Voice of Mercy Summer 2013

content

Voice of Mercy

in this issue 2 From the CEO Cover Story

3 Transforming: Today, Tomorrow, Together People

4 Returning CareKinesis becomes Presenting Sponsor 5 Getting to Know Mercy’s Golf Co-Chairs Finance

6 Planned Gifts, A Caring Statement for Generations to come 7 Lucy Eisenhower Leaves a Lasting Legacy Quality

8 Brave, Selfless Mom Blessed with daughters 9 Guardian Angel was there when we needed it most Service

10 A Minor Setback to a Major Comeback 11 Governance Awardee designates Mercy LIFE Mercy Staff gets comfortable raising funds Mercy Salutes The Caring Foundation 12 Mercy’s 27th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Sponsors-to-Date

Editor

Donna Wilhelm Editor Design Donna Wilhelm

Cecilia Mace

Design Cecilia Mace Writers Contributing

Cecilia Mace Contributing Writers Donna Wilhelm Jake Bell Pat Lyn Scanland Fogarty Cecilia Mace Voice of Mercy (ISSN 1041-3987) is published twice a year by Donna Wilhelm

Mercy Medical, P.O.(ISSN Box 1090, Daphne, AL 36526-1090.

Voice of Mercy 1041-3987) is published twice aInternet year by address: mercymedical.com Mercy Medical, P.O. Box 1090, Daphne, AL 36526-1090. Internet Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without express address: mercymedical.com written permission of Reproduction in Mercy part orMedical. whole isCopyright prohibited2006 without express Letters to the editor must be typed and signed and mailed to written permission of Mercy Medical.

Copyright 2012 Editor, The Voice Mercy,must P.O. Box 1090,and Daphne, 36526-1090 Letters to theofeditor be typed signedAL and mailed to or sent viaThe e-mail Editor, Voicetoofnewsroom@mercymedical.com.

Mercy, P.O. Box 1090, Daphne, AL 36526-1090 or sent via e-mail to newsroom@mercymedical.com.

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Summer 2013 Voice of Mercy

From the CEO

Everyone likes good surprises! As CEO of Mercy Medical for the past four years, I can say we have been blessed with multiple good surprises. Some of those surprises have come in the form of unexpected support for new programs, some have come in the form of early successes, and some have come in the form of donations.

Mercy Medical has always been a widely known “worthy cause” on the Gulf Coast. After all, we are local and we take care of local people, whether they are the frailest elderly or the sickest child, they are all our neighbors. So gifts to this ministry have helped us support the needed care for less fortunate here for many, many years.

As we continue to do that through Mercy LIFE and Mercy Home Care, the need is no less. That’s why when we learn of someone’s gracious support for our programs, we know we continue to be blessed by the very community we serve.

You will learn in this issue of the Voice of ways you can help support this ministry and of ways others have already done so. Just recently we were blessed to receive a bequeath from the Lucille Dawson Eisenhower Revocable Trust. We didn’t know that years ago Mrs. Eisenhower named Mercy Medical in her Will. But because she believed in this ministry, the Mission and the good work that is done every day through Mercy Medical, she left us funds to help us continue that work.

Indeed, everyone likes “good” surprises, especially when they help us help our neighbors through the ministry that is Mercy Medical.

On the Cover The South’s iconic oak and the new logo of Mercy Medical is a great analogy for Mercy’s vision and ministry of the 64year old company. Mercy sybolizes like the oak, so much to so many. It isn’t uncommon for someone to mention how they will never forget the care a loved one received while at Mercy Medical.

Like a live oak, Mercy’s roots are deep in the community, and like its extending branches, Mercy’s ministry has reached far and wide along the Gulf Coast. The cover is another visual illustration of how diversified the ministry is and its growth and strength because of community support.

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Voice of Mercy

Transforming: Today, Tomorrow, Together Anne Frank, famous author, historian and holocaust victim once wrote, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” This issue of the Voice of Mercy will again explore Mercy’s transformation over the past several years and its movement forward and how together we can do our part to improve the world, today and for many tomorrows ahead of us.

Mercy Medical’s legacy in this area is vast. Within its walls and inside the homes of countless people Mercy has proven its Mission time and time again, to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The only thing that has really changed or transformed about Mercy is how and where that Mission is met.

Moving into solely providing home and community based services was a natural progression for Mercy Medical to continue to meet the needs of the community. Meeting the needs of our community in innovative ways and taking risks along the way have always been values that Mercy has lived by.

Today Mercy Medical may look different, but to the people we continue to serve through Mercy LIFE, Mercy Home Care and Portier Place, Mercy Medical’s commitment to provide quality, holistic care is unchanged.

