Barrow Magazine - Volume 18, Issue 2, 2006 by Barrow Neurological Foundation

A magazine for the friends of Barrow Neurological Institute of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

BARROW ‘JEWEL’ New facility opens to rave reviews

Pushing Boundaries

Benefactors make tower possible

20TH ANNIVERSARY Center for Transitional Rehabilitation celebrates milestone

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Volume 18, Issue 2, 2006

Opening thoughts he new Barrow Neuroscience Tower is truly a marvel of technology, efficiency, and comfort. Finally, we have the kind of facility our patients deserve-—a facility that is conducive to the cutting-edge and respectful care we strive to deliver every day at Barrow Neurological Institute. “Thank you” does not begin to express our appreciation to the more than 300 benefactors who made the new tower possible by contributing to the Pushing Boundaries Capital Campaign. Thanks to your generosity, Barrow can continue to serve the increasing numbers of patients who come here from throughout the world. The Barrow Neuroscience Tower is equipped with the latest technology, ensuring safety and high-quality care for our patients. And, the tower’s spacious and private patient rooms support our mission of providing family-centered care. As a surgeon, I am particularly pleased with the new Neurosurgery Department. As you will read in the article beginning on page 7, our new department offers technology found in very few centers anywhere in the world. In fact, our intraoperative 3T MRI is the first of its kind in the country, and our “super cool” room can be chilled to 55 degrees in just three minutes—an invaluable feature for certain complex surgeries we perform here. This issue of Barrow takes you into the world of the Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation, celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. The CTN’s work in helping people devastated by brain injuries return to productive lives is truly remarkable. Also in this issue are articles about several patients—a young man who suffered a brain injury in a schoolyard incident, a woman who was sidelined by normal pressure hydrocephalus, and a teenager I treated 14 years ago. How wonderful it was to see that young man this summer! You’ll also learn how Barrow’s friends are helping the institute’s work—by participating in the Health & Wealth Raffle, by sponsoring fundraising events like Celebrity Fight Night and Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf, and by investing in our future through planned giving. It takes a community to build a medical center like Barrow Neurological Institute. Thank you for being part of our community.

Sincerely,

Robert F. Spetzler, MD Director, Barrow Neurological Institute

Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey H. Edmunds’ last name was incorrectly spelled in the last issue of Barrow. We apologize for this error.

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2: The future of medicine New tower’s technology, amenities reflect Barrow’s focus on quality. 4: Pushing Boundaries Thanks to all who contributed to our beautiful new building! 7: In a league of its own New Neurosurgery Department offers unparalleled features. 10: Rebuilding an interrupted life The Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation celebrates 20 years of helping individuals recover from brain injuries. 14: Questions without answers Neuropsychology helps children and families after brain injury. 16: Sweet recovery Carol Sweet is back at work after a scary encounter with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Contents

19: Imagine that Barrow doctors hope to speed up medical-film delivery with the Dicom Grid. 22: ‘What I did for my summer vacation’ Kansas teen chooses Barrow for family trip. 26: Why we give Charitable remainder trust honors beloved brother and makes financial sense for couple. 26: Doc rocks the house Neurosurgeon’s band, Crosstown Traffic, plays for charity. 28: Big winnings from the Health & Wealth Raffle 32: What’s happening around Barrow

Catherine Menor Editor/Writer Catherine.Menor@chw.edu

Sally Clasen, Debra Gelbart, Sarah Padilla Contributing Writers

Robert F. Spetzler, MD Director Barrow Neurological Institute®

Justin Detwiler Art Director/Designer

Scott Baxter, Jeff Noble, Jackie Mercandetti Photography

Mary Jane Crist, CFRE CEO, Barrow Neurological Foundation

Steve Woods Printing

• How to Reach Us • Barrow is published twice a year. We welcome your comments, suggestions and requests to be added to or deleted from our mailing list. Call 602-406-1041 or send mail to Barrow, Office of Philanthropy, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85013. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number in all correspondence. Visit us online at www.StJosephs-Phx.com and www.PushingBoundaries.org.

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the future of medicine New tower’s technology, amenities reflect Barrow’s focus on quality sk nurses, doctors and administrators what they • Two new MRIs (in addition to the intraoperative think of the new Barrow Neuroscience Tower, MRI), including another 3-Tesla unit. and the word you’ll hear most often is “more.” • A spacious 26-bed Pre-Operative Unit and 44-bed As in more space, more privacy, more technology, Post-Anesthesia Unit for patient care before and more comfort. after surgery. “I think it will more than meet our patients’ needs,” says St. Joseph’s President Linda Hunt. “A • Special amenities to encourage patient and family comfort and healing, including family areas and gentleman tapped me on the shoulder the other day and said, ‘You know, I’ve stayed in fourstar hotels that aren’t this nice.’” “The funds raised by the Pushing Boundaries Many of the extras that set the new Capital Campaign allowed us to add many of building apart were possible because of donors, says Linda. “The funds raised by the features that make this building so special the Pushing Boundaries Capital Campaign for physicians, nurses and, most important, allowed us to add many of the features patients and their families.” that make this building so special for physicians, nurses and, most important, Linda Hunt patients and their families.” private baths in all patient rooms; a garden; a medWith the addition of the tower’s 144 beds, St. itation and prayer room; a family education and Joseph’s is the largest hospital in Arizona. It may also business center; and several other themed waiting be the home of the premier neuroscience center in the rooms. country. Consider the new tower’s state-of-the-art features: “It’s incredible to have a building this size, with • The country’s only intraoperative 3-Tesla magnetic this many surgical suites and this many patient beds resonance imaging (MRI) unit in a hospital. The dedicated to neuroscience care,” says Robert Spetzler, intraoperative MRI gives Barrow neurosurgeons MD, director of Barrow. “The size of this facility, comsuperb images of the brain while the patient is still bined with the state-of-the-art infrastructure and techin surgery. nology, will allow us to care for more patients with • Eleven state-of-the-art surgical suites dedicated to more efficiency and more comfort. “This is a jewel for the residents of Arizona and for neurosurgery and equipped with MedPresence video-conferencing capability for just-like-being- the thousands of patients who will be treated here every year. Our staff, physicians, donors and supportthere educational opportunities. ers can all take pride in the role they’ve played in cre• A “super-cool” neurosurgery suite that can be cooled ating this very special place.” ■ to 55 degrees in three minutes for the most challenging brain surgeries.

• Sixty-four all-private neuro ICU rooms for Barrow’s most critically ill patients.

• Eighty all-private patient rooms in units designed for specific medical problems. B A R R O W

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pushing boundaries Thanks to all who contributed to this beautiful building!

A view of the Doris and John Norton Healing Garden, the Ed Robson Family North Pavilion and the Julie A. Wrigley West Pavilion.

Julie Wrigley and Michelle Robson co-chaired the Pushing Boundaries Capital Campaign.

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ore than 300 people contributed to the Pushing Boundaries Capital Campaign. The millions raised by this volunteer campaign went toward the new Barrow Neuroscience Tower and other important renovation projects on the St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus. Below we recognize those benefactors whose major gift is recognized in a particular area of the campus. Thank you!

Note: With renovations continuing throughout the campus, other naming opportunities are available. Please call Barrow Neurological Foundation at 602406-3041 for more information.

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Volker and Lynne Sonntag Neuro ICU room

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Debra and Bruce Downey Neuro -Rehab Center

Del E. Webb Emergency & Trauma Center Doris and John Norton Healing Garden

Eaton Family Meditation Room

Ed Robson Family North Pavilion Ervanian Pathology Laboratory Fair and Steven Radom Family Waiting Room Fern McKenzie and Render Crayton Waiting Room

Annette & Harold Noren Stroke Unit APS Heliport

The Founders Foyer and Gallery Colangelo Family Children’s Playroom

Barrow Neurosurgical Associates Neurosurgery Unit

Barrow Women’s Board Fountain Barrow Women’s Board Waiting Room Barrow Neuro-Rehab “Brent’s Gym”

Bruce T. Halle Family Foundation Surgeons’ Lounge Colangelo Family Children’s Playroom

Debi and Jerry Bisgrove/ The Stardust Foundation Admitting Lobby

Gaskin Family Endovascular Neurosurgery Suite John and Doris Norton Teddy Bear Lobby

Julie A. Wrigley West Pavilion Kitchell Contractors Education Room

Marguerite Clark Hobbs Aneurysm Research Laboratory Marley Family Neuro ICU Floor

Eaton Family Meditation Room

The Mike Ingram Family/ El Dorado Holdings Visitors Lounge Milloy Family Sanctuary

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Nancy and Robert Spetzler Club Waiting Room O’Gara Spine Unit

Nurse’s charting alcove in Neuro ICU.

