Volume 9 Spring 2011

Cornerstone

Helping Patients Navigate Cancer Care

Foundation EventsPage 18

Miracle Story Page 11

Volunteer SocietiesPage 16

Page 4-6

Philanthropy Partners

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Sacred Heart Medical Center University District Renewal

Upon the occasion of a milestone anniversary—like the 75th anniversary Sacred Heart is approaching—our focus often turns to history. We talk about

what happened in the past, who our greatest motivators were and what a great accomplishment it is to make it this far. But this year, we are looking to the future.

We are excellent at providing sick care. We must also make sure that everyone is able to access good health care. Whether that means managing chronic diseases and conditions like diabetes and congestive heart failure, or learning to prevent illness through diet and exercise, Sacred Heart Medical Center, University District will be at the heart of it all.

“The renewal of the University District campus is at the very core of creating and growing that wellness culture,” says Mel Pyne, CEO of PeaceHealth Oregon Region. “The convenience and effectiveness of care at University District will help our patients focus on getting well and staying well.”

Committed to promoting personal and community health

Rendering of new construction facing Alder Street

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Sacred Heart Medical CenterFoundation Board of Directors

Directors Emeriti

Cornerstone Staff

Joe Gonyea III, PresidentHeidi Pollock, Vice PresidentJeff Robinson, TreasurerRon Farmer, SecretaryMike Coughlin, Immediate Past President

Liz Chambers

Stephanie Connor

Carol Eldridge

Brad Fenstermacher

Mats Fish, MD

Liz Gibson

Akshay Gupta, MD

Charlie Hoffmeister, MD

Vern Katz, MD

Mindy Lockard

Jeff Miller

Michael Menen, MD

Ryan Papé

A.P. Parks

Jack Pyle

Mel Pyne

Rick Skeie

Augie Sick

Mike Solomon

Sharon Stanphill, PhD

Ron Tyree

Charles Warren

Paul Weinhold

Mike Wildish

Heather York, MD

John Alvord

Bert Babb

Marie Baker

Ruby Brockett

Nonnie Cole

Jo Courtemanche

Bob Fenstermacher

Robert Fraser

Jo-Mae Gonyea

Yvonne Hamson

Bob Harrison

Sister Monica Heeran

Bob Newburn

Ralph Robinson

Donald Tykeson

Fran Warren

Rueben Mayes, Publisher, Executive Director SHMCFKaren Warner, Marketing and CommunicationsJoanna Bartlett, Writer, Editor Amber Vail, WriterDeborah Weese, Design and Photography

SHMC Foundation(541) 686-6958 — Main office(541) 686-6456 — Children’s Miracle Network(541) 686-7239 — Event line(541) 686-8749 — Fax(541) 501-3216 — STMS Access (M-F)shmcfoundation@peacehealth.org www.peacehealth.org/sacredheartfoundation123 International WaySpringfield, OR 97477PO Box 10905Eugene, OR 97440

A complete list of donors is available on the Foundation website. Cornerstone is published three times per year by Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation. Complimentary copies are available by contacting the Foundation office. Please notify us if you do not wish to receive materials from SHMC Foundation.

Inside Cornerstone

Oregon Cancer Institute Update

Providing Care Coordinator Has Personal Meaning

PeaceHealth Awards Community Health Grants

New Microscope Saves Valuable Time, Money

Technology Tour Gives Insight into Medical Advances

Physician Leaders

Sister Theodore Marie Society

Children’s Miracle Network

Guardian Angels

Sacred Heart Connections

Legacy Giving

In Memoriam

Volunteer Societies

From the Desk of Rueben Mayes

Foundation Friends

Calendar

March 2011

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Cover

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Sacred Heart Medical Center University District Renewal

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Developing a Breast Cancer Center of ExcellenceThere are more than 250 types of cancer diagnoses. And every day in Lane County, five people are diagnosed with one of them.

The Oregon Cancer Institute is focusing on developing centers of excellence based on tumor sites. The first, currently under development, is the Breast Cancer Center of Excellence.

A leadership team is in place, says Eileen Reynolds, executive director of the Oregon Cancer Institute. It includes representatives from all disciplines and local organizations that treat cancer: PeaceHealth, Oregon Imaging Center, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, Northwest Specialty Clinics and others. Heading it up is Robert Schauer, MD, of Northwest Surgical Specialists.

