do.

From: Carie Williams Subject: Thankful

The staff at St. Joseph’s are the best, there is no otherhospital in Arizona that comes close. I will continue tosupport a place that has treated my nephew, myself &others that I have met, w/ conditions that need the bestof care, by the best of medical professionals. I cannotbe thankful enough. If it wasn’t for Barrow Neurolog-ical Institute, I wouldn’t be here. It’s not about winning,it’s about helping the best, continue the best of care forthose who need it.

From: Kathy Beamis Subject: why we want to support Barrow

My son was born in St. Joseph’s in 1982.More recent-ly, Oct. 25th, 2006, my husband was involved in a verybad accident, which resulted in head trauma, a brokenneck, a dissected carotid artery, broken bones in hisface and nose, broken bone in his hand, permanentloss of hearing in his left ear. He required a shunt to reg-ulate his intracranial pressure. Everyone knows if it’s ahead injury, the best place is Barrow.We’re fortunate tohave Barrow close by. He spent 5 weeks at St. Joseph’sbefore being well enough to go on to a rehab facility foranother 5 wks. He’s been home for almost 9 months.He has been through a great deal and has a road aheadof him. The wonderful staff at St. Joe’s Trauma ICU andBarrow did a great job at taking care of my special man!

From: Susan Severson Subject: My Story

My husband and I have participated in the raffle sincethe beginning because of the specialized treatment hismother received at Barrow. In April of this year myhusband suffered a ruptured aorta and was flown to St.Joseph’s from another hospital. I spent 5 weeks with himin intensive care and have to say that his recovery wasdue to the dedication and knowledge of the doctors and

staff at St. Joe’s. He also suffered from esophageal can-cer and developed complications from the cancer. Hepassed away in July. Today we would be celebrating our37th wedding anniversary so I feel a thank you is in orderfor the extra time given to us by your hospital.

From: Debra Reynolds Subject: My Story

I buy tickets and my 80 and 84 year old parents doalso - why - because St. Joseph’s saved my life! I was par-alyzed from the waist down - but when I entered St.Joseph’s hospital, I was taken care of - I am here walk-ing, and taking care of Mom and Dad - God Bless youSt. Joseph’s! I had 2 back surgeries somewhere else - butSt. Joseph’s Hospital made my 3rd and final surgery theone to save me! We love you!

From: Maria Funaro Subject: Thank you

Even though I have bought a ticket to support theraffle each year and have not won anything, that wouldnever deter me from entering. My husband had a braintumor and the doctors at St. Joe’s were the best in thecountry with the surgery and the care given to him.Andthen last year my 13 year old daughter was in a caraccident and we were told at another hospital that shehad a broken neck, needed surgery and would be in aneck brace for a long time. I decided to take her to St.Joe’s for a second opinion and within hours, they assuredme there was nothing wrong with her outside ofwhiplash. If it hadn’t been for the excellent staff, my

“I know that my contributions

to St. Joseph’s may be

making it possible for some

other mother to say ‘Thank

you for saving my baby!’”

Peggy Hertel

From: Vickie Subject: My Father’s Love

I give to this Raffle because my Dad had a stroke and hewas sent to St. Joseph’s with a 10% chance of living.The Bar-row Neurological is where he stayed for one month and Iwould like to thank them for their help. My Dad lived for19 more years after that. What more could you ask for?


daughter would have endured undue pain and suffer-ing.

And last,my closest friend had a brain aneurysm andhad an extremely slim chance of recovery. But the fan-tastic team of surgeons pulled her through and she isback to herself once again.

And that is why no matter, win or lose, I will alwayssupport the raffle and the staff of St. Joe’s hospital.What is not to be thankful for having one of the great-est medical facilities in this country right here in Phoenix?We are all blessed with being able to help raise funds foran excellent cause.

Thank you all.

From: Carolyn Parker Subject: Thank You to St. Joseph’s Hospital

This grateful message stems from 1988 when my then4 year old daughter, Gina LaMar, was air-evaced fromPrescott to your hospital with a life-threatening infec-tion. She was in Peds ICU for about a week and then inthe children’s ward for several more days. I can’t praisethe Peds ICU enough! The doctors and nurses wereexceptional in how they worked with us. They werevery informative and most caring during a very stress-ful time. With prayers and all their knowledgeable andkind attention, Gina was returned to us a healthy childwho has since become a musically talented college grad-uate with honors whose beauty and warmth infects allaround her. We and many others are deeply indebtedto St. Joseph’s Hospital.

From: Peggy Hertel Subject: Why I support St. Joseph’s

When I found out about the raffle my first year atASU I knew I had to play. I figured that even if I didn’tever win, I would still win. In 1983 my youngest daugh-ter was run over in Ajo and was flown to St. Joseph’s.She was operated on immediately to close a torn arteryin her arm and to close a leak in her nasal cavity thatwas leaking spinal fluid. Plus she had a monitor insert-ed to check brain pressure. They brought her back tous long enough for her to let us know that she was stillhere. After three months in intensive care she finally suc-cumbed to a severe infection in the brain. The doctors

and nurses at Barrow were with us at all times. I alwaysknew what was going on and was allowed to help as muchas possible. I knew that the personnel cared and weredoing all that they could.