Paul Keller Imaging Center

Scott and Laura Eller Congenital Heart Center

Sister Mary Roqueta Chapel

Snow and Olen Dyer Neuro Acute Care Floor

SRP Emergency Suite

Stevie and Karl Eller Operating Suites

US Airways Satellite Pharmacy

Barrow Women’s Board Waiting Room

“The patient rooms are all private and they're much more spacious than our previous department. Each room has a family area, including a couch, so the rooms are very family friendly.” Amanda Oliver, CNRN, BSN, clinical manager, Neuro Telemetry

Virginia G. Piper NyICU

Volker and Lynne Sonntag Neuro ICU Weil Family MRI Suite

Wells Fargo Waiting Room

Yvette Ward Bryant Residents’ Education Room

Barrow Neurological Associates Neurosurgical Unit

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in a league of its own Neurosurgery Department offers unparalleled features by Sarah Padilla

“We're thrilled with the move into this beautiful new facility. I've been at Barrow for 16 years. Finally, the look of our building matches Barrow's reputation in the community and around the world.” Terry Maxwell, RN, BSN, manager of Neurosurgery Dept

hen you’re standing at the nurses station of Barrow’s new Neurosurgery Department, it’s easy to see why the staff was so eager to make the move into the spacious unit. The previous cramped nurses station and narrow, crowded hallways have been replaced with wide, pristine walkways, ample storage space, new offices and a conference room. What the view from the nurses station doesn’t offer, though, is a glimpse into the 11 most technologically-advanced neurosurgical operating suites in the world. Aside from a significant increase in space—the suites range in size from 650 to 750 square feet, about twice as large as the previous rooms—the operating suites boast several surgical firsts, especially in terms of informatics and imaging capabilities. “Our new neurosurgical operating rooms provide the best facilities for performing delicate operations found anywhere in the world,” says Robert Spetzler, MD, director of Barrow. “I consider our new Barrow Neuroscience Tower to be the Taj Mahal of neurological institutions.”

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Giant plasma screens in each surgical suite can display what the neurosurgeon sees under the operating microscope.

All of the operating rooms share some impressive features. For example, all of the monitors and all of the surgical and anesthesia equipment are stored on booms, storage devices that are suspended from the ceiling. The cords and wires run through the booms, eliminating the need to have anything on the floor and creating a safer, cleaner environment. Another feature that boosts efficiency: every room feeds into one of two employee-designed sterile core areas where supplies are kept for easy access. One area accommodates supplies for craniotomies, while the other stores supplies for spine cases. A 15-panel screen sits behind the nurses station, giving staff a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening in each surgery suite. Another large screen includes patient information for each case, including who is working on the case and any special notes. The computerized system is a far cry from the old unit’s magnetic and dry-erase marker white boards.

Improved safety and efficiency

Because Dr. Spetzler has helped pioneer the cardiac standstill, performing more of the complex procedure than anyone else in the world, one suite is equipped with a powerful refrigeration unit that can cool the room to 55 degrees in just three minutes. Another suite, still under construction, will offer radio frequency (RF) shielding for cases involving deep-brain stimulation.

A “super-cool” room

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Barrow is the first surgical facility in Arizona to use the most up-to-date Zeiss operating microscopes with built-in diagnostic capabilities. The newer microscopes are capable of not only seeing what’s in the surgical field, but also of integrating information and data from other sources into the view screen. Every room also offers Medtronic image-guidance capability. At least two giant plasma screens hang on the walls of every surgery suite. The screens can display virtually any type of medical imaging, ranging from the current view under the microscope to a patient’s previous MR scan to a real-time image from another suite. Two suites are each outfitted with three plasma screens, taking the real-time concept to another level. These rooms are part of Barrow’s revolutionary MedPresence system, a $1.1-million video-conferencing system that provides an unsurpassed view of a Barrow operating room from the comfort of leather chairs in a conference room on the other side of campus. Observers, who may include neurosurgery residents, visiting neurosurgeons or business executives touring the facility, can watch live audio and video from a surgery suite and can even converse with the staff. From a teaching standpoint especially, this technology is revolutionary. “Our mission is to raise the bar of knowledge in the neurosciences, and MedPresence is one way we can

MedPresence capability

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Above, an intraoperative 3T MRI is located between two surgery suites, allowing neurosurgeons to check their work before the end of an operation. Lower left, a 15-panel screen allows staff at the nurses station to keep track of what’s happening in every surgery suite. share the expertise and talents of our staff,” says Phil Pomeroy, vice president of Neurosciences. “We’re truly taking neurosurgery to another level.” Ultimately, Barrow hopes to expand on MedPresence by helping other medical centers around the world incorporate the technology. Already, Barrow has a portable unit that can be shipped to another site and linked via the Internet to the institute. Another educational tool enables the staff to record surgical procedures through microscopes. The recorded information can then be used for educational purposes, whether for surgeons in training or for a consultation with a colleague. The technology is incorporated into the hospital’s IT system, allowing physicians to share images via computers in their offices. “The ability to use this shared expertise not only facilitates better care for the patient but also more efficient care,” says Phil.

World’s first intraoperative 3 Tesla MRI

Modern neurosurgery is dependent on diagnostic imaging technology, and the new department offers some of the most advanced devices available, including the first intraoperative 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner in the world. The scanner sits in a room adjacent to two suites and can be used even in the middle of surgery to get the most accurate, up-to-date images possible.

The powerful magnet can provide views of tissue at a cellular level and even has the ability to view the vasculature of the brain. The scanner includes specialized gurneys that allow patients to be transferred seamlessly from the operating table to the powerful MRI unit mid-surgery, even while still hooked up to anesthesia equipment. Thus, surgeons can check to see that they have removed as much of a tumor as possible, for example, while the patient is still in surgery. Another piece of imaging technology that is currently on trial in the OR is a portable perioperative CT device. The device can be moved into a patient room immediately prior to or following surgery, as opposed to having to take a patient to a separate radiology unit. Similarly, an Iso-C 3D scanner, which has been in use at Barrow for close to a year, is a C-shaped device that provides three-dimensional images during spinal surgery. Barrow has always been known for advanced patient care and state-of-the-art technology, but the new facility has propelled the institute into a league of its own. And everyone, patients and staff alike, will benefit. “This technology not only gives us—and our patients—an added measure of assurance, but it will continue to open doors for even better approaches,” says Phil. “Our surgeons now have the best possible opportunities to deliver the best possible outcomes. ■

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Bethany Hopely works on her balance with the help of physical therapist Lori Brickner.

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rebuilding an interrupted life The Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation celebrates 20 years of helping individuals recover from brain injuries by Sally J. Clasen

hen Kim Lundquist woke from a two-day coma caused by a cardiac arrest two years ago, her short-term memory had vanished. The 30-year-old could not remember the birth of her second daughter six months earlier or being pregnant. The cardiac event had starved her brain of oxygen for 30 minutes, which led to an anoxic injury. Since last summer, Kim has worked on rebuilding her life as a participant at the Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation (CTN) at Barrow Neurological Institute. In 2006, the CTN celebrates 20 years of helping people like Kim learn to understand, accept and realistically adapt to the significant effects of an aneurysm, stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumor, seizure, infection or other neurological injury. “The program has really expanded in terms of breadth and depth,” says Pam Klonoff, PhD, clinical director of the CTN since 1993. Dr. Klonoff helped launch the rehab program with founder and then director George Prigatano, PhD, in 1986. Dr. Klonoff notes that one of the biggest changes in the program has been an increase in the number of participants treated. “We have gone from five to 25 patients per year in the last 20 years with more and different types of neurological problems.” The program has also greatly expanded in the specialization of services provided by a complement of multidisciplinary team members.

