GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 1 A publication of St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation • Showing the positive impact your gifts make in the lives of children. Fall 2014 In this issue: 2 | Showing Impact through Inspiration The 2013 Annual Report website shares 10 inspiring stories from Children’s Hospital. 3 | Stay Up Late for Play Date Be a kid again at this totally-notboring new fundraising event November 22. 5 | Cycling for Lifesaving Cancer Research Pedal the Cause event fueled by the goal to end cancer for kids like Janet. ? Meet CiCi Among the first things you notice about 12-year-old Sylicia Gregory (CiCi) are her winning smile and her gracefulness, the result of classical dance training. She started dance at the age of 4 to continue developing her gross motor skills. She has studied ballet and jazz at the Center for Contemporary Arts (COCA) in University City since age 8. Among the things you don’t notice about CiCi are her hearing aid in one ear and her cochlear implant in the other— the only visible evidence of CiCi’s shaky start to life. On January 6, 2002, Latisha Gregory, CiCi’s mom, had to undergo an emergency C-section due to a pulmonary edema which caused her lungs to fill with fluid. Although it was more than three months until her due date, CiCi seemed to be fine when she was born. But because of her early arrival, she was whisked from the delivery room at BarnesJewish Hospital to the Children’s Hospital newborn intensive care unit (NICU). “She came into the world crying and did well that first day, but things went downhill from there,” Latisha remembers. The next few months were harrowing for the Gregorys, as the NICU staff brought CiCi through several setbacks. They even refer to one night in that January as “chapel night,” because that’s where Latisha and her husband Montoya stayed. “I remember it was January 21, my birthday, and I did not want to lose my baby on my birthday,” Latisha says. With the help of Dr. Karen Wickline, pediatric neonatologist, and the expert team of residents, fellows and nurses in the NICU, CiCi slowly gained strength. She went home on April 6, her actual due date, still tethered to an oxygen machine and wearing an outfit from Build-a-Bear Workshop because she was too tiny for infant clothes. She was diagnosed with hearing loss at 22 months old and entered the Moog Center for Deaf “Seeing what she can do now after seeing her go through so much as an infant is absolutely wonderful. The trajectory of her life points skyward.” —Dr. Karen Wickline Education, in west St. Louis County, where she attended for six years and learned to speak. Dr. Wickline, who followed CiCi through the next three years of her life, still sees her once-tiny patient regularly, but not in the clinic. Dr. Wickline also takes ballet lessons at COCA. “Seeing what she can do now after seeing her go through so much as an infant is absolutely wonderful,” Dr. Wickline says. “The trajectory of her life points skyward.” DID YOU KNOW? On average, the Children’s Hospital Wish List committee grants 50-60 wishes per year, providing items funded by donors such as family comfort bags, hospital wagons, car seats, teddy bears and other toys, and much more. continued on page 8 GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 2 Annual Report Shares Inspiring Moments of 2013 A perfect ACT score. It is an impressive feat in itself, but when the high-school junior who took the test is undergoing treatment for leukemia, it is awe-inspiring. At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, our caregivers and staff see and hear these kinds of stories every day. That is why the hospital decided to share 10 of these remarkable moments in its 2013 digital Annual Report, “Inspired By Kids.” Within the online report, at StLouisChildrens.org/10, visitors are encouraged to navigate through the stories, click on them to watch news clips, or read more and share with friends and family on social media. “It is so inspiring to learn about patients who have overcome tremendous challenges,” says Foundation Board member, Jack Stapleton. “As a board member and father of five, I know that Children’s Hospital is a special place that provides world-class care and is at the forefront of pediatric research. But when I hear about the resilience and strength of these kids, it makes me want to continue to support the hospital that supports them.” Inspiring Moment #6: A former NICU baby herself, Maya decided to forgo gifts for her 4th birthday and instead collect items for Children’s from her family and friends. PetSmart Paws for Hope is Coming to St. Louis Children’s Hospital St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation and PetSmart are teaming up to help fund the hospital’s pet therapy program and give more patients and families access to canine comfort teams. Pet therapy is one component of Children’s Hospital’s Healing Arts program, which also includes art therapy, music therapy and humor therapy (the Clown Docs)—all programs funded by generous donors. A goal of this sponsorship is to promote pet therapy in hopes of growing the program over the next five years. The PetSmart Paws for Hope team is currently made up of twenty TOUCH dogs—specially-trained by Support Dogs, Inc. of St. Louis to provide comfort in a hospital setting. 2 ? “PetSmart’s commitment to support pet therapy is truly amazing,” says Volunteer Services Manager, Jill Mechler. “Ask the volunteers who bring their therapy dogs to the hospital and they will tell you the reward is so great when they see the way the kids respond to the dogs. Staff will tell you that therapy dogs bring such authentic happiness to our patients...it is incredible to watch.” Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2014, Camp Rhythm attendees enjoy all that camp has to offer, including swimming, fishing, rock climbing, talent shows and more. Photo courtesy of Three Little Birds Photography. Unique Camps for Kids with Unique Needs While summer may be over, the memories made at one of St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s medically-safe camps are sure to last much longer. Funded by the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, Camp Rhythm, Camp Hope and Camp Independence are uniquely designed to fit each camper’s needs. In addition to participating in traditional summer camp activities, kids learn to manage their disease and have the opportunity to interact with other children who share their medical condition. Camp Hope, a camp for children and families living with AIDS and HIV, marked its 20th anniversary in 2014, while Camp Rhythm, a camp for children living with heart conditions, celebrated 10 years. At this year’s Camp Independence for kids with cerebral palsy and related conditions, one camper even expressed her gratitude to a visiting donor: “Thank you for making this possible. I love coming to this camp.” Pepper, a TOUCH Dog and one of his fans at the annual Mardi Gras Dog parade at Children’s Hospital. DID YOU KNOW? The Food and Nutrition department at St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides between 3,500-4,000 meals a day to patients and their families, cafeteria diners, two day-care facilities and for catering events. GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 3 Save the Date. Stay Up Late. Join Us for Play Date. St. Louis Children’s Hospital supporters are abuzz these days in anticipation of a new and “totallynot-boring” fundraising event on November 22 at Union Station. Like turning a frown upside down, the first annual Play Date turns the concept of a traditional gala on its head. Want dessert first? No problem. Want to keep the scratchy tuxedos and stiletto heels in the closet? Please do. Tired of rubber chicken dinners and boring dinner speeches? Instead, how about interactive games, bold color, lots of laughter and surprises around every corner! "When we were brainstorming ideas for a new fundraiser, we asked ourselves why we were planning an event for Children’s Hospital in the first place,” says event chair Annie Geile. “The answer was clear. We want all kids to have a chance to be just be kids. Then we thought, what better way to honor that idea than to help adults remember what it was like to be kids. And just like that, Play Date was born!” If this sounds like your kind of gala, hop on to StLouisChildrens.org/PlayDate and register today. If you have questions or really just can’t believe what you’re reading (no tuxedos, we mean it), contact Dina Althardt at 314.286.1549 or dina.althardt@bjc.org. Rain Didn’t Dampen Spirits at Six Flags Event The Schenck family enjoys dinner in the Six Flags World’s Fair Grove after the rain. It was a rainy start to the 31st Annual St. Louis Children’s Hospital Day at Six Flags on May 30. But that didn’t stop thousands of loyal hospital supporters from coming out to enjoy a catered dinner by J. Buck’s and a night in the park all to themselves! Thanks to the support of many individuals, families and sponsors, the Six Flags event raised more than $530,000. Season Two of The Frontline for Hope Coming Soon The Frontline for Hope, the documentary-style series highlighting the patients and staff of St. Louis Children’s Hospital is back with six new episodes, starting in November on KSDK NewsChannel 5, and narrated this year by Jon Hamm, a St. Louis native, and star of the AMC television series Mad Men. Set to run in half-hour weekly episodes Saturday nights, from November 22 through December 27, at 6:30 p.m., the series provides a glimpse inside the doors of the hospital and into its culture. As with the Emmy-winning first season, the program follows several patients, families and hospital staff throughout their personal hospital journeys. St. Louis-based Coolfire Media and Coolfire Originals, creators of shows for Oprah’s OWN, the Discovery Channel, and NickMom television networks, returned to produce the six new episodes. The Frontline for Hope is a collaboration between the hospital’s marketing department and the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation. “At St. Louis Children's Hospital, we are inspired by kids,” says Steve Kutheis, director of marketing. “That fundamental attitude is present in everything we do, and creates a culture that is truly unique to us. The Frontline for Hope is an extraordinary vehicle that will continue to shine the spotlight on the hospital and recognize our patients and staff for the stars they are.” According to Janice Bailey, vice president of the Foundation, the series fits hand-in-glove with the hospital’s efforts to present the hospital as a cause worth supporting. “The first season served to help the community understand the scope of our services,” Bailey says. “This year, we’re hoping to drive home the message that much of what we do is made possible only through the generous support of the community.” Gifts Fall 2014 StLouisChildrens.org/giving 888.559.9699 3 GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 4 Joe Buck Golf Classic Scores Touchdown with St. Louis Rams On May 12, players of the14th Annual Joe Buck Golf Classic enjoyed 18 holes on the beautiful course at Old Warson Country Club. Along with the tournament’s host, Joe Buck, attendees included St. Louis Rams players who traded their shoulder pads for golf gloves. The team added their muscle to this year’s tournament in order to reach the event’s goal line—and it was certainly