Benefactor
Fall 2015
A p u b l i c a t i o n f o r f r i e n d s an d s u p p o r t e r s o f N e w p o r t H o s p i t a l
Hamilton family commemorates birth of children with generous donation
welcome
D
ear Friend,
It is hard to believe that a year has passed since I joined the Newport Hospital team as President. And, what an exciting year it has been! I’ve enjoyed meeting so many members of our generous donor community; recruiting new physicians to enhance our expertise and the services we offer our patients; and spearheading a new strategic plan to best support the growing needs of our patients and hospital. The stories we share in this issue of Benefactor illustrate philanthropy at all life stages; from a young family’s donation to the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center in honor of the birth of their children, to an estate bequest made in memory of one gentleman’s late wife. We also share with you how the community has rallied support for Newport Hospital with fundraising events geared toward all ages. This season’s Benefactor would not be complete without acknowledging the amazing work of Dr. Orest Zaklynsky, who recently retired from Newport Hospital after 28 years. While we already miss his immense skill in the operating room and at his patients’ bedside, we are honored that he will continue to serve the Newport Hospital community as part of our Foundation Board of Trustees.
Crista F. Durand President, Newport Hospital
As always, thank you for your unwavering support and care for the hospital we all love.
President’s Reception Thanks Annual Donors
F
or the 13th consecutive year, Jay and Suzie Schochet hosted the annual President’s Reception at their home, Ridgemere, as a way to thank and recognize donors who are members of the Founder’s Society. Donors are welcomed into the Founder’s Society with an annual donation of $1,000 or more. Having just celebrated her first anniversary as President of Newport Hospital, Crista Durand shared some of the hospital’s most recent accomplishments with attendees: the hiring of 20 new physicians; the opening of the Lifespan Lyme Disease Center; and the creation of a strategic plan. She also thanked the Schochets once again for epitomizing the true spirit of philanthropy in all that they do―as donors, as ambassadors, and as true friends and advocates of Newport Hospital.
Dee Gordon, Sharon Wood Prince, Charles Hayes, Bill Wood Prince, Patricia Hayes, Richard Gordon
“Newport Hospital would not be the exceptional community hospital that it is without your help and support, and we are most grateful. Your philanthropy allows us to deliver the highest quality care to the residents and families of Newport County,” said Crista Durand, President of Newport Hospital, to the generous and loyal donors in attendance. Jennifer Bulk Lopes, Wendy Bulk, Nancy Pine, Mary Regan
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INSIGHTS
QA &
With Newport Hospital President
Crista F. Durand
It’s been a little more than a year since our last Q&A in Benefactor with Newport Hospital President, Crista F. Durand. Today, she takes a moment to reflect upon the previous twelve months, with an eye to the future, for one of Aquidneck Island’s most critical resources.
When you look back upon your first year as hospital president, what are you most proud of? This is a really exciting time for Newport Hospital and there’s a lot we can all be proud of. In the last year, we recruited 20 highly-skilled physicians and providers to our hospital, further strengthening our capabilities and resources for those we care for. We also received nursing’s highest credential when we were unanimously re-designated as a Magnet hospital. This is the Crista Durand, Stephanie McLennan and Judy McLennan third time we have received this prestigious honor, putting us among only two percent of hospitals in the country to achieve this level of re-designation. And, this past July, U.S. News & World Report ranked Newport Hospital not only as a top hospital in Rhode Island, but also among the best in the country, making special note of our high performance in the areas of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure.
What do you feel sets Newport Hospital apart from other hospitals? To me, Newport Hospital is the most important community asset on Aquidneck Island. We have an amazingly dedicated staff that provides the same level of compassionate care for our patients as they would want for themselves or a loved one. Their pride and commitment are so vital to the overall health and reputation of our hospital. We also have what I consider to be the most generous donor community a hospital could ask for. These are our neighbors who rely on our hospital, and want it to be the best it can be. When you combine these factors, you have a recipe for a special place of healing that truly belongs to all who live here.
What is your vision for the future of Newport Hospital? We have created a new strategic plan that will guide our direction for the next three years. We will focus on select service lines including primary care, emergency care, cancer care, general surgery, orthopedic care and women’s health. This plan was developed with input from our most important stakeholders—those who work here, and those who live here. We hosted employee and community focus groups as well as conducted a public opinion survey as a means to capture their insights. These are woven into the fabric of the plan with a particular focus on community outreach, select service line growth and strengthening community partnerships. Despite our success and accolades, there is a lot of work to be done. We want to position ourselves to further support the outpatient arena as more services move to be delivered in an outpatient setting. We are looking to build a new emergency room and also need to expand our medical office building to support these changes. As we remain committed to providing outstanding care in a realm that continues to evolve at a pace never-before-seen, the continued support of our donors is more important than ever.
