Spring 2004

E A S T T E N N E S S E E C H I L D R E N Õ S H O S P I TA L

ChildrenÕs Hospital2018 Clinch Ave. ¥ P.O. Box 15010Knoxville, Tennessee 37901-5010

We always try to stay current with friends of the hospital.If for any reason you should receive a duplicate issue,please notify the hospital at (865) 541-8257.

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PA I DPERMIT 433

KNOXVILLE, TN

E A S T T E N N E S S E E C H I L D R E N Õ S H O S P I TA L

HallOatesT O T A K E

‘CENTER STAGE’After more than 30 years of

success together, rock/soulsingers Hall & Oates will bringtheir act “Center Stage” at the12th annual benefit forChildren’s Hospital April 3 atthe Knoxville Convention Center,a new location for this event.

Daryl Hall and John Oatesmet and first collaborated in1967. After a brief periodperforming separately, theywere reunited in 1969 andhave performed together almostcontinuously since that time.Their earliest hits came in the1970s, including “She’s Gone”and “Rich Girl.” After a periodof limited success, their albumVoices featured four hit singles— a remake of the RighteousBrothers’ “You’ve Lost ThatLovin’ Feelin,” “You Make MyDreams,” “Kiss On My List”and “Every Time You Go Away.”

For the next several years Hall & Oatesproduced a number of hits, including“Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (NoCan Do),” “Maneater,” “Out Of Touch,”“Family Man,” and “Method Of ModernLove.” Hall recorded a successful solo albumduring the pair’s three-year hiatus in theirpartnership that ended with their reunionin 1988. In 2002, they released a newalbum, Do It For Love, that featured thetitle song and “Man On A Mission.”

The Center Stage benefit will begin at6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvresat the Knoxville Convention Center, followedby dinner and Hall & Oates’ performance.A dance band will perform following theconcert. Underwriting support is providedby Goody’s, Clayton Homes, Pilot Corporationand LandAir. A special thanks goes to Boband Wendy Goodfriend, who will serve asco-chairs for the event for the 12th year.

Center Stage has raised more than $1.6million for Children’s Hospital since itsinception.

&

Board of DirectorsJames S. Bush

Chairman Robert Madigan, M.D.

Vice Chairman Robert M. Goodfriend

Secretary/Treasurer Michael Crabtree Dawn Ford Peyton Hairston Jeffory Jennings, M.D. Bob Koppel Donald E. Larmee, M.D. Dugan McLaughlin Chris Miller, M.D. Alvin Nance Dennis Ragsdale J. Finbarr Saunders, Jr. William F. Searle III Bill Terry, M.D. Laurens Tullock Danni Varlan

Medical Staff Chris Miller, M.D.

Chief of Staff Lewis Harris, M.D.

Vice Chief of Staff David Nickels, M.D.

Secretary

Chiefs of Services Lise Christensen, M.D.

Chief of Medicine Cameron Sears, M.D.

Chief of Surgery David Birdwell, M.D.

Chief of Pathology Clifford J. Meservy, M.D.

Chief of Radiology Mike Mysinger, D.D.S.

Chief of Dentistry Mark Cramolini, M.D.

Chief of Anesthesiology

Administration Bob Koppel

President Paul Bates

Vice President for Human Resources Joe Childs, M.D.

Vice President for Medical Services Rudy McKinley

Vice President for Operations Jim Pruitt

Vice President for Finance Beckie Thomas, R.N.

Vice President for Patient Care

A quarterly publication of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, It’s About Children is designed to inform the East Tennessee community about the hospital and the patients we serve. Children’s Hospital is a private, independent, not-for-profit pediatricmedical center that has served the East Tennessee region for more than 65 years and is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.

Ellen Liston Director of Community Relations

David Rule Director of Development

Wendy Hames Editor

Neil Crosby Cover/Contributing Photographer

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

Statement of Philosophy East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

www.etch.com

The Bottom LineArtwork by some of Children’s Hospital’s special patients

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Hannaage 8

Nithyaage 9

Rachelage 9

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the best care possible for his or her specialpediatric medical needs.

Q: What should parents know or do toprepare for a trip to the emergency room incase an emergency happens?

A : Although we realize that a trip to ourhospital’s emergency room is usuallyunexpected, there are a few things you cando to prepare for your visit. Be sure toalways have your children’s Social Security

Q: In what cases is a trip to the Children’sHospital Emergency Department necessary?

A : Any of the above circumstances wouldmerit a trip to the Children’s HospitalEmergency Department if your child’spediatrician is not available, but it isimportant to keep in mind that emergencydepartments are equipped to care for allchildren — from those with minor illnessesto those with life-threatening injuries.Because of this, patients with a less severeproblem usually will have to wait until morecritically ill patients are treated. Theemergency department is also moreappropriate than a doctor’s office for suddenand serious situations such as these:• A head injury that has caused loss of

consciousness, vomiting or problems with balance or coordination

• An injury that has caused numbness and tingling or paleness in an extremity

• An injury that will likely need an X-ray and casting

• Complications related to a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or asthma

• Difficulty breathing or gasping for breath • For an infant from birth to three months,

any change in color, especially paleness or bluish color around the mouth and in the face

Q: What if my child is sick and ourpediatrician is not available, but it is not anemergency? Should I take my child to anurgent care (or walk-in) clinic?

A : Generally, walk-in medical facilities donot have staff specially trained in pediatrics,so I would not recommend having yourchild treated at one. If your child is sick andyour pediatrician is not available, bring yourchild to Children’s Hospital’s EmergencyDepartment. You may have to wait a littlelonger than other patients whose conditionsare more severe, but your child will receive

numbers, current medication (dosage andschedule), and insurance information. Youwill be asked to provide this informationabout your child.

For more information on visits to theEmergency Department, visit our Web site at www.etch.com/tourer.cfm.

Compiled by Katie Harvey,publications specialist

Making Healthy ChoicesTuesday, March 23, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 7 p.m.

Place: Children’s Hospital Koppel Plaza

Because food habits often are family-centered, it is important to recognize unhealthy habits

and take steps to correct them. A registered dietitian will discuss how to make appropriate

healthy food choices, provide substitutes for foods that promote weight gain and suggest

methods for increasing daily activity. Class sizes are limited, so pre-registration is required.

This course is FREE.

Infant and Child CPRMonday, February 23, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. April 20, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, May 11, 6:30 p.m. Place: Children’s Hospital Koppel Plaza

This class will teach caregivers cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and choking maneuvers for

children ages eight and younger. This class also gives general home safety advice and tips.