That’s why today, even more than ever, Mercy Medical needs the support of our community. Mercy’s path of transformation was very much a strong calling to care for more of the poor and vulnerable in our community. Mercy LIFE is a perfect example of that calling.

Mercy LIFE, the first PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program in the state of Alabama, serves the underserved, very frail elderly that society often forgets. It cares for those who lack adequate services simply because they are poor. But with that commitment comes a need to financially supplement the cost.

Along with Mercy LIFE, Mercy Home Care cares for the other spectrum, the

very young, through the Pediatric Home Care and Hospice. This program also serves the very frail and underserved.

For many of these children, their only insurance is Medicaid, which pays very little towards home health and hospice.

But, through our Guardian Angel program, we are able to fund the care for many children who are critically or terminally ill.

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“Someone suggested that Mercy Medical had a good pediatric home care program which is why I chose Mercy; I’m so glad I did,” stated Brittney.

“Guardian Angel was the good that came out of our anguish; we learned how much our community cares in their support of our family,”

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said Luther, Lukes father.

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“It was like God sent Guardian Angels to help us. I would be lost without Mercy LIFE,” said Sophia, Joe’s sister.

Mercy Medical’s hospice, the oldest and only faith-based, not-for-profit

hospice in the area, serves those with terminal illness. Mercy Hospice, a longtime Mercy ministry, provides terminally ill patients and their family members the highest-quality care. Hospice for many is not covered by their insurance or they are uninsured. Support for hospice care is always needed and allows Mercy to continue its Mission through care for the dying.

Mercy Medical also provides day-today administration functions for Project Lifesaver, which includes enrolling participants, managing and raising funds, and providing education on the program. Project Lifesaver is the nation’s most effective program for locating and rescuing individuals that wander and are missing. Mercy Medical through fundraising, only charges $10 a month for people to participate in Project Lifesaver.

Mercy Medical has indeed transformed, but did so in an effort to move in the direction our Mission called. Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote, “The great things in this world are not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” And Mercy is moving in a new direction that today may be small in scope, but will shape our community’s tomorrow by being the change that healthcare needs.

Together, with our colleagues, our volunteers, and our donors, we will continue to carry the Mission forward, to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. We hope you will also support that Mission and choose to come along with us in shaping a better today and tomorrow. Let’s not wait another moment to start improving the world!

Help us do that!

Mercy Medical has been sustained over the years by those who believed in paying it forward, protecting the future and sustainability of this ministry.

Please consider paying it forward and give to strengthen Mercy Medical’s future. Give to Mercy Medical’s Annual Campaign. –DW

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Voice of Mercy

Returning CareKinesis becomes Presenting Sponsor One of the area’s oldest and most popular charity golf tournaments, Mercy Medical’s 27th Annual Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope, Ala. Returning Sponsor CareKinesis announced shortly after the first golf committee meeting that it will be this year’s Presenting Sponsor.

Since 1986, the Mercy tournament has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity care of families in Mobile and Baldwin counties. This year the golf tournament will benefit Mercy’s Guardian Angel program that funds pediatric home care. Players and sponsors not only win on the course but experience the winning spirit of fundraising for Mercy’s critically and terminally ill children. Last year alone, tournament proceeds contributed to Mercy Medical’s ability to provide nearly $1 million in non-reimbursed care in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

“Orsula Knowlton, president of CareKinesis said they would be honored to be Mercy’s Presenting Sponsor for the Charity Golf Tournament. We are proud to have CareKinesis as our presenting sponsor this year. They truly do understand the good work of Mercy Medical and support Guardian Angel, the program that funds our pediatric home care and hospice. Mercy’s Guardian Angel program ensures that all children, no matter of their families ability to pay, receive excellent healthcare in their home, a place where the child may not even know how sick they are,” said Donna Wilhelm, vice president of marketing and government relations for Mercy Medical.

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Summer 2013 Voice of Mercy

The 27th Annual Mercy Medical Charity Golf Tournament committee are standing from left Bradley Sanders (Phelps Dunbar), John Strope (Dogwood Productions), Jonathan Jones (Bryant Bank), Kevin Whitney (Rock Creek), Justin Crews (Mercy Medical), Sr. Marilyn Graf, RSM (Mercy LIFE); sitting from left are co-chair Randy Burgan (Gulf Coast Broadcast Network), Debbie Clolinger (Portier Place), co-chair Hudson Sandefur (Zaxby’s) Donna Wilhelm (Mercy Medical), Mike Maskill (Aflac) and Flora Chamberlain (volunteer).

