Spring Newsletter 2022

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2022

MEET MARSHALL ELMER Learn more about Marshall’s story of determination, perseverance and the power of a mother’s love

A FAMILY’S LOVE IS

Life’s Greatest Blessing

May 2022

ADOPTION • CHILD’S WAY® • PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL • PEDIATRIC VIEW

THE CHILDREN’S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2022

ADOPTION • CHILD’S WAY® • PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL • PEDIATRIC VIEW

Marshall’s Story In September 2021, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center became home to Pediatric VIEW, which is a program founded by Christine Roman-Lantzy, Ph.D. Pediatric VIEW cares for patients affected by Cortical Visual Impairment, otherwise known as CVI. Many people have never heard of CVI. This is one of the many reasons that The Children’s Home is so happy to have Pediatric VIEW under its roof.

The goal is to raise awareness of CVI so that more people can have access to the resources they need. CVI is a functional visual disorder caused by injury, trauma or genetic disease in the brain. Dr. Roman-Lantzy describes the world that is seen by someone with CVI as a kaleidoscope. The goal with ALL children seen in Pediatric VIEW is to improve their functional vision, thereby improving the child’s quality of life. Dr. Roman-Lantzy uses The CVI Range assessment to measure a child’s functional vision and then provides an approach to their learning that improves the child’s access to leaning materials. Through Pediatric VIEW, children from all over the world have benefited from the expertise that Dr. Roman-Lantzy provides.

Pediatric VIEW has improved the lives of so many patients and their families. One patient in particular is Marshall Elmer. Marshall is an incredible boy who has defied so many odds in his young life already and plans to break many more barriers through the years. With the love and support of his mother, Laura, and his family, Marshall lives a very full and beautiful life.

He suffers from several medical issues that many medical professionals had told Laura would limit the things that Marshall can do. Laura does not see those limits for her son. Her and Marshall have pushed those limits to places people never thought possible. Today, Marshall is thriving. He plays in a Miracle baseball league and with his adaptive language devices he is able to participate in school, rides on an adaptive bicycle, has played soccer, rides horses and has enjoyed waterskiing. Marshall had to conquer many hurdles prior to the fulfilling life that he has today.

Prior to his birth, Marshall’s parents were told that Marshall, the youngest of six children, had several medical conditions that were ‘incompatible with life’ and that he was not expected to make it to delivery. Marshall James Elmer was born just before Christmas 2007 Laura describes, in that moment the sweetest and most unexpected cry filled the delivery room.

He was immediately transferred to the NICU where he spent a harrowing 19 days. During his stay, the NICU staff embraced his siblings and daily would let them come in, gown and glove, and hold him, help feed him with a syringe and encouraged bonding with their little brother in what was described as the beginning of saying hello, as well as preparing for goodbye. Marshall was sent home tethered to oxygen with a dozen medications and a DNR in place. Before his birth, Marshall’s parents prayed that their children would be able to meet their brother. Little did they know at the time, they would be blessed with so much more.

Although his infancy was extremely challenging as he was faced with the medical complications of low birth weight, surgery to correct a complex cyanotic congenital heart defect that was complicated by a subdural hemorrhage, a genetic condition, cerebral palsy, seizures, a diaphragmatic hernia, and chronic lung disease—he continued to persevere and thrive despite the predictions of his physicians.

Marshall was diagnosed with hearing loss at 12 months of age and cortical visual impairment (CVI) at 18 months of age. Not knowing how much he could see or hear, Marshall’s family hugged him close, read to him and sang to him.

His brothers and sisters would play with him, and he was included in all their activities. In keeping with sisterly love, his sister held him upside down by his ankles, smiling, all the while he was tethered to oxygen. Laura’s medically fragile little boy was first and foremost, a little brother.

As an infant and toddler Marshall experienced many visual behaviors that are consistent with CVI. He did not look directly into the eyes of his family members when they spoke to him. He seemed to look past them. Marshall’s family referred to this as the “side long glance”. He appeared to notice movements in his periphery at greater distances more than what was directly in front of him. Although Marshall did not recognize his family members by their faces early on, he relied on a combination of their voices, greeting styles and mannerisms to identify his mother, father and siblings. The first individual that he looked directly into their eyes was the family dog, Daisy. In that moment, he reached out to pull her face closer and he still does this with Daisy to this day.

