St. Luke's Health Care Foundation Winter 2011

St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation

bridges A special gift New bike brings smiles to a special boy

Beyond cancer care Programs provide ongoing support

Shopping for a cause St. Luke’s gift shop

’

HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION stlukesfoundation.com

winter 2011

What’s Inside

On the cover

A special gift for a special boy

Cover

Adapted Bike Fund provides North Liberty boy with a very special present

1

Dental Health Center celebrates grand reopening

3

St. Luke’s gift shop: making a difference for 60 years

4

5

ike many children, five-year old Aiden Babka received a shiny new bike for Christmas. But it’s not your average bike – it’s an adaptive bike made especially for the North Liberty boy with special needs.

St. Luke’s programs offer support for recovering cancer patients

2

L

Aiden received his bike as an early present Dec. 23 at St. Luke’s Witwer Children’s Therapy in Hiawatha.

Aiden has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Aiden’s mom, Beth Babka, said it’s believed Aiden developed cerebral palsy when he was a baby, after suffering a stroke just days after birth.

“Aiden has a congenital heart defect and had heart surgery to repair the defect when he was only 11 days old,” said Beth. “It’s believed he suffered a stroke during surgery.”

Donor spotlight: Toyota Financial Services

Since then, Aiden has had two additional surgeries to repair his heart – one at six months old and the most recent procedure when he was three.

Rural Healthcare Endowment helps Blairstown “Have a Heart”

“We take Aiden to St. Luke’s Witwer Children’s Therapy once a week for physical therapy,” said Beth. “A few times during our therapy sessions, Aiden would use an adaptive bike and he really enjoyed it. It’s one of the few things he can do independently, which is nice because it allows him to be like other five-year-olds.”

An adaptive bike can cost over $3,000 – a price that’s out of reach for many families. Aiden’s bike was made possible by St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation. Over the last three years, the Founda-tion has been awarded a grant from the Dominick McDermott Trust. These grants allowed St. Luke’s to create the Patient Assistance Adapted Bike Fund.

St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation

bridges winter 2011

’

HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION 855 A Ave NE, Suite 105 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 319/369-7716 stlukesfoundation.com

“ It’s one of the few things he can do independently, which is nice because it allows him to be like other five-year-olds.”

Beth Babka, Aiden’s mom

This fund helps children, ages 3-18, who may benefit from specialized equipment.

The Dominick McDermott Trust was created by the last will and testament of Dominick McDermott. McDermott farmed most of his life near Melrose, Iowa. He died in 1982, with no heirs, and directed his assets be placed in perpetual trust for the benefit of Iowa children with disabilities.

Aiden is the third child in 2010 to receive an adaptive bike through the St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation.

To contribute to St. Luke’s Patient Assistance Adapted Bike Fund, call St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation at 319/369-7716 or log on to stlukesfoundation.com.

Going beyond cancer care

F

or most people, cancer is not just a physical disease. The diagnosis can be all encompassing, affecting the mind, spirit and family. While medicines, therapies and surgeries can treat the body, patients can often feel left on their own to navigate living as a cancer survivor and the changes it brings. Just a few of the many issues cancer survivors face include managing symptoms and side effects, maintaining emotional well being and understanding future healthcare choices.

A welcome addition The creation of the Cook Cancer Wellness Program has been a respite to cancer survivors. The program helps improve survivors’ quality of life by providing physical, nutritional and psychosocial support. Exercise classes, support groups and nutrition counseling are just a few of the services provided free of charge. The program was developed and funded by a generous gift from the family of Jane Borg Cook, who died of breast cancer in 2008. Living for nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Cook believed the best medicine in fighting cancer was to remain active physically, mentally and emotionally.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation

“ Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families.”

Kimberly Ivester, St. Luke’s Cancer Care director

has raised nearly $365,000 for the Cook Cancer Wellness Program since it first started in September 2009.

Award brings new program In the fall of 2010, St. Luke’s learned it was the recipient of a LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project Award. The award was created by LIVESTRONG®, the organization founded by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong to serve people affected by cancer. One hundred seventynine hospitals, cancer centers and community organizations in the United States were selected to participate in an online voting campaign. Over a two-week period, more than 260,000 votes were cast and St. Luke’s was among the finalists.

St. Luke’s will use the grant to add a Cancer Transitions™ program for patients recovering from cancer. The program is designed to support, educate and empower people with cancer in the transitional period

after treatment is over. It includes support groups, education, nutrition and physical exercise, and addresses other medical management, psychosocial and quality of life issues.