Class sizes are limited, so pre-registration is required. This course is $18 per person.

Monthly programs at Borders BooksThe last Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.

Place: Borders Books, Music and Café, 202 Morrell Road in KnoxvillePediatric health topics for this free program vary each month. Parents and children

are both welcome to attend, and preregistration is not required.

For more information or to register for any of these classes, to be added to theHealthy Kids mailing list for announcements of upcoming classes or to receive our

free Healthy Kids parenting newsletter, please call (865) 541-8262.

Announcements about upcoming classes can be seen on WBIR-TV 10 and heard on area radio stations. Or visit our Web site at www.etch.com and click on

“Healthy Kids Education and News.”

Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Kids Campaign, sponsored by WBIR-TV Channel 10 andChick-Fil-A, is a community education initiative of the hospital’s Community Relations

Department to help parents keep their children healthy.

UpcomingCommunityEducationClasses

Lise Christensen, M.D.

To whom it may concern,

My son, Marcus Bennett Skeen, was brought to the Emergency Department atChildren’s Hospital around 10 p.m. on the evening of September 30, 2003. We endedup being admitted, and our stay was until Thursday, October 2, 2003.

It was important to both my husband and I to make you aware how extremelyimpressed we were with the staff at Children’s Hospital. This view held truethroughout our entire experience from the emergency room to our inpatientoccurrence.

Having a business where doing education seminars on customer service courtesyskills is a large portion of what we do, I am probably more in tune with this type ofbehavior than the average person and often use my own personal experiences asillustrations in my discussions. My family has been in a few situations where,unfortunately, our experiences were less than pleasant, and sadly, most of theseexperiences were due to staff and behaviors. This makes what is already a difficultsituation even worse.

It’s the simple gestures that can make all the difference in the world, and everyonewe encountered at Children’s went out of their way to accommodate us. Even to astaff member, on her lunch break, having to direct me to an exit so I could get tothe outside parking lot. Sensing that I was frustrated, tired and lost, she took thetime to walk me down the hall directly to the exit door and gave me furtherinstructions on how to get to the parking garage … lunch tray still in her hand!

With the exception of a few names on the night staff (Katy and Lori), I am regretfulthat we were in a state of mind that we were not more aware of keeping up withnames … there would be many to thank. In the Emergency Department, we weretreated with the utmost care and sincere concern from staff members in theadmissions process, to Dr. Lise Christensen to nurses and the gentleman fromRespiratory Care (who was most attentive in his care for our son, including hisregard to Marcus not feeling well).

From the specifics relating to Marcus’s care to simple courtesy such as making suremy husband and I were comfortable or needed anything, each staff member madeus feel as if we were the only family at the hospital!

I understand that the nursing industry has to be one of the most difficult professionalsituations to be in, and yet the staff we dealt with obviously loved their jobs andwere good at it. It was a wonderful balance of appropriate professionalism and yetsincere kindness and courtesy.

Thank you for everything and for helping to make the best out of an unfortunatesituation. Knoxville, and anyone in this community who has a child, is fortunate tohave the availability of such a wonderful facility dedicated to children!

With kindness,

Beth SkeenKnoxville

Dear Mr. Koppel:

My granddaughter, Caroline Winstel, was admitted to room 327 in your hospitalon October 2, 2003. I wanted you to know our impressions of your hospital. All the staff from housekeeping and nursing to chaplains went above and beyondthe norm. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, and well trained. You could tellthat all the staff enjoyed working there. All I had to do was to step outside thedoor and someone immediately asked if I needed something. I was flabbergasted;this is not the way hospitals are run these days. Everything is supposed to be thebottom line and staff cutting, even non-profits.

Also details of tests and results were clearly explained to us and on a timelybasis. The staff seemed genuinely concerned for us. No one seemed to be in ahurry, and your staffing ratio is incredible. I just wished I could say these thingsabout the hospital where I work.

Please tell your housekeeping department what a great job they are doing; thedecor was great, and the entire place was spotless.

Sincerely,

Laraine B. RushHorse Shoe, N.C.

Editor’s note: This letter was written during the fall 2003 United Way campaign for theemployee newsletter at BWXT Y-12, LLC., the Y-12 National Security Complex in OakRidge. The Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center is a United Way agency.

A Personal Experience …The East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center is a United Way

organization that helps children who have problems with speech, fine motor skills andgross motor skills. Children receive therapy there for issues ranging from mild speechimpediments to severe physical disabilities. Many of these children have numeroushealth problems and disabilities.

My son was born with severe vision problems, hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain),one small lung, and one completely deaf ear. After he was released from the NeonatalIntensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital, he was evaluated by the East TennesseeChildren’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center to determine if he would require additionalfollow-up and/or therapy, and that is when our wonderful relationship with thisorganization began. My baby’s vision problems and the four surgeries he had before hewas 6 months old, coupled with the two months he spent confined in his car seat torecover from those surgeries, caused him to have delays in both his gross and fine motorskills. Thanks to a lot of prayer from family and friends and the excellent physicaltherapy and occupational therapy he received at the East Tennessee Children’s HospitalRehabilitation Center, my son finally walked on his own for the first time when heturned 2 years old.

I have left the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center either crying for my son or crying for other children on numerous occasions. These kids struggletremendously to do tasks that we take for granted that children should be able to do. These kids try so hard to meet their goals, and it is not easy for them. Sometimes itcauses them physical pain to use muscles that they do not normally use very often tolearn how to sit up, crawl or walk, and their tears will just break your heart. But there isnothing that compares to the joy on their little faces when they finally accomplish one oftheir goals and realize they actually can do it. I will always remember the physicaltherapist who worked with my son. As he struggled, she would encourage him to say, “I can do it …I can do it!”

The therapists who work at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital RehabilitationCenter are amazing people. They have tender hearts and an intense desire to help thechildren in our community to succeed in doing tasks that other children are able to do. If you are looking for a good organization to designate your United Way contributionfunds to, and you want to help children in the process, please consider designating theEast Tennessee Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center (#211, Knox County) on yourUnited Way Donation.

Thanks for giving to the United Way and enabling children like mine to walk.