Marshall’s brothers and sisters continued to be the glue that cemented Marshall as a member of our community. Despite countless hospitalizations in his early years, when he was healthy, he went where they went. Marshall attended soccer games, basketball games, tennis matches, cheerleading competitions, children’s theatre, symphonic band, football games and their countless practices. In 2015, the girls high school varsity soccer coach where his sister played midfielder, established an annual award named after Marshall for the player who overcomes adversity and shows the most grit and determination each season, just like Marshall does every day of his life. It’s called the “We Are Marshall” award. Annually, Marshall presents the recipient with a bouquet of flowers.

still eluded many of Marshall’s educational team, Laura and Marshall are determined that Marshall The Blac will continue to grow in his visual functionality. kF He continues to grow in his functional vision am with constant education about the world around him and ways to understand what he is seeing.

Marshall has blossomed by sharing in experiences that are also enjoyed by his siblings. He has played soccer with Abby Wambach and held her gold medal. He enjoys riding horses. He loves snow skiing through Eagle Mount Skiing, waterskiing through the San Antonio Sports Foundation. Both organizations have adaptive skis for him to use. He also has participated D in EHisATE! H adapted surfing through Life Rolls On. T KidWalk gate trainer has enabled him to have upright mobility and to go ice skating, participate in Upward Basketball and Miracle League baseball and play in the waterpark. The KidWalk provides him with independence and freedom that he does not have in a wheelchair.

SAV E

Laura’s understanding of cortical visual impairment was initially limited to a very simple statement at 18 months of age. Laura was told that Marshall’s brain did not process what his eyes should see. They didn’t know that Marshall’s functional use of vision had the potential and the expectation of improving, with the right adaptations in place. The sooner a child with CVI is able to get the interventions they need to improve their functional vision, the better. The brain’s plasticity is greatest at a young age and is able to retain more of the critical tools taught in a specialized program such as Pediatric VIEW for children with CVI. One month after this diagnosis, he had a postoperative subdural hemorrhage following heart surgery. At this time, Marshall’s parent’s world was transiently turned upside down.

In April 2019, Laura was blessed to meet Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy at a conference centered on AAC. It was during a coffee break that Christine graciously met with Laura and answered so many of her questions about CVI Marshall’s story is a story of determination and and introduce Laura to a CVI Parent Tele-support perseverance but also the power of a mother’s Group and the Pediatric VIEW. “It was that love. Laura has been a huge advocate for Children’s Home Booties’ is produced by and Luxeencouraging Creative, a Pittsburgh-based meeting that I began toTheunderstand the – Shake Your Marshall.

Sheevent has been a loving design agency working in the worlds of live music, the arts, large scale events, fashion and interiors. challenges that Marshall faced as a child with force in Marshall’s life that has helped him find the CVI.” Laura explained. “Overwhelmed by all that resources that he needs to live life to its fullest. we did not understand, had not done and needed She encourages other parents to join the CVI to do, I joined the weekly CVI Parent Tele-support Parents Tele-support group to find resources for Group, and enrolled in courses for the Blind that CVI and to read Dr. Roman-Lantzy’s books to help were taught by Dr. Roman and her associates.” understand how their child sees the world. Laura emphasizes the importance of children having an Excited by all that she had learned, Laura shared accurate CVI Range and assessment and tells both of Dr. Roman’s books with Marshall’s parents to follow your child’s lead. She references educational team, only to be met with resistance Mr. Rodgers saying that the business of childhood that is still felt today by Marshall’s teachers and is play, don’t ever forget it. Most importantly therapy staff. Through sessions with Dr. Laura stresses to follow your instincts and give Roman-Lantzy, Laura has learned that CVI yourself grace through the process. requires very specific interventions and even Marshall’s teacher for the visually impaired at his If you would like to help children like Marshall school has not been through the specific training needed to fully understand CVI. get the services they need, please visit Although Modifying materials for CVI is time childrenshomepgh.org to make a donation. consuming and understanding the need for salient features and comparative language has

THE CHILDREN’S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2022

ADOPTION • CHILD’S WAY® • PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL• PEDIATRIC VIEW

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A Note from Pam We have been busy over the last few months! Despite the challenges that the pandemic has posed, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center has not only been able to continue to care for medically fragile children and their families through Child’s Way, The Pediatric Specialty Hospital and Adoption, but we have also added on a new program and a pilot program to our repertoire!

In the fall of 2021, we welcomed Pediatric VIEW to The Children’s Home. We have always been focused on the growth and development of the children and families that we serve. Through Pediatric VIEW, we are now able to care for children who are diagnosed with CVI, cortical visual impairment. Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy, Chief of Pediatric VIEW and Traci Ziemkiewicz, Program Director, are an amazing team and are able to assess patient’s visual function and provide interventions to help them better understand the world they are seeing around them. In it’s short time with us, Pediatric VIEW has seen over 100 patients, broadened it’s reach within our local community, created new relationships with hospital partners and started new research projects.