The center is working toward accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. To become accredited, the center has to meet a variety of requirements, one of which is data collection and management. “The majority of the other elements are already in place,” Reynolds says. “We have everything in this community to provide what our patients need.”

Oregon Cancer Institute Update

Helping Patients Navigate Cancer Care is a Priority

The coordination of cancer care has never been more important.

Imagine: You’re 75 and have a brain tumor. You have five specialists treating you—each with an opinion and prescription pad. You can’t think straight because of your disease, so you rely on your spouse to take it all in and be your sounding board. But there are multiple appointments to remember and get to, a dozen medications to keep straight and you don’t know what’s going to happen next.

“Patients can feel lost in a complicated system,” says Andrew Kokkino, MD, medical director of the Oregon Neurosciences Institute. “Our doctors take good care of patients but it’s a challenge to take the incredible technology we have and make it understandable and accessible.”

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Dr. Kokkino agrees. “Eugene has a high number of super specialists—doctors who come from the finest institutions. We can provide the highest level of care here, in a smaller town setting, with exceptionally sophisticated medicine.”

Improving the Patient ExperienceIn addition to improving clinical outcomes, the Cancer Institute is focused on improving what it’s like for patients undergoing treatment.

“People don’t talk about the type of care they get as much as they talk about how they’re treated,” Reynolds says. “It’s the experience.”

Navigating through a journey of cancer treatment can be tricky. The most important work we can do is to support our patients through their diagnosis, treatment and follow up in a way that is meaningful, effective and personal. As well as continuously improving the quality and safety of care, we must assure that our mission and spirit are embedded in every patient experience.

Care Coordinator Guides PatientsClinical care coordinators can help patients and their families understand their diagnosis, treatment options and available resources. They can be a single point of contact for patients, following them through their care and making sure the right information is handed off to each physician and

so that patients don’t have to keep repeating themselves.

The Sacred Heart Hospital Guild has pledged to support a patient navigator for the breast center (See page 6). The integration of care coordinators is crucial in helping patients and families navigate a complex system. “It makes it easier for patients to make it through this journey,” says David Fryefield, MD, medical director of the Oregon Cancer Institute at Sacred Heart Medical Center. (See page 8 for profile of Dr. Fryefield.)

Once the Breast Cancer Center of Excellence has been established, the next centers of excellence to be developed will be for lung, colorectal and hepatobiliary cancers.

Tumor Conferences Put All the Experts in One RoomA success of the Cancer Institute has been the growth of tumor conferences. At tumor conferences, multidisciplinary groups of physicians come together to discuss cancer cases.

Each conference is based on the site in which cancer tumors are found: lung, neuro-oncology, gynecology/oncology, leukemia/lymphoma, urology, GI and breast. Some meet once a month, some twice a month—and the types of cancers discussed keeps growing.

At the table, depending on the tumor site, are surgeons, interventionalists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and sometimes professionals from other disciplines, such as dieticians and social workers, Reynolds says. The patient’s primary care doctor is also invited to attend. They all come together to discuss the care of individual patients. And if they’re not located in Eugene/Springfield? Then there are tele-conferences. Tom Roe, MD, is working on a pilot program with Peace Harbor Hospital in Florence so that physicians there can send a patient’s case for a conference with physicians here.

How You Can HelpThe pieces are falling into place for the Oregon Cancer Institute. But the puzzle isn’t yet complete. Support from our donors plays a crucial role in making sure the resources are in place to help our patients receive the care they need. Contact us to find out how you can support cancer care at Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation at (541) 686-6958 or indicate your interest on the enclosed envelope.

“People don’t talk

about the type of

care they get as

much as they talk

about how they’re

treated.”

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Sacred Heart Hospital Guild is sponsoring a patient navigator

for breast cancer patients at Sacred Heart Medical Center. This support has personal meaning to many Guild members.

“It’s a confusing time,” says Guild member Fern Rundall whose daughter is a breast cancer survivor. “A lot of it is left up to the patient to make choices at a time they’re not sure. I think this will be very helpful.”

Shirley Davidson, immediate past president of the Guild and a breast cancer survivor, remembers being overwhelmed with the amount of information she received upon her initial diagnosis. “When I was diagnosed, I talked to one of the Guild members who had a volunteer

Providing Cancer Care Coordinator Has Personal Meaning

patient navigator who helped her,” she says. “I thought, ‘How neat to have someone other than a humongous book to read about what to expect.’”