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C over S tor y
Couple’s Experience Inspires Donation
to the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center
F
or Kerin and Charles Hamilton, the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital is a very special place. It is where, in 2012, the couple welcomed their 8 pound 12 ounce bouncing baby boy, Brooks, into the world. Thrilled with their experience, they chose to deliver baby Tucker there two years later. “When Brooks was born, our experience at Newport Hospital was nothing short of amazing—from the moment we arrived right through the care during labor and delivery to the aftercare,” explains Kerin. “They even called to check on us after we left the hospital; I felt so comfortable with the Birthing Center that I would call if I had questions, too.” After Brooks’ arrival, the couple began to discuss the idea of donating to the Birthing Center as a way to give back and say thank you to the special place where their family was born. But, with a new baby and a temporary relocation to Florida for a year, life got in the way. Then, Kerin was pregnant again. Remembering how comfortable and cared for her nurses made her feel when Brooks was born, Kerin was thrilled when she arrived back at the hospital to deliver Tucker and immediately saw a familiar face. “I walked into the Birthing Center and saw Lisa Pate, RN; I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Knowing she would be my nurse again was such a rush. A few hours after Tucker’s birth, and another amazing experience, we knew it was time to revisit the idea of donating to the Birthing Center.” As a result, 10 new rocking chairs and footstools have been purchased, which completed the Birthing Center’s redecorating project. With fresh paint, hardwood floors and furniture in the unit
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already updated, the rocking chairs were a wonderful addition to the space and the comfort of patients. “Thanks to the generosity of the Hamilton family, our mothers are experiencing a special bonding time with their newborns. The new rockers and footstools are a welcome addition to our department,” says Denise A. Sullivan, MSN, RNC, Director of Women’s and Newborn Services at Newport Hospital. “Someone is always in the rocking chair, whether it’s the mom or dad or a visitor holding the baby; it was wonderful to be able to do something to increase their comfort,” shares Kerin. “And, when the boys are old enough to understand, we look forward to telling them about how we chose to honor the Birthing Center for taking great care of all of us before, during and after their births. It’s a place that will forever be close to our hearts and it felt right to give back to where we welcomed our biggest blessings into the world.” This year, the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center celebrates its 20th anniversary. More than 13,400 babies have been delivered since its opening in 1995.
Hamilton family commemorates birth of children with generous donation
“Someone is always in the rocking chair...it was wonderful to be able to do something to increase their comfort.” — Kerin Hamilton
Moms and their newborns are enjoying the new rocking chairs
P lanned G iving
Honoring Tradition Through Planned Giving
W
hen Robert Chase met his late wife Julia “Julie” Sands Dickson, it was love at first sight. They were instant soul mates, finishing the other’s sentences and buying each other the same card on special occasions. “What we had was rare,” says Robert fondly of their 35 year marriage. One of the many things they also shared was their love and family connection to Newport Hospital. Robert’s parents were born at Newport Hospital, and that legacy continued with the birth of Robert and his four siblings. For Julie, her family’s history dates back to 1873 when her great-grandfather, Dr. Austin Ledyard Sands, was an original incorporator and served on Newport Hospital’s inaugural medical board. “My parents taught me to live by the Golden Rule, and that’s to help others,” says Robert. It is in that vein that Robert made an estate provision for Newport Hospital as a way to not only honor Julie’s memory, but also her family’s rich tradition of supporting the hospital. He also donates annually to support the hospital’s current needs and attends the summer gala. In the late 1960s, he helped solicit gifts from local corporations for the building of the Turner Building. “There are so many ways to help the hospital we all rely on. Even if you can’t donate money, you can donate your time.” he says. “I’m a firm believer in recognizing those who came before us and what they did to get the hospital started,” explains Robert. “Four generations later, I want to continue that tradition and support the hospital so it remains as great in the future as it is today.”
“I’m a firm believer in recognizing those who came before us and what they did to get the hospital started. Four generations later, I want to continue that tradition and support the hospital so it remains as great in the future as it is today.” — Robert Chase
Living Heritage Society
Donors Honored at Luncheon
O
n September 24, members of the Living Heritage Society were thanked at a luncheon at Vanderbilt Grace. The Living Heritage Society honors generous donors who have made a planned gift, or included the hospital as a beneficiary of their estate plan, retirement account, or life insurance.
