Advocate
Your giving matters. Fall 2019.
A note of appreciation. Huntington Hospital, one of our region’s leading nonprofit institutions, is made better by philanthropy. In addition to gifts from generous individuals and organizations in the communities we serve, many of our own team members contribute financially. Further supporting a culture of philanthropy, caregivers and other staff across the hospital have this year participated in a training program known as Compassionate Community Care. Among other topics, participants learned more about how donations to the hospital directly benefit the patients we serve. In this issue of Advocate, we are pleased to let you know more about the critical role philanthropy plays in ensuring that the hospital remains a leader in providing high-quality health care to all those who need it. In addition to meeting some of our generous supporters, you will also read about just a few of the patients whose lives have been touched — in significant ways — by contributions from caring people like you. On behalf of everyone at the hospital, and all those we serve, thank you. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Advocate and learning more about the many ways your giving matters.
Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA President and Chief Executive Officer
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Contents Fall 2019
On our cover: Our caregivers personify our mission, providing excellent health care and compassionate service to our patients.
4. Your giving heals hearts Randy Huston 6. Sharon and Frank Arthofer Strengthening heart care for our community 10. An Evening at Gale’s The future of cardiac care 12. A message from our Philanthropy Committee Co-chairs 13. Around the campus New enhancements to serve you better 14. Your giving delivers superior care The Froerer family 16. Terry Perucca Compassion shaped by experience 18. 2 Your giving matters.
President’s Circle Cocktail Reception Celebrating generous friends
20. Sarah and Patrick Lanni Local ties, local support 22.
Linda and John Seiter Thoughtfully evolving philanthropy
25. Innovations in care Fetal surgery 28.
Caregiver spotlight Delanie McKendrick, RN
30.
Grateful Hearts Gratitude through giving
38.
Exer Urgent Care An urgent care collaboration
40.
Fall Food + Wine Festival In very good taste
42. Your giving saves lives Bob Michero
32. SCRUBS Giving Society Supporting kids 34.
SCRUBS Giving Society SCRUBS Inside & Out Campaign
36. Wendy and Brandon Lew, DO, FACEP Compassionate caring
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Thanks to the excellent cardiac care Randy Huston received here, he is back to playing golf and spending time with his family. At right, Randy with his wife, Mary, and their grandchildren, Trent and Lyla.
Your giving
heals hearts.
Community contributions to Huntington Hospital’s heart program help increase access to lifesaving heart care, and enhance the quality of this care, for more than 3,000 patients annually. Our full spectrum of cardiolog y services includes highly advanced surgical procedures — including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery.
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This was the first time I ever had surgery and I’ll tell anyone who asks what excellent care I got.
”
4 Your giving matters.
R
andy Huston kept an eye on his health and received regular check-ups with his physician, but for years his heart murmur was something he did not think about very much. He had learned about it when he was 24, but it was not until 2018 that he started to notice some worrying symptoms, including feeling short of breath when walking up any kind of incline. Randy knew it was time to talk to his cardiologist about treatment options. After their conversation and additional analysis of Randy’s condition, the cardiologist determined that Randy was a good candidate for TAVR. This type of surgery eliminates the need for a large chest incision — and the patient does not need to be placed on a heart-lung machine during the procedure. Randy had heard about Azhil (Alex) Durairaj, MD’s expertise in performing TAVR. Dr. Durairaj, who is Huntington Hospital’s medical director of cardiovascular services, co-led the team that performed the very first TAVR procedure in the San Gabriel Valley and he has since used this surgical technique to help many more patients. Very soon after the procedure at Huntington Hospital, Randy was able to return home. There have been no complications. In fact, he reports, he was happily playing golf just five days after surgery. “I’m very pleased with the care I received,” he says. In addition to underscoring Dr. Durairaj’s skill, he praises the attentive support of Sue Duquette, the physician assistant for our TAVR program. “She helped spearhead the process for me with great efficiency,” he says, adding, “The entire staff there was courteous, thorough and very professional.” “This was the first time I ever had surgery,” Randy says, “and I’ll tell anyone who asks what excellent care I got. I’d like to give a big, capitalized THANK YOU to everyone at the hospital. I know I made the right choice by going there.”
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6 Your giving matters.
“There are so many things that contribute to [Huntington Hospital] being recognized as best in class by U.S. News & World Report, Leapfrog and others. Frank and I give because we want to help keep moving the needle forward.”
Sharon and Frank Arthofer Strengthening heart care for our community. As a Huntington Hospital board member, says Sharon Arthofer, “I’m constantly aware that we need to focus on continuous improvement to remain competitive and to stay a best-in-class hospital. The healthcare field is one of constant advancement,” she adds, “so even though the hospital is already excellent, we must strive to be even better. Our focus on exceptional quality care and a compassionate approach to each patient is what keeps us at the forefront of great health care.” In addition to her board service, Sharon and her husband, Frank, have contributed generously in support of our work over many years. They recently increased the level of their involvement through a pledge toward the creation of our new cardiac center. “The hospital is an anchor in the community precisely because people stood in our shoes years ago and gave. This community needs these new heart facilities, in order to accommodate more patients and help them get lifesaving care even faster,” Sharon says. The couple’s gift was further influenced by the excellent care Frank received when he experienced a heart procedure here about 12 years ago. Following treatment, he participated in our cardiac rehabilitation program. “When you’ve lived through a heart attack, the experience is always in your memory,” he says. “I hadn’t been in a lot of other hospitals at the time, but Huntington Hospital felt special — more personal. I was particularly
impressed by the nursing staff, who provide care with a remarkable combination of efficiency and kindness, and obviously the doctors did a wonderful job, because I’m still here and I haven’t had any problems since. “My father died of a heart attack at 57 years old,” Franks adds, “and the advances today in cardiac care and treatment are in part due to people providing funding and support for state-of-the-art equipment and programs like those at Huntington Hospital.” Community priorities.
Even before Frank’s procedure, access to world-class health care was a priority for the Arthofers. When they made a work-related move from New York to California in 1992, they chose a place to live based on two things, they say: a strong educational system and proximity to an excellent medical facility. The couple met through their work at Nestlé — Sharon in the coffee division and Frank in the chocolate and confections division. Frank began in sales with the company in 1965, rising to the position of president of the chocolate and confections division over the course of his career there. He retired in 2001. After approximately six years with Nestlé, Sharon left to pursue exciting entrepreneurial opportunities — including helping a franchise business grow from
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Through their recent gift, the Arthofers are helping us create a new cardiac center. In addition to advanced treatment areas, the center will include specially designated areas (see rendering above) where patients receive care and monitoring both before and after their procedure.
a single store to a national franchise with more than 250 outlets. The Arthofers’ combined business acumen later served them well as they branched out into the field of real estate. Together, they now manage several multi-family and commercial properties. Focusing on community.