Those with brain injury experience a range of difficulties—walking, thinking, memory loss and personality changes—that makes performing daily activities and going to work and school a challenge. Kim, who worked at a mortgage company before her injury, has dealt with the gamut of neurological effects, including job loss, anger, shortterm-memory loss, weight gain and mood swings. “At first I wasn’t quite clicking. I spent a lot of time sleeping,” she says of the first year and a half following her injury. She says she received fragmented treatment before attending the CTN.

Holistic approach to traumatic brain injury

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Above, Pam Klonhoff, PhD, CTN clinical director, meets with patient Kim Lundquist, right. Dr. Klonhoff receives research funding from Barrow Neurological Foundation. At the CTN, older adolescents and adults learn to regain function through two main programs: the Home Independence Program and the Work/School ReEntry Program. A monthly after-care support group for patient graduates is also available. Participants attend both group and individual sessions at the CTN four to five days per week, seven to eight hours per day. Seventeen different group therapies are available to help patients integrate successfully into the home, community, school and work. The average length of stay is approximately six months, but individuals attending both programs may spend up to one year in the milieu treatment environment. CTN treatment takes place in the milieu, a therapeutic community that includes neuropsychologists; speech/language pathologists; physical, occupational and recreation therapists; a neurorehabilitation aide; vocational counselor; psychiatrist; and dietitian. Treatment addresses all aspects of recovery, including physical, language, cognitive, interpersonal, emotional and spiritual care. The over-arching, holistic approach, says Dr. Klonoff, a neuropsychologist, maximizes recovery and maintains gains so participants remain productive long term at work and school. “Without rehabilitation, the stresses and demands become overwhelming to individuals with brain injuries and their loved ones,” Dr. Klonoff says. While the atmosphere in the CTN is positive and upbeat, sessions are intense and structured. A major goal is to help participants understand and accept their strengths and limitations so they can transition successfully back into work, school and relationships.

Accepting strengths, limitations

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Participants learn to compensate for deficits through re-training of old activities or introduction to new ones, and work on skills to increase problem-solving skills and reasoning. To regain memory function and organize thoughts, participants rely on a date book, a systematic way to remember appointments, assignments and other daily details. In addition, they attend educational classes, including a micro-course in neuroanatomy that helps them understand why they behave and think the way they do. “Without rehabilitation, During a CTN session, Brian Padilla, the stresses and who fell from a golf demands become cart and hit his head overwhelming to indilast October, works on a word-retrieval viduals with brain game but struggles to injuries and their loved spell “quack.” ones.” “Words are up there but scattered on Pam Klonhoff, PhD the floor,” he says. Brian also has difficulty talking, reading and writing, but he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. “I don’t think I ever knew how to spell that word, even before the accident,” he quips to his therapist. The 25-year-old, a revenue and reservations manger at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale prior to the accident, also hasn’t lost his career focus. “I want to get back to work ASAP and work my way up through the company.” Bethany Hopely, age 20, sits in a wheelchair, her hands tensed and her speech impaired from a car accident. But her smile and spirit are unchanged. She is

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CTN’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

Speech/language pathologists work with CTN patients on cognitive retraining.

working with therapists to incorporate her weaknesses into functional leisure activities, which in her case include a pre-injury interest-—scrapbooking. The CTN staff members also place a great emphasis on helping participants manage the frustrations and disappointments of brain injury, as some are unable to return to pre-injury careers and interests, and set realistic goals for the future. “Often times, individuals with brain injuries get in over their heads and won’t understand the complexity of their injury. They may not realize the behavioral, emotional and cognitive changes,” Dr. Klonoff says. “We help them find balance, meaning and a different kind of quality of life.” Since brain injury creates a tremendous amount of stress in interpersonal relationships, the CTN offers the patients’ relatives help, too, through a weekly educational and support group, opportunities to observe therapies, and family therapy sessions. At these sessions, family members gain an understanding of their loved one’s injury and learn how to manage better at home. Kim, for example, didn’t exhibit any physical signs of a brain injury, which at first led to confusion and misunderstanding about the nature and extent of her injury among family members—until they participated in therapy. “I used to be a peppy, energetic superwoman with a positive outlook, but I became very depressed and didn’t quite know what was happening with me,” Kim says. “I just wasn’t myself.” Many CTN participants find the real test of living with brain injury begins after discharge. A CTN grad-

Helping loved ones understand

The Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation is celebrating 20 years of helping people rebuild their lives after life-changing brain injuries. A 20th anniversary celebration— co-chaired by CTN graduate Susan Goldstein and Dr. Lauren Dawson—will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 14, at The Caleo Resort in Scottsdale. For tickets to the event or to learn how you can support the CTN’s mission, call 602-9961396. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kaplin are the presenting sponsors of the event.

uate, Angela, age 54, gave current members a reality check about living with brain injury during a milieu meeting in December. “It’s frightening but brain injury stays with you forever,” she said. “I know I’m not the same person I was before my aneurysm in 2001. I had to admit I was different. I rely on my awareness and the tools the center taught me to deal with my injury. Now I know there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Kim admits she is anxious about leaving the CTN “security blanket” but realizes that embracing her circumstances—and new demeanor—is essential to recovery. She continues to confront memory loss and sees Dr. Klonoff once a week to deal with other lingering issues. But she has gone back to part-time work at her old job and is hopeful about the future. “It’s been a long road. Dr. Klonoff is helping me to not dwell on what was and accept the consequences of my injury. I cannot express how fantastic the CTN program is and how dedicated and caring the staff is in helping individuals recover. If I didn’t have their support, who knows where I would be today.” ■

A long road

Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation

To learn more about the CTN, call (602) 406-3473. To learn how you can support its vital work, call Barrow Neurological Foundation at 6002-406-3041.

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questions without answers Neuropsychology helps children and families after brain injury by Sarah Padilla

he conditions they face are as varied as their walks of life, but parents of children with brain injuries have at least one thing in common—a list of questions that don’t have answers. Neuropsychologist George Prigatano, PhD, has heard them all. When will my child be back to normal? Why do some children improve faster than others? How much of my child’s behavior is a result of the injury? While he can rarely give definitive answers to these questions, there is one thing Dr. Prigatano knows for sure—there is a void when it comes to helping children and their families after a brain injury. “A major distress for parents is not knowing where their child may be in the future,” he says. Davie Lessig, of Surprise, can relate. After her son Michael, then 9, suffered a brain injury from being pushed down at school three years ago, he developed memory problems and academic and social challenges. While Dr. Prigatano has helped the family understand and work with Michael’s condition, they still don’t know how much cognitive ability Michael will regain. “It’s an ongoing frustration for all of us,” says Davie.

George Prigatano, PhD, holds the Newsome Neuropsychology Chair. His research into traumatic brain injury receives funding from Barrow Neurological Foundation.

Since 1985, Barrow’s Department of Clinical Neuropsychology—a specialty that deals with the relationship between the brain and behavior— has worked with more than 13,500 patients to facilitate recovery from brain disorders such as traumatic brain injury and stroke. Children, who on one hand are more resilient, pose certain challenges. “We know less about how injuries affect the developing brain than we do about how they affect the adult brain,” says Dr. Prigatano. In an attempt to better understand how to assess and rehabilitate children after various forms of brain injury, Dr. Prigatano has initiated several projects. The first project developed a new screening test for children with brain injuries. The BNI Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions in School-Age Children (BNIS-C) was modified from Barrow’s adult version. The test, which resembles a deck of flash cards, determines cerebral deficits in children by sampling memory, concentration, and language and problemsolving skills. It has proven useful in providing accurate assessments of a child’s cognitive ability. The test is being translated into Danish and Finnish, and several scientific papers are in the process of being published.