We are looking forward to witnessing the lives that are positively changed by this program as it continues to grow.

In addition to Pediatric VIEW, we have also developed a pilot program called TEMP, Temporary Emergent Medical Pediatric Program. This program was carefully and thoughtfully designed to help patients and families who are faced with emergent situations and need temporary placement

for their medically fragile child. We have been collecting data on this program to better serve our fragile population. As this pilot program continues to evolve, our hope is to be a support and resource to families of children with complex medical needs through TEMP. After a very successful Shake Your Booties and the new addition of our TIP raffles I want to take a moment and pay tribute to our board members, donors, volunteers, and dedicated staff who all played a role in making this year’s gala so special. The TIP raffles were a huge hit and paved the way for us to make them a monthly staple here at the Children’s Home moving forward!

The fun does not have to stop just because Shake Your Booties is over!

All the progress and growth that has happened over the last few months could not be possible without the unwavering support of all of YOU! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center.

Warmest Regards,

Pamela R. Keen, CEO

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center

Precious Gifts

Help children and families in your backyard through a gift.

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center 5324 Penn Avenue, Pittsbrugh PA 15224 412-441-4884 | childrenshomepgh.org

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Join our new Friends Club Have you ever thought about becoming a monthly donor? Monthly donations allow for The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh to rely on consistency and sustainability when it comes to individual contributions, but what are the benefits to you, the donor?

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Practically speaking, monthly giving is easier to fold into your budget than a one-time gift. It allows you to choose an amount that works for you and ensures you’re doing your part to support your favorite cause all year long. And, just like Netflix, but without the price hikes, you’re able to “set it and forget.”

Many donors find that sustaining gifts allow them to be more generous. At the end of the year, a $50 gift to your favorite organization may feel burdensome. If you spread your support out throughout the year and give $5 a month, however, at the end of the year you will have donated $60 which is 20% more!

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Sign up today SAV E

You won’t have to worry about writing a check, buying a stamp, or remembering to visit your favorite organization’s website on a specific date. You’re also less likely to receive additional appeals from us, as we know we have your ongoing support. Without all of the additional paper, consider it a much greener way to support your favorite organization.

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to join a special group of monthly donors who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children in need.

Another great reason to become a sustaining donor is the “insider N perks.” As a member of The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh Friends Club, you’ll receive:

For more information on The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh The Children’s Home – Shake Your Booties’ event is produced Luxe Creative, a Pittsburgh-based Friends Club,by visit our website • a club “members only” custom designgift agency working in the worlds of live music, the arts, large scale events, fashion and interiors. at childrenshomepgh.org.

• a subscription to our newsletters • bi-annual thank you impact reports

Whether you sign up for a recurring gift of $5 or $50, you’ll know that your gift helps us ensure that The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh has resources to be there for families in need every single day each month because of your generosity.

Questions? Feel free to drop our development team a line at 412-441-4884.

Dawn and her daughter, Emerald, say hello to baby Golden, born at 29 weeks.

How you can support THE CHILDREN’S HOME OF PITTSBURGH everytime you shop with AmazonSmile!

STEP 1

STEP 2

Download and open the Amazon App, and toggle to the main menu button

Scroll dow to ‘Settings’ and click ‘AmazonSmile’

STEP 3

STEP 4

Turn on ‘Generating Donations’ and search for The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center

Shop any item and AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your purchase directly to The .

Children’s Home of Pittsburgh!

THE CHILDREN’S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2022

® ADOPTION • CHILD’S WAY® • PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL • PEDIATRIC VIEW

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Adoption is Adoption is LOVE. It is hard to think of a more loving decision than a mother makes when giving her baby the chance at a life that she herself could not give to them. It is not a simple decision. It is one filled with grief, hurt, thoughtfulness, selflessness and most of all love for another life. There are many circumstances that could lead to the decision of adoption. Each story is unique and beautiful.

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center provides another option for birth parents who are contemplating adoption. Our transitional Care services provides a birth parent with the gift of TIME. Time to prepare a home and a life that is conducive to raising a child or Time to make the hard decision to give the child another home through adoption. The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh is dedicated to providing wise counsel to all its birth parents, and that involves time to think. It is important for parents to fully understand what they will be committing to when they place their baby, and because the Children’s Home can offer safe, caring transitional care for their child, birth moms and dads have the opportunity to thoughtfully consider their options.

Just as all of our foster care families do, our transitional care families subject themselves to home studies, foster care training, background checks, and various other trainings to prepare their home and hearts for an infant, as the birthmother makes the hardest decision of her life.