Frank and Sharon raised their four children: Frank, Jr. lives in London and works for Formula 1, which is owned by the Liberty Media Corporation. Daughter, Whitney, is a healthcare consultant with Deloitte in New York. The family also includes two daughters from Frank’s previous marriage — Elizabeth, who works for an advertising agency in Ohio, and Valerie, an administrator at a church in Boston. While busy with careers and family, the Arthofers have simultaneously kept their community commitments front and center. Regarding their support for our work, “There’s so much need out there. We’re in a position where we can help, and obviously medical care is one of the things at the top of our list,” Frank says. When Frank was at Nestlé, he also started a program that provided scholarships to inner-city teenagers who were engaged in community service in order to improve the lives of others. Sharon chaired Foothill Family Services’ board for several years and Frank sat on
8 Your giving matters.
the board of Kidspace Children’s Museum. In addition, the Arthofers have contributed to organizations working in the field of education and now see a growing need to focus on the homeless crisis. Many factors.
The couple notes that, in addition to the special connection they feel to our heart care services, they very much appreciate our broader support of community health. “I’m amazed,” says Sharon, “at how much support the hospital gives to seniors, people who are disadvantaged and people who are homeless. While nonprofit hospitals are required to provide some community benefits, Huntington Hospital does more than is required.” Returning to her experience as a board member, Sharon notes that there are a myriad of things that make our work stand out from the crowd. “One of the major strengths is our outstanding doctors who have experience providing a standard of excellence in their respective fields and ensuring their patients get the best care,” she says. “I’d also point to a strong infrastructure, advanced facilities and more. It’s not about one thing. There are so many things that contribute to us being recognized as best in class by U.S. News & World Report, Leapfrog and others. Frank and I give because we want to help keep moving the needle forward.”
Mark your calendars! • May 3, 2020 Altadena Guild’s 69th Annual Home Tour
Tour de force. You are invited to join the Altadena Guild for a tour of some of the most beautiful homes and gardens of Altadena. Guests will also enjoy delectable refreshments, live music and shopping. Event proceeds will help underwrite costs associated with the creation of a new cardiac center at Huntington Hospital, as well as support Constance G. Zahorik Appearance Center and the Altadena Guild Community Service Scholarship. In addition, a portion of funds raised will benefit Huntington Medical Research Institutes.
www.altadenaguild.org
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An Evening at Gale’s The future of cardiac care. On September 16, thoughtful Huntington Hospital supporters and grateful cardiac patients, along with other prominent members of our community and senior hospital staff, enjoyed a special presentation by Robbin Cohen, MD. During An Evening at Gale’s, Dr. Cohen provided information about the evolving field of cardiology and the importance of donor involvement in safeguarding leading-edge care for heart patients in our region. Dr. Cohen is medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Huntington Hospital. He is recognized for excellent care and is regularly referenced in listings such as Consumer Research Council’s Guide to America’s Top Surgeons, Los Angeles Magazine’s Southern California Super Doctors, and Pasadena Magazine’s Top Doctors. He has also written extensively and lectured worldwide on adult cardiac surgery, lung transplantation, and minimally invasive heart and lung surgery. During his presentation, Dr. Cohen also spoke about advancements at the hospital. Most notably, he provided guests with an insider’s look at the new, state-of-the-art cardiac center that is being built on our campus, and how it will allow us to strengthen heart care for patients still further. Giving from the heart.
The informative event was held at Gale’s Restaurant in Pasadena. Gale Kohl, a Pasadena resident and co-owner of the restaurant with her husband Rene Chila, has shown a commitment to doing all she can to support great care at Huntington Hospital. She and other members of her family have accessed the hospital over the years, and their involvement is an expression of their gratitude for exceptional health care — as well as of their desire to ensure such care remains available for community residents for generations to come. Gale and Rene have generously hosted numerous events benefiting the hospital over the years. In addition to covering all expenses for these events, the couple also makes other financial gifts in support of our work. The special evening with Dr. Cohen was envisioned in part as a way to inform community members about our new cardiac center, currently under construction. “I believe it’s important for people in our region to learn more about the hospital, including the great care it provides to heart patients,” says Gale. During the course of the event, guests enjoyed wines from Chateau Montelena, as well as expertly prepared farm-to-table Italian food with a California twist. We are deeply grateful to Gale and Rene for their help in organizing and implementing this dinner. The event was something of a family affair, as Jerry and Terri Kohl (Gale’s brother and sister-in-law) spoke about their own involvement at the hospital. The couple has provided generous support toward creation of our new cardiac facilities — and they noted that, for them, the importance of this future-ready, world-class cardiac care center is personal: Jerry has received heart care at our hospital. Fabulous cuisine, exclusive insights into new developments at the hospital, and a gathering of some of our community’s most generous and interesting philanthropists all combined to make An Evening at Gale’s a memorable event. As work on our new cardiac center continues, we will be providing additional exciting opportunities to update members of our community about our progress. Please stay tuned.
Opposite: Gale Kohl (center), host of An Evening at Gale’s, with Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, the hospital’s president and chief executive officer (far left) and Robbin Cohen, MD, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery (right), who spoke at the event.
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A message from our Philanthropy Committee Co-chairs. As you may know, Huntington Hospital is a forwardlooking institution. We work to improve and innovate…to stay ahead of the curve…to ensure patients here receive the best and most advanced care possible, even as medicine evolves so rapidly. This is only possible thanks to the generous involvement of people like you. On the following page, you will read about some of the latest community-supported improvements taking place on our campus: Our expanded surgical facilities, new cardiac center and other upgrades will help us serve a growing regional population. They will also help us remain a leader in medical care in our region. Thank you to each of you who has already joined with us as a philanthropic partner. By allowing us to invest in outstanding staff, advanced equipment and future-ready spaces like the ones described on the opposite page, your gifts bring the best of medical care to our community. If you are not already involved in our work, we would love to speak with you about how you can make a difference. Please contact our office of philanthropy at (626) 397-3241 for more information.
Rary Simmons and R. Scott Jenkins Co-chairs, Philanthropy Committee
Construction on our new surgical and cardiac facilities has begun (top photo). As patients and guests arrive in the surgical wing, they will be welcomed at a modern nursing station (illustrated in bottom rendering).
12 Your giving matters.
Around the campus.
New enhancements to serve you better. Some important improvements are underway on our campus. The changes will expand our capacity to provide care — and support even higher-quality services here. This work would not be possible without the support of friends like you. Superior heart care.
Our nationally recognized cardiology program responds to a diverse array of cardiac needs, through services that include advanced education and support, rehabilitation, screening and diagnostic services, surgery and non-invasive intervention. To ensure we can serve our growing community, we have begun work on a new, state-of-the-art cardiac center. It will include three cardiac catheterization suites, as well as a hybrid catheterization/surgical suite — the first of its kind in our service area — all equipped with the latest clinical technologies. The new cardiac center will be located directly above our Nan and Howard Schow Emergency & Trauma Center. Patients with cardiac emergencies will be transported for intervention via a single, fast elevator ride, further speeding the delivery of potentially lifesaving treatment. The new and larger space will also allow us to serve approximately 30 percent more heart patients each year. Operating better.