Jamie ArnoldBWXT Y-12Plant Training Organization

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• Severe headache• Earache, fluid discharge from the ear or

sudden hearing loss• Severe sore throat, especially with trouble

swallowing or speaking• Vomiting for 12 hours or more• Vomiting of blood• Intense or unusual abdominal pain or a

swollen or abnormally large abdomen• A sudden rash, crop of blotches or blisters,

especially over a large area of the body

Whenever your child has a symptom thatconcerns you, you should not hesitate to callyour child’s pediatrician, even if thesymptom does not appear on this list.

• Uncontrollable crying for an abnormally long time

3 Months to 1 Year• Temperature of 101 degrees in infants 3

to 6 months, or 104 degrees in children 6 months or older

• Child refuses to eat and misses several feedings

• Unusual crankiness and irritability or unusual sleepiness

• Any blood in the stool

Infant to Adolescent• High fever• Chills and full-body shaking• Extreme sleepiness or unexplained lethargy• Unusual excitement or hysterical crying• Sudden weakness or paralysis of any part

of the body• Seizures

Nothing is more frightening to parents than thinking something might be wrong with their

child’s health. Parents can easily become overly cautious, calling their pediatrician every time they hear

their baby cough. But how do you know whether your child’s illness is minor or if you need to go to

your child’s pediatrician or to the hospital? Lise Christensen, M.D., emergency medical physician at

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, offers the following advice about when you should see your child’s

pediatrician and when you should go immediately to the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department.

How do I knowwhen I should call

my childÕs pediatrician?

Q: How do I know when I should call mychild’s pediatrician?

A : There are certain signs and symptomsto look for in your child that are definitely areason to call your pediatrician. Some typicalsymptoms of illness differ depending on thechild’s age. You should call your pediatricianimmediately if your child has any of thefollowing symptoms listed in his or her agecategory:

Birth to 3 Months• A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher• “Pink eye”• Redness or tenderness around the navel area• Vomiting that continues for more than

six hours• Diarrhea that occurs more than eight

times a day• Stops feeding normally

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SarahSarahSarah brings this bear with her on visits to Children’s Hospital

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Specialty License PlatesThe specialty license plate issued by the

state of Tennessee to recognize Children’sHospital is now available. Individuals whopurchased one of the plates in advance maygo to their county clerk’s office to receive theirnew plate. Anyone who did not preorder one ofthe plates may also purchase one at their countyclerk’s office at any time. Children’s Hospitalbenefits from the sale of the specialty plates.

PhonathonPrior to the Children’s Miracle Network

broadcast each year, teams of businessprofessionals work together to raise funds forChildren’s Hospital through the annualPhonathon. During February and March,callers contact donors from previous Children’sMiracle Network telethons, thank them fortheir past support and ask them to renewtheir pledge in advance of this year’s telethon,which is set for June 5 and 6. Last year’sphonathon raised nearly $60,000. Prior tobeing called, past donors will receive a reminderpostcard about the upcoming phonathon.

Star 102.1 RadiothonBe sure to tune in to the third annual

Radiothon, sponsored by longtime Children’sHospital supporters Star 102.1 radio and theJournal Broadcast Group. The Radiothon willtake place March 4 and 5 from 6 a.m. to 6p.m. each day, live from West Town Mall andlive from the new Children’s HospitalRehabilitation Center each day from noon to2 p.m. Marc and Kim, Star 102.1’s morningteam, will host the Radiothon and encouragelisteners to make a personal pledge to helpChildren’s Hospital. Funds raised during theevent will help purchase supplies for theChildren’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center andChildren’s Hospital Home Health Care.Radiothon raised more than $260,000 in itsfirst two years.

A great way for your family, business orchurch group to get involved in Radiothon isto be a “Cash Cop for Kids,” which will helpkick off the event. A “Cash Cop” is anindividual who agrees to solicit donations forChildren’s Hospital from coworkers, friendsand families in the months prior to Radiothon.Stay tuned to Star 102.1 for further details orcall the Children’s Hospital DevelopmentOffice at (865) 541-8567 to participate.

Hat Trick WeekendA hat trick is one of hockey’s greatest feats

– three goals in one game. The Knoxville IceBears’ Hat Trick Weekend March 12 and 14hopes to fulfill an equally greataccomplishment to benefit the Oncology Clinicat Children’s Hospital: to collect hundreds of

new hats for the oncology unit’s Hat Tree.New hats are always needed for patientswhose chemo-therapy treatment frequentlyresults in hair loss. Hats must be new, and allsizes and styles are needed, from caps with sportsemblems to “frilly” ones for girls. Hat TrickWeekend will feature hockey games with pre-game activities at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.

“Cutest Little Baby Face” ContestThe 14th annual “Cutest Little Baby Face”

contest will offer two opportunities forphotographs on March 13 from 9 am. to 6p.m. and March 14 from noon to 5 p.m.Photographs will be taken at Belz FactoryOutlet World in Pigeon Forge. The contest,which raised more than $12,000 last year, isopen to children ages 5 and younger.Participants may preregister by completing aregistration form in the outlet mall’s CenterCourt or by calling the Children’s HospitalDevelopment Department at (865) 541-8745.

The entry fee for preregistration is $5, andregistration at the event is $7. The feeincludes a choice of 5x7 portrait of theparticipating child. Once all entry photographsare taken, voting will take place March 26from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 27 from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. A $1 donation to Children’sHospital will count as 100 votes for a photoof a favorite baby. The child with the mostvotes will win and will be announced at the“Baby Face Parade” which begins at 3:30 p.m.on March 27.

TK’s BreakfastWhen B97.5 morning radio personality

TK Townshend “cooks breakfast” forKnoxville this year, the popular breakfastevent will be in a new location. TK will hostthe ninth annual TK’s Breakfast for Children’sHospital on March 20 at the KnoxvilleConvention Center from 9-11 a.m. Familiescan enjoy music and entertainment during thebreakfast, as well as bid on and purchaseitems at the live and silent auctions.Knoxville’s own Jordan Hill is scheduled toperform. Other performers for this year’sevent have not yet been confirmed, but pastperformers include All-4-One, Jim Brickmanand Lee Greenwood.

Food City Family Race NightMarch 24th hopes to see NASCAR fans

racing to Knoxville’s Civic Coliseum from 5-9p.m. for a night of family fun. Activities includeautograph signing by NASCAR drivers, freefood sampling, show cars, simulators andshopping for souvenirs. Tickets are $4 inadvance or $5 at the door. Children ages 12and under are admitted free. Tickets may bepurchased at any Knoxville area Food City.