John and Peg Brady
Planned giving allows donors to carry on into the future the tradition of philanthropy that supports the hospital’s unyielding pursuit of excellence in patient care. The luncheon also remembered members of the Society—Hugh D. Auchincloss III, Ruth Fortier and Joanne Hologgitas—who recently passed away. Newport Hospital is grateful for their loyal donors’ forethought by including the hospital in their estate plans. Without this crucial support, the hospital would not be able to continue to provide the high level of care and commitment, for which we are renowned, to our patients and the community.
L-R Anne Damon, Ned Corcoran, Ruth Corcoran, Lou Fazzano, Suzie Schochet
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F U N D R A I S I N G events
Team Alvimedica
Leaves Donation in Their Wake
A
fter being at sea for 212 days as part of the grueling 39,000 mile Volvo Ocean Race, members of the Team Alvimedica race crew stopped by Newport Hospital to personally deliver the fruits of their labor. Team Alvimedica was the youngest entry in the 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race, considered the world’s toughest and longest sporting event. Throughout the race, the team left significant donations to support heart health in their wake at each of the 10 stopover ports. In Rhode Island, they designated Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Newport Hospital, and the local chapter of the American Heart Association as the beneficiaries of an online auction for two once-in-a-lifetime sailing experiences: 7 seats aboard their ship during the Pro-Am race and the “Jump Seat” spot when the team left the stopover port of Newport. Peter Capodilupo, Chairman Newport Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees; Amory Ross, Mark Towill, and Nick Dana from Team Alvimedica; Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Newport Mayor.
Daughter Honors Mother’s Memory
with “Free to Breathe Zumbathon”
H ailey Gablinske and her mom, Leanne, loved going to their high
energy and very fun Zumba fitness classes together. But sadly, Leanne was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away in December of 2014.
Hailey soon found herself wanting to do a fundraiser to benefit a cancer program in a way that would honor her mother’s spirit. It hit her that the answer was Zumba. So, for Hailey’s senior project, she hosted a “Free to Breathe Zumbathon” at Colt State Park in March. More than 100 people joined the class, helping to raise $7,500 for the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) at Newport Hospital.
Three Angels Fund
Jayne Ritz, RN, CCC Clinical Manager; Hailey Gablinske; Susan Korber, RN, CCC Administrative Director; Crista Durand, Newport Hospital President
Honors Memory of Loved Ones at Annual Event
On August 2nd, with blue sunny skies above, The Three Angels Fund
held its 6th annual fundraiser at Kempenaar’s Clambake Club. More than 500 people enjoyed the beautiful day filled with family fun activities including hayrides, bocci and horseshoes, great music from ChopVille and DJ Michael Murphy, and plenty of food and drink for all. With countless raffle items and a silent and live auction, $35,000 was raised to support the Outpatient IV Therapy Lab at Newport Hospital.
Three Angels family and friends Aidan Asher, Jeremy Franco, Brendon Bulk and Jacob Pine
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Created by cousins Andrew Bulk and Jennifer Lopes, in memory of their aunts Eileen Bulk, Ann Pine, and Nan Bulk, The Three Angels Fund has donated more than $159,000 to Newport Hospital since 2010. The event is a wonderful way to honor the memory of their loved ones while improving the quality of life for others.
The Heart of a Community Doctor
foundation
Dr. Orest Zaklynsky S ome of what happens in life can be difficult to explain. For retired surgeon Orest Zaklynsky, MD, that’s how he characterizes becoming a physician. Instead of working with stone and glass and being the architect he always imagined, he decided to go to medical school and work with the body. Born in Ukraine, he emigrated with his family to New York, and after medical school did his surgical training at The New York Hospital – Cornell Medical Center, where he met his wife Karitas, an operating room nurse. In 1977, after serving his obligatory military service in the Navy in Iceland, Dr. Zaklynsky came to Newport as a surgeon at the Newport Naval Hospital. He expected to stay only for a year. Twenty-eight years later, Dr. Zaklynsky and Karitas (Kaja) Kristjansdottir are still here. They fell in love with the Island and decided it was the perfect place to build their life. And, in doing so, Dr. Zaklynsky became a beloved physician in the community and at Newport Hospital. After moonlighting in Newport Hospital’s Emergency Room during his time at the Naval Hospital, Dr. Zaklynsky joined the staff at Newport Hospital and also went into private practice in 1986. Caring for patients with everything from appendicitis to cancer, he is well known for his attention to patient care and the empathy he provided. “I know many patients that have known him,” explains Thomas McGue, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Newport Hospital, “and they felt like he made them the center of his universe. He was always there for them. I’m not sure he ever took time off because he always made himself available. He is a true example of what it means to be patient-centered and patient-focused.” Dr. Zaklynsky served as Chief of Surgery at Newport Hospital from 1998-2004, and became a partner of University Surgical Associates in 2006. Over the course of his career, he watched countless advances change the shape of medicine and surgery. Despite this evolution, he never forgot the most important part of his job—his patients. “I worked 8 days a week. My office was always open and people would always come in,” recalls Dr. Zaklynsky. “That’s what it means to be a community physician to me.”