How injury affects a child’s brain

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“We know less about how injuries affect the developing brain than we do about how they affect the adult brain.” George Prigatano, PhD

Social and cognitive problems

More recently, Dr. Prigatano completed a three-year Arizona Department of Health Services study on parental perceptions of a child’s recovery and social integration following traumatic brain injury. The study found that there is a reduction in friendships as the severity of the injury increases. How to help a child obtain and maintain friendships has become a major focus at Barrow. Dr. Prigatano is also involved in ongoing research into why some children make a good recovery after brain injury and others do not. By evaluating patients who have come to Barrow for treatment for hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) and comparing their neuropsychological test results with neuroimaging findings, a multidisciplinary physician team has uncovered evidence that damage to the hypothalamus may hinder a child’s ability to retain new information and may affect their emotional responses. This marks the first time the hypothalamus has been linked to cognitive function. Maddie Smith, 11, came to Barrow from Indiana in 2004 for HH treatment. While she and her family initially worked with Dr. Prigatano as part of the study, they now travel hundred of miles each year to see him. Dr. Prigatano has been invaluable in helping the family and Maddie’s school understand her abilities.

Building a day rehabilitation center for children

Working with patients like Michael and Maddie has only reinforced Dr. Prigatano’s determination to establish a day rehabilitation center for children similar to Barrow’s Center for Transitional Neurorehabilitation. He has spent more than 10 years laying the groundwork for a program that he believes would help children function better in school, reduce parents’ distress in managing their child, and help educate the teachers who work with these children.

Michael Lessig with his mother, Davie. Michael suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was pushed down at school three years ago. He makes a compelling case, but Dr. Prigatano acknowledges a major challenge: no one benefits economically from the rehabilitation of children. Obtaining economic support for such a rehabilitation center, he says, is crucial to meeting the needs of these families in the future. In the meantime, families affected by brain injury can be encouraged by the fact that Barrow physicians consider neuropsychology to be just as important to a patient’s recovery as other clinical or surgical services. This is unique to Barrow and critical to moving the field of neuropsychology forward. “At Barrow, we have such a diverse patient population and so many talented neurologists and neurosurgeons who are eager to work with us. They understand that neuropsychology can offer patients additional leadership and support,” Dr. Prigatano says. “Just as in other disciplines, neuropsychology can only develop if we continue to see patients with symptoms from which we can learn.” ■

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sweet recovery After scary symptoms put Carol Sweet out of work, she’s back on the job again—thanks to treatment at Barrow for normal pressure hydrocephalus by Debra Gelbart

arol Sweet, Gold Canyon, is one of at least 150,000 Americans with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that causes disturbing symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s and other disorders associated with aging. Fortunately, treatment for NPH is usually very effective.

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Neurosurgeon Harold Rekate, MD; neurologist Jiong Shi, MD; and neurosurgeon Joseph Zabramski, MD, are conducting research to improve diagnosis and treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus.

In November 2005, Carol, 64, suddenly began experiencing problems with her balance, memory and concentration. Her condition worsened, and in January 2006, she took medical leave from her job in the warehouse of Arizona Correctional Industries in Florence. She knew something was very wrong. Her primary-care physician referred her to Barrow Neurological Institute, where she underwent a CT and an MRI scan as part of her evaluation. “I wasn’t home an hour after the scans when I got a call from the neurosurgeon saying I had to be admitted to the hospital immediately,” Carol says.

“We could tell from the images that the ventricles in her brain were very enlarged,” says Barrow neurosurgeon, Joseph Zabramski, MD. “The ventricles are the fluid-filled spaces in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF),” he explains. “Enlargement of the ventricles (called hydrocephalus) occurs when the normal flow or absorption of the CSF is blocked. Complete blockage of the CSF pathways results in elevated pressures in the brain and rapid deterioration in neurological function. “But if the changes occur slowly, as in NPH, the ventricles gradually dilate to accommodate the increased volume of fluid, and the CSF pressure remains normal. We didn’t know why Carol’s ventricles were so enlarged, but we knew we had to help her right away.” The hallmark symptoms of NPH are memory loss, problems with balance and walking, and urinary incontinence, says Jiong Shi, MD, PhD, the medical director of the NPH Clinic at Barrow. The condition typ-

NPH causes, symptoms

ically strikes people 55 years and older, and because the symptoms mimic other conditions of advancing age, “NPH is very under-recognized,” Dr. Shi says. “It’s been estimated that about five percent of the three million Americans with dementia have NPH.” Unlike other causes of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, NPH can be successfully treated.

Neurologists, surgeons working to improve NPH diagnosis, care

Doctors at Barrow, including neurologists, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons, are conducting clinical research into NPH. Their goal is to determine whether a multi-pronged approach to evaluating patients with these symptoms can definitively diagnose NPH and identify which patients with NPH can benefit from the recommended treatment.

The hallmark sypmtoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus—memory loss, problems with balance and walking, and urinary incontinence— are sometimes mistaken for signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment involves the placement of a programmable shunt (one-way valve) in the brain to drain excess CSF and prevent it from building up in the ventricles. But before treatment occurs, the patient is carefully evaluated. “We take images of the ventricles, and if NPH is suspected, we perform a memory assessment B A R R O W

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and a walking and balance test before the lumbar puncture,” says Dr. Shi, the principal investigator for the research project. “Then we perform a lumbar puncture and repeat the memory and walking assessments to see if the patient has improved as a result of withdrawing cerebrospinal fluid.” “A dramatic response to spinal taps means that most or all of the patient’s problems are related to NPH and will improve with a shunt,” says Hal Rekate, MD, a neurosurgeon at Barrow. Shunt placement can bring instant, remarkable results. For Carol, the difference was striking. “It was one of the most dramatic recoveries I’ve ever seen in a patient,” says Dr. Zabramski. “Within a week of the shunt placement, her husband was raving about her improvement.” The programmability of the shunt means that if an adjustment is required, the patient won’t have to undergo another surgery. A magnet is used to adjust the setting on the shunt if it becomes necessary, explains Maggie Varland, RN, the program coordinator. “We’ve only had programmable shunts for about five years,” Maggie says. “Before then, successful treatment was more challenging.” “The programmable valve has decreased the complication rate from almost one in three to one in 20,” Dr. Rekate says.

A dramatic recovery

“I’m feeling much better. My memory and concentration are back to normal and my friends say I’ve never looked better.” Carol Sweet The research project at Barrow is important because doctors want to make sure that a patient who receives a shunt will truly benefit from it. “There are risks associated with shunt placement,” Maggie says, “such as possible infection and hemorrhage. We want to make sure that a shunt is the best option for the patient.” For Carol, who returned to her job in May, it certainly has been the best choice. “I’m feeling much better,” she says. “My memory and concentration are back to normal and my friends say I’ve never looked better.” ■

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In normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH),excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricles of the brain. This causes the classic symptoms of NPH—memory problems, balance and walking difficulties, and incontinence. NPH can often be treated with a shunt placed in the brain to drain excess fluid from the ventricles. For more information, call Maggie Varland, RN, NPH program coordinator at Barrow, at 602-406-7585.

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Dear Friends: Our son, Brett Kehrer, visited Barrow Neurological Institute in July 2005. All of our encounters with your organization—whether it be surgery related with Dr. Spetzler, Dr. Little, Dr. Shedd, Dr. Forseth and a host of others; public relations related with Carmelle Malkovich; or Foundation related with Catherine Menor—helped us through a very difficult time. We can’t ever match the kind considerations you gave us, but we hope this token of our appreciation can help others. We Thank All of You and God Bless You, Cathy and Allan Kehrer

Malissa Botwin, daughter of James Botwin, created this card for Barrow neurosurgeon Nicholas Bambakidis, MD. The inside of the card reads: “Thank you for taking care of my daddy. You are awesome. You saved my daddy. Now he is better. I thank you a bunch now. I want to be like you - a really good doctor.”