a touchdown! “The Rams have done so much work for St. Louis Children’s Hospital, so this partnership seemed like a natural fit,” says Kevin Demoff, St. Louis Rams COO and executive vice president of Football Operations. Thanks to sponsors, players and friends, the event experienced its highest attendance in more than five years and raised $460,000 to support the Joe Buck Imaging Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. (L-R) Doug Albrecht, Kevin Demoff, Josh Bledsoe, Joe Buck and Dan Leary Thank you to our 2014 Joe Buck Classic Sponsors: Major Sponsor: Albrecht Family Charitable Foundation Ace Sponsor: Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Eagle Sponsors: Alberici Constructors Alpha Packaging BJC HealthCare Centric Group Enterprise Holdings Foundation GSO Capital Partners Hussmann LDI Integrated Pharmacy Anita & John O'Connell St. Louis Rams Eric Shaefer, Joe DiMartini, Jake Wilson & Joey Danis U.S. Bank Ulrich Medical USA Post Round Dinner Sponsor: Bodley Group Birdie Sponsors: NewSpace Schnuck Markets Par Sponsors: Harbison Corporation Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. Tarlton Corporation Putting Green Sponsor: Johnson and Johnson Attorneys Driving Range Sponsors: Lazard Asset Management The Northern Trust Company St. Louis Children’s Hospital Presents Annual Advocacy Award to Reverend Starsky Wilson 4 It’s not the programs, it’s the partnerships that create an environment where children flourish, according to Reverend Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation and the 2013 recipient of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Award. The award, established in 1994, recognizes local and state leaders who leverage their positions, influence and resources to advance St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s mission to do what’s right for kids. Wilson, also a pastor and youth leader, attributes his success, and that of Deaconess Foundation, to the understanding that making a safer environment for children does not require new programs or initiatives. Deaconess Foundation has applied its mission of improving child health and well-being through its support of, and partnership with, dozens of local organizations, including St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where Deaconess funds have made possible programs like the Healthy Kids Express mobile health program, and the SPOT, an adolescent drop-in center providing at-risk teens free medical, social and vocational services. “Advancing health and hope for children in poverty, this is the mission of Deaconess,” says Greta Todd, director of child advocacy and outreach at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Starsky Wilson lives and breathes this mission, focusing his work and the work of the Foundation toward programs that do what's right for kids in our community.” ? Reverend Starsky Wilson and Hospital President Joan Magruder (left) and Kelvin Westbrook (right), chairman of the hospital board of directors. The advocacy award committee chose Starsky in recognition of his accomplishments, his partnerships, and his philosophy that any policy or program planning should begin with the question, “Is this good for the children?” “I’m honored to receive the award,” says Wilson. “The greater blessing is to do the work and to put these children at the center of the community’s conversation.” DID YOU KNOW? The Clown Docs, a program funded entirely by donations, bring the medicine of laughter to nearly 5,000 patients every year. GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 5 Volunteer Spotlight Young Friends “Sunny” Fundraiser Joni Karandjeff is a St. Louis Children’s Hospital Friends Board member and Small World Gift Shop volunteer. “I am proud to be associated with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and contribute to its mission to do what’s right for kids and their families. It is so rewarding when I see patients and their parents come into the gift shop to purchase a memento, shirt, bumper sticker, or other logo item to commemorate their stay—it shows that despite the difficult circumstances of being in the hospital, they are grateful for the care they have received and want to remember their experience.” To celebrate Cancer Survivors Week in June, the Young Friends of St. Louis Children’s Hospital gathered poolside at The Cheshire, bringing “Sunshine Gifts” like sunscreen and pool toys for cancer patients at the hospital. Pedal the Cause Team SLCH: Inspired by Janet This fall, Janet Pruneau has started kindergarten having already faced challenges most people don’t encounter in their lifetime. Before her fifth birthday almost a year ago, Janet was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Before and immediately after successful surgery to remove the tumor, her doctors at St. Louis Children’s Hospital had no reason to think hers wouldn’t fall into a welldefined category, treatment protocol and prognosis. But when studied under a microscope, Janet’s tumor cells stumped “She faced the unimaginable with a smile on her face.” —Laura Pruneau even the top pathologists in the country. No one had ever seen that kind of tumor before. In fact, it’s thought to be the only one of its kind in the world. To shed light on the way forward, pediatric neuro-oncologist Dr. Josh Rubin and his team decided to perform genetic sequencing on Janet’s tumor cells to decode their DNA and mutations. They believed those cells held the information doctors could use to create a treatment plan with more confidence. After a year of radiation treatments and chemotherapy, through months of hospitalizations and setbacks, Janet has shown everyone what a fighter she is. “She faced the unimaginable