Million Coin MarchThe four Knoxville area stations of Citadel

Broadcasting Group will host the Million CoinMarch beginning April 15 to benefit Children’sHospital. Personalities from the stations willencourage listeners to visit drop-off sites todonate their pennies, nickels, dimes, quartersand other coins to the hospital. Listen to thestations – WIVK, NewsTalk, WOKI and WILD— for more information on when and where todrop off donations.

Children’s Hospital Invitational Golf Tournament

The 21st annual Children’s Hospital GolfTournament to benefit the Oliver WilliamHill, Jr., M.D., Pediatric Neurology Laboratorywill take place May 10 at Fox Den CountryClub. The tournament will feature morningand afternoon rounds. In case of rain, theevent will be rescheduled for May 17. Specialthanks to Ruby Tuesday, the signature sponsorof the tournament, for their ongoing supportof Children’s Hospital.

by Matt Rongey, student intern

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T O B E N E F I T C H I L D R E N ’ SMark your calendars now for several upcoming events designed to entertain families and benefit Children‘s Hospital.

Thanks to the generous people of East Tennessee who host and participate in these events, Children’s Hospital can continue to provide the best pediatric health care for all the children of this region.

Dates to RememberUpcoming events to benefit Children’s Hospital

MarchPhonathon

Through March 11Star 102.1 Radiothon

March 4 & 5Hat Trick Weekend

March 12 & 14Cutest Little Baby Face Contest — Photos

March 13 & 14TK’s Breakfast

March 20Food City Family Race Night

March 24Cutest Little Baby Face Contest — Voting

March 26 & 27

AprilMillion Coin March

Begins April 15

Nancy Hayes Memorial Baseball TournamentApril 23-25

MayChildren’s Hospital Invitational

Golf TournamentMay 10

JuneChildren’s Miracle Network Broadcast

June 5 & 6

For more information about any of these events, call (865) 541-8441 or visit our Web site at

www.etch.com and click on “Coming Attractions.”

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ÒSarah is one of the bravestyoung ladies I have everknown,Ó Cawood said. ÒI really admire her.Ó

When 13-year-old Sarah Allison ofOak Ridge spoke in front of officials at atelevised Knox County Commission meetingon May 27, 2003, having butterflies in herstomach was the least of her worries. In fact,the reason 6th District County CommissionerMark Cawood invited Sarah to speak at themeeting was to share her experience withinflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whichrefers to two chronic conditions: ulcerativecolitis and Crohn’s disease. These conditionscause inflammation of the large intestine,also called the colon, and can result insevere abdominal pain and serious sideeffects in the digestive tract.

ÒSarah is one of the bravestyoung ladies I have everknown,Ó Cawood said. ÒI really admire her.Ó

When Sarah spoke, Knox County MayorMike Ragsdale was so impressed with herpositive attitude, hard work and courage inthe face of her medical challenges that heproclaimed that day as “Sarah Allison Day.”

Sarah had been having challenges withabdominal pain and heartburn long beforeshe came to see Youhanna Al-Tawil, M.D.,pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’sHospital, on November 18, 2002. Sarah sawDr. Al-Tawil to be evaluated for possiblegastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),meaning gastric content is brought from thestomach into the esophagus. During Sarah’sphysical exam, Dr. Al-Tawil discoveredblood in her stool as well as many otherindicators that she was suffering fromsomething more serious than GERD. He toldSarah and her mother, Janice, that there wasa possibility Sarah had ulcerative colitis orCrohn’s disease. Both ulcerative colitis andCrohn’s are inflammatory diseases of thelarge intestine. Crohn’s disease, however, canalso affect any part of the gastrointestinaltract, whereas ulcerative colitis usually onlyaffects the colon.

Sarah was admitted to Children’s Hospitalfor evaluation including an endoscopy,which showed serious inflammation in hercolon. Biopsies and several lab tests werecompleted during the two weeks she spent inthe hospital, and these supported a diagnosisof inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

When Sarah went home, her treatmentplan included daily doses of severalmedications. Drug treatment is the primarymethod for alleviating symptoms of bothulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, andgreat progress is being made in thedevelopment of medications for treating IBD.Two categories of drugs may be prescribed:anti-inflammatory drugs andimmunosuppressive agents, such as steroids,to restrain the immune system from attackingthe body’s own tissues and causing furtherinflammation. If a patient does not respondto the medicine, surgery may be considered.

“Since ulcerative colitis only affects thecolon, it is a curable disease if the colon isremoved,” Dr. Al-Tawil explained. “But surgeryis not for everyone, and it is always best to see

ÒYour attitude can truly affecthow you feel,Ó Sarah said.

if medications can help before going that route.” After Sarah was admitted to Children’s

Hospital for the second time on January 16,her doctors increased her steroids, and shewas released after four days. Just a few dayslater, on January 27, Sarah came back toChildren’s Hospital in “crisis mode,” as hermother termed it. She was in extreme painand was bleeding uncontrollably.

The damage done by the disease maderemoval of her colon, rectum and appendixnecessary. The surgery, which took place atChildren’s Hospital on February 10, 2003,was such a long process, it had to becoordinated and performed by two of thehospital’s pediatric surgeons. “Gus” Papadakis,M.D., and David Schindel, M.D., performedthe surgery using specially-designedinstruments and a camera placed throughsmall incisions to reduce scarring andshorten Sarah’s recovery time.

It was the first time this particular surgery,a laparoscopic colectomy, was performed inEast Tennessee, but that did not scare Sarah.In fact, Janice said Sarah was laughing on theway to surgery. After 14 hours of surgeryand several hours of recovery, Sarah awokewith a contagious confidence that she wasgoing to feel better soon.

ÒYour attitude can truly affecthow you feel,Ó Sarah said.

Sarah has applied this to all aspects of her life. She always remains positive, whetherin the hospital (almost 90 days in Children’sHospital over the past year) or at school(maintaining a 3.9 GPA at Karns MiddleSchool during the time she was in and out ofthe hospital and maintaining a 4.0 so far thisschool year).

Dr. Al-Tawil is especially appreciative ofSarah’s outlook because treating theunderlying problems caused by IBD, suchas emotional stress, is just as important asany other treatment. The emotional damagecreated by the disease can be nearly asdestructive and devastating as the physicaldamage. Learning to deal with the diseasecan be overwhelming for adults, but it isespecially difficult for children, adolescentsand young adults, he said.