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imagine that Two Barrow doctors hope to speed up delivery of medical films by inventing the Dicom Grid by Sally J. Clasen hat’s the result when you mix two Barrow neuroradiologists with some caffeine? One imaginative idea. When Shahram Partovi, MD, and Roger Bird, MD, shared a coffee break in 2004, they began discussing the issues that plagued their field, specifically the way medical imaging studies are transported. “What frustrated us,” says Dr. Partovi, who is also medical director of Medical Informatics for St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, “is that we are in a field that largely hasn’t changed since the Xray was invented in the 1800s. Films are still being delivered physically in many cases.” At Barrow and St. Joseph’s, Xrays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and other images can be sent electronically through private networks and sophisticated systems, such as PACS (picture archiving and communication system), but not all physicians and sites on the receiving end of those films are affiliated with the medical center or have authorization to access the records. Imaging studies then have to be printed to film or copied to a CD and still hand delivered, either by a courier service or by a patient. “It’s a relatively limited pathway. Once you get outside the virtual enterprise, the systems became ineffective,” says Dr. Bird, director of Neuroradiology at Barrow.

To improve upon a centuriesold diagnostic process, the neuroradiologists relied on a modern-day

Radiology reality

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invention to create the Dicom Grid, which they believe is a better, faster and cheaper way to transmit imaging studies from one location to another. “The Dicom Grid is a secured network of interconnected sites and offices where medical images can be moved to the point of care over the Internet,” Dr. Partovi explains of the software concept. “It improves the continuity of care because you’re not limited to waiting for a packet of film to arrive. The system routes the medical imaging studies preemptively and rapidly.” Physicians register to be members of the Dicom Grid and view

“What frustrated us is that we are in a field that largely hasn’t changed since the X-ray was invented in the 1800s. Films are still being delivered physically in many cases.” Shahram Partovi, MD

images for free. Imaging centers pay a standard monthly fee, plus a transaction fee for each image transmission. No new equipment is necessary for the physicians to use the technology. Drs. Partovi and Bird satisfied federal HIPAA privacy regulations, which prohibit sending patients’ personal medical data across the Internet, by separating the information from the image while en transit, making it anonymous and impossible to copy to a hard drive. “After the image is transmitted,” Dr. Partovi explains, “the physician must use a secret ‘key’ in exchange for a patient’s information.”

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Dr. Partovi says in less than the time it takes you to get dressed after having an MRI, your medical image can be delivered to your doctor for evaluation. The impact of such technology in improving patient care is tremendous for all areas of medicine, but particularly in identifying and treating neurology complications. “Imaging is the number-one diagnostic tool used in neurology,” Dr. Partovi says. He adds that because Barrow is an internationally renowned neurology institute with a large number of referrals, the Dicom Grid is a significant resource

Speedy delivery

for patients who travel here and then return home for follow-up care. The expediency of the Dicom Grid, which improves patient care, is a primary benefit, but its costsaving potential is another major advantage over traditional film processes. “In 2004, approximately 580 billion imaging studies were performed in the United States, of which nearly 50 million were couriered,” says Dr. Bird. Courier rates average $10 to $50 a delivery depending on method and timing, a charge not reimbursed

The cost of filming

“In 2004, approximately 580 billion imaging studies were performed in the United States, of which nearly 50 million were couriered.”

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by medical-insurance companies. So, the burden of cost falls on imaging centers and patients. The physicians estimate that the Dicom Grid will cut delivery costs for outpatient imaging centers by half. The Dicom Grid will also reduce the number of films that need to be reproduced since prior images can be retrieved on the network. “About 20 percent of imaging studies have to be repeated because information is lost or can’t be acquired at point of care,” Dr. Bird says. An added feature is that patients can access their medical imaging history, regardless of where an X-ray or MRI was performed, and direct the information to physicians and other healthcare providers at any location. “It’s like an audit trail of information, much like an online bank account,” Dr. Partovi says. The Dicom Grid, which Drs. Partovi and Bird have patented, is currently being evaluated at Barrow and St. Joseph’s, as well as at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Both say that with technology like the Diacom Grid, it’s reasonable to envision a future without the need to produce—and deliver—printed films. Imagine that. ■

Roger Bird, MD

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‘what I did for my summer vacation’ Kansas teen chooses Barrow for family trip by Catherine Menor ost families plan their summer vacation around a trip to Disneyland or the beach. Not the Hensleys of Arkansas City, Kansas. Jason and Lynn Hensley and their two sons, Zeke, 14, and Austin, 4, planned their trip this summer around a stop at Barrow Neurological Institute. It was Zeke’s idea. He wanted to meet the man who saved his life 14 years ago—Robert Spetzler, MD. “He wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for Dr. Spetzler,” says Jason.

Zeke’s saga began when he was just three months old. The infant was nursing from a bottle when suddenly he stopped breathing for a short time. Physicians at a local hospital could find nothing wrong and advised against taking Zeke to a hospital in Wichita. But Zeke’s family was so concerned that they signed an against-medical-advice form, and the infant was taken by ambulance to Wichita. After several weeks of hospitalization, physicians there discovered the cause of Zeke’s symptoms—an aneurysm in the infant’s brain stem. A cerebral aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of an artery in the brain. This weak spot can gradually enlarge, producing a balloon-shaped defect. As the aneurysm enlarges, the wall further weakens and can eventually rupture, spilling blood into or around the brain.

A shaky start in life

In Zeke’s case, the hemorrhage was extensive, and blood had penetrated deep into and around the brain. The child would survive only if the aneurysm was eliminated, thus preventing further bleeding. The surgeons in Wichita were hesitant to operate. The location of the aneurysm and Zeke’s young age made the procedure very risky, they said. They recommended that the Hensleys consult one of two neurosurgeons—one in Texas or Dr. Spetzler in Phoenix. Jason asked them, “If he were your child, who would you send him to?” Their answer was “Barrow.”

Surgery called very risky

Barrow Neurological Foundation supports Dr. Robert Spetzler’s research into ruptured aneurysms, such as the one Zeke Hensley suffered when he was just an infant.

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“He was a baby with an aneurysm that had burst. It was an extremely lifethreatening condition.” Robert Spetzler, MD

Then, showing Zeke a model of the brain, Dr. Spetzler said, “Your aneurysm was in a very difficult location, here in the brain stem. It was like a tire with a weak spot. “There are three things that contribute to a good outcome. Youth and getting rid of the problem are two things, but a lot of it has to do with your ability to recover, and that varies a great deal from one person to the next. You were very lucky, and I’m proud of you.” Top, Jason, Lynn, Austin and Zeke Hensley. Bottom, Zeke shortly after surgery at Barrow in 1992.

Zeke underwent brain surgery on Sept. 25, 1992, when he was just one month old—a very young age for this procedure. The Barrow team made an incision across the infant’s skull and maneuvered down to the aneurysm, which was located deep in the brain at the base of the skull. Dr. Spetzler eliminated the aneurysm by placing a clip across its base. Aneurysm clips remain in place permanently. Zeke tolerated the complex surgery remarkably well and returned home to Kansas one week later. The Hensleys spent this Fourth of July driving from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix. The next day they met Dr. Spetzler in his office at Barrow. “He was a baby with an aneurysm that had burst,” Dr. Spetzler told Zeke’s parents. “It was an extremely life-threatening condition.”

Celebrating July 4th in Arizona

Jason and Lynn told Dr. Spetzler that they are very proud of Zeke, too. His middle school nominated him for the Outstanding Student Award for 2006 and presented him a President’s Education Award for academic excellence. Zeke excels in math, ranking among the top 20 in Algebra 1—despite the fact that the aneurysm was removed from the area of the brain associated with math skills. The teen hopes to be a meteorologist some day, a perfect vocation for a kid who has always been fascinated by Kansas’ trademark tornadoes. Zeke has undergone two eye surgeries in the years since he was at Barrow. He was successfully weaned from anti-seizure medication two years ago. His parents report that his last EEG was clean. There were plenty of smiles in Dr. Spetzler’s office on July 5. After all, patients with extremely difficult conditions like Zeke’s are what Barrow is all about. ■

Now a top student

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why we give Charitable remainder trust honors beloved brother and makes financial sense for Phoenix couple by Catherine Menor

“This is about my brother John. He is the one who inspired us to make a gift to St.Joseph’s.” Jane Fausel

he charitable remainder trust that Jane Fausel and Donald Fausel, PhD, have set up to benefit St. Joseph’s Foundation makes a lot of financial sense for the couple. “The money will go to St. Joseph’s after we both die,” Jane says. “Meanwhile it is generating income for us, and we received a tax break on the capital gains. Our accountant told us it’s the best thing we ever did.” But these benefits pale next to the real purpose of the Fausels’ gift—to honor Jane’s beloved elder brother John Li, who died a year ago of prostate cancer. “This is about my brother John,” says Jane. “He is the one who inspired us to make a gift to St. Joseph’s.” Donald adds, “John was the Li family hero.”