We are also embarking on a significant project to expand and upgrade our surgical facilities, by creating an expanded surgery center complete with seven new and 12 upgraded surgical suites. The increased number of surgery suites, housing top-of-the-line equipment, will help ensure the future of outstanding surgical care for our region’s patients. General surgery suites (suitable for most types of surgery), as well as suites optimized for neurology, trauma, orthopedic and other specialty procedures, will be included — as will nursing, administrative and other spaces related to our surgery services. In addition to our two new care centers, we are enhancing our campus in a number of other important ways. In the event of a large-scale trauma or natural disaster, we know we must be able to ensure care and be the last building standing. This is why work in the coming months will include seismic upgrades (ensuring we continue to meet the very latest standards for hospitals), upgrades to improve access for individuals with mobility limitations, and a variety of infrastructure updates. You can rest assured: We are taking steps now to meet the ongoing care needs of our area’s growing population. We look forward to providing additional updates as construction proceeds.
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14 Your giving matters.
Your giving
delivers superior care.
Philanthropic gifts from our community help provide expectant mothers, new mothers and their babies with a comprehensive array of care at Huntington Hospital — from labor and delivery services, to postpartum care, to advanced fetal surgery and more. Community support also helps us deliver a superior level of care to particularly vulnerable patients, including babies who require care in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We are home to our region’s only level-III NICU, providing the most advanced care available in the San Gabriel Valley for premature infants and other newborns with severe medical needs.
E
xpectant parents Hillary and Sam Froerer had no reason to believe there would be any problems with their baby. Both of them were young and healthy. Hillary had become pregnant easily and there had been no complications during her pregnancy. Oliver was born at full term but, right from the start, it was clear something was wrong. Our clinicians noted he was having trouble breathing and he was rushed to our NICU for care. There, he received prompt treatment for pneumonia (developed in utero), jaundice and hypoglycemia. Our caregivers gently inserted the tiny tubes that would help Oliver breathe and eat until he could do so on his own. They carefully monitored his airflow, heart rate and glucose levels, and initiated light therapy to treat his jaundice. Hillary praises the attentive care of Jamie Powers, MD, medical director of neonatology, and the NICU team. “No one wants their kid to be in the NICU,” she says, “but the staff did a great job comforting us and answering all our questions. They helped us get through it.” Seven days after Oliver was born, he was already healthy enough to go home with his parents, thanks to the work of his care team. He continues to do well now: With no residual health problems, the happy, smiling baby continues to eat well and gain weight as he should. “I’m so grateful to Huntington Hospital,” Hillary says. “Oliver got all the attention he needed. In the future, we wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
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Oliver got all the attention he needed. In the future, we wouldn’t go anywhere else.
”
Above: Baby Oliver Froerer is now thriving at home after receiving care in our NICU, which offers the highest level of neonatal intensive care available in the San Gabriel Valley. Opposite: Oliver with his parents, Sam and Hillary (seated) and with Jamie Powers, MD, medical director of neonatology (standing at left).
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Terry Perucca Compassion shaped by experience. Terry Perucca and his late wife, Cynthia, moved back to Pasadena after living in San Francisco and Chicago for many years. Soon, Terry was looking for ways to become reengaged in the local community. More than four decades earlier, he had made his first connection with Huntington Hospital, when the Peruccas’ daughter, Jennifer, was born here. “Pasadena wouldn’t be the same without the hospital,” Terry says. “It’s an anchor and an asset to the community and it’s been a big part of my life for years.” So when a friend, Jaynie Studenmund, who currently chairs our board of directors, encouraged Terry to get involved here, he was happy to do so, he adds. He recently made a generous gift that helped purchase a new stateof-the-art incubator for use in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The incubator, known as a Giraffe bed, creates a therapeutic microenvironment for premature infants: By minimizing temperature swings, dampening noise and diminishing the need to move babies during care, it helps support their progress to good health. Terry notes that his experience as the grandfather of twins who received NICU care was a factor in his decision to give to this area of our work. “The twins, who are now 8, were in the NICU in a hospital in Chicago, and it was stunning to see how much doctors and nurses do for vulnerable babies in that environment,” he says. “I’m very pleased I can help.” Support for seniors.
Terry also chose to designate a portion of his gift toward Huntington Senior Care Network (SCN) — a decision again inspired in part by personal experience: Before she passed away in 2018, Cynthia battled Alzheimer’s disease. While visiting Cynthia in the memory care community where she lived toward the end of her life, Terry reconnected with Annette Serrurier, whose husband was also receiving care there. (They had known each other from the time Cynthia and Annette were involved in Junior League together.) Annette, a former member of SCN’s staff, told Terry about this nationally recognized program — which
16 Your giving matters.
helps older and disabled adults to remain as healthy and independent as possible — and about its services for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. “It feels good to be involved in a place that’s working on issues that touched my own family,” Terry says. “Alzheimer’s is a disease that impacts everyone in a family, over a long time. When Cynthia was diagnosed,” he adds, “we were thankfully able to get her all the care she needed. I recognize how important it is to have a resource like SCN that serves people who don’t otherwise have access to the help they need.” In addition to his thoughtful philanthropic support, Terry recently joined the Quality Committee of our board of directors, which helps oversee continuous improvement efforts and evaluates results. He also serves on the board of Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI), which conducts research into Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a wide array of other medical conditions and procedures. His commitment to his community extends beyond medical-related causes: He is a member of the Art Collections Committee at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, as well as a member of the Getty Patron Program. Important for all.
Terry spent more than 40 years working in the financial services industry. His first job was at Security Pacific as an industrial engineer, where he was involved in developing the first automated teller machines (ATMs) in the 1970s. In 1992, he and Cynthia relocated from Pasadena to San Francisco. In 1996, they moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Terry served as president of Banc of America Equity Partners, before retiring in 2006. In Chicago, Terry and Cynthia contributed to a number of causes, including art-related institutions. Terry was also a trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Perrucas were both involved with the Art Institute of Chicago. Terry decided to move back to Pasadena when Cynthia began to require more extensive care. “We still had friends and family here,” he says, “and it felt more like home.” “One of the great things about Pasadena,” he says, “is that there is a plethora of community organizations doing wonderful things. While personal experiences have influenced my involvement at Huntington Hospital, I believe health care is a common denominator for everyone. We’re all human beings and our bodies all fail periodically, from bumps and bruises to much more,” he adds, “so I think the hospital is something we all should support in any way we can.”
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4 1. David and Ellen Lee with Frances and Emmett Lynch. 2. Julie and Bob Oropallo. 3. Lisa and Charles Battaglia, MD. 4. Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer; Howard Kaufman, MD, MBA; and Yafa Minazad, DO. 5. Anita Brenner and Leonard Torres. 6. Anita and Steve Peralez.
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President’s Circle Cocktail Reception Celebrating generous friends. President’s Circle members are Huntington Hospital donors who make especially generous annual contributions toward our work. Their generous involvement helps safeguard the availability of high-quality, compassionate medical care for our region. On September 24, we honored President’s Circle members at the Associate level and above for their thoughtful involvement, during an exclusive gathering at The Valley Hunt Club. During the elegant event, members enjoyed cocktails, gourmet appetizers and, of course, great company. Hospital leaders in attendance included board members Scott Jenkins, Paul Johnson, David Kirchheimer, Ellen Lee, and Rosemary B. (Rary) Simmons, as well as senior executives Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer; and Jane Haderlein, senior vice president of philanthropy and public relations. After welcoming our honored guests, Dr. Morgan introduced Howard Kaufman, MD, MBA. The future of care for colorectal cancer.