There have been many strides made in the medicalfield between 1983 and now and I believe that if the samething happened today,Lisa would have lived. I know thatmy contributions to St. Joseph’s may be making it possible for some other mother to say “Thank you forsaving my baby!”

From: Amy Pileggi Subject: Grandson born at St. Joseph’s

I participate in the Health & Wealth Raffle becauseover two years ago, my Grandson was born with gas-troschisis.He was premature and had to have emergencysurgery right after he was born. He stayed in the hos-pital for a month and I can’t express enough thanks tothe nurses who worked around the clock to help littleSteven. They were very caring and never left his side.Without the nurses and doctors there, Steven may nothave been here with us today. I give because I have seenfirst hand where the money goes and the hope that itbrings to so many.

From: Peggy McEvoy Subject: Why I purchase a raffle ticket

The reasons are many, but being a nurse of 38 yearsand having worked at St. Joe’s in Labor and Delivery justabout the time fetal monitors were first introduced, Igot to see first hand the wonderful care rendered atthis institution.Oh,I suppose like others, I dream of win-ning the big one, but regardless, I feel this is an inno-vative way to give St Joe’s the revenue to continue toupgrade the entire complex, including Barrow Institute.I’m thankful to have a hospital of this caliber in my ownbackyard, so to speak. Good luck in future campaigns.Use the money wisely and I’m sure you will have con-tinued success!

From: Terry D. MartinSubject: Raffle Ticket Purchase

My story is: even though I have never won anythingfrom the ticket purchases over the last 6 years, I still feellike a winner knowing how St. Joseph’s and the BarrowInstitute are so diligently working on the cure and treat-ments for my disorder—multiple sclerosis. I also pur-chase tickets in honor of the excellent care my fatherreceived there after his stroke. Even though he passedon I have nothing but the greatest respect and thank-fulness for your excellent staff of physicians and nurs-es.Looking forward to hopefully being able to enter nextyear.

From: Jill Vickerman Subject: Reason I enter Health & Wealth Raffle

In July of 2003 I had an acoustic neuroma surgery for abrain tumor removed by Dr. Spetzler. I feel that I am ableto function today because of the wonderful care and con-cern of doctors and staff at Barrow. I appreciate all they dofor the Phoenix community. I will continue to purchase tick-ets in order to support the wonderful facility.


St. Joseph’s longstanding history of addressingcommunity needs on many levels has catapulted

the center into the national spotlight. The Associationof American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recently namedSt. Joseph’s the recipient of the Spencer ForemanAward for Outstanding Community Service. St. Joseph’srepresentatives traveled to Washington, DC, to receivethe award on Nov. 3 during AAMC’s annual meeting.

The AAMC presents the award to a medical insti-tution each year, and this year St. Joseph’s was one ofthree finalists and the only facility west of the eastern

seaboard to make the top list. The Spencer ForemanAward for Outstanding Community Service recog-nizes exceptional programs that go above and beyondthe traditional role of academic medicine to reachcommunities whose needs are not being met throughtraditional health-delivery systems.

Previous winners of the Spencer Foreman Awardinclude the University of California at Los AngelesSchool of Medicine, Creighton University School ofMedicine, the University of Washington School ofMedicine and the University of Rochester MedicalCenter.

LOCAL VALUES, NATIONAL HONORST. JOSEPH’S RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS SPENCER FOREMAN AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE

by Sally J. Clasen


St. Joseph’s century-old heritage of service is appar-ent in real and tangible ways in many areas of thecommunity, and is based on the powerful legacy of serv-ice created by the Sisters of Mercy in 1895. That unwa-vering commitment to the community continues morethan a century later through programmatic, volunteerand financial support.

As part of its mission, St. Joseph’s provides compas-sionate, high-quality healthcare, advocates for under-served populations and partners with others in the com-munity to improve quality of life for its citizens. Lastyear, the medical center provided more than $60 mil-lion in unsponsored care, including $16 million inpublic programs, $12 million in traditional charitycare and $4 million in financial donations.

St. Joseph’s provides medical care and communi-ty benefits to a subset of Maricopa County; its diverseservice area is predominantly Hispanic, female, andyounger than 25 years old. During its most recent tri-ennial community-needs assessment, the hospitalidentified four community health priorities: access tohealthcare services, cardiovascular risk, chronic disablingconditions, and education and prevention. The hos-pital then developed a community benefit plan toaddress these concerns. Some examples of targetedexisting and new community outreach initiativesinclude:• Conducting community health assessments to iden-

tify health needs.

• Providing healthcare access through many clinics andpartnerships, including the MOMobile, the PediatricAmbulatory Care Clinic, Balsz School District Part-nership and the Florence Crittenton Partnership.

• Offering education and prevention programs, includ-ing Operation Fit Kids, Wake Up! Youth, OliverOtter, Helmet Your Head and Think First for Teens.

• Creating the Intercity Asthma Intervention Pro-gram for children age five to 11 who suffer from thischronic condition.

• Forming more than 80 relationships with humanservice organizations and stage agencies to createsolutions to growing health concerns. These effortshave led to new partnerships, including the recent-ly developed Arizona Oral Health Collaborative.