Sarah learned many distraction and5

visualization techniques to help her deal withthe roller coaster of physical and emotionalfeelings she experienced, but she also usedher strong sense of humor. She nicknamedher colon “Rotten Roger,” so she couldfocus any anger she felt on the disease andnot elsewhere.

Sarah also has a solid support group tohelp her cope with various aspects of thedisease including her mom, dad (Brad), sister(Amanda Rogers), other family, friends,members of her church, teachers and manystaff at Children’s Hospital.

Knowing how this kind of support canhelp or hurt someone with IBD, Sarah andher mother are working with Linda Smithson,Surgical Services Clinical Nurse Specialist, tostart a support group at Children’s Hospitalfor other IBD patients and their families.Sarah and her mom are also writing a booktogether titled “Rotten Roger, A Good ColonGone Bad: A Teenager’s Story of Crohn’sDisease/Ulcerative Colitis.”

In addition, Janice serves as a Children’sHospital Parent Adviser. As “experts” incaring for their children, the role of ParentAdvisers is to inform Children’s Hospitalstaff how the hospital experience could beimproved for patients and their familiesthrough a variety of venues (see article aboutChild-Family Centered Care on page 8).

“They are caring people who want tohelp the community,” Dr. Al-Tawil said.“What they are doing is wonderful becauseit enhances public understanding of a diseasethat many times goes unrecognized.”

Sarah has made tremendous progressover the last year. She has regained most ofthe weight she lost post-surgery (which wasabout 30 lbs.). When Drs. Papadakis andSchindel removed Sarah’s colon, they alsodid a procedure called ileoanal reservoir. Anileoanal reservoir (or J-pouch) is an internalpouch formed from the small intestine thatprovides a storage place for stool in theabsence of the colon. A temporary ileostomy,a surgically-created passage through the skinof the abdomen into the lowest part of thesmall intestine, is also made. This temporaryileostomy diverts the stool into a bag wornon the abdomen, protecting the pouchwhile it heals.

Approximately four to six months afterthe first surgery, if an X-ray of the pouchshows it has healed, then a second surgeryto remove the ileostomy is scheduled. Thepouch now becomes functional so that wastepasses into the pouch, where it is storeduntil a bowel movement occurs.

Sarah had her ileostomy removed inAugust, and although the pouch generallytakes up to one year to fully adapt, Sarahhas been functioning well and will continueto improve over time.

About one million Americans have IBD,but Sarah is “one in a million” in more waysthan that. Not many people have a daynamed for them, but not many people are asinspiring as Sarah either. “Sarah is the kindof person who renews your appreciation forthe little things in life,” Dr. Al-Tawil said.“She will do great things with her life.”

by Katie Harvey, publications specialist

Sarah and her best friend, Amanda Fritschie.

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These four words are muchmore than a simple slogan atChildren's Hospital. For over six decades, these four words have served asthe guiding light for decisions small andlarge. They are important to the physicianand the office worker. They influence thework of the Board Member and the billingclerk. These four words light the way fornurses, social workers, respiratorytherapists, food service workers, chaplains,housekeepers, administrators, dietitians andx-ray technicians; they permeate everyaspect of our operations.

The caring, compassionate philosophyreflected in these four words has inspiredthousands of community leaders, physiciansand employees to spend decades ofvolunteer time, donate millions of dollarsand devote entire careers to the task ofbuilding the hospital where children mademore than 130,000 visits last year.

Yet there is so much more to be done.As our area grows and prospers, there aremore and more children in need of care. In December 2003, our EmergencyDepartment set a new record with 326patient visits in a single day. This onestatistic is representative of many that reflectlarge increases in the number of childrencoming to Children's Hospital for care.

With the hospital's original Open Doorpolicy dating to 1937 still in effect, gifts aremore important than ever. One of the manyways you can help Children's Hospitalenhance its mission of care is by a gift ofsecurities. Gifts of securities can providefinancial benefits to the contributor as wellas to the children we are privileged to serve.

When you give securities that you haveowned for at least one year and that haveincreased in value, you may be entitled toan income tax deduction for the full market

Estate Planning...ÒBecause Children Are Special...Ó

IncludeChildren’s Hospitalin your estate plans.Join the ABC Club.For more information,call (865) 541-8441.

Please send the free brochure titled “Taking Stock & Giving It.”

Name______________________________ Address__________________________________________

City___________________________ State_______ Zip_____________ Phone#(______)___________

r Please call me at the above phone number for a free confidential consultation concerning planned giving.

r Please send me more information about deferred giving.

r I have already included Children’s Hospital in my estate plan in the following way:

________________________________________________________________________________

r Please send me information about the ABC Club.

Children’s Hospital Development Office (865) 541-8441

value of the stock. Most donors pay little orno capital gains tax on the appreciation.Also, securities gifts are flexible; you cangive all of your shares or donate any portionof them.

You can give securities outright orthrough a trust. When using appreciatedsecurities you have owned for at least oneyear to fund a charitable trust, you can:• further enhance health care available to

area children,• receive an income for life,• bypass 100 percent of capital gains tax,• most likely receive a charitable income tax

deduction, and• leave a legacy of support that can help many

future generations.

Please consult with your tax advisors todetermine how such a gift might affect yourpersonal tax situation.

There may be advantages available toyou if you donate closely held securities oruse other charitable planning techniquesthat benefit the donor as well as Children’sHospital. We are pleased to work with youand your financial advisors to find thetechniques that are most suitable for you,and all information is held in the strictestconfidence. Please call David Rule, Directorof Development, or Teresa Goddard, CFRE, Senior Development Officier, at (865) 541-8441 or mail the form below in the attached envelope.

6

Why Pediatrics? I’ve known that I wantedto become a pediatrician since seventh grade.I am always inspired by the enthusiasm,innocence and honesty of children.

Greatest Influence – My greatest influences personally and professionallyhave been my family, faith and all thewonderful children and families whom I havehad the privilege to meet over the years.

Philosophy – Preventive medicine andteaching are as integral to the practice ofpediatrics as the acute care of the ill child.My goal is to have parents understand andfeel comfortable with the care their childhas received.

Proudest Moment as a Pediatrician – My proudest moments are when I am ableto calm a sick child and reassure thefrightened parents.

Kathy Holloway, M.D.