with a smile on her face,” says her mom, Laura Pruneau. It’s that fighting spirit that moved the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Pedal the Cause team to name Janet its ambassador for the 2014 ride later this month. There is still time to get involved in this year’s ride on September 28. Whether it’s riding in the event, Spinning, being a virtual rider, volunteering, or supporting through a donation, there are plenty of ways to contribute to this worthy cause. Celebrating its fifth year, this important fundraising challenge benefits pediatric cancer research through the Children's Discovery Institute (CDI), a collaboration between St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, one of its beneficiaries. The CDI’s McDonnell Pediatric Cancer Center conducts research programs designed to identify key genetic features and the biological nature of different tumor Children’s Hospital is riding in honor of a patient named Janet Pruneau for Pedal the Cause. groups, which will lead to improved diagnostics and therapies. Janet's brave fight is ongoing and she continues to receive care from her team at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Join with the hospital and ride in honor of this special little girl. For more information on how you can be a part of St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s Team Janet and ride in Pedal the Cause, visit StLouis.PedalTheCause.org. Gifts Fall 2014 StLouisChildrens.org/giving 888.559.9699 5 GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 6 Thanks to You! The following is a list of some recent fundraisers various organizations, businesses and individuals have held to support Children’s Hospital’s mission. Jilly’s donated more than $2,000 in proceeds from Kenedy’s cupcake sold in the month of April to benefit the St. Louis Children’s Hospital lung transplant program. ■ Brent Bergheger’s 7th annual golf tournament was once again a great success. The sold-out event on June 27 was broadcast live on ESPN 101 Radio and raised more than $17,000 for cancer research at Children’s Hospital. Bergheger’s tournament has raised more than $93,000 since its inception. ■ In honor of Kenedy Hope Maze, a 15-yearold Children's Hospital patient who recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of her double lung transplant, Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Café created “Kenedy’s Key Lime Cupcake.” ■ Inspired by Children’s Hospital brain tumor patient Jackson Steinkuehler, 36 men came together on the Blackburn College soccer field from April 10 to 13 attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest soccer game ever played—and to bring awareness and raise money for pediatric cancer research. The World Record Soccer Game was created by Jackson’s dad, Rob Steinkuehler, who is head coach for Blackburn’s men’s soccer team. Although the game did not break the record, the event received extensive media coverage, including a story on NBC’s Today Show and raised $43,000 for brain cancer research at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. ■ “Loping and Leading for a Cure,” the Mark Harrell Horse Shows hosted a night of entertainment during its March to the Arch event to benefit St. Louis Children's Hospital for the fifth year. The $75,000 raised will support the March to the Arch Endowment Fund for cancer research through the Children’s Discovery Institute at Children’s Hospital. Donate Your Car for Kids Turn your car into care! Donating a car is an excellent way to get rid of an old, unwanted vehicle and help the kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. We’ve partnered with Charitable Auto Resources, Inc. (CARS) because they have years of experience, and have helped thousands of people donate cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and other vehicles nationwide. We trust them to make your car donation convenient and hassle-free. When you pledge your vehicle, a customer service representative from Charitable Auto Resources, Inc. will take your information and handle everything from processing documents, vehicle pick-up, charity auction sale, and distribution of proceeds to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Donating your car frees you from the hassles of selling, and proceeds from the sale of your vehicle will allow us to continue our mission of doing what’s right for kids! For more information on how to donate your car, visit StLouisChildrens-cardonations.org. 6 ? Attention Fundraisers! St. Louis Children’s Hospital is always grateful for fundraising efforts and in-kind donations by area organizations and individuals. Still, it is important to remember that Children’s Hospital must approve all events that use the St. Louis Children’s Hospital name and logo. If your group would like to organize a fundraising effort or in-kind drive to benefit Children’s Hospital, please contact Kathryn Lodes at kathryn.lodes@bjc.org or 314.286.0976. Thanks for helping do what’s right for kids! DID YOU KNOW? St. Louis Children’s Hospital is one of the world’s leading treatment and clinical research centers for diabetes, providing comprehensive care for pediatric patients throughout the entire diagnostic and treatment process. GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 7 Hospital Leader Turns Tragedy to Hope Through Endowment “There are two things that help me put one foot in front of the other every day. This hospital and that endowment fund.” —Peggy Gordin Peggy Gordin When Peggy Gordin came to St. Louis to become vice president of patient care services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, she felt drawn here from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as if by a magnet. Part