These families serve as a bridge to infants to whatever their next step is. Sometimes that step is to an adoptive family and sometimes that step is back to the child’s birth family. For a very short period of time, the Transitional Care families are “home” to these infants.

Susan and Marty Hagan have been a transitional care family at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center for over 20 years. “I haven’t met a birthparent I didn’t like!” says Susan. Going into this process, Susan and Marty were excited to care for infants and watch them develop, but to their surprise, their most rewarding aspect of being a transitional care family has been meeting the birthparents and understanding the difficulty of this decision to place an infant. It gives them great honor to be entrusted to care for these babies. They have gotten to see both ends of the adoption spectrum over the years. On one end, they see the birthparents who have both beautiful and heartbreaking stories and then they also have gotten to witness adoptive couples meet their new child for the first time. “Wow! What a special time!”

Every infant’s journey is different and Susan and Marty explain that they have been blessed with this incredible gift of playing a little part in that journey.

As a transitional care family, the expectation is not just to care for an infant in their most vulnerable state, but to also be flexible with your time. The commitment to become a transitional care family requires the flexibility to get a last minute call as notification that a baby will be coming to the home. In those situations, families like Marty and Susan Hagan must re-arrange their schedules and any upcoming plans to accommodate this little life that needs them. Susan explains, “It is do-able, but demands flexibility and a willingness to GIVE for the sake of another.” We are grateful for the Hagans and all of our other transitional care families who allow us to provide support to birthparents and infants when they need it most.

Safe Sleep

20TH ANNUAL SHAKE YOUR BOOTIES The Blac k

TOP 10 WAYS to lower the risk 1. Back is the best 2. Use firm mattress 3. No soft objects (including pillows, blankets, bumpers and toys 4. Smoke free environment 5. Close but separate sleep area 6. Use clean pacifier to help baby sleep 7. Check thermostat and avoid over dressing 8. Use a monitor 9. Clear sleeping area 10. Do not use sleep positioners (including wedges or blanket rolls

Scan here to learn more about sleep safety!

The Children’s Home celebrated its 20 Annual Shake Your Booties Maskerade virtually on Saturday, March 19, 2022. This event brought together hundreds of supporters, both locally and from afar, to recognize all the amazing accomplishments that have taken place over the last year. th

Co-Hosts, Rick Sebak and Anna Singer, joyfully led the program featuring special messages from our Presenting Sponsor, ATOM Medical USA, and their long-time partnership with our organization, along with a heartwarming message from our Champion Sponsors BNY Mellon on the importance of giving back to the community and the special impact The Children’s Home has made in the lives of their employees.

We were excited to share more about the wonderful programs at The Children’s Home and introduce two new programs that have formed over this past year: Pediatric VIEW and Temporary Emergent Medical Pediatric Program (TEMP). Guests were able to get an inside look at just how important these services are not just in our local community, but across the country.

Because of our wonderful donors, volunteers and staff we were able to raise over $225,000 at this year’s gala, which will help us to continue providing needed services to the children and families in our programs. We cannot thank our community enough for their time, dedication and support – we couldn’t do it without you!

The Long-Awaited Return to Volunteering!

Volunteers are a key thread in the fabric of The Children’s Home and Lemieux Family Center. We immensely appreciate all the different capacities in which our volunteers offer their time and talents, from baby holding in the Pediatric Specialty Hospital, to carefully tending Luke’s Garden, to cleaning toys in Austin’s Playroom and Child’s Way Daycare. Every act of service impacts the organization and the children in our programs. Thank you to our volunteers, who have been very patient during the unpredictable ups and downs brought on by Covid-19 restrictions and added safety measures.

Volunteer Carol Ranallo prepping Luke’s Garden (Spring 2021).

We are thrilled to share that the pause in our volunteer program will soon be lifted! This Spring, we will welcome back our volunteers and offer training sessions for individuals interested in joining our volunteer program. We plan to create new volunteer opportunities and look forward to seeing our dedicated volunteers back in action at The Children’s Home!

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THE CHILDREN’S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2022

ADOPTION • CHILD’S WAY® • PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL • PEDIATRIC VIEW

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We’re Hiring!

Join our amazing team

PCT TO RN BRIDGE PROGRAM Are you Looking for work in the field of pediatrics?

If you’re a current nursing student with less than 1 year left in nursing school and looking for hands-on experience as a patient care technician with the opportunity to transition to a registered nurse position, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh has a great program for you. We’re looking for nursing students who would like to work as casual PCTs in our Pediatric Specialty Hospital.