Dr. Kaufman — medical director of our cancer services and a leader in the field of cancer care — provided the evening’s keynote address. He spoke about advances in the management of colorectal cancer, including leadingedge surgical options offered at Huntington Hospital. We recently embarked on a significant project to expand and upgrade our surgical facilities, which will allow us to provide an even higher level of care to patients who need such interventions, he noted. Dr. Kaufman emphasized the important role of private support in making such above-and-beyond care possible. Before concluding, he thanked President’s Circle members again for their help in providing superior care for patients region-wide. Support from donors like these has previously helped us introduce minimally invasive, robotic and other advanced surgical techniques. In part as a result, we were again named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top hospitals in California, in 2019, and have received special recognition for excellence in a wide range of surgical specialties. Dr. Kaufman was himself an early pioneer in the treatment of Crohn’s disease using minimally invasive surgery. Among other notable advances, he was the first surgeon on the West Coast to perform colon resection surgery using minimally invasive techniques — via a single tiny incision in the umbilicus (belly button). A member of several national surgical societies and of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, this respected expert also heads the colorectal research program at Huntington Medical Research Institutes, where he directs numerous studies regarding both benign and malignant diseases.
Members of our President’s Circle enjoy a wide array of exclusive benefits. To learn more about becoming a President’s Circle member, please contact Lia Peterson Miller, senior director of donor engagement, at (626) 397-3241.
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Sarah and Patrick Lanni
“I was taught by my parents that it’s your obligation to support your community, and, for us, Huntington Hospital is synonymous with community.”
Local ties, local support. Sarah and Patrick Lanni have ties to Huntington Hospital that span multiple generations. The couple now lives close to the hospital — just down the street from Sarah’s childhood home in Pasadena — and they are continuing the family tradition of involvement here. Their gifts qualify them for membership in the President’s Circle of Huntington Hospital, our leadership annual fund society. The Lannis have chosen to provide their gifts in the form of unrestricted support. “We wanted to give the hospital flexibility to use our dollars for the greatest good,” Patrick says. “We felt they would know better than us where the funds were needed.” Unrestricted support through Huntington Annual Fund helps across many hospital units and programs, including our women’s and children’s services, which are particularly meaningful to the Lannis given their own experiences here. Philanthropic support allows us to offer a comprehensive array of services for moms and babies, in areas including labor and delivery, postpartum care, neonatal intensive care and fetal surgery. (See page 25 for more information about recent advancements in fetal surgery here.) Deepening connections.
Sarah’s mother and grandmother were born at Huntington Hospital. So, too, were Sarah and her siblings. During her high school years, Sarah became a student volunteer in our maternity unit. Her aunt is a registered nurse here. Patrick’s parents were hospital donors and his late father served as a member of our board of directors. Patrick graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in political science and has significant experience in the real estate and hospitality fields. In 2017, he joined Caruso, one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the United States. He now oversees the company’s operation of the Rosewood Miramar Beach, a luxury resort in Montecito, California.
20 Your giving matters.
Sarah served as a teacher for several years and holds a master’s degree in early childhood education. She left the workforce when she and Patrick started a family. Both Sarah and Patrick have experienced the hospital from a patient’s perspective. “There were times during my childhood that it seemed like I visited the emergency department on a monthly basis,” Patrick laughs. Sarah’s relationship with us deepened, she notes, when the Lannis’ son, Terrence, was born here in September 2018. “Huntington Hospital has such positive connotations to me,” she says. “It’s where so many of my family members were born, and it’s where I met our son for the first time. Like many expectant mothers, I was nervous about giving birth, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience. I never felt like I was in a hospital,” she adds. “The rooms were cozy and the nurses were very attentive.” Sarah and Patrick welcomed their second child this November — and are looking forward to growing their family still further. “At this phase of life,” Patrick says, “we’re especially grateful to be so close to the hospital. It gives us great peace of mind to know that it’s there for us when we need it.” Giving back starts here.
In addition to their involvement with the hospital, Sarah and Patrick contribute time and resources to a variety of other local organizations. Sarah, for example, regularly volunteers with the Pasadena Educational Foundation, which supports local schools in the Pasadena Unified School District. Both the Lannis view their involvement with Huntington Hospital not only as a family tradition, but as a personal responsibility. “I was taught by my parents that it’s your obligation to support your community,” says Patrick, “and, for us, Huntington Hospital is synonymous with community.”
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22 Your giving matters.
“We trust the hospital and we want to make sure the best doctors, the best technology and the best care remain available for everyone in our community,”
Linda and John Seiter Thoughtfully evolving philanthropy. For Linda and John Seiter, philanthropic involvement has been one of life’s constants, and their overarching priorities — health care, education and the arts — were firmly established early on. Over the years, new experiences have influenced their philanthropy and the way in which they provide it, of course, but they have never veered from their commitment to community. Some of the Seiters’ earliest gifts to Huntington Hospital were designated toward our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), after Hunter, their first grandchild, received care here. Born prematurely, Hunter had significant health issues, which were successfully treated. He is now a healthy and successful adult — and part of the Seiters’ expanded family of seven grandchildren, all born at Huntington Hospital. Linda and John are among the generous donors whose gifts have helped us provide the highest level of care available in the San Gabriel Valley for premature and sick babies. In addition, the couple has supported a variety of capital projects here, including expansion of our Nan and Howard Schow Emergency & Trauma Center. Their most recent contribution comes in the form of an unrestricted gift that helps us remain at the leading edge in areas including not only NICU and pediatric care, but also heart care, oncology, emergency care, neurology and more. A new phase of life.
Having supported the hospital for some three decades, “We’re at a different stage of life today,” John says. In part as a result, the Seiters made their most recent gift in a way that was new to them — in the form of a qualified charitable distribution through an individual retirement account. This gift vehicle allows individuals, beginning at age 70 ½, to contribute funds directly from a taxable IRA, providing potentially attractive tax benefits to the donor, as well as help-
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ing a chosen cause. “If you take the distribution yourself and then donate the funds,” John notes, “the charity ends up getting less, because of taxation. For us, the nice thing about the charitable distribution is that, for every dollar involved, the hospital gets the full dollar.” A broad spectrum.
Supporting health care in our region is a natural fit for the Seiters, both of whom are Southern California natives. When Linda was in her 30s, she decided to pursue a new career as a nurse. At the time, the couple and their children were living in Connecticut. She went back to school there, earning a bachelor of science in nursing. Soon after, when John’s work brought the family back to this area, Linda served as a school nurse in the San Marino school system for several years. John worked for 26 years with Capital Group. At the time of his retirement, he was director of the organization and served as executive vice president of its subsidiary firm, Capital Guardian Trust Company. Today, the Seiters’ healthcare-related philanthropy focuses in part on the field of gerontology. In addition to other involvement, John also serves on the board of councilors at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. “It’s at the other end of the spectrum from our early support for the NICU at Huntington Hospital,” he points out, “but we think it’s important to learn about what to expect as we age.” Confidence, connection, commitment.