The program will be a great complement to St. Luke’s Cook Cancer Wellness Program, according to Kimberly Ivester, St. Luke’s Cancer Care director. “This award will go a long way in helping people in our community who are affected by cancer.

Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families,” said Ivester.

St. Luke’s cared for over 900 cancer patients last year. If you are interested in helping cancer patients by making a contribution, contact Amy Johnson Boyle at St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation at 319/369-7771.

Cancer survivor Ann Bromley participating in the St. Luke’s Cook Cancer Wellness Program.

bridges | winter 2011 | 1

Dental Health Center

Grand reopening sparks many smiles

A

fter running St. Luke’s Dental Health Center for nearly 30 years, director Rhys Jones, DDS, MS has seen plenty of smiles, but none bigger than those in December when the newly renovated and expanded Dental Health Center held its grand reopening.

Thanks to the St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation’s “Spark A Smile” campaign, over $835,000 was raised to upgrade the space.

The renovation project spanned four months and nearly doubled the size of the clinic.

It added an operatory room, a consultation room and office space. It also provided a major upgrade of the center’s X-ray equipment, significantly reducing the amount of radiation exposure to its patients.

The Dental Health Center first opened in 1976 and provides quality, low-cost dental services to infants, children and adolescents in need of financial assistance – and developmentally disabled children and adults.

Rob Thompson, senior dental student at University of Iowa, examines young patient in newly renovated Dental Health Center.

Since it opened, the Dental Health Center has cared for over 120,000 patients. In the two years following the 2008 flood, Dr. Jones saw about a 20 percent increase in need of its services.

“We provide routine dental care, along with preventative measures such as fluoride and sealants, all with an emphasis on prevention and education,” said Dr. Jones. “There is a definite need for these services in eastern Iowa. Last year, we provided dental care to 4,200 patients – most of them children, which amounts to about $800,000 worth of work.”

The Dental Health Center’s reach goes beyond the city as well, according to Dr. Jones: “We also have a dental hygienist outreach program supported by the United Way. This program provides school-based dental health screenings, education, referrals, tracking to assure care and the establishment of a dental home for children and developmentally disabled children and adults in Linn County.”

St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation continues to raise money for the Dental Health Center. To donate, call the Foundation at 319/369-7716 or log on to stlukesfoundation.com.

“ Last year, we provided dental care to 4,200 patients – most of them children, which amounts to about $800,000 worth of work.”

Rhys Jones, DDS, MS

Marion dentist gives back to the Dental Health Center

L

aura Fauchier, DDS, smiles when she thinks of St. Luke’s Dental Health Center. But it’s not her work on the Center’s Advisory Board or her time there as a dental student that evokes pleasant memories.

Laura remembers how the Dental Health Center helped her when she was a child.

“Growing up in a lower income family with seven children and no dental insurance, the Dental Health Center at St. Luke’s was such an important resource to us,” said Fauchier.

2 | stlukesfoundation.com

Now, as a board member, Fauchier is pleased she’s able to help guide the center as it expands to help even more patients.

“My experience has given me a unique perspective of the dental needs in this community,” said Fauchier. “I’m really happy to be here and be able to give something back to the center.”

Laura Fauchier, DDS

St. Luke’s Gift Shop

Shopping for a cause

S

ince it first opened in 1951, St. Luke’s Gift Shop has been a busy place. From visitors choosing gifts for loved ones, to associates buying their favorite candy, it’s been a hub of activity for the past 60 years.

It shouldn’t be surprising that the little shop is also big contributor to the hospital.

All profits go right back to the hospital, according to St. Luke’s Auxiliary President Sarah Rheinschmidt. “The gift shop is one of the largest contributors to our fund raising, and we are so appreciative,” said Rheinschmidt.

In return, gift shop manager Karen King praises the auxiliary for making the gift shop what it is today. That includes an expansion into a separate shop in the lobby of the Women’s and Children’s Center in 2002.

“We have 75 volunteers that spend at least some of their time working in one of the two gift shops,” said King. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of our amazing volunteers.”

When the original A Avenue gift shop location opened, total earnings for the first year were $3,600. Today, monthly sales average $45,000 to $50,000. Rheinschmidt attributes that increase to King’s management of the two shops and her customer-focused, pro-active approach to business.

One of King’s achievements is the gift shop’s online store. “It’s something we were excited to try,” she said. “If someone lives in California and has a mother who’s a patient here at

“ We are in such a unique position to help the hospital. I love feeling like we are making a difference.”

