News from Rex Healthcare FoundationWinter 2012

The Rex Guild - Celebrating 75 Years of Service

Rex Gala Highlights

Honorary Chairs of the 2012 GalaDr. and Mrs. Stephen Chiavetta announce a special gift to the new N.C. Cancer Hospital at Rex.

When John Rex bequeathed money to establish a hos-

pital to serve the sick and afflicted poor of Wake County, he

never imagined the extraordinary efforts one strong group

of dedicated women would make to champion his cause.

Established in 1936, the Rex Guild has been a guiding light

for Rex Healthcare for 75 years, by lending time, energy,

ideas and a personal touch to improve patient care.

Although a group that humbly prefers to fly under the radar,

Guild board members have not been afraid to speak up,

work hard, or ”get their hands

dirty“ to make a positive im-

pact on patients.

Since the Guild formed,

they have paid the bills of

indigent patients, served

meals to needy fami-

lies (in the early days

they also prepared

the meals), donated

money for expensive

but much needed medical equipment, and beautified the

hospital and grounds to create a nurturing and healing envi-

ronment for Rex patients and their families.

Instruments of Service The News and Observer reported on June 27, 1936, that

the Guild had been “formed to assist Rex Hospital in becom-

ing an instrument of greater service to the people of Raleigh.”

Later that same year, the Guild was 500 members strong and

The Rex Guild - 75 years of excellent service to Rex and our community

had raised $25,000 – equivalent of nearly $400,000 today –

for necessary equipment to furnish the new Rex Hospital. The

Guild consists of all Rex volunteers, and in 1940, a board was

established to administer their operations.

In the early days, emphasis was placed on making

patients at Rex feel at home. Volunteers decorated rooms

and established comfortable lounge areas for families. Each

holiday, patients received a treat or gift on their meal tray,

and children enjoyed coloring books and crayons – a practice

that continues today. At Christmas, Guild members distributed

flowers and decorated the halls of Rex Hospital to bring cheer

to those who could not be home with family. Today, Guild

members arrive every Christmas Eve to deliver a teddy bear to

every inpatient, no matter the patient’s age.

During the years when the Rex School of Nursing was

open, 1894 to 1975, the Guild took great pride in supporting

its students and their education. The Guild provided numer-

ous scholarships and today awards continuing education

scholarships to deserving Rex co-workers and “volunteens,”

teenagers who volunteer at Rex Hospital.

Funding is also set aside to sponsor tuition grants for pas-

toral care education. In

fact, through the Guild’s

ongoing support, the Rex

Pastoral Care program

has become nationally

certified and supports

adults pursuing divinity

degrees through hands-

The mission of the Rex Healthcare Guild is to render assistance to Rex Healthcare through volunteerism and financial support.

on ministry at the hospital. The non-denominational Chapel

located in the hospital was built at the urging of the Guild,

recognizing that faith plays an instrumental role in healing

and families’ comfort. The altar that stands today is the origi-

nal altar from the former Rex Hospital on St. Mary’s Street and

was brought over thanks to the Guild.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Guild members sewed

clothes for patients, curtains for the lobbies, and decorated

waiting rooms. Today, funds are provided to purchase mate-

rial and supplies to craft infant caps, incubator blankets, angel

bereavement bags and gowns and to assist oncology and

critical care patients with drainage bags, totes, lap robes and

quilts. During the fiscal year ending June 2010, nearly 12,500

hand-crafted products were lovingly made by volunteers.

Innovations In 1969, the Rex Child Development Center opened

thanks to the Guild’s driving force in creating and funding

the Center. The Guild knew there was a nursing shortage and

recognized the hardship nurses faced having to leave their

children at home or

find childcare during

lengthy shifts. Their

vision was to ensure

nurses were available

for patient care, but

also able to support the

family structure. Rex

was the first business

in North Carolina to

offer on-site daycare and was the first hospital to do so in the

southeast. Today, the Center cares for 152 little ones!