Many of these initiatives receive support from St.Joseph’s Foundation.

“Helping the community and improving lives areintegral parts of our mission,” says Linda Hunt, pres-ident of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.“Byhelping those in need, we put our values into action.”

For more information about the AAMC, visitaamc.org.

Above, Linda Hunt, president of St. Joseph’s,accepts the Spencer Foreman Award forOutstanding Community Service. Right, others whoattended the awards ceremony were Dr. CharlesDaschbach, director of Academic Affairs; MarisueGarganta, director of Community Health Integration;and Dr. John Boyd, chief medical officer.

S T . J O S E P H ’ S M A G A Z I N E 1717 S T . J O S E P H ’ S M A G A Z I N E

When Antoinette Jaycox found a lump in herright breast in late 2003, she was shocked to

learn that the out-of-pocket cost for a mammogramwas nearly $1,500. Temporarily uninsured after leav-ing her previous job, Jaycox was prepared to pay forthe procedure. What she wasn’t prepared for was thelack of resources available to women in her situation.

“I figured I could just call around, but I ran into thesame thing with everyone. They all said, ‘We can’thelp you,’” she recalls.

Jaycox was sent to a free clinic in Mesa, but it wasalways full. Eventually, through a series of referrals, shelearned about St. Joseph’s Women’s Wellness Clinic(WWC). The WWC, which provides free gynecolog-ical care to low-income and uninsured women, was ableto get her in within days.

With a background in social work, Jaycox had pre-vious experience with free clinics—and most hadn’tleft a positive impression. The WWC proved to be anentirely different environment.

“It was such a surprise to walk into the Women’sWellness Clinic. I felt like I could keep my dignity,” shesays.“I never had any reason to doubt that I was goingto receive quality healthcare. I was always referred toby name; I was never a number.”

Over the next couple of years, Jaycox returned tothe clinic often for mammograms, ultrasounds and

other routine gynecological care. Finally, in late 2005,she received the news she’d been waiting to hear—Jaycox had a clean bill of health.

Impressed with and grateful for her experience atSt. Joseph’s, Jaycox decided that as soon as she had anopportunity to give back—no matter how small thegift—she would do whatever she could for the hospi-tal. She wanted to ensure that other women couldcontinue to receive the same care she had.

When she opened the JaCar Beauty Lounge withbusiness partner Robin Corey later that year, inspira-tion hit. She would host a cut-a-thon, with the pro-ceeds to benefit the WWC.

Her dream became a reality this year, and on Octo-ber 8, the Gilbert salon hosted the first of what Jaycoxhopes will become an annual event. The inauguralWomen’s Wellness Cut-a-Thon raised funds for theWWC and provided 16 women free mammograms atthe Mobile Onsite Mammography unit, which wasparked in front of the salon for the day.

“It’s great to see one of our patients not only giv-ing back to the hospital, but also reaching out to raiseawareness of the need for more services for uninsuredwomen in Arizona,”says Gail Brown, nurse practition-er at the WWC. “We’re extremely grateful forAntoinette’s support.”

GIVING BACKPATIENT HOSTS CUT-A-THON TO ENABLE WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC TO HELP OTHERSby Sarah Padilla


HOME SAFE HOMEST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL, PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT ANDARIZONA CHILDPROOFERS GIVE HOME SAFETY MAKEOVERSTO SOLDIERS WITH FUNDING FROM THE ROBERT WOODJOHNSON FOUNDATION AND ST. JOSEPH’S FOUNDATION

by Sarah Padilla

Erick, Elizabeth and Xavier Castro

Sergeant Erick Castro spentfour years serving in the U.S.

Army, including a six-month tourin Iraq where he lost his left leg.Given all that he has experienced,he never imagined that raising atoddler could be such a challenge.His two-year-old son, Xavier, is outto prove him wrong.

“He’s at the learning stage,whichmeans that he likes to push andpull on everything,” says Castro.Of particular interest to the toddlerare cabinet doors, outlets and thebaby gate that keeps him fromgoing upstairs.

At least, that was the case beforethe Castro family received a homesafety makeover this summer,cour-tesy of the Injury-Free Coalitionfor Kids at St. Joseph’s, the PhoenixFire Department and ArizonaChildproofers. The Castros wereone of four Arizona military fam-ilies to receive the free makeovers.


Protecting XavierToday, the off-limits items that used to tempt Xavier’s

little fingers aren’t quite as fun. The outlets have beencovered with protective sliders, the toilet lids have beenequipped with childproof latches, and cabinets through-out the home are locked with a unique magnetic sys-tem.Also, the wooden baby gate that Xavier used to loveto push over has been replaced by a sturdier aluminumversion.

The Phoenix Fire Department installed high-techfire detectors that allow users to test the devices withtheir television’s remote control. The detectors are use-ful for both smoldering and fast-burning fires. Thefire department also gave the Castros fire-safety edu-cation and helped them develop a fire-escape plan,which is particularly important in the family’s two-storyhouse.

The next item on the agenda is to install a poolfence around the family’s backyard swimming pool.