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John immigrated from China to the United States in 1999—long after his parents, two brothers and three sisters had found their way here. By then, John was 63 and in poor health. His troubles began when Mao Tse-Tung and his communist regime came to power after World War II. John’s family was branded as traitors because his father had been an officer in the air force of Chiang Kai Sheck, president of The Republic of China. Everyone in the family fled the country to Taiwan —except for John, who, as Chinese tradition dictated, stayed behind to care for his grandparents. He was just 12 years old. The new communist government in mainland China sent John to a hard labor camp, where he was imprisoned for 17 years. “The conditions of the labor camp seriously affected his health,” Jane says. Eventually, John was released, but he had lost all contact with his family in Taiwan. It was not until the late 1970s that Jane finally found her brother and began the difficult task of bringing him to the United States to rejoin the rest of the family.

A life of trials and triumphs

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John felt he owed a special thanks to radiation oncologist Christopher Biggs, MD, and the staff at St. Joseph’s for the cancer care he’d received. “My brother John said he owed the hospital and our country so much that he would never be able to pay back,” says Jane. “He was very proud when he received his American citizenship in 2004 and remained thankful for the care St. Joseph Hospital provided in his two major illnesses.” John died at home in October 2005. Hospice cared for him at the end, and his family was there to lend their support. John left behind his wife, Sue, and two grown daughters, Linda and Laura, both of whom earned master’s degrees at ASU. John took great pride in his daughters’ accomplishments for they were truly an American success story.

The perfect solution

Soon after John’s death, the Fausels learned about charitable remainder trusts. By then, Donald had retired from his position as Associate Dean of the School of Social Work at ASU and begun teaching part-time at Walden University’s long-distance PhD program. Jane was tired John Li with his wife, Sue, and daughters, Linda and A new life in of her role as “property manLaura. ager,” especially after tenants America In America, John earned very little income and ini- trashed one of their properties. So, when Kathy Kramer of Barrow Neurological tially was not eligible for insurance. And, a law passed in the late 1980s required immigrants in John’s situa- Foundation suggested that the couple consider using tion to wait five years before they could be eligible for one of their investment properties to set up a charitaMedicare coverage. Fortunately, John was able to enroll ble remainder trust, the Fausels realized they had found the perfect way to honor John and simplify in St. Joseph’s Mercy Care for a low monthly fee. Mercy Care turned out to be a godsend. When their lives. Both Jane and Donald want their charitable remainJohn suffered a stroke in 2003, Mercy Care doctors found the cause—a ruptured aneurysm—and arranged der trust to be a legacy to John’s memory and an for surgery. Barrow neurosurgeon Joseph Zabramski, acknowledgment of the medical, emotional and spirMD, even donated his services. “The doctor was so itual care that the Li family’s “number-one brother” received at St. Joseph and Barrow. ■ wonderful. He saved John’s life,” says Jane. John also received care at St. Joseph’s for prostate cancer, which had been diagnosed years earlier in China but left untreated. By the time John began receiving treatment at St. Joseph’s, the cancer had spread and a cure was impossible. “John was a very humble man, a very lovable guy,” says Donald. “We were very impressed and grateful for the care he received at St. Joseph’s and Barrow.” B A R R O W

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the doc rocks the house Neurosurgeon Curtis Dickman plays for philanthropy in his band Crosstown Traffic by Sally J. Clasen

Curtis Dickman, MD—surgeon by day, rock star by night

“We joke in the band that this isn’t brain surgery.” Curtis Dickman, MD

hen Curtis Dickman, MD, ran an ad in the New Times in April 2005 seeking musicians for a band, he had no ambition to launch a celebrated rock-’nroll career. He simply wanted to rekindle a lifelong love for music—and find an outlet from his day job as a neurosurgeon at Barrow. “The ad read: 40-something male with family and real job looking for talented musicians who want to play music for passion and not to pay the rent,” Dr. Dickman says. He sorted through several “interesting” responses and auditioned 30 people before settling on six band members. The group’s name, Crosstown Traffic, represents the diversity of the performers—a mix of doctors, lawyers and business professionals—who live across the Valley.

Covering classic rock, blues and vintage tunes from the 70s and 80s, Crosstown Traffic has landed a regular spot in the local music scene, playing a few weekend gigs each month at various venues. “The band places a strong emphasis on vocal capabilities,” says Dr. Dickman of their style. Crosstown Traffic also puts a value on community causes. Proceeds from most band appearances support a

‘Will sing for philanthropy’

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range of philanthropic efforts, including Barrow and St. Joseph’s, Not My Kids, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Pat Tillman Foundation. Crosstown Traffic’s first event, the Barrow Masquerade in October 2005, raised $65,000 for spinal-cord injury research at Barrow. On New Year’s Eve, the band opened for Blues Traveler at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe, which benefited multiple sclerosis research. Performing to a crowd of 150,000 was “a thrill,” says Dr. Dickman, whose influences include the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, Santana, Pink Floyd, John Coltrane and Chick Corea, among others. The native New Yorker learned to play the tenor saxophone at age 8 and the guitar at 12, and performed in rock bands and jazz ensembles before focusing on a career in medicine. “I did want to be a professional musician but realized it would be too difficult,” Dr. Dickman says. “I also had a passion to practice medicine, which I felt would be more realistic and valuable to society—and a healthier lifestyle.” That decision didn’t stop Dr. Dickman from achieving a certain rock-star status in his chosen field. He is the director of Spine Research and associate chief of Spine Surgery at Barrow, as well as a pioneer in endoscopic and complex spine procedures. In 2002, Dr. Dickman used a groundbreaking technique he co-developed to reattach the skull to the spine of an 18-year-old Phoenix man severely injured in a car accident. Playing in Crosstown Traffic, which he manages, gives the accomplished surgeon a chance to decompress from the intensity of his day job. “I love my work but I wanted to pursue something outside of neurosurgery that also makes me happy.” While the professions have obvious differences, Dr. Dickman says similarities do exist between the two. “Playing music is much more a right-brain occupation, but both are creative, involve constructing something and require that you work as a team.” Though he had not performed publicly for 25 years as a musician, returning to the stage was a natural leap for Dr. Dickman, who provides vocals and plays guitar and sax in the band. “As an academic neurosurgeon, I speak to up to 5,000 people. Being a physician who does public speaking and being a musical performer is a transferable skill.” With offers to play in Las Vegas and California, Crosstown Traffic could gain a larger following but the band will remain a “garage” band that keeps a limited schedule, according to Dr. Dickman. “We joke in the band that this isn’t brain surgery,” he says. “We have jobs and have no intent of becoming the next Rolling Stones.” ■

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“I love my work but I wanted to pursue something outside of neurosurgery that also makes me happy.” Curtis Dickman, MD

A natural-born performer

T h e B a rr o w M a s qu e ra d e What:

Costume party and dance featuring Crosstown Traffic When: October 28, 6:30 p.m. Where: Phoenix Country Club Why: To raise funds for spinal-cord injury research at Barrow Tickets: $100 per person Info: Call Barrow Neurological Foundation, 602-406-3041. Crosstown Traffic will also be performing at the 20th Anniversary Gala for the Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation on October 14 (see page 13). For a complete list of Crosstown Traffic’s appearances, log onto www.xtowntraffic.com