The Guild was essential in creating the Maude Grimes

Garden and the Centennial Garden, two outdoor areas that

offer tranquility and respite to patients, visitors, physicians

and co-workers at Rex Hospital. The “Courtyard,” as it is lov-

ingly called today, is meticulously maintained by the Rex Guild.

Throughout the years, additional state-of-the-art equip-

ment has been introduced to Wake County through the

Guild’s help. For example, an Eclipse Laser was purchased in

1992 for $139,000. At the time, Rex was one of only seven

hospitals in the country to have this machine – and there was

not another one within a 500 mile radius of Raleigh.

In 2002, the Guild purchased hearing screen-

ing machines so every baby could be tested for hearing loss

before leaving the hospital. This testing is so important, it is

now state mandated. Rex delivered about 52,000 babies from

2002-2010. Of those, Rex has identified at least 63 babies

with hearing loss. Thanks to the screening machines from the

Guild, all babies received early intervention, thus increasing

their chances of normal learning, growth and development to

keep pace with their hearing peers.

In 2006, the Rex Palliative Care Program began. Started

with funds provided by the Rex Guild, this program was

developed to support the growing population of patients with

debilitating diseases and life-threatening illnesses and ease

their stress. A team of physicians, nurses, social workers and

chaplains structure a plan to help the patient, and their family

members, participate in decisions about quality of life issues.

Palliative care is not typically covered by insurance and is only

currently available in about one in four hospitals.

Community Cornerstone Since 1936, the Rex Guild has evolved from a handful

of physicians’ wives to more than 1,200 humble and dedi-

cated volunteers. They began their mission to create regional

goodwill toward Rex Hospital, but have grown to initiate

and maintain a true movement to better the lives of those

who use the services of Rex. Whether it’s a teddy bear, a

kind word, or access to a life-changing medical device, the

work of the Rex Guild has benefited thousands of patients

in 75 years through their unwavering passion for service and

excellence. As former

Raleigh Mayor Avery

C. Upchurch noted

on their 50th an-

niversary, the Guild

volunteers are a

“cornerstone of the

community.”

The mission of the Rex Healthcare Guild is to render assistance to Rex Healthcare through volunteerism and financial support.

Rex Healthcare Guild Board Judy Anderson – PresidentMary Rendleman – President-electAdrienne Clark – TreasurerBetsy Wray – Treasurer-electSusie Small – SecretaryCarol Thornhill – Past-PresidentAudrey Black – Parliamentarian

October 29, 2011 Rex GalaA black-tie fundraiser benefitting the N.C. Cancer Hospital at Rex

A lovely evening was had by all who attended the 2011 Rex Gala! Held the end

of October at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Gala’s Healing Garden themed

event raised funds for the new N.C. Cancer Hospital. Mark your calendars!

Next year’s Gala will be Saturday, November 10, 2012.

Sylvia Hackett, Barbara Myers and Marlene Daugherty

Marion and Damien McHugh, M.D., and Colleen Casey, M.D.

Grasshopper and Lisa Parker

Mary Lou Powell, R.N., Bob Thomas and Bill Roper, M.D.

Fred and Patsy Day

Charlene (Char) Grunwaldt, Dawn Zachary, Phil Zachary, Darleen Johns and Larry Mackell

Mary and Robert Wehbie, M.D.

Gala By the Numbers

1 waterfall, 1 moon2 interactive flowers2 human bouncing grasshoppers10 twelve foot trees137 auction items$37,870 raised through call for donations650 attendees

Grand total raised:

$268,685

Gala By the Numbers

1 waterfall, 1 moon2 interactive flowers2 human bouncing grasshoppers10 twelve foot trees137 auction items$37,870 raised through call for donations650 attendees

Grand total raised:

$268,685

Jeff and Angela Billingsley

Rex Society SpotlightMeet our 2011-2012 Community Co-Chairs

Dr. Richard S. Myers For the second year,

Richard S. Myers, M.D., will

represent the Rex Healthcare

Foundation’s Rex Society as

Community Co-chair. Dr. Myers is

no stranger to Rex; he performed

28,000 surgeries with Raleigh Surgical Group and

served on the Rex Board of Trustees for 14 years

before stepping down in 2008.