Four families, four sets of issuesThe Arizona National Guard and the Department

of Veterans Affairs helped identify the four familiesthat received home safety makeovers.

“We wanted to focus on families of military person-nel, helping to keep their families safe just as they helpkeep our families safe,” says Bridget Doherty, projectcoordinator for the Injury-Free Coalition.“In the end,each of the families we selected illustrated differentsafety issues.”

For example, one of the families had three genera-tions living together, illustrating the importance ofeducating every member in the household about dif-ferent safety concerns. Another family had older chil-dren in the home, demonstrating that just becausechildren are older, they aren’t necessarily safer. A thirdfamily wanted to create a safe environment for explor-ing for their 18-month-old son and nine-month-oldtwin daughters.

“In the Castro family’s case, we wanted to showthat physical challenges are just that—challenges,”saysDoherty. “They don’t have to be a barrier to safety.”

And while Castro has learned to maneuver wellwith his prosthetic leg, it can pose a challenge when itcomes to keeping up with his curious toddler.

“I can’t really get up and chase after him quickly. Ittakes me a few extra minutes,” says the 27-year-old.“These safety measures give me the extra time I needto catch up with him.”

Made possible by philanthropyThe purpose of the makeovers is to help raise aware-

ness about the importance of home safety and encour-age community members to take steps to make theirenvironments safer.

“Arizona has the third highest rate of fatalities fromhome injuries in the nation,” says Pam Goslar, projectdirector of the Injury-Free Coalition for Kids at St.Joseph’s. “Most of those injuries can be prevented bypracticing simple safety tips in and around the home.”

The program was funded by grants from the RobertWood Johnson Foundation and St. Joseph’s Founda-tion. As part of the project, the team also assembledhome-safety kits that include various home-safetydevices, educational information and a voucher forservices from Arizona Childproofers. The kits will behanded out at community events.

“We wanted to focus on families

of military personnel, helping to

keep their families safe just as

they help keep our families safe.”

Bridget Doherty, Injury-Free Coalition


Now you can shop for everyday items and supportthe life-saving work of St. Joseph’s Hospital and

Medical Center. That’s the idea behind a new member-ship program launched in November—the St. Joseph’sallRewards program.

Here’s how it works:You join St. Joseph’s allRewardsonline at www.StJosephsallRewards.com. Then, eachtime you make a purchase at an allRewards partner loca-tion, using a credit or debit card linked to allRewards,a portion of your purchase automatically goes to St.Joseph’s Foundation.And, best of all, there’s no cost toyou.

SHOP AND GIVEby Catherine Menor

“Everyone benefits—

businesses, the hospital

and its supporters.”

Mary Jane Crist

ST. JOSEPH’S ALLREWARDS PROGRAM OFFERSAN EASY WAY TO SUPPORT THE HOSPITALTHROUGH EVERYDAY PURCHASES


“This is an easy way to support the important pro-grams at St. Joseph’s,”says Debbie Castaldo, director ofFoundation Innovation at St. Joseph’s Foundation.“We already have some great businesses signed up,and more are joining every week.”

By the end of 2007, about 30 businesses had joinedthe St. Joseph’s allRewards network or were scheduledto be on board soon. For a complete list of participat-ing businesses as well as other information, visitwww.StJosephsallRewards.com.

St. Joseph’s allRewards introduced a Visa gift cardjust in time for holiday shopping. The new card, which

bears the St. Joseph’s allRewards logo and look, can beused anywhere Visa is accepted. It can be purchased inany amount, and with each card purchase, a donationgoes to St. Joseph’s Foundation. The St Joseph’s allRe-wards gift card can be purchased from the allRewardsteam at the Concierge Desk in the Debi and Jerry Bis-grove Admitting Lobby at St. Joseph’s. Eventually, it willbe available online.

“Thanks to allRewards partners edatanetworks,RBS Lynk, and Visa, the holiday launch of the gift cardwas a huge success,” Castaldo says.

December was a busy month for St. Joseph’s allRewards. Throughout the holiday season, MartyManning and the 99.9 KEZ Radio Cheer Mobile pro-moted allRewards and its merchant partners at morethan 15 events across the Valley.

Members of St. Joseph’s allRewards enjoy ongoingopportunities to win prizes and earn special discountsat participating businesses. Best of all, they get the joyof helping a cause near and dear to their hearts.

“Everyone benefits,” says Mary Jane Crist, chiefexecutive officer of St. Joseph’s Foundation,“business-es, the hospital and its supporters.”

Left, 99.9 KEZ’s MartyManning promoted

St. Joseph’s allRewards,including the new gift card,

at events throughout theValley. Right, St. Joseph’semployee Mike Eimer (in

blue) won a big-screen TVduring an allRewards mem-

ber drive. With Eimer areDennis Sage of Dennis Sage

Home Entertainment, anallRewards merchant part-

ner; Debbie Castaldo, direc-tor of Foundation Innovation

at St. Joseph’s; and MartyManning. Below, other hos-pital employees won prizes

during the member drive.