The Seiters’ daughters, Kristi Simmons and Shannon Williamson, have inherited their parents’ commitment to community. Together, all four members of the Seiter family operate the Seiter Family Foundation, created approximately 15 years ago. As a result, the experiences of two new generations are now influencing philanthropic decisions: Kristi and her husband, John, have three children, all in their 20s. Shannon and husband, Jonathan, have four children, ages 17 through 25. “It’s fun to see so many new and positive things happening in the family and through the foundation as they get older and more involved,” says John senior. While their family foundation may be evolving, the Seiters emphasize their continued feeling of special connection with Huntington Hospital. “We trust the hospital and we want to make sure the best doctors, the best technology and the best care remain available for everyone in our community,” Linda says. “Thank goodness we have this resource so close by.”
24 Your giving matters.
Have you considered? Linda and John Seiter are among the thoughtful and foresighted community members who have discovered the benefits of making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an individual retirement account (IRA). • Donors who are 70½ or older can use this vehicle (sometimes called a charitable rollover) to donate up to $100,000 to the hospital directly from their qualified IRA. • QCD gifts are made to the hospital from the IRA and count toward the donor’s required minimum distribution. • Because these funds are sent directly to the hospital from the IRA, they do not count as taxable income to the donor. • The gifts support our lifesaving work, while reducing the donor’s tax burden. Please alert the office of philanthropy when directing a QCD so we know whom to thank! Donors can support high-quality care for our community via a QCD every year. For questions about this type of gift, please contact Helen Bechtolt, senior director of principal giving, at (626) 397-3241 or via email at helen. bechtolt@huntingtonhospital.com or consult with your financial advisor.
Innovations in care.
Fetal surgery. Philanthropic contributions help ensure we remain at the forefront of care. As an example, we are the only hospital in Southern California to offer fetal surgery — a type of surgery that responds to the serious health needs of babies while they are still in the womb. Recently, we introduced an additional groundbreaking fetal surgery technique that is improving outcomes for unborn babies with spina bifida.
Ramen Chmait, MD (center), leads a team of experts in pioneering treatments that save the lives of unborn babies, through our fetal surgery program.
Our highly regarded fetal surgery program is directed by an international leader in minimally invasive fetal surgery, Ramen H. Chmait, MD. The program brings new hope to families, by addressing medical problems that place the infant’s life at risk. Earlier this year, Dr. Chmait led a team of experts — including physicians from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Keck School of Medicine of USC — in treating an unborn baby with spina bifida, here. They used a new, minimally invasive fetal surgery technique. Spina bifida occurs when a portion of the spine and spinal cord do not form properly in the womb. It can cause paralysis and other serious health problems. While fetal surgery is the preferred method of repairing this birth defect, it normally requires large incisions through the mother’s abdomen and uterus to access and patch the opening in the baby’s spinal cord. The new technique used by Dr. Chmait and team does not require these large incisions, significantly reducing the risk for post-surgery complications as a result. Also known as “keyhole” fetal surgery, the minimally invasive procedure to treat spina bifida in utero was the first of its kind in the Western United States. The baby was later born at term with the patch to her spine intact, and with no additional surgery required. This pioneering new procedure is one more example of how we continue to push the boundaries of excellence — and serve our patients even better. It is not hard to imagine the deep gratitude of parents whose children benefit from advanced fetal surgery here: The smiling faces at our biennial fetal surgery reunion speak volumes, and remind us all of the power of donor support to make a life-changing difference.
Advocate. Fall 2019. 25
Equine entertainment. Flintridge La CaĂąada Guild
99th Annual Horse Show April 23 through April 26, 2020 Flintridge Riding Club
Create memories that will last a lifetime at this year’s fun-filled event! Join the guild for four days of exciting competitions, prizes, food and more. Funds raised through the event will help support the work of a new registered nurse navigator in our cancer center.
Email flintridgehorseshow@gmail.com for tickets.
A chic event, benefiting babies.
FEBRUARY 22, 2020 THE VALLEY HUNT CLUB Presented by Huntington Charity League Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music and more during this spirited evening. Guests will have the chance to win a beautiful jewelry piece, a wine locker…and a mystery prize.
Proceeds will support essential care for babies in Huntington Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. A portion of funds raised will also benefit our Parent Connection program, as well as help provide advanced education for nurses here.
Visit hcl.schoolauction.net/carnival for tickets.
Caregiver spotlight.
Delanie McKendrick, RN Unrestricted support through Huntington Annual Fund helps us provide world-class care in areas throughout the hospital. It allows us to hire exceptional staff members, and provide training that keeps them updated on the latest care techniques. It touches patients of every age — starting at the very beginning of life. It makes a difference that inspires others to get involved, too. For Delanie McKendrick, RN, community-supported care at Huntington Hospital was life changing in more ways than one. Years ago, she welcomed her son into the world here. Then, she says, “I loved the care we got here so much that I decided to become a Huntington Hospital nurse!” It all began when Delanie was pregnant with her first child 35 years ago. She toured our maternity unit and was impressed with what she saw. In particular, she was struck by the expertise of our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which to this day, provides the highest level of neonatal intensive care available in the San Gabriel Valley. What she learned helped her decide that Huntington Hospital was the right place for her to give birth. Delanie’s son, Trevor, did in fact need care in our NICU immediately after he was born. After treatment for breathing problems, he was able to go home safely. “If there’s something wrong with your baby,” says Delanie, “this is the best place to be.” While Trevor’s time in the hospital was relatively short, the experience had a profound impact on Delanie: Five months after giving birth, she started nursing school, and by 1987, she had joined our professional care team as a registered nurse. A personal connection.
Delanie has provided nursing care in our maternity unit for the past 32 years. In addition to her certification as a registered nurse, she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and has a specialty certification in Maternal Newborn Nursing. She points to exceptional caregiver training as one of the things that sets us apart as a leader in care. “Through my own experience, I know donor support helps us deliver the highest-quality care for moms and babies here,” Delanie says. “It means Huntington Hospital is a place people can trust to help them deliver their babies safely.” Delanie draws on her own personal experiences to help her care for patients with compassion and understanding. She is now the mother of six children — all of them born here. “I’ve delivered in about every way you can, and I’ve had babies born prematurely, full-term and late,” she says. “All those experiences help me care for my patients with compassion, and compassionate care is what we stand for,” she adds. “I think it’s one of the reasons our donors support us. It’s about going more than the extra mile. It’s something everyone here feels — the nurses, doctors and other staff. We’re all working together for the best outcome of the patient.”
28 Your giving matters.
Advocate. Fall 2019. 29
Grateful Hearts
Gratitude through giving.
Every day, Huntington Hospital team members go above and beyond in their work, in ways that improve patient care. Many generous patients choose to say thank you by contributing funds in support of our work. When you make a gift through our Grateful Hearts program, you honor an exceptional staff member or members who have gone the extra mile to make your hospital stay the very best it can be. At the same time, your gift helps us to ensure the very best of care for all patients. Gail Cinexi; Sayuri Espinoza, RN; and Robert Grandos, PCA, are among the skilled and compassionate professionals recently honored through the Grateful Hearts program. You can read what they have to say about this acknowledgment, below.
Gail Cinexi Vice President of Enterprise, Clinical and Support Services Thirty-three years of service.