Not pictured are co-chair Russ Wood, Chad Leonard (Rock Creek) and Cecilia Mace.

Highlights of this year’s tournament include a raffle with resort stays, weekend passes, collectible artwork and signed memorabilia plus flighted teams and great prizes. Sponsorship packages offer great promotional opportunities for businesses in the form of pre- and postevent publicity, event banners, golf tee signage, and business promotions, as well as players in the tournament. Multilevel sponsor packages vary from a diamond sponsorship at $5,000; to a tee sponsor at $150.

Individual registration is $150 per player which includes lunch, greens fees, cart fees, range balls, a great player gift, food and beverages on the course, posttournament refreshments, and the opportunity to win terrific prizes. Early

bird player registration offers players a one in 10 chance of winning a golf outings or other great prizes. The tournament format will be a four-person scramble with an 8:30 shotgun followed by lunch and a brief awards program.

Online registration is available now.

For information about Mercy’s 27th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, to sponsor, volunteer or register visit www.mercymedical.com/golf or contact development at (251) 621-4884.

CareKinesis is the first national PACEcentric, medication management and distribution pharmacy that provides and coordinates all medication management and pharmacy needs for PACE (program of all-inclusive care for the elderly) organizations countrywide.–CM

Nancy Raia donated a collaborative piece “Guardian Angel” to the golf silent auction. The piece was drawn by Bart, who just graduated from the Regional School for the Deaf and Blind and was painted by Nancy. When asked why Bart chose to draw an angel, he responded, “Because everyone deserves a fighting chance.”

Nancy (and Angela Underwood, Weeks Bay Biologist) also deserves KUDOS for recently winning third place in the US EPA’s Gulf Guardian Award for Squeaky Sneakers, a program that promotes conservation of estuaries and other coastal resources through immersion in experiential environmental education and innovative forms of artistic expression.

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Voice of Mercy

Getting to know

Mercy’s Golf Co-Chairs

Golf Committee Co-Chair Russ Wood, his wife Kelly and two children Hunter Russell (17) and Mary Frances (11) live in Spanish Fort. Russ’s altruism reaches far into the community. Currently he serves or has served on many committees including Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Baldwin Co board chairman), Acts 100 board member, Snook Family YMCA board member, Baldwin County Home Builders, Associate Builders and Contractors (ABC) board member and a legislative committee lobbyist for federal and state levels, Associated General Contractors, Gulf Coast Branch of Alabama Chapter (USGBC) US Green Building Council member, Team Jesus Fishing Ministry board member, TimberCreek Property Owners Association board member and Eastern Shore Baptist Church member and three-time elected deacon. His foundation for leadership was mentored by Coach Paul W. Bryant when he became a scholarship player with the University of Alabama. He played all four years, lettered three years and made All–Bowl team in 1982. Based on his leadership and performance, Russ as a senior was chosen as game captain more times than any player that year by Coach Bryant. His best college football memory came at the Liberty Bowl, when he sacked Illinois’ Tony Eason with less than a minute to go in Coach Bryant’s final game. A year later, Russ served as an honorary pallbearer in Coach Bryant’s funeral.

As a free agent Russ tried out with the Kansas City Chiefs and was drafted by the Birmingham Stallions.

Russ received his BS in communications with a major in advertising and a minor in marketing. His career path has included sales at Motorola Communications; dealer development and district management at Adesco, Inc. (Nissan, Mazda, Isuzu); chain accounts and area management for Mobile Beer and Wine; sales for Jenkins Brick; and sales and management for seventeen years at Reynolds Ready Mix. “The reason I am so supportive of Mercy Medical’s golf tournament over the years is I have always liked playing in the event so when my good friend Bailey Rowden asked me to serve as a committee member and later as a co-chair, there was no way I could turn it down. My grandmother was a patient at Mercy Medical and my mom, grandfather and whole family were so impressed with the care she received that I always remembered it.

At the University of Alabama, we won several SEC championships. What a great opportunity it is for me to again be on a championship team like the Mercy Medical golf committee. I am truly blessed.”

– Russ Wood

Golf Committee Co-Chair Hudson Sandefur, his wife Leslie and their three children live in Daphne, Alabama. Hudson received a BBA in marketing from Valdosta State University in 1990. For eight years he served as the Operations Manager for AAA Tank Testers, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia.