Age – 37Husband – Brian Holloway, M.D.Children –Emily (age 8) and Matthew (age 6)

Name of Pediatric Practice – Knoxville Pediatric Associates

Personal Interests – My family and theiractivities, cooking, tennis and reading

Academic Background/Prior ExperienceB.S. – Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa., 1988M.D. – Temple University School ofMedicine, Philadelphia, Pa., 1992Internship – Children’s Hospital MedicalCenter of Akron, Akron, Ohio, 1992-93Residency – Children’s Hospital MedicalCenter of Akron, Akron, Ohio, 1993-95Other – Treated patients in the Children’sHospital Emergency Department’s ED-2 forthree years prior to joining KPA

Pediatrician Profiles

Why Pediatrics? Pediatrics is the best jobin the world. Children love to laugh, and inpediatrics, you can have fun while providingchildren with medical care.

Greatest Influence – God

Philosophy – To provide quality medicalcare and to be a positive influence in thelives of children and their families.Pediatrics is more than just a job; it is aunique opportunity to make a difference inthe life of a child.

Proudest Moment as a Pediatrician – The day-to-day moments make pediatricsspecial. A laugh, a hug or a smile from achild makes me proud to be a pediatricianevery day.

Jill McDowell, M.D.

Age – 37Husband – Mark Newsome

Name of Pediatric Practice – Boys & GirlsPediatrics, Asheville Highway and Sevierville

Personal Interests – Church, golf, reading

Academic Background/Prior ExperienceB.S.–University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1989M.D.–University of Tennessee, Memphis, 1994Internship – University of TennesseeMedical Center, Knoxville, 1994-95Residency – University of TennesseeMedical Center, Knoxville, 1995-97

A childhood dream becomes a rewarding reality

“Pediatrics is the best job in the world.”

11

With much excitement and anticipation,the staff of the Children’s HospitalRehabilitation Center is busily preparing tomove into its new facility on Friday,February 20. The center has already receivedall required state approvals, so plans are forthe center to open in its new location onMonday, February 23.

The new building is located on theChildren’s West campus at PellissippiParkway and Westland Drive, next to theChildren’s West Surgery Center that openedin spring 2003.

The new center, which is relocatingfrom its present site on Gleason Road, hasabout 22,500 square feet all on one level inan updated facility. The new facility offersexpanded space for all the Rehab Center’sservices. It also features a large, fully accessible,therapeutic playground, pictured above. It provides handicapped-accessibleopportunities for children to build skills inindependent movement with wheelchairs,crutches and walkers, practice upper-bodystrength building, develop balance andmovement confidence, and build social andbehavioral skills through play with otherchildren.

While work is winding down for thetime being on the Children’s West campus,major construction continues on the mainChildren’s Hospital campus. Good progressis being made toward completion of the

115,000-square-foot, seven-story patienttower being added to the hospital at thecorner of Clinch Avenue and 20th Street.

While unpredictable weather is always afactor in construction, here is an update onwhat has been completed and what isplanned for the next few months:• The tower’s steel structure is “topped out”

and will soon be under roof. • Work has begun to create rooms on the

lower levels of the new tower. • Utility work on the lowest level of the

tower is underway, and work on the new cafeteria will begin as soon as this is complete.

• Work is continuing on the south side of thehospital for the installation of new heating and air-conditioning units on the 2nd, 3rdand 4th floors. The units should be delivered and installed soon, and then this space will be enclosed.

• Renovation of about 90,000 square feet ofexisting hospital space is scheduled to begin in the latter part of 2004. This work will include upgrading of all

semi-private inpatient rooms with half bathsto private rooms with full baths.

The $31.8 million expansion andrenovation of Children’s Hospital willultimately allow for more space andcomfort for patients and families. Featureswill include 95 private patient rooms withfull baths, an expanded 13-bed Pediatric

New physiciansadded to staffChildren’s Hospital is pleased to welcome the expertise of

the following new medical staffmembers who have joined our staff in recent months:

Frank Castro, M.D., orthopedics

Frances Craig, M.D., pediatrics and emergency medicine

Lisa Herron, M.D., pediatrics

John J. McGraw, M.D., orthopedics.

Intensive Care Unit and an expanded 44-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Thehospital’s licensed beds will increase from122 to 152, and a larger EmergencyDepartment will see an increase from 18 to34 beds. In addition, the Surgery andRadiology Departments will be expanded,and more space will allow additional roomfor a larger cafeteria, support services, staffand storage.

Rehab Center moving day has arrived

New therapeutic playground at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

Rehabilitation Center

OPEN HOUSEThe Children’s Hospital

Rehabilitation Center will host anopen house at the new center onMonday, April 12, from 4-7 p.m.

The public is invited to attend

10

Long-time Children’s Hospital volunteerNancy Flynn of Knoxville has been namedpresident of the Tennessee HospitalAssociation’s Council on Volunteers. She began her term in mid-October at theTennessee Hospital Association (THA)annual meeting in Nashville and will leadthe organization for a two-year termthrough 2005.

Flynn has served on the Council ofVolunteers board since 1997, also serving asregional chairperson and assistant regionalchairperson.

The THA Council on Volunteers iscomposed of volunteer and auxiliaryorganizations from member health careinstitutions throughout the state of Tennessee.The council’s goals and responsibilitiesinclude encouraging and assisting volunteerleaders and members across the state tostimulate volunteerism, advocacy and activity;to provide guidance and educationalopportunities through programs, publicationsand direct contact; support THA’s mission bystrengthening the participation of volunteersin health care facilities’ efforts to providequality patient care; and effective governmentand community relations.

Flynn’s volunteer involvement atChildren’s Hospital began in February 1987,

and she has volunteered nearly 16,000hours of service at the hospital during thepast 16 years. She has served on theChildren’s Hospital Auxiliary Board since1990, holding the office of vice president in1993-94 and president in 1994-95, and shealso served on the Children’s Hospital Boardof Directors in 1994-95.

In addition, Flynn has volunteered withthe Fantasy of Trees holiday event to benefitChildren’s Hospital each of the past 16years and served as the event’s co-chair in1991-92. She also volunteers at theChildren’s Miracle Network Telethon andChildren’s Hospital Invitational GolfTournament each spring. Flynn has beenhonored for her volunteer service atChildren’s Hospital with both the 24-KaratAward for enthusiasm in 1993 and theAnne Regas Award for leadership in 1995.

A native of Harriman, Flynn and herhusband Bob have two sons and fourgrandchildren.

Flynn is the second Children’s Hospitalvolunteer to hold this leadership positionwithin the THA Council on Volunteers;volunteer Peg Parker served as president ofthe organization in the early 1980s.