While Davidson didn’t have a care coordinator during her treatment at

Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, she sees the benefit for patients, especially for those undergoing more extensive treatment. “I think it’s important to be in

touch with someone who can tell you what to

expect, what the steps

are and how to negotiate through all the proper channels,” she says.

Guild member Jane Meredith knows first hand how helpful a patient navigator can be. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2009, her patient navigator at Oregon Imaging Center was right there with her.

“All through everything, she was right there and explained everything,” Meredith says. “She took me from the mammogram in to see the radiologist and explained everything that would happen. Every time I went, she was there. If I had a question, I could call her any time.”

“Cancer touches so many of us—whether it’s personally or family members,” Davidson says. “We’ve had many Guild members who have been affected by cancer. This cause is near and dear to us.”

“Every time I

went, she was

there. If I had a

question, I could

call her any

time.”

Guild Members: Noje Shepard, Mary Hucka, Nancy Thompson and Beth Webb.

Rueben Mayes, Foundation executive director, accepts a pledge payment from Carol Eldridge, Guild president.

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Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation in Corvallis, Ore., for the Women’s Cancer Coalition. The funds will be used at a screening event to provide breast health education, training and resources for women who are uninsured or

PeaceHealth Awards Community Health Grants to Fight Cancer

PeaceHealth continues efforts to develop a stronger regional

network of care through community health initiatives. Sacred Heart awarded four $1,000 grants to non-profit organizations emphasizing breast health and awareness. Grant recipients are:

It was a relatively small request—a digital microscope

with a camera to project pathology slides at tumor conferences. And, thanks to our donors, it was one we were able to fulfill.

Last year, our physicians presented more than 500 cancer tumor cases to multidisciplinary teams of their colleagues. For each one, pathology technicians had to pull the patient’s medical slides and turn them into digital images that were then inserted

New Microscope Saves Valuable Time, Money

into a PowerPoint presentation. It was a laborious, time-consuming task.

Now, our pathologists get a list of cases, gather the needed slides and bring them directly to the tumor conference. The microscope, which is connected to a projector, has a digital camera that takes an image of the slide and sends it through the projector. It can be easily seen by everyone in the room.

Robert McFarland, MD, uses the new microscope at a tumor conference.

The cost? $15,000. “It’s a valuable piece of equipment when you think about the amount of time it saves,” says Eileen Reynolds, executive director of the Oregon Cancer Institute.

Wisely used, even small gifts make a big difference. Make yours today using the enclosed envelope or go online to www.peacehealth.org/shmcfoundation.

underinsured in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties.

Corvallis Clinic Foundation in Corvallis, Ore. Funds will support Project H.E.R., a breast health services program that provides awareness, education and support services for breast health.

Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians in Roseburg, Ore., for the Umbrellas and the Prevention of Cancer Walk/Run and Health Fair. This event educates families on how to prevent breast,

prostate and colon cancers.

The Community Cancer Foundation in Roseburg, Ore. Funds will be used for Mother/Daughter education classes to teach women how to do proper breast self-exams.

These grants are intended to empower health care professionals to educate women about breast health and quality services. PeaceHealth hopes to develop new partnerships with other regional health care providers for breast health awareness and education.

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Physician Leaders

David Fryefield, MD, Coordinates the Experts

Bringing Multidisciplinary Team Together Creates Best Model of Care

Treating cancer is a team effort. And all teams need a coach—

someone to bring them together and help them work in a coordinated way.

At the Oregon Cancer Institute, David Fryefield, MD, is that coach.

Fryefield has worked to coordinate cancer care ever since he moved to Eugene in 1984. Fryefield is currently the Medical Director of the Oregon Cancer Institute at Sacred

Heart Medical Center and the Medical Director of Oncology at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center.

“What I’ve done to be successful

is I’ve been able to facilitate the important people sitting down in the same room and talking to each other,” Fryefield says. “That’s where the success has come—it’s not from me, it’s from putting them together face to face.”

Tumor Conferences Provide Great Patient CareUnder his direction, tumor conferences—where a multidisciplinary team of specialists gets together to discuss individual cancer cases—have become centralized. They now occur consistently, once or twice a month for each type of cancer, in the same location.