ST. JOSEPH’S SANTASGOVERNOR, LOCAL BUSINESSESMAKE HOLIDAYS BRIGHTER FORKIDS AT ST. JOSEPH’S

KEZ 99.9 Radio, Cachet Homes, Starbucks, SleepAmerica,Alltel, and Barnes and Noble led commu-

nity efforts to collect toys and books for the Children’sHealth Center at St. Joseph’s.The successful drives camejust in time for Christmas.

Governor Janet Napolitano launched a book drivefor St. Joseph’s kids by reading to children in the Pedi-atrics Unit on September 14.Books were collected at Star-bucks, Sleep America, Alltel, and Barnes and Noble.

Starbucks sponsored a Comfy Clothes Drive for chil-dren in the Del E.Webb Emergency Department and the

Cachet Homes hosted a series of carolling eventsin their neighborhoods to collect toys for childrenat St. Joseph’s. The 99.9 KEZ holiday songbookdistributed at the songfests featured beloved carols along with stories and photos of St.Joseph’s children.


Pediatric ICU.Children who come into the ED often needclothing because theirs has been damaged during the acci-dent or removed during treatment.The Starbucks drive,which was featured on KTVK Channel 3 during drivetime, netted more than 400 pairs of pajamas and cloth-ing items for the Children’s Health Center. Sleep Amer-ica sponsored a similar drive, the Comfort Drive,collect-ing teddy bears,pajamas and blankets for St. Joseph’s kids.

99.9 KEZ Radio and Cachet Homes teamed up forCaroling for Kids, a holiday campaign to build aware-ness of and collect toys for the Children’s Health Cen-

ter. Carolling parties were held at several Cachet devel-opments in the Valley and broadcast by FOX 10.Specialholiday songbooks—featuring favorite carols, and stories and photos of St. Joseph’s children—were avail-able at the songfests. Segway of Scottsdale equippedSanta and his elves with Segways for transporting toyscollected during the carolling parties.

St. Joseph’s Foundation, St. Joseph’s staff and all thechildren at the Children’s Health Center thank theselocal businesses for making the holidays merrier at St.Joseph’s!

Clockwise from upper left: Families attendedcarolling events at Cachet Homes; MartyManning was interviewed by FOX 10 during acarolling party; Governor Janet Napolitanoread to children at St. Joseph’s to kick off abook drive for the hospital; Dr. MichaelChristopher joined kids to promote a pajamadrive sponsored by Starbucks and aired onChannel 3’s “Good Morning, Arizona.”


Brandon Lombardi Foundation donates patient amenities to St. Joseph’s cancer center

The Brandon Lombardi Foundation has made a generous donation ofpatient amenities to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s.Thedonated items—combination DVD/VHS units, game systems, portableDVD players,CD players with head sets, and a huge assortment of games,movies and CDs—will provide hours of entertainment for young cancerpatients.

In 1998,when Brandon Lombardi was a high-school senior,he learnedthat he had bone cancer. While the teen was undergoing chemotherapyand surgery for the disease,he decided to help other cancer patients escapethe reality of cancer treatment by providing them entertainment items,such as video games, CDs and DVDs. On June 25, 2000, Lombardi’s firstcharity golf event, Chip in to Fight Cancer 2000, raised $20,000. Theyoung man then established a nonprofit foundation dedicated to provid-ing amenities to cancer patients.

For more information on Lombardi’s remarkable and inspiring jour-ney, visit www.TheBLF.org.

BENEFACTOR BRIEFSSpirit Awards recognize benefactors’ contributions

John and Doris Norton, and Wick and Jill Pilcherreceived Spirit of Philanthropy Awards during the 23rdAnnual Philanthropy Award Dinner on November 1 atthe Arizona Biltmore. The couples were honored by St.Joseph’s Foundation (SJF) and Barrow NeurologicalFoundation (BNF) for their contributions to the hos-pital. The dinner was hosted by the Association ofFundraising Professionals-Greater Arizona Chapter.

The Nortons are long-time supporters of St. Joseph’s.John—who was born at St. Joseph’s,along with the cou-ple’s three children—has served on the Barrow Neuro-logical Foundation Board of Trustees and the St. Joseph’sFoundation Board of Directors. He served as the chairof the SJF Board for five years and is currently an emer-itus member of that board. Doris has been a memberof the Barrow Women’s Board since 1988.She co-chairedthe Grand Barrow Ball in 2000.The couple’s most recentcontribution to St. Joseph’s was a $1-million gift that created the John and Doris Norton Healing Garden.

The Pilchers also have had ties to the hospital for manyyears.Wick joined the Barrow Neurological FoundationBoard of Trustees in 1990 at the urging of his father,Bill

Pilcher, who was a founding member of the board. Thecouple served as co-chairs of Major Gifts for the Push-ing Boundaries Capital Campaign, which raised about$30 million for the new Barrow Neuroscience Tower andother campus renovations at St. Joseph’s.

The Spirit of Philanthropy Award was created in1991 to provide charitable organizations the opportu-nity to honor someone associated with their organiza-tion who truly exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy.

John and Doris Norton, and Wick and Jill Pilcher receivedSpirit Awards for their contributions to the hospital.