Believing in Zaxby’s delicious menu and family friendly atmosphere from being a regular patron in Atlanta, when the opportunity arose in 2004 to open a Zaxby’s franchise along the Gulf Coast, Hudson took it. It paid off as Hudson and his family today own and operate the Zaxby’s locations in Daphne, Foley and Malbis. This fall they will open

“I first got involved with Mercy Medical in 2005. At Zaxby’s we sponsored a fundraiser for Project Lifesaver called Chicken for Charity. I saw first-hand the commitment Mercy Medical had to helping people in our community and I wanted to be a part of that. Getting involved with the golf tournament was no different. The Mercy staff working hard to help others less fortunate in our area was inspiring and still is today. I value my relationship with Mercy Medical.”

– Hudson Sandefur, Zaxby’s Restaurants

Golf Committee Co-Chair Randy Burgan has been a sports broadcaster and in media for over 15 years and is the president of RGB Marketing & US Sports Today which broadcasts high school and college sports. He hosts the popular Golf Radio Show, “Tee Time on the Gulf Coast” on FM Talk 1065 and The Golf Broadcast Network and is editor of “Tee Time on the Gulf Coast” Golf Magazine. Randy is also a board member of the Mobile & Baldwin Counties Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A stand out high school football and baseball athlete, Randy went on to play college baseball. He has been the radio voice of The Spanish Fort Toro’s, The

Bulldogs of UMS-Wright, and is currently the voice for Bayside Academy Admirals and Faulkner State Sun Chiefs. Randy resides in Fairhope and has two children, Taylor (21) and Kaylee (18).

“There are a number of reasons that I have committed to be co-chair of the Mercy Medical Golf Tournament but I think the main reason is for the Guardian Angel Program. As a father, I am blessed to have healthy children and I would be devastated if one of my children had a major illness. This program provides care to any child in need, no matter of their family’s ability to pay.”

– Randy Burgan, RGB Marketing & US Sports

their fourth location in Gulf Shores.

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finance

Voice of Mercy

Planned Gifts, A Caring Statement for Generations to come Planned gifts can be a Gift Increase Reduce Avoid Provide Reduce Reduce Estate Insure the Opportunities Spendable Income Capital Lifelong Gift Settlement Future of Quality thoughtful way for a Income Tax Gains Tax Payments Taxes Costs Health Car donor to make a lasting Gift Annuities statement about their vision for our Charitable Remainder community’s future Trusts while receiving full Real Estate advantage of tax Charitable deductions and tax savings. A gift to Mercy Lead Trusts Appreciated Medical will create a Securities & legacy of caring for Personal Property generations to come.

Retirement Mercy Medical has Plan Assets always sought to be a Bequests/Gifts faithful steward of the

by Will resources provided, but Life Insurance the ability to provide quality services has only giving, the bequest is a provision of the Appreciated Real Estate, Securities, been possible through the generous Last Will and Testament that provides and other Similar Personal Assets are contributions of those who believe in for a distribution from the estate to the popular ways for many donors to leave a Mercy’s mission and its invaluable work. charitable organization. Benefits to the legacy to an organization while receiving Planned gifts provide the donor with donor include the avoidance of capital personal benefits. When a donor the opportunity to make a significant gains taxes and a reduction of both gift bequests real estate or other properties contribution to Mercy Medical in a and estate taxes. to an organization, the donor is allowed bequest or over a long-term period, Gift Annuities are a simple contract to keep using the property, while getting rather than in the immediate between a donor and a charity. a potential current reduction in income commitment of a sum, which may Establishing an annuity allows the donor tax and removing all or part of the reduce the donor’s annual income. the opportunity to make a charitable gift property value from the donor’s estate.

Planned gifts can produce a sizable while maintaining a stream of income The donor avoids capital gains taxes, as amount of money over time for an for life. Upon the death of the donor, well as receiving a reduction in gift and organization, while providing continuing the remaining principal is retained by estate taxes. benefits to the donor and his family. the organization. Annuity benefits to the Life Insurance may be the easiest way Planned or deferred gifts allow donors, donor include an increase in spendable for a donor to make the greatest impact who may not otherwise be able to do so, income; avoidance of capital gain taxes; on a charitable organization because the to contribute sizable gifts to a charitable a reduction in income, gift, and estate cost for a generous life insurance policy organization. taxes; and lifelong payments to the can be relatively low. Many donors use Individuals who have thought about donor and his spouse. life insurance to replace wealth given to providing a planned or estate gift often Charitable Remainder Trusts are very a charitable organization or a charitable begin with a financial advisor or estate similar to annuities in that they pay the trust. An attorney or financial advisor planning attorney, or even with the donor and another beneficiary an can assist a donor in understanding the organization itself. Many organizations income for a fixed time period or for benefit of life insurance as a vehicle for have educational materials to assist life. When the Trust expires, the providing a planned gift for an donors and also often have relationships remainder of the principal is distributed organization. with estate planning professionals who to a charitable organization. By creating While there are other ways for an are available to assist prospective a charitable remainder trust, a donor can individual to provide a planned gift, donors. enjoy a number of benefits including those mentioned are among the most There are numerous planned giving professional management of the trust’s popular. To learn more about Mercy vehicles available to prospective donors, assets; a degree of financial protection; Medical Planned Giving, please visit each of which has benefits to both the increased spendable income; avoidance www.mercymedical.com/donate or organization, and to the donor and his of capital gains taxes; a reduction of contact the development office.–PS family. income, gift and estate taxes; and Have you remembered Mercy Medical Perhaps the simplest form of planned lifelong payments. in your estate planning?