“In the past, when a doctor wanted to consult with medical oncologists—for instance, should they do radiation or surgery first?—they had to play phone tag. Now, the

only call or e-mail they have to make is to register their patient for the tumor conference,” Fryefield says.

This increase in efficiency has met a welcome reception. And it’s caused conferences to grow—most conferences, which started out once per month have increased to twice

a month. And the number of types of tumor conferences have increased. Currently, tumor sites covered include neuro-oncology, breast, GI, lung, leukemia, gynecology, urology and leukemia/ lymphoma.

“I really believe in the model of care where the team sits down and talks to each other face-to-face,” Fryefield says. “It’s better for the patient and it makes the doctor’s life more efficient.”

“I really believe

in the model of

care where the

team sits down

and talks to each

other face to

face.”

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For Peggy Hoyt, her health care journey started when she was 14

and took a course in first-aid. Over the next four years, she volunteered more than 200 hours as a candy striper at Providence Portland Medical Center.

“I loved it,” she says. “I loved the Emergency Room because I gave suckers to little children when they came in.” Her son, Brian Hoyt, MD, is now an ER doctor at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, Wash.

Peggy has a long history with PeaceHealth herself. She was an employee during Sacred Heart’s transition from Sacred Heart Hospital to Sacred Heart Medical Center. Her husband, Tom, was a long-time Foundation board member and volunteer.

Peggy joined the Sister Theodore Marie Society at the behest of lifetime family friends, Jo and Jack Courtemanche. It was their encouragement that inspired her to become part of the STMS leadership committee.

Now, her role is to help plan STMS annual dinners, alongside Foundation event planner Diane LeClere. “I’m proud of it. I love it,”

she says. “I like the people on the board and that, when we have our annual dinner, everybody comes and is so excited.”

Staying Current in Hospital InnovationWhat’s the best thing about being an STMS member? For Peggy, it’s staying involved in what’s going on at the hospital. “It’s important to know what Sacred Heart Medical Center is,” Peggy says. “When our children had to come to the hospital, I already knew it well, so I knew where to go.”

She also enjoys STMS After Hours events—learning more about health and advances in medicine. “I’ve seen the Gamma Knife—and now I know someone who’s going to be using it!” Peggy says. “If you’re an STMS member, you have these opportunities available. I’ve learned so much.”

Peggy Hoyt’s Journey Through Health Care Comes Full Circle

Coordinating the Cancer Institute DevelopmentDr. Fryefield’s role extends far beyond streamlining tumor conferences. He’s also responsible for bringing together several local cancer treatment organizations under one umbrella to provide the best patient care possible.

Under his leadership, the Oregon Cancer Institute is working with organizations across Lane County to make cancer care more accessible and less scary to patients. Patient navigators and care coordinators are one aspect of this model.

“I’d like to hear from patients and families when they get to the end of their journey with cancer treatment,” Fryefield says. “I’d like to get a note that says, ‘That was sure a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.’” That’s what building the Oregon Cancer Institute comes down to—one patient and their family trying to get through it.”

STMS Membership Matters

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Cristin

Babcock, MD, has a mission. She’s the new Medical Director for Obstetrics at Sacred Heart Medical Center Women’s and Children’s Institute.

And her mission is to improve the safety and health of women in Lane County—and of their babies.

Some of the goals to achieve that include reducing infant mortality, improving breastfeeding rates and developing more childbirth and parenting education.

Seeking Baby-Friendly DesignationA major step for the Women’s and Children’s Institute is seeking certification from the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program sponsored by the World Health

Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund. It encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding. How? It helps hospitals give mothers the information, confidence and skills they need to successfully start and continue breastfeeding their babies.

Currently, the PeaceHealth Medical Group Nurse Midwifery Birth Center is one of only four centers in Oregon with this designation. On average, 100 babies are born each year at the birth center. However, about 2,700 women give birth each year at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

Skin-to-Skin Time Becomes Standard CareOne way to help achieve breastfeeding success is uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between the baby and

mom immediately after birth. Babies placed skin-to-skin with their mother are more likely to be breastfed—and to breastfeed for longer.

“We had a mom who had planned to bottle feed her baby. She needed a c-section, but we still placed the baby on her chest and covered them with a warm blanket,” Dr. Babcock says. “The baby found the mom’s breast and latched on by herself—now she’s going home breastfeeding.”