Sayuri Espinoza Registered Nurse, 5 West Three years of service.
Robert Grandos Patient Care Associate, Station 42 Three years of service.
“ Huntington Hospital is special and we have a longstanding reputation for providing the best of care to our patients. Being recognized like this means so much because our patients are so important to me. Charitable gifts help support not only my work but the work of everyone here — so we can do even more for our patients.”
“ We all go the extra mile here. My coworkers are some of the loveliest and most supportive, compassionate and dedicated people I’ve ever met. We support each other to give patients the best possible care. Although this donation was given in my name, I’d like to think it is a reflection of the type of support provided by the entire 5 West team.”
“ I feel really proud, honored and grateful to be recognized. It gives me even more motivation to continue to provide compassionate care to all of my patients and their families.”
30 Your giving matters.
Grateful Hearts Donors and Honorees Steven H. Applebaum, MD John P. Symes Walter H. Burnham, MD Ricarda E. Rohde Cardiology staff William M. Mitacek Helen S. Chan, MD Scott G. Anderson John C. Chiang, MD Siwen Wang Gail F. Cinexi Rosemary B. Simmons Seth A. Cohen, MD Vartouhie A. Housepian Wendy M. Denham, MD Susan P. Rhoades John L. Easthope, MD John H. Meisch
Emergency Department staff Susie W. Badkoubie Madeline Garcia Dorothy A. Gonzales Richard H. Higuera Joel A. Marquardt Virginia J. Renner Sayuri V. Espinoza-Silva, RN Elizabeth Sarafian Lilibeth F. Estacion, RN Jessie A. Liao Gregory M. Giesler, MD John D. Taylor Robert Grandos, PCA Argola E. Haynes Nicholas W. Greco, MD Barbara Anderson Blake Jane E. Haderlein Allan L. Miller Intensive Care Unit staff Alexander C. McGilvray
Joseph D. Kamarian, RN Anand P. Khosla
Wes J. Powell, MD William M. Luxford
Howard S. Kaufman, MD Rawloo V. Khalap
Carol L. Richards James W. Goodman
Anthony W. Kim, MD Yvette M. Palazuelos
Luisa M. Schulman, NP Anjela Kurilina
Timothy C. Lin, DO Theresa R. Betance
John Takemura Fay F. Wong
Lisu and Tang-Kue Liu, MD William J. Tsai
David M. Ulick, MD Barbara Anderson Blake
Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA UniHealth Foundation
Kenneth Ziegler, MD Yvette M. Palazuelos
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit staff Jon S. Inatomi
2019 gifts as of September 12
Neurology unit staff Lisa L. Griffin Oncology staff Virginia Avila
All Grateful Hearts donations are counted as part of Huntington Annual Fund, with associated recognition benefits. For more information about making a gift in gratitude, please visit https://giving.huntingtonhospital.com or call the office of philanthropy at (626) 397-3241.
Advocate. Fall 2019.   31
32 Your giving matters.
SCRUBS Giving Society Supporting kids. Each year, our special Drinks on the Links event provides an opportunity for SCRUBS Giving Society donors to meet and mingle — and to introduce additional friends to Huntington Hospital’s work. On July 19, SCRUBS donors and their guests gathered at Annandale Golf Club for the 2019 event. Drinks on the Links also served as an opportunity to introduce the group’s latest fundraising project, the SCRUBS Inside & Out Campaign, which is helping us address the emotional and mental health needs of our pediatric patients. Committed to child safety and well-being.
At the event, Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer, offered a warm welcome and thanked SCRUBS donors for their support. Since 2004, the group has raised more than $7 million to help meet the health needs of our community. Dr. Morgan went on to introduce special guest Emily Lam, MSN, RN, who spoke about the SCRUBS Inside & Out Campaign. Emily is a nursing professional development specialist of clinical education and practice, and has played an important role in bringing suicide prevention screenings to Huntington Hospital. Emily highlighted an increase in mental health issues among children nationwide, and the importance of the SCRUBS fundraising initiative in helping us address these issues in our region. Specifically, funds raised through the campaign will support specialized training for nursing staff in our pediatric and emergency departments. This training will help our nurses identify young people who show signs of depression, or who are at risk for suicide, and link them to professional mental health care. In addition to hearing about this important work, guests at the Drinks on the Links event enjoyed a raw seafood bar, flavorful charcuterie offerings, an ice cream bar and specialty cocktails, as well as live music from Debra Davis and the Band of Gold. We are deeply grateful to SCRUBS members for their involvement.
SCRUBS Giving Society, founded in 2005, is a vibrant group of next-generation community philanthropists who raise funds and awareness in support of our work. Thank you to everyone involved! To learn more about joining this group, please contact Lindsay Koerner, manager of annual fund and donor groups, at (626) 397-3241.
Advocate. Fall 2019. 33
SCRUBS Giving Society
SCRUBS Inside & Out Campaign. SCRUBS Giving Society donors have given generously to support exceptional medical care for children in our pediatric and emergency departments over the years. This year, through the SCRUBS Inside & Out Campaign, they will again focus on the health needs of our young patients. Gifts to the campaign will help us improve our response to the emotional health needs of children, at a time when childhood suicide rates are increasing at an alarming rate, nationwide. Sadly, suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for children age 10 through 14. Specifically, campaign funds will support advanced training for nurses in our pediatric and emergency departments to help them identify children with emotional health risks, including those who are at heightened risk for suicide. On the front lines in caring for children, team members will also learn how to
coordinate help with a mental health provider when needed. During training sessions, caregivers will learn how to use age-appropriate screening tools, review various situations they might encounter, and explore next steps to help at-risk kids stay safe. Among other things, nurses will learn how to use the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Toolkit, a resource developed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to help screen for suicide risk. Huntington Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Southern California to implement this important training for pediatric staff, which can be a lifesaver: Ninety percent of young people who commit suicide seek medical attention within the three months before their deaths — making our caregivers a crucial line of defense. SCRUBS Inside & Out Campaign Chair Mabel Paine has challenged members of our community to help us save lives by establishing a $50,000 fundraising goal to be met by 2020, toward this essential pediatric suicide prevention training. Thanks to SCRUBS donors’ support, our caregivers will be better prepared to respond when they identify a child at risk — helping to prevent tragedy and making young people in our community safer.
For more information or to make a gift in support of the SCRUBS Inside & Out Campaign, visit our website at www.huntingtonhospital.org/scrubs or call Lindsay Koerner, manager of annual fund and donor groups, at (626) 397-3241.
34 Your giving matters.
Our volunteers make the season brighter.
S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra Gift Shop There is so much to explore! Thank you to the more than 100 community volunteers who make our gift shop a magical place, during the holidays and throughout the year. Visit us to find gifts for the whole family — including seasonal items, toys, flowers and candy — as well as greeting cards and more. Our dedicated volunteers will be pleased to help you. Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (626) 397-5257 for more information or to place a telephone order.