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Summer 2013 Voice of Mercy

finance

Voice of Mercy

Lucy Eisenhower

Leaves a Lasting Legacy

In 2013, Mercy Medical received a substantial distribution from the Lucille (Lucy) Dawson Eisenhower Revocable Trust. Planned gifts have been a vital keystone in sustaining Mercy Medical charitable programs throughout time and Lucy Eisenhower’s generous gift will provide countless families of Baldwin and Mobile counties continued excellent healthcare and spiritual comfort for generations to come.

Lucy Eisenhower was never short on generosity, community service and advocacy. Throughout her life she passionately welcomed the many challenges set before her both politically and spiritually. She seemed to have inherited her father’s drive and zest for life. Her father, James Dawson, was maimed in an industrial accident losing both his hands after having his third child. He went on to have four more children, buy a farm, drive a car and raise a family and grandchildren. His disability never held him back from living a normal life and a life of service.

He instilled in his children his same robust work ethic, self-reliance and ambition to live your true aspiration.

Lucy followed her dream to be educated in New York and left Baldwin County after high school graduation.

She became very interested in law and soon found herself moving to Washington State to pursue working at a law firm. Her boss, Edgar Eisenhower who was a widower and quite older, became very fond of Lucy. They married in 1950 just in time to help Edgar’s brother, Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower, enter the 1952 presidential race on the Republican ticket, thus becoming the 34th President of the United States which he won by a landslide. Lucy was well prepared for the service life of being a member of the presidential family.

Lucy was married to Edgar for twentyone years when he passed away in 1971 and never remarried. She resided in the Northwest for 23 years and stayed politically active. She later moved to Houston, Texas for 27 years where she retired from Occidental Chemical

[PHOTO 1]

[PHOTO 2]

Photo 1: Pictured before an election rally in Tacoma, WA are presidential candidate Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower (left), Lucy (center) and her husband Edgar Eisenhower (right). Photo 2: Lucy dressed in her elegant gown in anticipation of the Presidential Inaugural Ball when her brother-in-law Dwight Eisenhower became the 34th President of the United States.

Corporations International Department.

During her lifetime, Lucy was very active in the Foundation for American Christian Education for Children, Free Enterprise Institute, The Heritage Foundation and the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge.

She was awarded the George Washington Honor Medal for her achievement of developing and producing the Tuesday Forum in Houston and was honored for her continued efforts and contribution to the preservation of the constitutional form of government established upon spiritual principles. She was director of the economic extension program of Northwood Institute in Houston, a Trustee and Director of Free Market Education foundation, and an advisor and presenter of Economic Educational Programs. Lucy was also a zealous writer throughout her life and was awarded and recognized for “American Pen Women”, one of her short stories.

Lucy’s family persuaded her to return

to Baldwin County in 1997 so she would have support while aging. She continued to be a leader in serving her community and was a prominent speaker for different venues as well as a member of the Welcome Wagon. Eventually her arthritis and other physical afflictions made her decline.

When the time came for help, Lucy and her family chose Mercy Medical’s community for care. Although she became debilitated, she continued her service work by packaging layettes as gifts for the hospitals to give new mothers.

“My aunt was very outgoing, loved people and loved to help others. When we liquidated her estate, she had twelve filing drawers full of her written materials. If she didn’t agree with an issue, she wrote letters advocating for change,” said Barbara Hughes, the niece of the late Lucy Eisenhower.

Lucy passed away at age 91 in late November of 2012 at a local healthcare facility with family and friends by her side.–CM Voice of Mercy Summer 2013

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A Brave, Selfless Mom blessed with daughters

It would be highly unlikely for most parents to have to discern about their child’s life as much as Brittney had when it came to her first born. Brittney would be the one in 10,000 that would learn her unborn child had holoprosencephaly at her four-month check up. Instead of discovering the sex of her baby, Brittney was told by her doctor that her child would not live.