How You Can HelpBecoming a baby friendly

designated hospital isn’t an easy task. An interdisciplinary team of labor and delivery nurses, administrators

and physicians are working on it. But it takes

a fair amount of training for every caregiver in the unit.

To make a donation to Children’s Miracle Network, use the enclosed envelope in this issue of Cornerstone. Or donate online at www.peacehealth.org/cmn.

Care for Women and Children Gets Upgrade

New Medical Director for Obstetrics Aims for Baby-Friendly Designation

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Last year, Keshia and Aron Cramer were expecting a baby

girl, Presley. Keshia was 22 years old—just about to graduate from University of Oregon. Life looked bright.

But on June 30, she woke up with intense body aches and a high fever. Doctors initially thought she had a kidney infection and began treating her with antibiotics. But, her condition worsened. On July 5, with a temperature of 104 degrees, Keshia couldn’t speak or comprehend what was going on around her. After running some tests, doctors determined that she had double pneumonia caused by the H1N1 flu virus.

Keshia was admitted to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. Within 48 hours, she slipped into a coma and was on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Keshia was fighting for her life and the life of her unborn child.

Only four days later, doctors decided that it was necessary to deliver Presley, even though Keshia was still unconscious. It was only the second time Paul Qualtere-Burcher, MD, had performed a c-section outside of an operating room. As nurses lowered her bed, Keshia’s vital signs

dipped—the procedure had to be done with Keshia sitting upright. An emergency vertical c-section was a first for Dr. Qualtere-Burcher—and it was a success.

When Presley was born, she was whisked away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She weighed just 2 lbs 1 oz and measured only 13 inches. She was born 15 weeks early and had her own battle to fight.

Keshia, meanwhile, was still in a coma. Doctors told her husband and parents that pneumonia was winning the battle and it was time to say goodbye.

“My husband says it was the best and worst night of his life. He got to meet his newborn baby, but then was told that his wife probably wouldn’t survive,” Keshia says. But Aron and the rest of Keshia’s family never lost hope. They spent hours at her bedside praying for a recovery.

That hope was sorely tested. Keshia stayed in a coma for another 30 days. When she finally fought back the illness and awoke, she could hardly hold her head up and had to undergo intense physical therapy. During those first few days, she learned how to speak and write again. Finally, when she was strong

enough, Keshia met her baby girl. Presley had pulled through and was already one month old.

In late September, after Presley spent 76 days in the NICU, Keshia and Aron were able to bring her home. Today, Presley is a lively and expressive little girl.

Keshia attributes her recovery to the strong team of nurses and physicians at Sacred Heart, including lung specialist, Khuram Ameen, MD.

“He saved my life. He’s an amazing doctor. I might have died if I was in a different hospital,” Keshia says.

Though her lungs remain partially damaged and she still has joint pain, Keshia is optimistic about the future. “I have no reason to be sad about my experience. I feel lucky to be here.”

She also feels blessed to have a healthy girl. “I look at Presley now and think—she’s a miracle.” A miracle made possible by equipment, education and supplies funded by Children’s Miracle Network.

Keshia and Presley Cramer’s survival is a double miracle

Mom and Baby Fight for Life Against H1N1 Flu

Presley and Keshia Cramer

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CMN New Doc

How can we thank you? Let us count the ways…

Not only does Children’s Miracle Network count on donations from individual donors, we also rely on partnerships with local and national businesses. It’s through these collaborations and sponsorships that we’re able to provide the latest in medical care to the babies and children treated at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

Pepsi and Dari Mart Team up for BabiesAs part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Eugene in partnership with Dari Mart awarded a $10,000 grant Children’s Miracle Network. It purchased a new “Stryker” isolette transport lift for our neonatal ambulance.

The new hydraulic lift makes it much safer for caregivers and is more maneuverable.

Credit Unions Raffle Car for KidsCredit Unions for Kids raffled a new car and other goodies in December. The first Oregon Credit Union for Kids Charity Raffle gave away a 2011 Nissan Versa, donated by Credit Union Direct Lending and Lithia Motors. Other prizes included golf getaways at Bandon Dunes and Sunriver, a Shakespeare adventure and gift cards to Jerry’s Home Improvement and Home Depot.

Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket and all our local credit unions

including Laneco Federal Credit Union, Linn-Co Federal Credit Union, Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union, Oregon Community Credit Union, SELCO

Community Credit Union, Register-Guard Federal Credit Union and Northwest Community Credit Union.