“Nancy Flynn’s commitment andvolunteer service to Children’s Hospital is

exemplary,” said Bob Koppel, President ofChildren’s Hospital. “She is representativeof the hundreds of caring volunteers whoassist our health care facility in providingthe very best of care to our patients andfamilies. All of us at Children’s Hospitalapplaud her as she assumes this statewideleadership role with THA.”

Volunteer named to state office

Children’s Hospital has a new publication!Children’s E-News debuted in October with the first mailing to e-mail subscribers.

Children’s E-News is a free, text-only e-mail newsletter that issent once a month. It includes timely information from the hospitalas well as links to various pages on the Children’s Hospital Web site,www.etch.com. Newsletter topics include health articles for parents,kids and teens from KidsHealth and Children’s Hospital; informationabout upcoming hospital events and fund-raisers; and “virtual visits”that help parents and kids learn about typical visits to the hospital.

The next issue will be e-mailed in March, and it will include suchtopics as ear infections, information for kids about cerebral palsy,information for teens about asthma, what happens in the EmergencyDepartment during a typical visit, and the Cutest Little Baby FaceContest fund-raiser.

If you would like to subscribe to Children’s E-News, visit thehospital’s Web site at www.etch.com, scroll to the bottom of the homepage and fill out the Comment Form. Be sure to give your e-mailaddress and check the box to be added to our e-mail list.

In its second year at theKnoxville Convention Center,the Fantasy of Trees broughta musical mood to theholiday season for 51,462guests. Highlighting the theme“Fa La La La La ... Let theHolidays Begin,” the showfeatured a magical forest ofhundreds of beautifullydecorated trees and otherdesigner items, continuousentertainment, children’sactivities, decorating and styledemonstrations, and manyholiday shops.

The proceeds from this year’s show – estimated at about $300,000 – will fundthe purchase of new and replacementequipment for the larger space andexpanded services at the new Children’sHospital Rehabilitation Center scheduled toopen in February.

The real stars of the 2003 Fantasy ofTrees were the 9,831 volunteers who donatedin excess of 116,000 hours to make thisyear’s event such a success. Children’sHospital extends its thanks to all volunteersand visitors to the 2003 show.

The Fantasy of Trees has raised morethan $3.3 million for Children’s Hospitalsince its inception in 1985.

2003 Fantasy of Trees welcomes holidays in musical style

Hospital debuts e-newsletter

7

HELPING HANDS

than to receive.” One group of special-needs adults inKnoxville is giving back to the Children’sHospital Rehabilitation Center, a placewhere some of the group’s membersreceived great care as children.

The Helping Hands Ministry of FirstBaptist Concord is a day program for womenages 21-29 with special needs. There arecurrently five women enrolled in theministry: Elizabeth Adams, Jenny Bopp,Michael Kelly, Heather McGuire and DeDeOwen. These young women, under thedirection of Marilyn Bopp (Jenny’s mother),do various jobs and tasks for First BaptistConcord and other churches and businessesin the community, including the Children’sHospital Rehab Center.

“One of the best things about thisprogram is seeing how their faces light upwith enjoyment and satisfaction when theyfeel like they are accomplishing something,”Marilyn Bopp said. “They get a great sense of fulfillment from serving others.”

The young women volunteer at theChildren’s Hospital Rehabilitation Centerevery Wednesday and Thursday from 3-5 p.m.Working with Carleasha McKinney, a RehabCenter aide, they clean toys and equipmentand prepare different rooms for therapysessions. Many may perceive the work they doas mundane, but these women perform thetasks with enjoyment and enthusiasm.

For Owen, McGuire and Jenny Bopp, volunteering at the Rehabilitation Center is

even more significant, because they wereonce patients there.

“Of course, it’s great to have the help,”said Anne Woodle, Director of the RehabCenter. “But the best part is seeing theseyoung women help others as they’ve beenhelped in the past.”

Marilyn Bopp said the women enjoybeing around the children at the RehabCenter, because it gives them an appreciationfor how far they have come. On the otherside, Woodle said it’s inspiring for the RehabCenter’s children to see these young womengive back.

“It is a positive experience for everyone involved,”

Woodle said. “These young women aredoing a tremendous job.”

Very special volunteers give backby Katie Harvey, publications specialist

You often hear the familiar adage, “It’s better to give...

De De Owen Jenny Bopp Heather McGuire with Carleasha McKinney

Carleasha McKinney, Michael Kelly and Elizabeth Adams

You often hear the familiar adage, “It’s better to give...

8 9

At Children’s Hospital, child-familycentered care is more than a way of thinking;it is a way of doing.

Child-family centered care is an approachto pediatric health care that focuses on thefamily as a child’s primary source ofstrength and support. Since the initiative toformally adopt a child-family centered careapproach began, Children’s Hospital hasachieved and exceeded many of its goals forimproving the provision of this philosophy.

The hospital’s core documents – theMission Statement and the Goals Statement– have been revised to include the conceptof child-family centered care. Also, several clinical and non-clinical hospitaldepartments have self-assessed their child-family centered care efforts and developedand implemented ways to make theirservices more child- and family-friendly. A few examples:

Business Office – Because parents oftenbring their children with them when theyvisit the Business Office, the staff decided itwould be helpful to have a play area forchildren in the office. The new play area

gives children a place to have fun and offersparents a way to handle their businesswithout the stress of entertaining their child.This small step supports the child-familycentered goal of making the entire hospitala setting where families are placed first.Food and Nutrition Services – In responseto requests, the Food and Nutrition ServicesDepartment found an easy way to furtherinvolve parents in the care of babies whodo not yet eat table food. Because parentsknow best what their child likes and dislikes,Food and Nutrition Services prepared ababy food menu that allows parents to selectfrom a variety of baby foods to be deliveredto the child at mealtime. Previously, parentshad no choice in what baby foods were sentto their child. The menus are approved by

the hospital’s clinical dietitians and theSecond and Third Floor nursing staff.

Inpatient Floors – Parents often havemany questions during their child’s stay,and it is not always easy to remember allthe questions, especially during a lengthystay. The staff on Children’s Hospital’s twoinpatient floors saw this need and met it ina manner that strengthens child-familycentered care. A notepad was designed fordaily use in the hospital, offering parents aconvenient place to record questions for thepatient’s caregivers. It also offers a place tokeep track of names of the patient’sphysicians, nurses and other helpers eachday. The notepads increase the interactionbetween the child and family about thechild’s care, because the child can also useit to record his or her own questions.