Retiring from his practice certainly has not

diminished Dr. Myers dedication to patient care and

the success of Rex. He and his wife Barbara have been

long-time supporters of the Rex Healthcare Founda-

tion where his philanthropic spirit continues to inspire.

Mrs. Flo B. Winston When taking a trip to Africa

this summer, Mrs. Flo Winston

packed something special – a

memento of her days serving on

the Rex Healthcare Guild. Mrs.

Winston included some Rex balloons

to offer to children that she met on her journey. She

was delighted to see their reactions.

Like Dr. Myers, Mrs. Winston has volunteered for

Rex, not only serving on the Rex Guild but as a mem-

ber of the Board of Trustees as well. Mrs. Winston is

well known for the mark she and husband Charlie

have made in the Triangle bringing restaurants like

Angus Barn and Darryl’s to life, and they were among

the 2011 inductees in the Raleigh Hall of Fame.

October 29, 2011

Honoring One...Comforting ManyThe Coffer Family Apartment at Rex

In the three years since his passing, the family of Dr. Bertram

“Bert” Coffer has had a special project on their minds. The family

(shown above) will soon see their vision, to create a respite for

families of those in the Intensive Care Unit, become a reality.

Coffer, head of anesthesia at Rex Healthcare, spent his final

days in the Intensive Care Unit. “He had the very best of care for

which we are forever grateful,” remarked his wife Jeanne Coffer.

“I was reluctant to leave his bedside. Because of our experience,

it is our family’s desire to provide a space where family mem-

bers of critically-ill patients can go to find comfort and rest, yet

remain close to their loved one.”

Over the past several months the Coffer family, including

Jeanne and their three children, has worked with the staff at Rex

Healthcare to create plans for an overnight room in memory of

Bert. The Coffer Family Apartment will be located on the first

floor of the hospital overlooking a beautiful courtyard. The room

will include a kitchenette, a queen-size bed, private bath, sitting

area, and a work space. It will provide a peaceful and private

respite for families at Rex.

This effort has been championed by the many friends, fam-

ily and colleagues who wanted to honor Dr. Coffer’s memory

in such a meaningful way. A plaque honoring all donors will be

placed in the room so that the Coffer family and guests of the

room will always remember the love and support of those who

contributed.

The Rex Healthcare Foundation has established the Coffer

Family Apartment Fund to receive contributions for this project.

For more information on how to make a donation to the Coffer Family Apartment Fund or to join the Rex Society, please contact Rex Healthcare Foundation's director of major gifts, Kathy Stokes, at (919) 784-4475 or kathy.stokes@rexhealth.com.

A Powerful Question The Rex Healthcare Foundation asked Rex co-workers the following question:

How would $5,000 help you to improve patient care in your area? We weren’t a bit surprised to receive 50 outstanding ideas from across the

healthcare system. Rex co-workers are more than just healthcare professionals,

they are passionate about doing everything they can to improve the patient expe-

rience. They are dedicated to delivering the best care possible to those they serve.

The passion of one For many older adults, independent

living means living alone. Leroy S. Darkes,

M.D., director of the Rex Senior Health

Center, located in the heart of Southeast

Raleigh, knows that is the reality for many

of the patients he sees. A simple fall or a

sudden illness can be fatal for anyone that

cannot help themselves. This fact prompted

Dr. Darkes to apply for the 2011 Co-worker

Opportunity for Excellence Grant. Dr. Darkes wanted to provide Guardian Alert

911 devices to the most at-risk patients he sees, and this grant provided the per-

fect opportunity to do so. This two-way communication device provides peace

of mind and the opportunity to speak directly to a 911 operator with the simple

touch of a tiny pendant worn around the neck.