Holoprosencephaly is a disorder in which the embryo’s forebrain fails to develop into two hemispheres. In most cases of holoprosencephaly, the malformations are so severe that babies die before birth. When the embryo's forebrain does not divide, it causes defects in the development of the face and in brain structure and function.

Brittney’s baby would have severe facial deformities including a cleft palate, lack of a nose and close set eyes. Her doctor also explained that her daughter would probably not survive to full-term or through delivery. He then discussed with her the option to terminate her pregnancy.

“As a Catholic, I did not believe in abortion so that was never an option for me,” recalled Brittney.

Knowing the outcome of her baby’s fate, Brittney anxiously endured a fullterm pregnancy and a C-section. On November 11, 2010 Brittney gave birth to Aliyah Nicole who weighed six pounds seven ounces and was 18 inches long. Aliyah’s severe deformation created problems for her breathing and she was immediately placed on a ventilator. After two days, the hospital staff asked Brittney if she would take Aliyah off the machine. Brittney prepared herself for the impact of her decision to take her daughter off life support.

“They told us to prepare for Aliyah to die. It was very agonizing but she made it through. She was a fighter,” said Brittney.

Strong Aliyah continued to breathe on her own and after 6 days in the hospital, Brittney wanted to take her daughter home.

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Summer 2013 Voice of Mercy

Left photo: Aliyah Nicole suffered from holoprosencephaly, a condition where the malformations are so severe most babies die before birth.

Against the odds, Aliyah lived 19 days and was cherished by mom Brittney.

Right Photo: A year and a half after Aliyah’s death, Brittney gave birth to Aubrey Klaire, a healthy baby girl.

“I was ready to go home and I wasn’t leaving without Aliyah. Someone suggested that Mercy Medical had a good pediatric home care program which is why I chose Mercy,” stated Brittney. “I’m so glad I did.”

Upon her arrival home the Mercy staff, Shawn (Mercy’s chaplain), Kathy (Mercy’s Hospice nurse) and Kim (Mercy’s pediatric nurse) were already there preparing the house for Aliyah.

“Everyone was so sweet to me.

Basically they explained everything in simple terms so I really understood what was going on. Aliyah had a special bottle for her cleft palate. If she wouldn’t take it, I would have to feed her through her feeding tube. They showed me multiple times how to put her tube in, then let me feed her so I would be comfortable doing it myself. They explained how common her seizures would be and what to expect,” said Brittney.

Brittney also had great support from family, friends and co-workers. Brittney is a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care facility and knew first-hand how important support is in your time of need.

“People from work would come visit just to hold Aliyah. Kathy from Mercy would come to rock Aliyah all the time and bring me things including diapers.

She told me if I ever needed anything I could always call her.”

On November 30, 2010, Brittney planned to take Aliyah to a doctor’s appointment.

“We were asleep. I had just gotten up to get us ready for Aliyah’s appointment which was an hour away. And when I tried to get Aliyah up, she was cold. She had died in her sleep.

There is nothing like loosing a child.

You don’t expect it even when it is certain. You always expect to outlive your children,” lamented Brittney.

Aliyah lived for 19 days. Co-workers of Brittney’s raised money to buy Aliyah a headstone.

“All of us from Mercy felt Brittney was amazing and very mature for such a young mother. She never took the easy way out and brought Aliyah into this world and into her home, because she wanted to be her mom. She had to make some really tough decisions. She poured so much love into Aliyah’s life and death.

She planned a beautiful memorial service. Brittney exemplified a mother’s unconditional love,” stated Kathy, Mercy’s hospice nurse.

Nearly a year and a half later, Brittney would give birth to her second child, Aubrey Klaire, a healthy baby girl.

Brittney and Aubrey visit Aliyah’s graveside often. –CM

q u a l i t y Voice of Mercy

Guardian Angel was there when we needed it most Aimee, her husband Luther and their five children, Hannah age 11; Jacob age 9; Noah age 6; Luke age 4; and Zackery age 3; never imagined how quickly their lives would change when a member became critically ill. Luke, the second youngest was almost two-years old when Aimee first noticed a couple of knots on his head. Although concerned, everyone thought it was probably due to his toddler ways of constantly bumping into things. But when the two knots turned into six knots, mom and dad were both alarmed. “All of a sudden, Luke couldn’t stand or walk. He would fall every time he tried to stand. His lymph nodes were swollen,” shuddered Aimee.

They quickly brought Luke to his primary pediatrician who sent them immediately to the hospital for further testing.