Halo Foundation provides fundsfor special car seats

The Halo Foundation has given St. Joseph’sFoundation a gift of $5,000 to provide speciallydesigned car seats to children with disabilitiesfrom a nonfatal drowning accident. As a formerpediatric nurse at St. Joseph’s, Denise Pitts, the co-founder and president of the Halo Foundation,is very familiar with the impact of near drown-ings on children and their families.“I feel very for-tunate that the Halo Foundation is able to con-tinue our mission and assist the amazing team atSt. Joseph’s by providing families that are impact-ed by a drowning incident with a safe and securemeans of travel for their child,” Pitts said.


Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation makes grant of $75,000

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundationgranted St. Joseph’s $75,000 for breast education,screen-ing and treatment at the Women’s Wellness Clinic,which provides free cancer screenings for low-income,

uninsured women.Since 1996, the Komen

Phoenix Affiliate has distrib-uted more than $11.1 millionto medical facilities in Ari-zona as well as to the KomenFoundation HeadquartersResearch Grant Program.

Motorcyclists deliver toys for Andrea’s Closet at St. Joseph’s

Nearly 100 motorcycles roared into the Circle Driveat St. Joseph’s on June 30.The bikers,who brought 1,200new toys for hospitalized children at St. Joseph’s, wereparticipating in a new special event—Andrea’s Closet Christmas in June Charity Toy Run.

Andrea’s Closet is a non-profit organization thatsponsors closets full of toys at 17 hospitals in Arizona.Hospitalized children are able to select a toy from the clos-et, comforting them and distracting them during med-ical treatments.

Kenny and Traci Brunk founded Andrea’s Closet inmemory of their daughter, Andrea, who died at age 10after an 18-month battle with leukemia. Visits to a toycloset in St. Joseph’s Pediatric Unit helped Andrea dealwith the treatments she underwent.The Brunks openedthe first Andrea’s Closet six years ago at St. Joseph’s Chil-dren’s Health Center. For more information, visitwww.AndreasCloset.org.

Sally Foundation brings holidaycheer to St. Joseph's kids

In the spirit of the holidays, the Sally Foundationdelivered a gift of cash and hand-made blankets to St.Joseph’s Children’s Health Center the week beforeChristmas. Family members of the Sally Foundationdelivered the blankets to children in the PediatricICU. The Sally Foun-dation was establishedby Hal Horcasitas inhonor of his late wife,Sally.This is the secondyear the foundationhas made a gift to St.Joseph’s Children’sHealth Center.

Gail Brown and Mariantonieta Saloman ofthe Women’s Wellness Clinic (center front)with Charlie Thompson, Catherine Midgetteand Pat Elder of the Phoenix Affiliate of theSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation


Pilot International donates art bags to Children’s Health Center

The Southwestern District of Pilot International hasdonated more than 100 art bags for hospitalized childrenat St. Joseph’s Children’s Health Center. The cloth art bagsare filled with crayons, washable markers, colored pencils,paper, glue sticks and other goodies. Debbie Castaldo,director of Philanthropic Innovation at St. Joseph’s Foun-dation, accepted the gift at an October 6 meeting of thegroup.

Angelita’s Amigos presents check for room renovation in Children’s Health Center

In August,Bob Olivas and Dr.Loui Olivas of Angelita’s Amigos pre-sented a gift of $27,000 to St. Joseph’s Foundation. The funds will beused to create Angelita’s Amigos Rooms in the Children’s Health Cen-ter at St. Joseph’s. Angelita’s Amigos is a non-profit organization thathas been funding family-friendly rooms for hospitalized children atSt. Joseph’s for several years. The non-profit organization was estab-lished in honor of Bob and Joann Olivas’ daughter, Angela Grace,who died of leukemia when she was four.

Bob Olivas and Dr. Loui Olivas present a check to KathleenRodgriguez, RN, Linda Hunt and Sharon Glanville, RN.


6

The third annual Soiree at the Ritz once again broughttogether major donors to St. Joseph’s Foundation

(SJF) and Barrow Neurological Foundation (BNF),and the doctors and researchers whose programs theysupport.

The Soiree is open to members of the Heritage Soci-ety’s Circles of Value. The Circles of Value honor thoseHeritage Society members whose gifts to SJF and/or BNF

total $50,000 or more. The event gives major benefac-tors the opportunity to become better acquainted withkey Barrow and St. Joseph’s physicians and scientists.

For more information about the Heritage Society andthe Circles of Value, please call the Foundation officeat 602-406-3041 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZANNUAL EVENT BRINGS TOGETHER BENEFACTORS,PHYSICIANS AND RESEARCHERS

1 - Webb Todd, Barbara Hawkins, Mike Birgen, LisaWilkinson-Fannin, Barbara Todd; 2 - Kay and BillBaker; 3 - Dr. Ross Bremner, Sister Madonna MarieBolton, Dick Mallory; 4 - Dr. Timothy Vollmer, Karenand Bob Hobbs; 5 - Dick Mallory, Dr. Stephen Pophal,Dr. Robert Spetzler; 6 - Dr. Stephen Macknik, Dr. JohnKresl, Kathleen Norton, Dr. Susana Martinez-Conde.