of that pull came from the opportunity she saw to build the hospital’s influence on child and adolescent mental health in the region. Peggy came by that passion the most difficult way imaginable. She and her husband Richard lost the battle they waged for years against the drug addiction that took hold of their son Michael in his teens and wouldn’t let go. When Michael died in 2011, Peggy and Richard wanted to do something to honor his memory and make whatever difference they could to prevent other families from going through what they endured. “I am on a mission to de-stigmatize childhood mental and behavioral health issues so that children who suffer can receive Free Estate Planning Service Does your estate plan need a checkup? Are you interested in how you can save money on taxes and protect a larger share of your assets for your family and charitable goals? St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides for its employees, friends and donors a free, confidential service to help structure your estate plans according to your wishes. If you already have a plan, this service will provide an unbiased second opinion about your options. There is no obligation to purchase anything, and no expectations regarding gifts to St. Louis Children’s Hospital or any other charity. For more information, please contact Jan Rogers, Manager of Gift Planning at St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, at 314.286.0981 or jbrogers@bjc.org. Bright Minds Take Center Stage at Upcoming CDI Investor Symposium Interested in learning about the research projects underway at the Children’s Discovery Institute (CDI) that are leading to transformative and life-saving discoveries? Join St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine for the 7th Annual CDI Investor Symposium. Enjoy an evening of illuminating hands-on presentations and robust panel discussions with CDI researchers, and find out how these bright minds are pushing the boundaries of discovery. The CDI was established to provide seed funding for up-and-coming scientific investigators who are seeking the answers that will advance pediatric care. the care they need,“ she says, explaining why she so enthusiastically welcomed the assistance of estate planning consultant Michael Geis. The St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation offers Geis’ values-based estate planning consultations as a no-cost, no-obligation service to the hospital‘s employees, friends and donors. A senior vice president with Thompson and Associates, Geis led the Gordins through a thorough and thoughtful process to help structure their estate plans according to their exact wishes. “He provided us with the structure and support we needed to explore our values and develop a plan that reflects those values,” Peggy says. What came out of their series of planning sessions was an endowment fund in Michael Gordin’s memory to provide mental health and psycho-social support services for patients at Children’s Hospital. “There are two things that help me put one foot in front of the other every day,” Peggy says, “this hospital and that endowment fund. Caregivers who encounter behavioral and mental health issues in patients being hospitalized for other reasons should feel they have the resources necessary to address those secondary issues. This endowment helps ease my mind that we are doing what we can to make sure that’s the case.” Event Details WHEN: November 18, 2014 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center at the Washington University Danforth Campus, 2nd Floor Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. RSVP to Erin Carnes at erin.taake@bjc.org or 314.286.1573. Gifts Fall 2014 StLouisChildrens.org/giving 888.559.9699 7 GiftsIssueFall2014_Layout 1 8/29/14 6:48 AM Page 8 Go Green With Us! Because the price of printed materials can be costly and because we want to stay in touch with you regularly, we encourage you to sign up for e-gifts, our monthly e-mail newsletter as a fun, easy way to stay connected! Each month, you’ll meet a patient who has been helped because of your support. You’ll learn the latest on recent events and we’ll offer you fun opportunities to support the hospital. To receive the e-gifts newsletter, simply send your name and e-mail address to Stephanie Perry at sperry@bjc.org. And, if you would rather receive this Gifts magazine via e-mail rather than in your mailbox, we can update our records once you let us know. Thank you! St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation One Children’s Place St. Louis, MO 63110 Fall 2014 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 858 Follow Us! We’re on Twitter, Facebook and many more! Share your love and enthusiasm for St. Louis Children’s Hospital by joining us on our official social networking and media sites. Become our friend, hang out with other supporters, get health tips, news, videos and updates from St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Just visit StLouisChildrens.org for links and stay connected! Insta Meet CiCi continued from page 1 Indeed, CiCi is bound for greatness if this summer’s experience is any indication. She tried out and earned a place at the ballet barre of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer Intensive program. Its website calls the program “a challenging exploration of ballet and allied arts.” CiCi just calls it fun. “Dancing makes me feel so free,” CiCi says.”I love the music. I love to move and be athletic. It’s just fun.” 8 ? DID YOU KNOW? In 2013, an all-time high of 135 nurses participated in the Children’s Hospital Professional Nurse Development Program, which provides opportunities for nurses to build their clinical and leadership skills.