In November of 2010, Luke was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. According to the Mayo Clinic, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children and treatments result in a good chance for a cure. The term acute means that the leukemia can progress quickly, and if not treated, would probably be fatal within a few months. Lymphocytic means it develops from early forms of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

“You never dream this can happen to you. Life changed so quickly,” recalled Luther.

Luke would spend the next six months in the hospital. Although the medical team had Luke in remission within 15 days, he would have to endure another four years of chemotherapy and the road to recovery would be long and frightening for his family. A huge blessing for Aimee and Luther was their close knit family and Luther’s parents.

“When Luke was first hospitalized, we spent 95% of our time living at the hospital. It was such a difficult time for our kids but Nanna and Paw helped tremendously. I don’t know what we would have done without them,” claimed Luther.

“Once Luke did come home, he would get infections easily. It wasn’t until Luke’s

Luke’s family: from left are Luther, Jacob, Zackery, Noah, Luke, Hannah and Aimee.

doctor referred us to child's medical costs, Mercy’s Pediatric Home Mercy must raise Care that we finally much-needed funds started feeling stability. through Guardian Once Kim started Luke Angel to help ensure on infusions, he every child receives stabilized and wasn’t excellent healthcare in readmitted to the their homes. Since hospital like before,” 1998, Mercy's stated Aimee. pediatric home care Every two weeks to a program has treated month, Kim, Mercy’s more than 2,000 pediatric home care children with chronic nurse, would take labs illnesses including and administer an cystic fibrosis, Intravenous leukemia, other Luke rides his new Christmas car given cancers and diseases, immunoglobulin or along with gifts for his siblings by a IVIG infusion to or severe conditions Guardian Angel sponsor.

Luke to boost his resulting from a birth antibodies and his defect or injury. immune system. His “Guardian Angel four-hour infusions helped prevent was the good that came out of our infections in Luke’s body. anguish; we learned how much our “Luke is such a trooper. When he first community cares in their support of our started getting poked and prodded, he family. The program makes sure the would get so upset but now he doesn’t unexpected and unimaginable healthcare really even flinch. He loves Ms. Kim situations from a financial aspect, is because she takes her time and really taken care of. During Christmas, connects with him. She brings him treats Guardian Angel sponsors provided our all the time,” said Aimee. kids gifts from their Santa wish list. It Although it has been extremely couldn’t have come at a better time for difficult financially for the family, Mercy’s us as we just needed a break from all the Guardian Angel program has supported worry. You just never think it will Luke and his family since January 14, happen to you, but when it did, 2011. Because no child is turned away at Guardian Angel was there,” explained Mercy and medicaid and many Aimee and Luther.–CM insurances cover less than 30% of a Voice of Mercy Summer 2013

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Voice of Mercy

A Minor Setback to a

Major Comeback!

On February 1, 2012, Joe at age 62 enrolled in Mercy LIFE, Alabama’s first PACE (program of all-inclusive care for the elderly) center. It was the answer to his prayers, and according to his primary caregiver and younger sister Sophia, is a program they can’t live without. Before enrolling, Joe, a onetime seaman who traveled the world, was struggling to find comfort and quality in living.

In 2011, Joe was first diagnosed with tongue cancer and began chemo and radiation treatments. He was already disabled from another illness, but the cancer made him loose his ability to eat, breathe, talk and be comfortable. After radiation treatment, Joe experienced necrosis of his tongue from scar tissue build up. He had difficulty swallowing, couldn’t move his mouth and quickly started losing weight. A feeding tube was surgically placed into his stomach. As Joe’s health declined, Sophia couldn’t help him alone. She had difficulty getting him back and forth to treatments so the Mobile County Health Department referred them to Mercy LIFE. “It was like God has sent Guardian Angels to help us,” explained Sophia.

“Mercy LIFE angels watch over Joe and do anything and everything to help us, including the dishes.”

Today Joe goes five days a week.

“Mercy LIFE is home,” explained Joe. Daily he meets his friends for some serious dominos, exercise or for a parade or other monthly events. But it’s not all fun and games, as Joe is looked at carefully by his physician, the Mercy LIFE medical director, and other specialists including hyperbaric oxygen treatment specialist, optometrists, speech pathologists, etc.

“I would be lost without Mercy LIFE. They pick Joe up and take him to his appointments. They provide all his medications and supplies,” said Sophia.

“Joe’s throat swelled and he was unable to sleep. Mercy LIFE got us a hospital bed to keep his head elevated 10

Summer 2013 Voice of Mercy

Kay Young, Mercy LIFE LPN Day Center Supervisor, hugs Joe after the Mercy LIFE Mardi Gras Parade. Mercy LIFE helps seniors 55 or older who are eligible for nursing home care, stay living in their homes safely.

and reduce his swelling. They also gave him a walker, a shower chair, supplies, medicines and helped simplify our lives. They sent us a private duty nurse after his tracheotomy to watch him around the clock. Now that we have Mercy LIFE, I don’t see how we could live without it. I know it is all God but we couldn’t have made it without Mercy LIFE,” stated Sophia.