1

4

5

3

2


St. Joseph’s receives Medal ofHonor for organ donation

St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center has beenpresented the Medal of Honor from the U.S. Depart-ment of Health and Human Services for high achieve-ment in organ donation. Nationally, the hospital hasreached the 75th percentile donor conversion rate fororgans. The medal was presented to St. Joseph’s teammembers at a ceremony in Nashville on Oct. 9.

“Achieving a 75-percent conversion rate is not aneasy goal, and we’ve been working with the DonorNetwork of Arizona to accomplish this for some time,”says Sister Margaret McBride, vice president of St.Joseph’s Mission Services.“The wonderful thing aboutorgan donation is that it honors the memory of thosewho have passed away and gives organ recipients asecond opportunity at life.”

Superstition Paint Horses Open House to raise funds for Pediatric ICU

The Superstition Paint Horses 8th Annu-al Open House for St. Joseph's Pediatric ICUwill be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Satur-day,March 22,in Queen Valley.The fundrais-er will include a golf tournament, children'swestern events, carnival booths and a freelunch.

The parents, grandparents, aunts, unclesand friends of five-year-old Cameron T.Haselhorst host the open house each year tothank St. Joseph's for the care the child received and toraise money for St. Joseph's Pediatric ICU. Cameronwas born in October 2002 weighing less than threepounds; his twin brother did not survive.During his firsttwo years,Cameron spent weeks in the Neonatal ICU andthen the Pediatric ICU.Today,he is a healthy,normal lit-tle boy.

For more information,including directions to the openhouse, call 520-463-2898.

Phoenix Theatre names hospital‘Organization of the Year’

Phoenix Theatre will honor St. Joseph’s as the“Organization of the Year” at a luncheon on March 6at the Phoenician. Seventeen organizations were nom-inated for the award, which is given each year to abusiness, foundation or institution that demonstratesa commitment to the well-being of children.

St. Joseph’s president named afinalist for Women of Worth Award

St. Joseph’s president Linda Hunt has been nameda finalist for the Women of Worth Award. Presented by

The Worth Collection, Ltd., the Women of WorthAward celebrates women who have achieved extraor-dinary success in their professional pursuits andhave worked to empower other women to achievetheir personal and professional goals.

Under Hunt’s leadership, St. Joseph’s has growninto the state’s largest hospital, known for qualitypatient care, medical education and cutting-edgeresearch.

Kathleen Norton joins FoundationKathleen Norton has assumed the position of direc-

tor of Foundation Relations at St. Joseph’s Foundationand Barrow Neurological Foundation. In her new posi-tion, Kathleen is responsible for the direction and

management of all donor recognition and steward-ship programs. In addition, she works with the Bar-row Women’s Board and heads up an effort by theFoundations to enhance the patient experience at St.Joseph’s and Barrow.

Kathleen has extensive experience in major-giftfundraising and donor stewardship, having served insimilar positions at Padres Jewish Day School, the ASUFoundation and the Phoenix Symphony. She alsotaught special education for 11 years and directed pro-grams at the Arizona Humane Society and the Tesser-act School. Kathleen has held positions at GlenbeighHospital in Cleveland, OH, and Case Western ReserveUniversity School of Medicine and Rainbow Babies andChildren’s Hospital in Ohio.

NEWS

Pediatric neurologist named president of nationalorganization

Dr. John Bodensteiner wasinstalled as the 24th president of theChild Neurology Society at the 36th

annual meeting of the organization in October inQuebec, Canada. The Child Neurology Society isthe national organization of Pediatric Neurologyin the U.S. Nearly all the child neurologists in thecountry and Canada belong to this group.


Two St. Joseph’s employees winYMCA Tribute to Women Awards

Debbie Castaldo, director of PhilanthropicInnovation at St. Joseph’s Foundation, and JoanRankin Shapiro, PhD, vice president of ClinicalResearch at St. Joseph’s Hospital, are among ninewomen being honored at the 2008 YWCA Trib-ute to Women Awards Luncheon on February 21at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.

The Tribute to Women Awards recognize Mari-copa County women whose lives and accomplish-ments reflect the YWCA’s mission of empoweringwomen and eliminating discrimination. Thoseselected reflect devotion to improving the lives ofwomen and girls through leadership, advocacy andcommunity service while achieving success in theircareer fields.

Dr. Shapiro is receiving the Health and ScienceLeader award,and Castaldo is receiving the PhilanthropyLeader award.

Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf celebrates its 35th year April 24-25

2008 is a big year for Lou Grubb Friends ForeGolf—this year, the annual fundraiser celebrates its 35thyear in the Valley. To commemorate this milestone, theLGFFG committee is planning a two-day golf extrav-aganza that will be better than ever.

The event begins on Thursday, April 24, at the Ari-zona Biltmore Resort and Spa where participants willcongregate for an evening of fun, fellowship and food.The party will feature the Mary Jane and Warren Cristparty-putt raffle, the Anne Merete Robbs Tiki Bar,a silentauction and a live auction. The highlight of the eveningwill be the raffling of a new smart car, donated by ananonymous donor.

The golf tournament takes place on Friday atMcCormick Ranch Golf Club, with a shot-gun start atnoon. Golfers will enjoy goodie bags, photo sculp-tures and a post-tourna-ment awards dinner. Formore information, call theFoundation office at 602-406-3041.