Chronic care – Children’s Hospital oftenserves children with chronic medicalconditions that require continuous care athome and frequent hospital visits. Parentsof these children receive a significantamount of educational and instructionalinformation, and the clinical care teamshave seen an increasing need for consolidatingall the information into a more child- andfamily-friendly format. The Children’sHospital staff who are a part of the clinicalcare teams have developed and are testing aparent notebook that helps the family keeptrack of vital information, such as lab results,discharge instructions, important phonenumbers, community resources and more.

Some of these successes may seem small,but every detail makes a difference when itimproves the hospital experience for patientsand families.

“We are always looking for ways tomove forward on the continuum of child-family centered care,” said Laura Barnes,Nursing Director for Critical Care Servicesand coordinator of the hospital’s child-family centered care initiative. “Weespecially want to focus on parents as ourpartners in the care of their children.”

The next important aspect of child-family centered care is being accomplishedthrough the new Children’s Hospital ParentAdvisers. As parents whose children havebeen patients at Children’s Hospital, theParent Advisers have an informed view ofthe hospital’s policies, programs andpractices. The role of a Parent Adviser is to

offer “professional parenting” opinions ofhow Children’s Hospital might improvechild-family centered care in all areas.

“When it comes to caring for theirchildren, parents are the ‘experts,’ not thehealth care provider,” Barnes said. “They arethe constant in the child’s life, and we haveto rely on them to provide the best carepossible.”

Specific areas Parent Advisers maychoose to work in include:• Serving as a member of a Children’s

Hospital committee or task force, such as the Parent Education Committee

• Telling the story of their Children’s Hospitalexperience during the hospital’s General Orientation training for new employees and at other programs for employees and medical staff

• Serving as mentors for other patient families• Reviewing hospital audiovisual and written

materials to give a parent’s perspective• Participating in needs assessments in

designated areas• Serving as parent advocates for Children’s

Hospital in a variety of situations• Participating in focus groups• Participating in fund-raising events to

discuss the benefits of Children’s Hospital from a parent’s perspective

The Children’s Hospital Parent Advisersrepresent a range of professions and racial,ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.Their experiences at Children’s Hospital arealso distinctly different, from repeatedhospitalizations with a chronically ill childto bringing a generally healthy child to theEmergency Department for care. As agroup, they are familiar with virtually everyservice the hospital offers.

During the first Parent Adviser meetingin October, the group shared insights fromtheir different perspectives with enthusiasmand eagerness to effect change. The onething they all have in common is theirwillingness to work with Children’sHospital to explain how the hospital canbetter work with families.

“What we are trying to change is thesubtle difference between saying, ‘We takecare of the child and the family’ to ‘Wework together with the family to take care ofthe child,’” Barnes said.

by Katie Harvey, publications specialist

Seventy-five grants were awardedstatewide. The funds came from Tennessee’s$5.6 million share of a settlement with 23states and various groups that broughtlawsuits against major vitamin companiesaccused of price-fixing. Of the seventeengrants totaling more than $1.2 millionawarded to Knox County-basedorganizations, the hospital received one ofthe largest.

The program, “Prescription for HealthyKids,” was created by Kathy Mount, Directorof Food and Nutrition Services at Children’sHospital, and Anne Woodle, Director of theChildren’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center. In planning the program, Mount and Woodleaddressed issues important to children withvaried nutritional needs. The threecomponents of the program (see sidebar)are individually important in making themost of the grant’s provisions.

“This program will have a broad scopeby providing knowledge and materials topediatric health care professionals throughoutthe region,” Woodle said. “By educatingpeople and providing them with resources,you are doing something that changes them forever.”

The budget and timeline for the projectwere finalized in October, and the three-yearproject began in January.

In March, Mount will send selectedChildren’s Hospital staff to a conferencesponsored by the American DieteticAssociation in Chicago. The program willoffer a certificate of training in childhoodand adolescent weight management. Othertraining opportunities also will be offered tostaff. Mount will also select the method,such as a conference, to provide educationto area physicians and other pediatric

health care professionals.“We will first provide our staff with

intensive training,” Mount said. “But wealso are looking forward to working withpediatricians in private practice.”

Currently, Mount and Woodle aredeveloping the project evaluation component.They will share in-house quarterly reportson how many children the program has

served and how much money has beenspent. New information about “Prescriptionfor Healthy Kids” will be provided inupcoming issues of It’s About Children asthe program progresses.

“The incremental steps of this programcan result in an incredible impact on thenutrition and health of thousands ofchildren,” Woodle said.

Child-family centered care is everywhere at Children’s Hospital

P R E S C R I P T I O N F O R H E A L T H Y K I D SPRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTHY KIDS is amedical nutrition therapy project to improvenutrition and health for East Tennessee’schildren. Objectives are: • To promote healing and support to children

with specific nutritional needs. • To foster the normal growth and

development of children.• To educate families, caregivers and health

professionals in the best ways to provide good nutrition.

PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTHY KIDS willserve typically developing children, thosewhose health is threatened due to lack ofproper nutrition, and those whose seriousmedical conditions are made worse byweight problems and lack of physicalactivity. The project has three components:

Prescription: FeedingPrescription: Fitness TherapyPrescription: Education

PRESCRIPTION: FEEDING will expandservices for children with medical feedingproblems that prevent adequate nutrition.These children may have conditions such as

cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, failure tothrive, genetic and metabolic disorders andreactive airway disease. The expandedservices will include specialized training forspeech pathologists, updated diagnosticequipment and expanded training for parents.

PRESCRIPTION: FITNESS THERAPY willfocus on children with medical conditionsthat are made worse by weight problems,such as diabetes and cardiac and respiratorydisease. The program will include physicalconditioning, strengthening and endurancetraining and a family education componentto establish healthy diets and eating habits.

PRESCRIPTION: EDUCATION will increasethe ability of physicians and other pediatrichealth care professionals to address thenutritional needs of their patients.Children’s Hospital’s ability to manageincreasing numbers of children with seriousmedical conditions affected by nutritionproblems will be improved, and specialistsat Children’s Hospital will provide trainingto assist pediatric specialists throughoutEast Tennessee to address patients’nutritional needs.

by Katie Harvey, publications specialist

$250,000 grant writes Prescription for Healthy KidsIn May 2003, Children’s Hospital was awarded a $250,000 grant for a program aimed at improving the health and nutrition of children throughout East Tennessee.