Ladies Create Miracles at Lunch at Tiffany’sA little glam goes a long way. Guests at Lunch at Tiffany’s enjoyed silent and live auctions—and a moving video of a young mother’s miracle story that brought most of us to tears.

The inaugural luncheon event raised more than $100,000. Funds go

to provide care for sick and injured children at

Sacred Heart Medical Center. Thank you to all our 2010 sponsors: First Tech Credit Union, Jerry’s Home

Improvement Center, Oregon Community

Credit Union, Bi-Mart and Foresters. If you couldn’t

make it this year, be sure to join us on Nov. 2, 2011. You can buy tickets or a table online at www.peacehealth.org/cmn.

Oregon credit unions come together in the first Oregon Credit Unions for Kids raffle.

Representatives from Pepsi, Dari Mart and the NICU transportation team with the new Stryker lift. From left: Pat Smith and Andy Moore of Pepsi; Pat Straube of Dari Mart; Pam VanVoorhis, RN; Rosie Coulombe RRT; Laurie Sauver, RRT; Joan Flanders, RN; Sara Smith, RN; Crystal Yancey, RN; and Steve Wall.

Thank you

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I think our dear angels often visit us, and we are not aware of it.—Margaret Anna Cusack,

Founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace

For information on how to recognize your Guardian Angels, call Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation at (541) 686-6958.

Angels and Counting2 3 4

Sometimes the kindness and compassion of one person

makes all the difference when you’re in the hospital. During a difficult time, you feel cared for as a whole person.

We call these people our Guardian Angels. Angels come in many forms: a doctor, nurse, receptionist, housekeeper or team of caregivers.

Here’s what patients have said about the Guardian Angels who have cared for them:

Confident Care Eased WorriesAfter discovering a mass on the lower left side of her stomach, Pamela Pierson needed a biopsy at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. Her visit was made easier because of Cheryl Ward, a nursing assistant in the surgical unit.

“Cheryl knew what she was doing. She made me feel comfortable and was very on top of things. She made my recovery stay smooth,” Pierson says.

Lifting Spirits Helped HealingRenee Johnson was admitted to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend to have a cancerous tumor removed from her pancreas. She didn’t quite realize at the time how long and intensive her recovery would be.

During her 11-day recovery, Renee was very pleased with the care she received. It took its toll on her, but Jennifer Christensen, CNA, made a difference.

“One day early in my recovery, maybe the third day, I was feeling very bad both physically and spiritually. I could barely speak. In popped Jennifer with a perky, ‘Hey, good afternoon honey-pie!’ I felt my health improve many levels right on the spot,” Johnson says.

“She was there when I needed her and always had a perky attitude. She was attentive and positive. That really helped.”

Nominate Your AngelsDo you have a story to share about the care you received? Send us your story in the enclosed envelope or go online to www.peacehealth.org/guardianangel.

Recent Guardian Angels Honorees

Here are the most recent Guardian Angels nominated for a job well done.

Bo Bergeson, PharmacistAngela Bradley, RNCarrie Campbell, CNAMolly Campbell, RNJennifer Christensen, CNADon Cowin, PharmacistJulie Ford, Ward ClerkLeonard Johanson, PharmacistKim Lawrence, RNJames Leaf, RNCamile Leider, FNPKim Moser, CNAMark Snider, PharmacistMichael Rott, Tech IINicole Thomson, CNARebecca Vaughn, CNAJennifer Walker, PharmacistCheryl Ward, CNACara Weaver, RNMuggy Wizer-Hayes, RN

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Board Member Akshay Gupta, MD Honored in 20 Under 40 Awards

Sacred Heart Connections

Akshay Gupta, MD, plays

many roles in our community—father, board member, neuroradiologist, volunteer. With his 20 Under 40 Award in December, he was honored for all of them.

The 20 Under 40 Awards are given to rising business stars in Eugene by Mercedes-Benz of Eugene and blue chip magazine.

Dr. Gupta and his family: wife, Cindy, and children, Garret, Cameron and Dylan, moved

to Eugene in 2005. They immediately became immersed in the community, which he attributes to the “phenomenal people” who made the transition easy.

Dr. Gupta is a member of the Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation

board, the Sacred Heart RiverBend executive committee, the Birth to Three sponsorship committee and is the executive vice president of Radiology Associates.