36 Your giving matters.
Wendy and Brandon Lew, DO, FACEP Compassionate caring. Brandon Lew, DO, FACEP, has been a member of Huntington Hospital’s medical staff since 1996. He currently serves as the medical director of our emergency department. He and his wife, Wendy, have also been generous donors in support of our work over the years — and when friends of theirs helped found our SCRUBS Giving Society, the Lews were quick to get involved in that group. “SCRUBS is a great way to introduce local Pasadena residents to the hospital,” says Dr. Lew. In his role as president of HMH Emergency Medical Group, Inc., Dr. Lew in turn helped influence his own organization’s involvement: The medical group’s support, directed through SCRUBS, helps bring essential care to local patients, while also offering the benefits of SCRUBS membership to group physicians and their spouses. Through Dr. Lew’s work, he and Wendy are particularly familiar with the impact of community support within our Nan and Howard Schow Emergency & Trauma Center. “Gifts from the community have allowed us to expand our emergency facilities to serve a growing population, and they help us provide top-level care to everyone who needs it, whenever they need it,” Dr. Lew notes. “We’re probably one of the busiest emergency departments in the United States and we have some of the best emergency care physicians in the nation,” he adds. Destined for medicine.
From an early age, Dr. Lew felt destined to work in the field of medicine. He always loved science, and studied biology at the University of Southern California (USC) before pursuing his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences. He later completed a residency in emergency medicine at LAC+USC Medical Center.
Wendy, too, has professional experience in the healthcare field: She began her career as a pharmacist and worked in that capacity at Kaiser Permanente for more than 10 years. She now works in real estate and design. Wendy and three of the Lews’ four children were born at Huntington Hospital. More recently, Wendy has received treatment for some health issues here. “No one wants to have problems that require hospital care,” she says, “but when I did, I was fortunate that I was able to go to Huntington Hospital. The care I received was wonderful.” Special skills.
When asked to characterize work in the emergency department, Dr. Lew notes that it involves a unique combination of “communication skills, an ability to analyze things quickly, and manual dexterity. It can be stressful, but it’s very gratifying.
Opposite: Thanks to his leadership role as medical director of our emergency department, Brandon Lew, DO, FACEP, and his wife, Wendy, are especially aware of how community support helps us “provide top-level care to everyone who needs it, whenever they need it.” Above: HMH Emergency Medical Group, Inc.’s support, directed through SCRUBS Giving Society, helps fund our lifesaving work, while also offering the benefits of SCRUBS membership to group physicians and their spouses. We are grateful to the group’s medical staff, pictured here, for their involvement. Dr. Lew (back row, center) also serves as this group’s president.
Advocate. Fall 2019. 37
The Lews with their children (from left), Carson, Brandon, Emily and Aaron.
“Our doctors know many patients from the community,” he adds, “and we treat everyone who comes to us as family. We help them in every way we can.” In addition, he emphasizes, “Our emergency department is one of very few to have almost every specialty available on call around the clock.” On-call physician services are essential in the provision of emergency and trauma care: A specialist in neurology, for example, may not be caring for patients in the emergency and trauma center at all times, but if a patient comes to us with a head injury, a neurosurgeon must be available rapidly. Medical insurance, however, does not reimburse physicians for on-call time. Community support is vital in covering on-call costs — helping to ensure the availability of 24/7 specialty care here. “Sometimes in our emergency and trauma center, we see patients who have been to another hospital, but couldn’t receive the specialty care they required there,” says Dr. Lew. “In one recent case, a patient who needed an urgent surgical procedure came to Huntington Hospital from another facility because they didn’t have the right specialist available. We were able to treat him very quickly, because of our on-call capacity.”
Communication is key.
Dr. Lew notes that contributions from community friends also help cover the cost of high-level education and training for staff in our emergency and trauma center, so they can remain at the leading edge of care. In addition to clinical education, he makes special note of a recent training program focused on compassionate, patient-centered communication in the emergency setting. Whether caring for a patient with a dislocated shoulder or speeding treatment for someone suffering a heart attack, “We have to establish rapport with the patient and family within about 10 seconds, even if they’re very stressed and possibly feeling a lot of pain,” Dr. Lew explains. “We want to help alleviate their concerns. We want them to feel comfortable opening up and telling us what they’re really worried about. “In the final analysis,” he says, “whether you’re talking about caregivers serving our patients, or about donors who make this work possible, it’s all about people doing the very best for other people.”
38 Your giving matters.
An urgent care collaboration. Huntington Hospital and HMH Emergency Medical Group have joined in a partnership with Exer Urgent Care. Through this partnership, the medical group that staffs our Nan and Howard Schow Emergency & Trauma Center now also provides medical care at Exer Urgent Care centers in Pasadena and La Cañada Flintridge, through approximately 110,000 patient visits annually across the three facilities. The urgent care centers provide outpatient services for patients with conditions that are not life threatening but that nonetheless need prompt attention. On-site services include x-ray imaging, laboratory services and testing, pharmaceutical services, laceration treatment and more. The new centers foster appropriate and costeffective use of medical resources, while contributing to a further reduction of wait times in our emergency department.
Find treasures at Huntington Collection.
Get started on your holiday shopping at Huntington Collection. This upscale resale store has a wide variety of one-of-a-kind vintage finds, including jewelry, furniture, decor and more. Proceeds from your purchases will benefit Huntington Senior Care Network. This nationally recognized program serves older and disabled adults in our region, helping them remain healthy and independent. Donations are welcome and tax deductible. 766 South Fair Oaks Avenue • Pasadena, CA 91105 • (626) 535-2468 • www.huntingtoncollection.org Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Last Thursday of the month, noon to 6 p.m.
2019 Fall Food + Wine Festival Committee Brian Birnie, Co-chair Caroline Burke, Co-chair Linda Barker Rachel Barker Garrett Bell Karen Billman Ave and Will Bortz Jamie Brady-Smith Chad Brunochelli Carter Donaldson Pinky Lark Farnum John Ferdenzi Kristine Giordano Jane and Tom Glover Kornelija O’Faolain 40 Your giving matters.
John Haglund Anne Irvine Lauren Leahy Janet Mayeda Bob Michero Lia Peterson Miller Mackenzie Mize Therese and Lee Mothershead Blake Mount David Ruivo Nick Salata Cathy Simms Rob Terrazas Michele and Greg Thompson
Fall Food + Wine Festival In very good taste. The 35th annual Fall Food + Wine Festival hit all the right flavor notes, as guests sampled delicious food and drink offerings from more than 100 world-class vendors. At the October 27 event, held on the grounds between Parkway Grill and Arroyo Chop House, participants also mixed, mingled and danced to live music — all while helping to save lives: The festival raised more than $260,000 to help support Huntington Hospital Trauma Center, making a real difference for patients in our region. Money raised from the 2019 event will allow us to acquire new portable ultrasound technology and essential radiology supplies to be used in the center. A portion of the proceeds will also help us provide ongoing, advanced education for nurses and medical residents who care for trauma patients. An additional share of the funds will help underwrite Stop the Bleed, an important program through which we teach community members to stop potentially fatal bleeding, helping to preserve life. Many thanks to the generous patrons, sponsors, volunteers, vendors and other partners who participated in the 2019 event. Your support is helping to safeguard our trauma center’s essential work.
35
Save the date!