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big winnings Health & Wealth Raffle supports research, education and patient care at Barrow n May, the Board of Trustees of Barrow Neurological Foundation approved 135 requests for funding during FY07 at Barrow Neurological Institute. Sixtyseven of those requests are being funded by proceeds from the Health & Wealth Raffle. The requests receiving funding from the raffle total more than $6 million and encompass a wide range of research, medical education and patient-care projects. Most involve neuroscience research. “The impact of the Health & Wealth Raffle is enormous,” says Mary Jane Crist, CEO of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “With this infusion of new money, we are able to fund many more requests than we have in the past.” The Health & Wealth Raffle is not traditional philanthropy, stresses Mary Jane. All prizes and services to run the twice-a-year mega raffle are purchased, including marketing, call-center, accounting and website-management services. The net revenue after these expenses are paid goes into Barrow Neurological Foundation and St. Joseph’s Foundation. Once in the foundations, raffle proceeds are treated like other foundation funds. Raffle funds are allocated to projects only after a careful process, which involves a formal application for funds, thorough review of applications and final approval by the BNF or St. Joseph’s board. State law mandates that raffle proceeds be used only for medical education, research or care for those in need, so raffle dollars are awarded only to projects meeting that criteria. Although the purchase of a ticket is not considered a gift to the Foundations—and the IRS says that the cost of the ticket cannot be claimed as a charitable contribution—participation in the Health & Wealth Raffle is a great way to support Barrow and St. Joseph’s, says Mary Jane. “Raffle players get the excitement of being entered into drawings for some phenomenal prizes and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping raise money for an important cause. Plus, the raffle invests many dollars into businesses throughout Arizona,” Mary Jane says. “We think it’s a win-winwin proposition.” ■

Leslie Baxter, PhD, is one of the scientists at Barrow who are receiving funding thanks to the Health & Wealth Raffle.

Fal l raf fle t icket s goi ng fas t

The Fall 2006 Health & Wealth Raffle launched on Aug. 30 with more than 11,000 prizes and a new ticket package. “Now, you can purchase seven tickets for $500,” says Kathy Rice, manager of the raffle. “Our three-tickets-for$250 option has been so popular that we decided to offer an even better deal.” Single tickets are also available for $100 each. This season’s prizes—with a total value of more than $5.8 million—include these grand prizes: • A $1-million prize package featuring a mountain town home in Prescott, an Audi Q7 SUV, a golf membership and $200,000. • $500,000 in cash • $250,000 in cash

• A 2007 Maserati Quattroporte plus $35,000 and a twonight stay at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Tickets were still available at press time. To purchase yours or learn more, visit www.HealthWealthRaffle.org or call toll-free 1-866-390-9034.

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Good works across the globe by Debra Gelbart

Wilfred Smallwood

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od is mysterious,” says Wilfred Smallwood, a 38-year-old native of Liberia who credits the Almighty with bringing him to Barrow Neurological Institute just when he most needed help. Since the beginning of the Liberian Civil War in 1990, Wilfred lived in a refugee camp in Ghana. In 2003, he volunteered to go to the tiny African nation of Sierra Leone to serve as a missionary for the Baha’i faith. He had been in Sierra Leone for about a year when one day, “I fell onto the floor and felt very weak and dizzy. I was sent back to Ghana because I wasn’t feeling well. Then, one morning in 2005, I had to be rushed to a hospital.” There, he was diagnosed with an extremely large benign brain tumor called a meningioma. He underwent a nine-hour surgery in Ghana, but only a small portion of the tumor was removed Wilfred’s symptoms of dizziness, weakness, vomiting, paralyzing headaches and visual disturbances persisted. About a month after his surgery, resettlement personnel arranged for him to travel to the United States for further treatment.

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“Our responsibilities as doctors go beyond our borders. As we continue to develop technological advancements and sharpen our skills, we have an obligation to share those whenever possible.” Nicholas Bambakidis, MD In September 2005, Wilfred traveled more than 7,200 miles to St. Joseph’s and Barrow. “His tumor had grown so large that it was life-threatening,” says Barrow neurosurgeon Nicholas Bambakidis, MD, of the baseballsized lesion. “A more typical meningioma is about half the size of his. His tumor was located close to the base of his skull and basically took up the entire right side of his brain and temporal lobe. Thankfully, we were able to completely remove the tumor.” Wilfred spent the next two weeks in the hospital, “recovering slowly,” says Dr. Bambakidis, who specializes in spinal and skull-base disorders. Wilfred’s only complication was hydrocephalus. “Because of the location of the tumor,” says Dr. Bambakidis, “he was suffering from an abnormal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, so we inserted a shunt in his brain to normalize the situation.”

Baseball-sized tumor

A nearly perfect recovery

Wilfred was discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, where he spent another three weeks. “Today he has virtually no residual problems,” Dr. Bambakidis says. “I have no more weakness and no pain,” says Wilfred. “I’m strong and I have lots and lots of energy. I’m sure God brought me here to Phoenix for a spiritual purpose.” Wilfred’s only problem is his left eye. The vision in that eye is “about 75 percent of what it should be,” he

says. Although his vision may not improve significantly, this limitation doesn’t seem to interfere with his life. In May, Wilfred took a job with a food concessionaire at Sky Harbor Airport. “I work in the warehouse, sometimes 11 or 12 hours a day and sometimes lifting boxes that weigh 200 pounds. But I feel great.” He lives in an apartment in central Phoenix with two roommates, one Sudanese and one Liberian. Now that he has recovered from his medical ordeal, Wilfred expects his 14-year-old son Oliver to move in with him soon. Oliver, whose mother died in 1999, came to Phoenix with his father and was in foster care while Wilfred underwent surgery, rehabilitation and recovery.

Helping refugees like Wilfred

Wilfred’s continuing adjustment to life in the United States is facilitated by Catholic Charities, which has managed many of the non-medical aspects of his life—such as finding housing—since his arrival in Phoenix. “We attend to refugees’ needs with regard to adjustment, acculturation and language services,” says Barbara Klimek, director of refugee programs for Catholic Charities in Phoenix. Catholic Charities operates under the auspices of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “It’s so rewarding to be able to help someone like Mr. Smallwood,” Dr. Bambakidis says, “especially given the kind of situation he came

from. It makes me especially appreciate the access to advanced medical care and technology that we have in this country. In Ghana, there’s a lack of advanced technology and even basic equipment. We can be so grateful for what we have here compared to the developing world.” “I have a burning desire to serve God and humanity, and now I’ll be able to continue to do that,” Wilfred says. “I feel like Dr. Bambakidis and all of the other doctors and nurses who helped me are all chosen by God to do special work.” “Our responsibilities as doctors go beyond our borders,” says Dr. Bambakidis. “As we continue to develop technological advancements and sharpen our skills, we have an obligation to share those whenever possible.” “There is a saying in my tradition,” Wilfred says. “Put your trust in God and God will send you relief.” ■

Global responsibilities

Nicholas Bambakidis, MD

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what’s happening around barrow Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf makes another hole in one

The 2006 Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf two-day event attracted 500 guests to the “Golfing in Paradise” dinner and auction on April 20 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa and 200 golfers to the tournament the next day at McCormick Golf Ranch Club. The dinner and auction featured a new putting raffle with 10 executive putting greens. Prizes for the putting raffle included Ping golf clubs courtesy of In Celebration of Golf, clothing from Tommy Bahama and watches from Schmitt Jewelers. Each golfer received a new Ogio golf bag, a shirt, cap, golf balls and photo sculpture, courtesy of Kitchell Contractors, Xerox, DPR Construction and In Celebration of Golf.

Lou Grubb raises money for Barrow through his annual golf tournament as a way of thanking Robert Spetzler, MD, for saving his life. Right, Anne Robbs tries out the new putting raffle at the 2006 event.

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For nearly 20 years, Lou Grubb has been raising money for Barrow as thanks for the care he received as a patient in 1986. To date, the tournament has raised more than $3 million. The 2007 LGFFG is scheduled for April 19-20. “The dinner event at the Biltmore will be a festive evening of putting for prizes, dining with friends and enjoying some extraordinary surprises,” says Debbie Castaldo, director of Annual Giving Programs. “The Lou Grubb day of golf is a Valley favorite with a friendly format at McCormick Ranch Golf Club. What a great way to enjoy a day of fun while benefiting Barrow and the Heart & Lung Institute at St. Joseph’s!” For information, contact Debbie at 602-406-1031 or Debbie.Castaldo@chw.edu.