Ted Williams elected to SJF boardTed Williams has been elected to the Board of Direc-

tors of St. Joseph’s Foundation.For much of his career, Williams has directed large

and complex governmental agencies and private busi-nesses, mainly in the areas of healthcare and environ-mental health. Since 1998, he has served as the presi-dent and CEO of the Arizona Behavioral HealthCorporation. Earlier positions include president andCEO of the Arizona Foundation for Behavioral Health;secretary/treasurer at Williams LaSota & Miller, Ltd.;Associate County Administrator, Health Care Agencyand Operations for Maricopa County; and Director ofthe Arizona Department of Health Services. Williamsearned a bachelor’s in engineering and a juris doctor-ate at Arizona State University. He has served as thechairman of the Arizona Coalition for Tomorrow, thepresident of Arizona Senior Olympics, and as a mem-ber of Arizona Town Hall and the Maricopa CountyHuman Rights Committee.

NIH awards researcher $1.8 million St. Joseph’s researcher Dr.Andrej Romanovsky has been

awarded a five-year, $1.8-million grant from the Nation-al Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr.Romanovsky was awarded the grant to continue hisstudies into the mechanisms of fever and hypothermiain systemic inflammation.

Systemic inflammation, including sepsis and traumadisease, is the complex biological response of the bodyto harmful stimuli. It is accompanied by either fever (inmild cases) or hypothermia (in severe cases). The direc-tion of the body temperature response may determinethe difference between life and death for a patient withcertain injuries and infections. To understand how andwhy systemic inflammation causes fever in some cases andhypothermia in others, Dr. Romanovsky will conductresearch to identify the mechanisms involved and gaininsight into the therapeutic use of some anti-inflamma-tory drugs.

Dr. Romanovsky is a member of St. Joseph’s Level ITrauma Center, the only center in Arizona with verifica-tion from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).ACSverification requires ongoing trauma research and edu-cation.This is the fourth major grant that Dr.Romanovskyhas received since joining St. Joseph’s in 2000.


AN ENDURING MISSION

Every nonprofit organization has a mis-sion statement. Mission statements

describe the organization’s beliefs (the why),the recipients of services (the who), and theorganization’s actions (the what of mis-sion). Most mission statements includethese three elements … I believe, I serve,andtherefore, I do.

St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Cen-ter’s mission hasn’t changed one iota sincebeing written many decades ago. In manyways it’s a simple statement and includeslanguage one would expect from a faith-based institution, one founded by the Sis-ters of Mercy 112 years ago. It says the hos-pital exists to enhance the quality of life byfostering a healing ministry and by provid-ing medical services that touch the wholeperson, including extended family, in anenvironment that promotes justice andaffirms the dignity of each person.

Powerful words, indeed, and they havebeen lived and animated by the people whocome to work here every day, whether care-giver, housekeeper or volunteer.

St. Joseph’s is a very different place thanit was when the statement of mission wasfirst authored. But in the most importantways, it’s exactly the same. The care provid-ed here reflects the values inherent in the

philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy. Thereis nothing that could distinguish St. Joseph’smore than that.

by Robert HopkinsVice President

“The care provided

here reflects the

values inherent in

the philosophy of

the Sisters of

Mercy. There is

nothing that could

distinguish

St. Joseph’s more

than that.”

ST. JOSEPH’S FOUNDATION

St. Joseph’s Foundation (SJF) was established in 1981to raise funds for projects throughout the hospital. Sincethen, benefactors have contributed millions that havebeen invested in:

o Promising new researcho Endowments that attract top physicians and

researcherso Medical educationo New programs and services to meet the needs of

our communityo Construction and renovation projectso The latest technology.

St. Joseph’s Foundation is governed by a board of community leaders who serve on a voluntary basis.

2007-2008 St. Joseph’s Foundation Board of Directors Christine K. Wilkinson, PhD, ChairmanJudy Egan, Vice ChairmanRichard A. Horn, TreasurerJorge Quintero, SecretaryCharles A. Alfano, MDKelly J. BarrRoss Bremner, MDL. Don BrownMary Jane CristTimothy J. DrexlerScott EllerMichael FordC.A. HowlettLinda HuntPatrick MadiganMichelle M. MatiskiMichael L. MediciJacquelyn M. MichelsonGordon MurphyJerry L. NicholsLoui Olivas, PhDCraig S. PorterJoan Rankin Shapiro, PhDTed Williams

For more information, contact St. Joseph’s Foundationat 602-406-3041 or toll-free at 1-800-925-9514. Ouroffice is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

CHW ArizonaSt. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center350 W. Thomas Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85013

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 685

Phoenix, AZ

You’ve got mail!St. Joseph’s Foundation is developing more cost-effective and efficient ways of communicat-ing with our donors and friends. One of these methods is email. Please help us by sendingyour email address on the enclosed postage-paid postcard. Or simply email your informationto [email protected]. Please include your name, address, email address and phonenumber. Thanks for your help with this project!

st. joseph's foundation, volume 4, issue 1, 2008

Documents