Growing up in New Orleans, Dr. Gupta has a passion for Cajun food and is known for his fantastic gumbo.

He was nominated for the 20 Under 40 Award by Joe Gonyea III, Foundation board president.

“Akshay is committed to his medical group, which in turn will continue to improve the health care in our region,” Gonyea says. “It is inspirational to think that Akshay and his wonderful family moved to Eugene and, while not knowing anyone upon their arrival, Akshay and his wife, Cindy, have already had an outstanding impact on our community and will continue to do so.”

Technology Tour Gives Insight into Medical Advances

Donors enjoyed seeing the latest technology and surgical suites at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in January. The tour included a demonstration of the daVinci robotic surgical system, the neuro biplane and hybrid operating suites, and the radial catheterization lounge.

Pictured here are Marie Jones and Erik Hauck, MD. Marie was instrumental in purchasing equipment for the neuro biplane operating suite. This kind of technology enables Sacred Heart to provide care for the people in our region and attracts highly skilled surgeons such as Dr. Hauck.

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Investment in Health Care Affords Guaranteed Lifetime Income

Legacy Giving

W hen Guy Justice retired in 2004—after being the Executive

Director of Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation for 17 years—his heart didn’t stray far from the hospital he’d worked so long to help. The mission and vision that PeaceHealth carries forward still resonates with him today.

Guy and his wife, Eva, also a long-time Sacred Heart employee, wanted to continue to help the hospital provide excellent and compassionate care to every one of its patients. But Guy’s approach toward managing his personal finances is much the same as how he led the Foundation—with prudence. He wanted to be sure that any investment he made in health care was a sound one.

That’s why the Pooled Income Fund (PIF) was the perfect choice.

“Eva and I were looking for an income-

producing investment to replace our maturing tax-free municipal bonds and CDs. We wanted secure investment income—but with a better yield than what we’d receive if we reinvested in bonds and CDs,” Guy says.

The PIF generates a guaranteed 6 percent return. It also keeps up with inflation—income can increase up to 2 percent annually. Now, Guy and Eva can rely on an average tax-adjusted yield of 10 percent for the rest of their lives.

For conservative investors, it couldn’t be better. The PIF is secured by three income-producing medical buildings

owned by the PIF and under a long-term rental contract with PeaceHealth.

Like an annuity, the PIF offers a charitable tax deduction. But its yield is higher than most commercial annuities and donations immediately go to work at the hospital. Part of the income donors receive is tax-free.

“It’s a wonderful way to increase our retirement

income while contributing to medical excellence,” Guy says. “Eva and I plan to continue making annual gifts to it.”

Learn more about the Pooled Income Fund. Contact the Foundation at shmcfoundation@peacehealth.org or (541) 686-6958.

In Memoriam

It was with sadness that we learned that Foster Anderson and Gus Keller

passed away. They were great men and are deeply missed.

Foster Anderson was one of the five founding members of the Sacred Heart Foundation Board of Directors in 1962. He served as Board President from 1965–1967. He was a member of Sacred

Heart Medical Center’s lay advisory board in 1960 and was appointed to its governing board in 1971. His leadership and vision helped shape Sacred Heart into the fine medical facility it is today.

Gus Keller, who served the city of Eugene as Mayor from 1977 to 1984, was elected president of the Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation

board of directors in 1994. He was instrumental in setting up the Foundation’s general endowment fund.

Gus was known for being a straight-talking leader who knew how to bring people together. His impact on our community is a lasting reminder of his leadership.

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Three new Volunteer Societies are lending a hand to raise

money for Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation—by being creative and doing what they already do best.

Coffee Helps Community HealthCafé Yumm! held its first coffee sale to benefit the Community Health Fund in December. The week-long event took place in the lobby of RiverBend Annex and outside the Café Yumm! at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. Their hopes were exceeded when supplies sold out on the first day. Forty percent of sales—about $250—were donated to the Community Health Fund.

The restaurant’s Volunteer Society formed in June 2010 and plans to hold its coffee sale annually.

“It was a good success,” says Zack Hegge, store owner. “Our employees liked it—it was something fun and new to do. To be able to contribute to community health is directly in line with what we want to do.”

Palliative Care Raises Spirits and Funds with FlowersPalliative Care held their first orchid sale at RiverBend Annex in December. Their Volunteer Society focuses on raising money for Palliative Care clients in need of basic essentials—helping to pay for prescriptions, food, cleaning supplies and assistive devices such as walkers and safety bars. Proceeds also defray the travel costs for volunteers in outlying areas.