This program requires 24 hours in a 6-week period and 4-week orientation in Pediatric Specialty Hospital 4-unit, 30-bed hospital, serving anywhere from birth to the age of 21.

Do you have any questions or need more information? Contact Nicole Walach, HR Manager at nwalachchomepgh.org or call 412-441-4884.

Join our Adoption and Permanency Team!

We are looking for a talented and compassionate individual to join our Adoption and Permanency Team!

• Do you want to provide support to foster children and foster families on their permanency journey?

• Are you looking to be a part of a close-knit team, but also able to work independently?

• Are you looking for a hybrid position, working mostly between home and the community with an option for an in office time as well?

• Are you organized, adaptable, detail oriented, and a good communicator?

• Are you a new graduate or someone looking to use your skill set in a different way?

Questions? Please contact Nicole Walach, Human Resources Manager at nwalach@chomepgh.org

Scan here to apply!

If this position describes you and you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or in a Human Services related field, apply today!

The Children’s Home offers great medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) and Employer Match, Paid Time Off, Free Parking and more!

Part of Team that Helps Children Trive The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh is an incredibly unique and special place to work. Employees can enjoy the sound of children laughing and playing from the inclusive playground during the day and see the smiles on kids faces, reminding them of the special work we do. We are so proud of our programs that enrich the lives of children and families. Adoption, Child’s Way, The Pediatric Specialty Hospital and Pediatric VIEW, all nurture the children and families that come through The Children’s Home’s doors.

We are always looking for special employees that have a heart for the children that we care for.

Adoption has expanded greatly since its inception more than 125 years ago. As a thriving full-service adoption agency it focuses on infant adoption and helping kids to find homes from foster care. This group of professionals provide so much support for every component of the adoption process.

Adoption Permanency Supervisor, Amanda Lowe, describes her experience:

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I really enjoy working with my co-workers in the Adoption & Permanency Department because we are all such a small, close-knit group, that really support each other. Working for The Children’s Home really has a family atmosphere and made me feel like I fit in and have a purpose.”

Child’s Way, our daycare for medically fragile children, is dually licensed as a day-care and healthcare program, qualified to take care of children ages birth to 21. We are certified with 4 out of 4 Keystone STARS, providing critical early education alongside medical care. It is staffed with half nurses and PCTs and half educators. Ebony Hines is a PCT that has worked in Child’s Way for almost 3 years. She affirms her commitment to the Children’s Home by saying:

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This is a rewarding job to have.

I have loved every moment of working here and getting to know the kids while watching them grow and develop.

It has been rewarding seeing them progress and is very fulfilling.”

Every child thrives in an environment created to support their needs for growth and learning.

Child’s Way welcomes teachers and PCTs to apply and start working with some amazing and exceptional children.

Our Pediatric Specialty Hospital nurse-to-patient ratio is very low so that nurses can spend dedicated time with caregivers to teach and empower them to provide hands on care for their child. Our hospital is always looking for dedicated and passionate nurses and PCTs. Our 30-bed inpatient hospital focuses on teaching the caregiver how to care for their medically fragile child at home.

“

The Children's Home is such a special place to work. I feel like I am actually making a difference for my patients and their families. I love our patient population and that I am able to see our patients grow and develop, and that is because of the amazing staff that works here.”

-Angela Markowitz, RN.

The newest addition at The Children’s Home is Pediatric VIEW, which kicked-off in September 2021. This program cares for patients diagnosed with cortical visual impairment (CVI) which is a visual disfunction that occurs within the brain, not the eye. Within Pediatric VIEW, patients are provided with the tools they need to learn the world around them and to identify the objects that they see in their everyday life. Program Director, Traci Ziemkiewicz, explains why she loves working at The Children’s Home by saying:

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It is clear that I am part of a team that cares about providing quality services to children. That team is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to provide that care and are open to new opportunities for growth.

Everyone is open to new ideas and suggestions, and you really get a sense that you are a respected and valuable member of the team.”

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center is a place where children thrive, and families are supported. We are looking for team members with a heart for the patients and families that we care for.

To learn more about our programs and the employment opportunities that we currently have available, visit www.childrenshomepgh.org

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 2165

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh 5324 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh PA, 15224

WELCOME BACK

VOLUNTEERS! Every role is extremely important as this helps our families, patients, and staff throughout our programs: Adoption, Child’s Way daycare, Pediatric VIEW and the Pediatric Specialty Hospital. See announcement on page 9.

Interested in our volunteer opportunities? Visit our website to learn more: childrenshomepgh.org.

Volunteer Cynthia O’Toole baby holding in the Pediatric Specialty Hospital (pre-Covid).