“I worked 8 days a week. My office was always open and people would always come in. That’s what it means to be a community physician to me.” — Dr. Orest Zaklynsky
Since retiring from his practice in 2014, Dr. Zaklynsky has continued to give of himself to the Newport Hospital community as a member of the Newport Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. “I think it’s important to have physicians with a history of the hospital help guide the Board,” says Dr. Zaklynsky. “This hospital has been here for 150 years and it’s important that we do all we can to ensure it will be here for another 150 years.” To celebrate his nearly three decades of tirelessly caring for the Newport community, hospital medical staff and the hospital foundation held a reception in Dr. Zaklynsky’s honor at the Newport Music Festival in July. More than 200 staff, patients and invited guests came to the event at The Breakers to thank him and wish him well. “The number of people that turned out is a true testament to how beloved he is in the community,” remarks Dr. McGue. In his retirement, Dr. Zaklynsky is enjoying time with his family and has traveled to his native Ukraine, where he visited hospitals and brought much needed medical equipment, continuing his calling in life to help care for others.
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presorted
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Newport Hospital’s
Night in Provence Raises $471,436!
O
n Thursday, July 9, Newport Hospital held its 2015 summer gala, A Night in Provence, at Ochre Court in Newport. The event brought together 363 of the hospital’s closest friends and supporters to honor the contributions of philanthropists Jay and Suzie Schochet, while raising $471,436 to benefit Newport Hospital programs with the most pressing funding needs. Of the total raised, the live auction and Fund-a-Need generated $141,200 towards the much-needed purchase of a new CT scanner. “It was an honor and privilege to recognize the selfless contributions of time and treasure that Jay and Suzie Schochet have made to help make Newport Hospital what it is today,” says Crista F. Durand, President of Newport Hospital. “Their continued generosity has not only furthered our mission, it has also touched the lives of thousands of their neighbors—we could not be more fortunate to have their unwavering support.”
Jim Purviance enjoys a dance with A Night in Provence honorary co-chair, Happy van Beuren
As guests arrived at Ochre Court, Newport’s second largest mansion, they were welcomed by the music of the Michael Walsh Group and passed delicacies inspired by southern France’s Mediterranean heartland. Following a tribute video of Jay and Suzie Schochet, professional auctioneer C. Hugh Hildesley of Sotheby’s presented the event’s live auction and fundraising blitz to help fund the purchase of a new, state-of-the-art CT scanner.
Steve Durand; Crista Durand, President, Newport Hospital; Peter Capodilupo, Chair, Newport Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees; Jennifer Capodilupo; and Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr., Chair, Lifespan Board of Directors
Eager to support the cause, guests engaged in spirited bidding, with bid numbers raised high and often, including several guests who raised their bid cards at the $10,000 and $5,000 levels to directly support a new CT scanner. In keeping with the France theme, one lucky guest bid $8,500 for a 7-night stay for 6-8 people in a historic town house in Uzès, France that dates back to the Middle Ages. At the conclusion of the auction, guests enjoyed a dinner of culinary delights prepared by Russell Morin Fine Catering and danced to the sounds of chanteuse Linda Calise.
“Thanks to the collective generosity of the community, a new CT scanner for our hospital is now within reach,” says Peter Capodilupo, Chair of the Newport Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. “The success of this event truly captures the power of our caring community.” The event’s honorary co-chairs were Oatsie Charles and Happy van Beuren, and the many corporate and individual sponsors included Presenting Sponsor, The Schochet Companies, Jay and Suzie Schochet and Richard Henken, CEO; and Silver Sponsors, Dorrance H. Hamilton, Michael and Pat Kidder, Judy Clagett McLennan, Newport Hospital Auxiliary, Jack and Linda Purdy, James and Virginia Purviance, Happy van Beuren, and Diane B. Wilsey.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (center) with Suzie and Jay Schochet
At times we share news and information with our donors electronically. If you’d like to receive timely updates by email and help us reduce paper and postage costs, please email NHGiving@lifespan.org. Benefactor, a publication of Newport Hospital, is published for the friends and supporters of Newport Hospital. For more information, please contact the Development Office at 401-845-1617 or visit giving.lifespan.org/NH-Welcome © 2015 Newport Hospital. All rights reserved.
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