A council with purpose The Rex Healthcare Foundation em-

ployed the Co-worker Advisory Council,

a group of 25 co-workers throughout

the hospital to carefully evaluate each

of the requests received. With limited

resources and 50 strong proposals this

was a difficult process. Darkes’ proposal

for 911 devices was just one of the seven

requests fulfilled this year. “Simple things

like being a part of the Co-worker Advi-

sory Council, and seeing what we were

able to accomplish through these grants,

makes us proud to be Rex employees,” re-

marked Margaret Windett-Sims, manager

of Rex Blood Services. A total of $10,000

was awarded this year. Funds were made

possible through the Spring Co-worker

Giving Campaign.

2011 Co-worker Opportunities for Excellence

AWARD WINNERSGuardian 911 Alert MonitorsAward Amount: $1,500Submitted by Leroy S. Darkes, M.D. Will purchase 100 Guardian 911 Alert Monitors that will be distributed to at-risk senior patients living independently.

AccuVein Viewing System Award Amount: $4,700Submitted by Julia TerrellThis system allows co-workers to see a patient’s veins clearly, leaving little room for error. This will be shared throughout the Wakefield Campus and may be used in Radiology, Laboratory and Rex Cancer Center.

iPads and SoftwareAward Amount: $1,000Submitted by Cathy B. MillerThe iPads will have educational software to explain procedures to pediatric patients, as well as games to occupy them while awaiting surgery.

Wheelchair for Cary RadiologyAward Amount: $250Submitted by Jennifer DrustA second wheelchair will help Cary Radiology provide better care to their patients.

Bus TicketsAward Amount: $1,000Submitted by Melanie MartinCase Management will offer bus tickets to the homeless population so that follow-up appointments will more likely be kept.

Car Cooler CaddiesAward Amount: $1,000Submitted by Baxter WalkerUpgrading to higher quality coolers will allow Courier Services to be more efficient with lab specimens.

Windshield with WipersAward Amount: $500Submitted by Tony Sanchez Providing a windshield with wipers for the current guest shuttle will allow for a safer transport on rainy days, when the shuttle is of greatest need.

2011 Co-worker Advisory Council Members

Wanda Adams, Women’s and Children’sLucy Arnold, Food and NutritionWendy Avery, Mobile Mammography UnitGinger Baker, Rex Rehab and Nursing Care

CenterTommy Ballard, Biomedical EngineeringJenny Beazley, Rex Wellness Center of GarnerSammie Best, Executive OfficePattie Corduan, Rex PharmacyBob Crump, Service ExcellenceMike Hoke, Protective ServicesCecelia Holmes, Rex Express Care of WakefieldLynette Kellum, Case ManagementNita Kline, Rex Cancer CenterMarie Ludwick, Med/SurgicalKaryne Marcotte, Rex Radiology at WakefieldSara Martin, Rex Express Care of CaryMichael Anglin, Inpatient Rehab ServicesJane Murphy, Information TechnologySue Noble, Patient AccountingPaula O’Briant, Volunteer ServicesKatie Pollara, Human ResourcesTom Stanley, Corporate Finance and Strategic

PlanningBrian Trabulsi, Outpatient Rehab ServicesMargaret Windett-Sims, Rex Blood ServicesHelene Zehnder, Cardiovascular

Rex Healthcare Milestones, Activities & Opportunities

Growth Abounds•OnDecember3,Rex Healthcare of

Holly Springs held a winter-themed

open house (above). The facility

welcomes multiple physician practices

and the fourth Rex Express Care loca-

tion in Wake County.

•TwooftheTriangle’sleadingcar-

diothoracic surgeons have formed a

new practice affiliated with Rex. Rex Cardiothoracic Surgery Special-ists is led by co-medical directors

Lance E. Landvater, M.D., and Robert

B. Peyton, M.D.

•TheRex Mobile Mammography unit hit the ground running mid-

November thanks to partners Revlon,

Hologic, Komen for the Cure-Triangle

Affiliate and the Kay Yow Foundation.

A photo of Kay Yow is prominently

featured on the side of the unit.

•CertificateofNeedupdates:Rex

was awarded a (CON) for a 50-bed hospital in Holly Springs. Rex was

also awarded a CON to begin phase

1 of Vision 2030 for a new bed tower/heart and vascular center on main campus. Rex appealed the

denial of our application for a 40-bed

hospital in Wakefield.