St. Luke’s, it’s so convenient to be able to shop this way.”

The majority of items available online are flowers and balloons – but King is looking forward to expanding the selection of online merchandise, just as she has in the stores. “I make it a priority to listen to associates and customers, so I get an idea of what they want in the stores.”

That includes uniforms. “So many of our associates need to buy uniforms,” said King. Offering them here is not only convenient, they can also give back to the hospital with their purchase,” she added.

King said, “We are in such a unique position to help the hospital. I love feeling like we are making a difference.”

Visit St. Luke’s gift shop online at stlukescr.org.

Linda Streit volunteers her time in St. Luke’s gift shop.

St. Luke’s Auxiliary

61 years of service What do the hospital’s underground tunnel, warming beds in the neonatal intensive care unit and the daVinci surgical robot have in common? All were made possible, in large part, to St. Luke’s Auxiliary.

Founded in 1949 – with six members – the first project was financing thermos coffee jugs for patients’ trays. Today, the Auxiliary has over 450 members who raise money and volunteer their services.

The largest fund raising arm of the Auxiliary is the Floral and Gift Shops. Additional sources include Brewed Awakenings Coffee Shop and special projects and events like style shows and plant sales. To date, the Auxiliary has donated more than $6 million to the hospital.

To learn more about Auxiliary memberships call 319/369-7804.

Karen King, gift shop manager

bridges | winter 2011 | 3

Donor Spotlight

Toyota Financial Services

W

hen the Charitable Review Committee at Toyota Financial Services (TFS) of Cedar Rapids took a tour of St. Luke’s Child Protection Center (CPC), what they heard made a lasting impression.

The CPC is a child advocacy center that provides a complete medical exam, forensic interview and referrals for counseling for children who may have been abused. After the child has completed their exam they are able to choose a toy or stuffed animal from the CPC’s gift closet.

“They told us that most of the donations to the center’s gift closet are meant for the younger children; that the 11-18 year old kids don’t receive very much,” said TFS employee Tracy Bennett. “We just wanted to help.” And help they did. The committee created 320 tags with specific requests such as shampoos and lotions for older kids. Within days all of the tags were taken by TFS employees and the donations started to come in… and then some.

We had so many extra things, in addition to what was listed on the tag. It was incredible!” said Bennett.

Sue Tesdahl, manager of the Child Protection Center, was equally stunned when the bags were delivered to the CPC in three vans in

December. In addition to the personal products listed on the tags, there were extra fun things like footballs and games geared for older kids in the bags.

“It was such an outpouring of support. Some of our CPC employees were just weeping at the sight of it all,” said Tesdahl.

TFS employees also surprised the CPC with a check for $1,620, raised as part of their December casual dress days. The money was donated to the CPC Endowment Fund, which, according to Tesdahl, pays for the care of children at the center.

“To finally have something to give to older kids that come to the center is great,” said Tesdahl. “Then to have money donated as well – it was amazing. We are so grateful to the Toyota employees.”

If you are interested in helping the Child Protection Center, contact Carol Rowland at St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation at 319/369-7717.

“ It was such an outpouring of support.

Some of our CPC employees were just weeping at the sight of it all.”

Sue Tesdahl, manager of the Child Protection Center

The St. Luke’s Child Protection Center opened its doors in 1987 to offer safety and comfort to abused children. Working with law enforcement and the Department of Human Services, staff at the center identifies cases of child abuse, develops plans for protecting children from future abuse and provides counseling and support to children and family members. The center also helps lessen child abuse in Iowa by working with law enforcement officials to hold perpetrators accountable.

4 | stlukesfoundation.com

Rural Health Care

Endowment helps Blairstown “Have a Heart” Last spring, St. Luke’s Rural Health Care Endowment Fund donated $5,000 to the “Have a Heart” project in Blairstown. The project, created by the EMTs in this small Benton County town, was raising money to buy two important pieces of heart-related equipment: an AutoPulse, which performs automated chest compressions on victims of cardiac arrest, and a special heart monitor that can transmit heart information in the form of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) reading to the hospital ahead of the patient’s arrival.

“This type of equipment is so important to us in a rural area, where it can take 30 minutes to get to the hospital.”

“This type of equipment is so important to us in a rural area, where it can take 30 minutes to get to the hospital,” said Blairstown paramedic Mindy Brittain.

Established in 1980 during the Farm Crisis, St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation’s Rural Health Care Endowment Fund is designed to strengthen healthcare in rural areas. The Foundation provides matching gifts to projects that improve the health and wellness of rural residents. Since its inception, over $200,000 has been given to a wide range of projects in a seven county area.