Please join us for the 36th annual Fall Food + Wine Festival, to be held on Sunday, October 25, 2020. The 2020 festival will again support the lifesaving work of Huntington Hospital Trauma Center. Event sponsorship opportunities at the $5,000 level and above are now available. Individual tickets will go on sale in June 2020. Please contact Jamie Brady-Smith in Huntington Hospital’s office of philanthropy at (626) 397-3241 or visit www.ffandwine.com for more information.
Advocate. Fall 2019. 41
saves lives.
Your giving
When patients turn to us with serious injuries, they receive great care, thanks in large part to charitable gifts made by grateful patients and their families. Contributions from our community are essential in helping us provide world-class care in our Nan and Howard Schow Emergency & Trauma Center. The center encompasses the largest emergency department in Pasadena and the largest trauma center in the San Gabriel Valley. Experts in numerous specialties are on call around the clock here, to serve patients no matter when the need arises.
W
“
I would recommend Huntington Hospital to anyone and everyone.
”
hen Bob Michero had a skiing accident last January, he knew it was bad, but thought the pain would go away with time. As he drove home from Mammoth Mountain, he was hoping for the best, but over the next few days he felt progressively worse. Bob went to a local urgent care center, where he was told he needed to go to an emergency room — and he headed our way. “I always go to Huntington Hospital if I can,” he says. “I trust them. I’ve been to the emergency department before and I’ve always had great care there.” Our medical professionals administered a series of tests, including an MRI and CT scan, to determine the extent of Bob’s injuries. When physicians came back to consult with him, he knew his injuries must be more severe than he had imagined: Through his longtime participation on the committee for our Fall Food + Wine Festival (an event that raises funds for Huntington Hospital Trauma Center), Bob is familiar with some members of our emergency and trauma staff — and he recognized one of his care team members as a trauma surgeon. Bob had three broken ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding. He remained in the hospital overnight for care and monitoring. Even more seriously, he had a compression fracture of the spine, which would require surgery. Because he also had a severe concussion, however, he had to schedule the needed procedure for a later date. Bob consulted with Richard Diehl, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who had previously operated on his knees. Dr. Diehl recommended that William Costigan, MD, who specializes in orthopedic and spine surgery, perform the specialized spinal procedure. “I absolutely knew I was in good hands,” Bob says, adding that the surgery went well. With physical therapy, he continues to make progress on the road to full recovery. With this experience, he adds, his participation on the Fall Food + Wine Committee has become even more meaningful: He knows that the outstanding care he received in our trauma center was made possible thanks, in part, to funds raised through the event he helps plan. Thoughtful involvement with the hospital has long been a Michero family affair: Bob’s wife, Kim Williams-Michero, is a member of the Altadena Guild and has volunteered for many years in our S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra Gift Shop. Their daughter, Darcy, was a longtime volunteer here before pursuing a degree in neuroscience at University of California, Los Angeles. “I would recommend Huntington Hospital to anyone and everyone,” Bob says, “and I want to thank the staff for their incredible compassion, understanding, patience and expertise.”
Above: Bob Michero was on a ski trip with his daughter, Darcy (at left), when he was injured in an accident. At first, he did not realize how badly he was hurt. Despite the severity of his injuries, he is now doing well after receiving treatment in our trauma center. Opposite: Bob with his wife, Kim. 42 Your giving matters.
Advocate. Fall 2019. 43
In gratitude. My professional background in financial services and corporate governance has helped me appreciate a truly good investment. While Huntington Hospital, as a nonprofit institution, does not have investors in the traditional (stock market) sense of that word, I am not alone in seeing it as a great investment of charitable funds. A philanthropic investment in the hospital’s work is an investment in the future of medical care for our families, friends and neighbors. Many local residents have chosen to make this kind of investment in the hospital’s present and in its future. Their support comes in the form of charitable gifts, board service and volunteer engagement. Their involvement plays a key role in making exceptional care available here, to the betterment of our community’s health, and we are truly grateful. My husband, Woody, and I are longtime supporters of Huntington Hospital because we see the strong return on our charitable investment: continued availability of worldclass medical care, right here in Pasadena. Please join us in supporting the hospital’s important work.
Jaynie Studenmund Chair of the Board
Board of directors
Sharon Arthofer William J. Bogaard Harry Bowles, MD Wayne Brandt, Treasurer Louise Henry Bryson Michelle Quinones Chino, Secretary Reed Gardiner Akila Gibbs Armando L. Gonzalez, Vice Chair Ronald L. Havner, Jr. Christopher G. Hedley, MD R. Scott Jenkins Paul Johnson David Kirchheimer Ellen Lee Brandon Lew, DO, Ex Officio Simon Li Allen W. Mathies, Jr., MD, President Emeritus
M. Christian Mitchell
Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, President and CEO John Mothershead, Ex Officio Elizabeth Graham Olson Kathleen Good Podley Stephen A. Ralph, President Emeritus James Shankwiler, MD Rosemary B. Simmons, Director Emeritus Jaynie Studenmund, Chair Renée Ying Robert Y. Yu President and CEO Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Public Relations Jane Haderlein Office of Philanthropy and Communications Mark Anello, Senior Director of Development Services and Strategic Planning Helen Bechtolt, Senior Director of Principal Gifts Jamie Brady-Smith, Manager of Donor Relations and Special Events Cathi Chadwell, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Public Affairs Stephanie Cianci, Manager of Content Marketing Marie Cleaves, Major Gifts Officer Lindsay Koerner, Manager of Annual Fund and Donor Groups Lia Peterson Miller, Senior Director of Donor Engagement and Communications Eileen Neuwirth, Executive Director of Communications and Brand Strategy We speak your language. We are committed to providing you with compassionate care regardless of the language you speak. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al (626) 397-5211.
注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援 助服務。 請致電 (626) 397-5211。
Huntington Hospital complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Huntington Hospital is committed to improving the environment. Advocate has been printed entirely on Forest Stewardship Council‑certified paper. FSC certification ensures that the paper used contains fibers from well-managed and responsibly harvested forests that adhere to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. We are proud to make this significant move to help our environment.
Advocate Fall 2019. Editors Cathi Chadwell Stephanie Cianci Lia Peterson Miller Eileen Neuwirth Writer/Editor
Thurlow/Associates
Principal Photography Christopher Grisanti Photography Skalij Photography Additional Photography Shane Karns Photography Design
Terry Griest
Printing
Impress Communications
Office of Philanthropy and Communications 100 West California Boulevard
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Pasadena, California 91105 www.huntingtonhospital.org (626) 397-3241
Many sincere thanks to the thoughtful friends who have generously made gifts to Huntington Hospital in 2019.
The season of giving.
Your contributions help us provide a wide and important array of services, including advanced neonatal care, comprehensive heart and stroke care, round-the-clock emergency and trauma care, and more. We could not sustain the excellence and scope of our work without the involvement of friends like you. If you have not yet supported us in our lifesaving work this year, there is still time! We invite you to join us as a partner by making a year-end gift, which is tax deductible. Please take a moment to return the enclosed envelope with your contribution today. You can also give online at https://giving.huntingtonhospital.com or by contacting our office of philanthropy at (626) 397-3241. Your support will make a difference, helping to keep our community healthy — and safeguarding the high‑quality, compassionate care that you and your loved ones count on all year round. Thank you.