•TrianglePhysicianNetwork(TPN)

announces the addition of River-bend Family Medicine and Roles-ville Family Practice to its network

of primary care practices. TPN is a

non-profit, integrated system of

primary care services offered by UNC

and Rex.

Kudos•Atthe

2011

annual

medical staff meeting, Leopold M. Waldenberg, M.D., was honored

posthumously by his colleagues as

the Distinguished Physician of the

Year. He spent more than 30 years

in private practice, was an attend-

ing surgeon at both Rex and Raleigh

Community Hospitals and held a clini-

cal assistant professorship of surgery

at the UNC School of Medicine.

•Rex Bariatric Specialists has

received national recognition for its

weight-loss surgery program and was

designated a Center of Excellence.

•TheCommissiononCancerofthe

American College of Surgeons has

granted “Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation” to the Rex Cancer Center for providing the

highest level of quality cancer care

Coming up•February is heart month! Rex offers a variety

of activities to promote

cardiovascular health. For

a complete listing, visit

rexhealth.com.

•Saturday,March3,joinusatFred

Fletcher Park for the Get Your Rear In Gear Race.

•Doctors’ Day is March 30!

•ThirdThursdayofeachmonth,join

Crabtree Valley Mall’s Mall Walkers,

sponsored by Rex. Free breakfast!

Your next opportunity for great charity golf:

May 31 - June 3, 2012TPC Wakefield Plantation

For more information, visitrexhospitalopen.com.

Members of Revlon and Rex with the new Rex Mobile Mammography unit: Frand Evaldi, Angela Brunson, Amy Daniels, Kelli Poe-Jones, Karen Schlett, Carson Gilbert and Wendy Avery

Gifts to Rex Healthcare are made through the Rex Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3). The Rex Healthcare Foundation can be reached at (919) 784-4424 or rex.foundation@rexhealth.com.

4420 Lake Boone TrailRaleigh, North Carolina 27607

chosen for excellence

Would you like to receive Inspire electronically? Let us know at rex.foundation@rexhealth.com.

Peace of Mind: PRICELESS! Imagine feeling a strong desire to go for a walk and forgetting where you are.

Confusion sets in. You may be looking for a home that no longer exists or for family

that is not close by. The farther you travel, the more disoriented you become.

According to the latest data from the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.4 million people

have Alzheimer’s disease (not including other causes of dementia, such as strokes). For

these individuals and their caregivers wandering is cause for grave concern.

About 60 percent of those suffering from dementia will wander out of their home

or care facility at least once. Some wander frequently. If not found within 24 hours,

up to 50 percent will be found dead or seriously harmed.

This year the Rex Healthcare Foundation was able to fund the purchase and instal-

lation of a WanderGuard System for

Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care

Center of Apex. This system provides

the necessary tools for caregivers to

manage and reduce wandering while

respecting the dignity of the resident.

It also provides the invaluable peace of

mind for the families they serve.

For more information, visit

alz.org/facts.

Rex Healthcare Foundation TeamSylvia Hackett Vice President, Rex Healthcare Sylvia.Hackett@rexhealth.com (919) 784-2242Angela Brunson Development Officer Angela.Brunson@rexhealth.com (919) 784-4443Amy Daniels Manager, Foundation Operations Amy.Daniels@rexhealth.com (919) 784-4434Ginger Duncan Administrative Coordinator Ginger.Duncan@rexhealth.com (919) 784-4424Carson Gilbert Director, Corporate and Foundation Giving Carson.Gilbert@rexhealth.com (919) 784-4718Jennifer Scott Donor Systems Specialist Jennifer.Scott@rexhealth.com (919) 784-4562Katherine Stokes Director, Major Gifts and Special Campaigns Katherine.Stokes@rexhealth.com (919) 784-4475Allison Strickland Development Officer Allison.Strickland@rexhealth.com (919) 784-4552Kenneth Zeitler, M.D. Development Officer N.C. Cancer Hospital at Rex Kenneth.Zeitler@rexhealth.com (919) 784-7689

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