Brittain was able to see the life-saving equipment in action just a few weeks later when the monitor was used for a patient with an abnormal heart rhythm condition.

“This monitor can transmit information while we are en route to the hospital,” said Brittan. “So when we walked into the Emergency Room with our patient, the EKG showing the patient’s heart rhythm was already there – it was amazing.”

Mindy Brittain, Blairstown paramedic

“I am so thankful St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation is able to help us obtain this kind of equipment,” said Brittain. “It really does make a huge difference.”

To learn more about giving to the Rural Health Care Endowment, contact Carol Rowland at 319/369-7717.

Making wishes come true

Y

ou have the power to make wishes come true for patients and their families — and invest in the health and well-being of our region.

Included here are wishes that our caregivers have made – wishes we hope you will consider making a reality.

• Teaching DVD’s for newly-diagnosed diabetic patients.......$395 • Complete dental service for a 2 to 4-year-old....................$140 • Coloring books and markers for ER waiting area... $2.50/child • Memory books for cognitively impaired patients.............$250 • Tooth extraction for a child in pain..................................$140 • Amputee boards, transfer boards & leg lift aids........$500-$1,000 • Pet Therapy Delta obedience training......................................$125 • One hour massage for cancer patient.........................................$60

YES! I would like to help make wishes come true.

Please accept my gift of $_ ________________________________ to fund ___________________________________________________.

(Please print name of wish you would like to fund) Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to St. Luke’s Health Care Address: __________________________ City: ____________________ State: ______ Zip: _______ Foundation and use the enclosed envelope.

E-mail: __________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________

Thank you! bridges | winter 2011 | 5

✃

• Complete dental service for a 5 to 12-year-old..................$180 • Alarmed floor mats – as the patient tries to get out of bed once he/she steps on the mat it would alarm...................$130 • Physical medicine and rehabilitation bus...................... $50,000 • “Happy gas” for a child receiving dental procedures..........$10 • Home visit for a new mother.............................................$50 • Hearing screening system for infants............................$7,000 • Sponsor one child visiting the Child Protection Center....$250

’

HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION 855 A Ave NE Suite 105 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cedar Rapids, IA Permit No. 382

We apologize for mailing problems such as duplicate copies. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 319/369-7716. © 2011 by St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation, Cedar Rapids, IA

Return Service Requested

Charitable gift annuity

Health Care Foundation Board Members

The gift that gives back Giving is a wonderful expression of appreciation.

But financial concerns often hinder a decision to contribute. A charitable gift annuity is a practical solution for those who want to make a gift, but also need supplemental income for themselves.

Why should you consider an annuity?

As with any gift to St. Luke’s, you are helping your hospital of choice provide the highest quality of care. In addition, you will ensure a fixed lifetime income for you and/or another. A portion of this income is tax free and qualifies for a valuable charitable tax deduction in the year you make the gift. Finally, the return rate on gift annuities is substantially higher than earnings in saving accounts.

Charitable Gift Annuity Rates (single life)

Age

Rate

60.................... 5.2 65.................... 5.5 70.................... 5.8 75.................... 6.4 80.................... 7.2 85.................... 8.1 90.................... 9.5

(Rates are issued by the American Council on Gift Annuities and are subject to change.)

For more information about how a charitable gift annuity will work for you, please call 319/369-7716. You will receive a personal, confidential and non- obligatory illustration of how a gift annuity may benefit you.

St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation Mission The mission of St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation is to support St. Luke’s Hospital as the premier resource for improving the health of eastern Iowans.

For estate planning purposes, our legal name is St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation.

Steve Allsop, Chair Ken Anderson, MD Milt Aunan Terri Christoffersen, Secretary Sondy Daggett Tiffany Earl Sally Gray Phil Hershner Bill Hochstetler James LaMorgese, MD Dina Linge Mark Mathis, Vice Chair Ritu Munjal, MD Doug Neighbor, Treasurer Lon Olejniczak Susan Rigo, FAHP, President Nancy Skogsbergh Lynn Sundall Ted Townsend Kim Wilkerson

Foundation Staff Tonya Arnold, Grants Manager Amy Johnson Boyle, Vice President, Major Gifts Megan McGurk, Annual Fund Manager Karen Newland, Administrative Assistant Carol Rowland, Vice President, Major Gifts Nancy Schoeben, Director of Finance St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation 855 A Ave NE, Suite 105 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 319/369-7716 • fax 319/369-8822 stlukesfoundation.com