At Mercy LIFE Joe is a favorite among staff members as some call him Uncle Joe. “He’s so inspirational with a wonderful spirit and strong faith,” recalled his enrollment specialist. “When first enrolling Joe, he told me, ‘This is a minor setback for a major comeback.’ Little did I know he was absolutely right.–CM In 2012, Mercy LIFE provided more than $850,000 in unreimbursed Medicaid/Medicare costs to participants.

Keeping participants active both mentally and physically helps slow the process of aging. Top photo: Joe (left) and Herlin play dominos at Mercy LIFE, Alabama's first PACE center. PACE is a prepaid, dually capitated (Medicare and Medicaid) community-based model in which care is integrated by day center–based interdisciplinary teams.

service

Voice of Mercy

Governance Awardee designates Mercy LIFE for two years.

Martino’s strong, effective governance guided by her commitment to Mercy’s mission and core values was a leadership quality that made her an excellent nominee.

Sr. Barbara Wheeley, RSM, highly recommended her for this award and stated that Martino accepted the board chair position at a most difficult time and led Mercy Medical through the hiring of its current CEO and through some of the most strategic changes ever faced by the organization.

Mercy Medical’s transition from a continuum of post-acute care to a primary focus on home and communitybased services was one that required a great deal of visionary leadership. As the chair of the board of trustees, Susan Martino, in collaboration with Mercy

The Excellence in Governance Award honors an individual who serves on a board of a Catholic Health East (CHE) regional health corporation or joint operating agreement. The recipient must distinguish himself or herself as a visionary leader, collaborator and strategic thinker. The awardee is provided a $10,000 grant designated to a program of the recipient’s choosing.

This year the Excellence in Governance Award was presented to Sue Martino who joined the Mercy Medical board of trustees in December 2001. She was elected as chair of the board in May 2009 and served the organization until December 2011. In addition to serving as the chair of the board, Martino also served as planning and finance chair for three years; nominations committee chair for a year; and CEO search committee

Pictured with Sue Martino (center) displaying her award are Jake Bell, and Sr. Barbara Wheeley, RSM at the Governance-Management Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Medical’s CEO, the Sisters of Mercy, and other members of the board, demonstrated exceptional leadership.

Martino chose Mercy LIFE of Alabama to receive the $10,000 grant.–CM

Mercy Staff gets comfortable raising funds Mercy Medical employees empower the mission and values as a faith-based healthcare ministry. Mercy values include reverence for each person, community, justice, commitment to those who are poor, stewardship, courage and integrity.

One way staff members have shown their commitment while enjoying simple comforts is by participating in “Friday Jean Day.” Employees pay to wear jeans on Fridays knowing their contributions will be matched quarterly by Mercy

Medical to benefit a charity they can actually be vocal in directing funds to. Since Friday Jean Day started, Mercy and its staff have contributed $2,600+ to charitable organizations including Disabled Homeless Persons Project, a Catholic Social Services program; One Meal; left are some members of Friday Jean Day: Randy Suicide Prevention; Outback From Harrison, Necie Borroni, Vanessa Bradley, Dawn Everette, America; and Hope Clinic.–CM Linda Mayton, Phyllis Creel, Barbie Bullard & Cecilia Mace.

The Caring Foundation

Mercy Medical Salutes Since 1936, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has been a trusted name in the healthcare industry. One of the core values at Blue Cross involves giving back to the community. For that reason, the Caring Foundation was established in 1990. This philanthropic arm of Blue Cross supports charitable organizations throughout Alabama.

For over a decade, The Caring

Foundation has been a faithful contributor to Mercy Medical’s Pediatric Home Care Program which ensures seriously ill children of all ages in Mobile and Baldwin counties have access to critically needed healthcare.

Thanks to the generosity of The Caring Foundation, Mercy’s pediatric patients are able to receive services at home instead of in a hospital setting.

Mercy Medical salutes The Caring Foundation for its commitment to the

many nonprofit organizations throughout Alabama who work diligently every day to serve the needs of our community.–PS “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and The Caring Foundation are dedicated to responding to the needs of the community and making a difference. Giving back to the community is one of our core values, and we are proud to partner with Mercy Medical to support their Pediatric Home Care Program.”

–Emily Benson, SR Program Coordinator Voice of Mercy Summer 2013

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