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Celebrity Fight Night donates $2.3 million to Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center

The 12th Annual Celebrity Fight Night netted $4 million for worthy charities, including $2.3 million for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow. It was the largest contribution the event has ever made to the MAPC. More than 1,200 guests attended the sold-out event on March 18 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. One of Celebrity Fight Night’s most memorable moments came early in the evening when a bald eagle soared over the heads of amazed guests at the conclusion of “God Bless America.” Another highpoint occurred when guests asked Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood to sing a duet. Brooks quickly pledged $250,000 for his wife to sing a solo instead, but she insisted that he sing with her. As the dynamic duo finished “Walkaway Joe,” the band segued into Brooks’ hit, “Friends in Low Places,” and the crowd went crazy. A long list of celebrities joined Muhammad Ali for the fundraiser. Muhammad Ali Awards were presented to Jim Carrey – ”The Muhammad Ali Entertainer Award,” Robin Williams – ”The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award,” Magic Johnson – ”The Muhammad Ali Sports Legend Award,” Sir Richard Branson – ”The Muhammad Ali Visionary Award” and Tony Hawk – ”The Muhammad Ali Among the many celebrities at the Entrepreneur Award.” 12th Annual Celebrity Fight Night were Jimmy Walker started Robin Williams and Tom Chambers; Celebrity Fight Night in 1994 Steve Nash, Muhammad Ali and Magic to raise money for local charJohnson; and Reba McIntyre. ities through a celebrity event. For more information, visit www.celebrityfightnight.org.

New officers, members named to BNF board

The Barrow Neurological Foundation Board of Trustees elected officers and three new members at their May meeting. Elected to two-year terms as officers were Tom Reahard - chair; Dennis Sage - vice chair; Mac Magruder - treasurer; and Patti Boyd Gentry - secretary. New trustees are Richard Nagler, Cassandra Groh and Guy Inzalaco. Other members of the BNF Board of Trustees are Jane Alfano, Greg Anderson, Mary Jane Crist, Wayne Doran, Gee Gee Entz, Armen Ervanian, Lee Hanley, Linda Hunt, Mike Ingram, Frank Leonesio, Stanley Levine, William Long, Jean-Pierre Millon, Herman Orcutt, Anne Robbs, Robert Spetzler, MD, Timothy Vollmer, MD, and Daryl Weil.

Day on the Lake holds 10th annual event

On June 2-3, Day on the Lake celebrated its 10th anniversary as the only major adapted water sporting event in the state of Arizona. Nearly 100 people with disabilities and 80 volunteers participated each day. Day on the Lake has helped provide adaptive water sports for hundreds of people with physical and neurological disabilities, enabling them to experience something many never thought they could do. The Recreation Therapy Department thanks everyone who has helped this event touch the lives of so many.

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St. Joseph’s first in state to earn JCAHO stroke certification Volker Sonntag receives prestigious teaching award

Volker Sonntag, MD, the program director for Neurosurgery and Spine chief at Barrow, has received a Parker J. Palmer Teacher Award from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). In recognizing Dr. Sonntag, the ACGME noted that “Dr. Sonntag has always put patient care at the pinnacle of the educational value pyramid. He encourages residents to become personally involved with patients and families so they can understand the person and not just the diagnosis. He has demonstrated the value of offering patients hope, which unlike any other treatment is the one thing that sets him apart as a truly courageous physician teacher.”

Richard Houseworth retires from active BNF board service

Dick Houseworth, a long-time member of the Barrow Neurological Foundation Board of Trustees, recently stepped down from active board membership. He will remain on the board as a trustee emeritus. Dick joined the board in 1967, just six years after BNF was founded. Over the years, he has served in many capacities and has contributed significantly to BNF. Dick was the Superintendent of Banks for the State of Arizona for many years and also served as the chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. He has held several national positions, including consultant to the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. He is now the Director of Government Relations at Capital Bank Corp in Phoenix.

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St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is the first hospital in the state to be granted certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting organization in healthcare. St. Joseph’s received the designation from JCAHO after a thorough analysis of the hospital’s Robbs Stroke Center in April. St. Joseph’s is also recognized as a designated stroke center by the American Heart Association. “This national recognition is evidence that we are a leader in providing care to stroke patients in our community,” says Amanda Oliver, CNRN, BSN, clinical manager of the Annette and Harold Noren Stroke Care Unit.

St. Joseph’s child neurologist receives national award

V i n o d h Narayanan, MD, a pediatric neurologist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Health Center and Barrow Neurological Institute, recently received the 2006 International Visiting Professor Award from the Child Neurology Society (CNS). Dr. Narayanan will use the appointment to promote child neurology in India by establishing relationships with several medical and research institutions in India. “My dream is to establish a child neurology training program in India that is staffed year-round by physicians from Barrow to teach new residents in the field,” Dr. Narayanan says. The objective of CNS’ visiting professor award is to promote the discipline of child neurology in countries in which the existence of a child neurology subspecialty is just beginning to emerge. Dr. Narayanan was selected for his established academic and clinical reputation in the field of child neurology.

U.S. News & World Report names Barrow a top center

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.O W S Y O U R C H A N C E T O B E A P A R T O F #E L E B R I T Y & I G H T .I G H T 8) ) ) 3 A T UR DA Y

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* 7 -A R R I O T T $E S E R T 2I D G E 2E S O R T 3 P A 0 H O E N I X

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7I N N I N G T H E & I G H T F O R # H A R I T I E S

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#A L L OR VI S I T WWW C E L E BR I T YF I GHT NI GHT OR G F OR MOR E DE T A I L S

G I V I N G

without donors, volunteers a lost civilization by Robert Hopkins

hirty-six years ago, Erma Bombeck penned a little essay that bears repeating. She wrote often about giving and volunteering … herewith an excerpt:

“I had a dream the other night that every volunteer in this country, disillusioned with the lack of compassion, had set sail for another country. The hospital was quiet as I passed it. Rooms were devoid of books, flowers and voices. The children’s wing held no clowns, no laughter. The reception desk was vacant. All the social agencies had closed their doors, unable to implement their programs of scouting, recreation, drug control. The health agencies had a sign in the window: “Cures for cancer, birth defects, MS, heart disease have been cancelled due to lack of interest.” Flowers on the church alter withered and died. Children in day nurseries lifted their arms but there was no one to hold them in love. I fought in my sleep to regain a glimpse of the ship of volunteers, a glimpse of civilization as we were meant to be.” Thankfully, it was only a bad dream. We are richly blessed in this country, and in the city of Phoenix, to have so many who choose to give their time, talent and treasure to help others. To all volunteers and benefactors … our heartfelt thanks.

Interested in contributing to St. Joseph’s and Barrow’s mission? To learn about volunteer opportunities, call Jeanette Hermann in Volunteer Services at 602-406-6747. For information about making a charitable gift, call Barrow Neurological Foundation at 602-406-3041. You can reach Robert Hopkins, vice president of BNF, at 602-406-1037.

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BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE Named Centers

A.B. & Anne-Merete Robbs Stroke Center Ina Levine Brain Tumor Center Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center

Endowed Chairs

Alumni Spine Chair Volker K.H. Sonntag, MD Atkinson Pain Chair A.D. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Budâ&#x20AC;? Craig, PhD

William Pilcher Pediatric Neurology Chair John Bodensteiner, MD

Evelyn and Lou Grubb Neurovascular Research Chair Cameron G. McDougall, MD J.N. Harber Neurological Surgery Chair Robert F. Spetzler, MD

John and Betty Van Denburgh Neurology Chair Timothy L. Vollmer, MD Karsten Solheim Dementia Research Chair Patricio Reyes, MD Kemper & Ethel Marley Neurology Chair William R. Shapiro, MD Newsome Neurology Chair David M. Treiman, MD

Newsome Neuropsychology Chair George P. Prigatano, PhD

Newsome Neurosurgery Research Chair Mark Preul, MD Spetzler Neuroscience Research Chair Robert F. Spetzler, MD

B A R R O W

CHW Arizona Barrow Neurological Foundation 350 W. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85013-4496 www.stjosephs-phx.org www.PushingBoundaries.org

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