The Palliative Care Volunteer Society started in April 2010 and currently has 10 volunteers. The orchid sale was such a success that another is planned for June.

Exercising for Babies CrossFit Intensify held their first Burpees for Babies challenge at the end of December. Members competed to see who could do 100 burpees the fastest. What’s a burpee? A burpee is a full body gymnastics exercise starting face-down on the ground and quickly jumping up.

All proceeds went to Children’s Miracle Network at Sacred Heart. The purpose of CrossFit’s new Volunteer Society is to develop and maintain a meaningful relationship with the community.

Do you have an idea for a Volunteer Society?Contact Alexa Sharps at (541) 686-6456 or asharps@peacehealth.org.

Volunteer Societies Get Creative

Groups Raise Money by Doing What They’re Good At

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“We need more people like our volunteers.”

When I think about how the Foundation and hospital can meet our community’s needs, I’m so grateful for our donors and volunteers. You

give so much of your time and energy, as well as financial contributions.

Take, for instance, the Sacred Heart Hospital Guild. Its volunteers invest thousands of hours at our RiverBend and University District gift shops, Heartfelt Gifts—all to serve employees, patients and hospital visitors.

Through their tireless work they are also providing funding for the first Sacred Heart Medical Center cancer care coordinator. Thanks to them, breast cancer patients will have someone to help them through the treatment process.

In this way, our Guild members double the investment of time—through their volunteer hours in the gift shops and through their philanthropic support to help cancer patients in this community.

Others who give to the good of our community are our new Volunteer Societies. Each, organized around a meaningful cause within the hospital, raises money and awareness through their efforts.

Our community has many health care needs. We need more people like our volunteers to meet them. Call us at (541) 686-6958 if you’d like to help.

Rueben Mayes, MBAExecutive DirectorSacred Heart Medical Center Foundation

Sign up for @SHMCFoundation, our monthly e-newsletter.

Find out about upcoming events, watch videos, read stories from grateful patients and learn about the good your donation does.

To sign up, drop us a note at shmcfoundation@peacehealth.org. Or send your e-mail address on the enclosed paper reply envelope— whether or not you make a gift.

Stay Up To Date with Monthly Foundation E-News

From the Desk of Rueben Mayes

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Listening to You Through Social Media

Twitter - twitter.com/SHMCFoundationPhoto Album - picasaweb.google.com/Sacred.Heart.FoundationFacebook - www.facebook.com/SHMCFoundation

F o u n d a t i o n F r i e n d s

The Center for Medical Education received a generous gift from Oregon Community Credit Union in February. Pictured from left are Rueben Mayes; Rosie Pryor; John Mahan; Jennifer Lushenko; Elizabeth Hilton, MD; Chris Traver; Mandy Jones and Mel Pyne.

Willa and John Alvord visit with Sister Monica Heeran at the “Make No Small Plans Gala” in October.

Gala guests Sally Olson, Lee Soreng, Starly Hodges and Betty Soreng.

Below: Guests at the Babb Properties table enjoy the Lunch at Tiffany’s Auction to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

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C a l e n d a rMarch 3-4—Radiothon (CMN)

March 5-May 20—Kids Helping Kids Pageants

March 9-10—PeaceHealth in the Desert

March 17—Foundation Board meeting

March 31—Doctors Day

April 14—STMS Annual Dinner

April 21—STMS After Hours, RiverBend Annex

July 23—Winetasia (CMN)

Aug. 11—Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day (CMN)

Aug. 29—CMN Golf Classic

Oct. 27—STMS After Hours, RiverBend Annex

Nov. 2—Lunch at Tiffany’s Auction, Valley River Inn (CMN)

Cass and Bob Cochran

Judy Baldwin and Jo-Mae Gonyea

John Harrison, Joe Gonyea III and Bill Pollock

For complete pageant schedule visit www.peacehealth.org/cmn

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PeaceHealth employees did it again—thank you!

PO Box 10905Eugene, Oregon 97440

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDEUGENE, OR 97401

Permit No. 188

$410,830 in donations

Funds go to community organizations that provide health care to the uninsured. They also help defray the cost of uncompensated care for patients without insurance who come to Sacred Heart Medical Center and to our Bridge Assistance program.

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