Driscoll Life - Summer 2010

SUMMER 2010

| Vol.22 | No.2

Orthopaedic Team Set on

Casting Kids First

Children’s Miracle Network Raises

$2,411,535!

Planned Giving:

What Kind of Legacy Will You Leave?

Dhariel Carrillo O N E

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A Message from

Governing Board C. Ivan Wilson Chair Steve Woerner Vice Chair Bruna Callegari-Puente, M.D. Chief of Staff William Allen, M.D. Karl Serrao, M.D. Murray Bass, Jr. Jim Devlin Martha Hinojosa Pat Horne Lenora Keas Reba McNair S. Loyd Neal, Jr. Bill Sterett

Development Foundation Board of Directors 2010-2011 OFFICERS Manette Scanio Bob Cuvelier Julie Buckley Mary Clark Wes Hoskins Pat Horne

President Vice President Vice President Treasurer Secretar y Past President

DIRECTORS Derwood Anderson Elsa Cardenas-Hagan, Ph.D. Gerald Eckel Sister Guerra Willard Hammonds, II Nancy Hawn Lenora Keas Debbie Layton Bill Moffitt Liz Nisbet Laura Smith Noe Sherry Rumley Roger Timperlake, M.D. Rich Tuttle Chad Wilfong

In 1994 the Governor of Texas established the Quality Texas Foundation, a foundation with the mission to recognize and encourage excellence throughout the state in various industries including manufacturing, service and governmental entities. Recognition and awards for excellence are given out annually by the Foundation to worthy applicants.

As you might guess with such an important award, applications are not taken lightly. The application process is extensive and thorough and must stand up to significant scrutiny. With that in mind, there are four levels of honorees each year with four being the top level. In 2009 Driscoll was awarded the second level — the Commitment Level. We were certainly most pleased and honored.

In 2010, we pressed on and applied for the third level — the Progress Level. At this level the amount of scrutiny, which is based on the Malcolm Baldridge criteria, increases dramatically. Part of the criteria on this level states the following: “At this level an organization develops a sound, balanced approach to organization management performance and improvement.” And the good news is…Driscoll recently was recognized at the Progress Level.

Not only were we awarded the Progress Level, we were humbled to be in such honorable company. Among the honorees at the ceremony held in Dallas recently were Raytheon, Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

What an honor for Driscoll Children’s Hospital, for Corpus Christi and for all of South Texas to be recognized with this award for excellence.

Reflecting on the significance of the Quality Texas Foundation Award, it brings to mind the thought of what actually makes Driscoll what it is; it is a children’s hospital that is certainly unique among organizations across the state and I believe across the nation.

But what makes it so? My conclusion: It’s about ownership. In other words “I” meaning every individual who works here is Driscoll…“I am Driscoll.” And in my mind, that’s what sets us apart. You can see it in the way employees greet you in the hallways or the way they take that extra step for a patient, a mom or a dad. Those are the attributes that create the best quality hospital. It is a spirit that the people who work here own the hospital, are responsible for it and for what happens here every day in the hallways and within each department.

Bernard Paulson

Trustee Emeritus

Martha St. Romain

Executive Director

Driscoll Children’s Hospital 3533 South Alameda Street Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 694-5000 DriscollChildrens.org

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The Driscoll President and CEO

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So to each of you individually, you are Driscoll and collectively that means we — all of us — are Driscoll. Thank you, all of you, for that commitment and dedication and for your belief in Driscoll Children’s Hospital and everything it stands for in South Texas and far beyond.

Steve Woerner | President and CEO Driscoll Children’s Hospital

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A Message from

The Driscoll Development Foundation Board President

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Our Mission: Remembering always our commitment to relieve suffering and meet the needs of children; it is the mission of Driscoll Children’s Hospital to offer hope and healing in an environment of trust, compassion and care.

While Richard and I have been blessed to yet ever need the services of Driscoll Children’s Hospital for our children or grandchildren, I am acutely aware of how important its services and mission are to our community, “to offer hope and healing in an environment of trust, compassion and care.”

Every time I drive by the hospital on South Alameda and see the number of cars in the parking lots, I reflect on the precious child and that child’s family that each car represents. A child and family traveling to the hospital seeking help for such an array of illnesses and injuries.

It reminds me how personal and special the hospital’s mission statement becomes to that individual child and family. In their most vulnerable time, in their hour of need, they come seeking healthcare in an environment of trust, compassion and care. What a responsibility for the hospital to relieve suffering and meet the needs of children 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

And how we, volunteers and donors, play such a role in helping fulfill this mission.

It is inspiring to witness the thousands of people it takes, not only the medical and professional staff, but the multitude of volunteers and donors who reach deep and continue to join forces behind this mission.

As President of the Development Foundation, I am honored to serve the mission for the children of South Texas.

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Dhariel Carrillo ONE IN A MILLION Orthopaedic Team Set on

Casting Kids First Page 7

Manette Scanio | President Driscoll Development Foundation Board

Children’s Miracle Network

Raises $2,411,535!

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For Kids’ Sake

Fiesta de los Niños — McAllen Raises Over $185,000 Net! Page 13

Planned Giving: What Kind of Legacy Will You Leave?

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MIRACLE CHILD

Dhariel Carrillo ONE IN A MILLION

By Debra Young Hatch

The day Dhariel Carrillo was born his mother, Jessica Carrillo, was told with compassionate candor, “one in a million children survive what he has.”

Jessica, completely incredulous and apparently not one to believe in the odds responded easily, “Well, how do you know that he is not that one in a million?”

Truth is, they didn’t know, no one did. But Jessica believed he was, and as it turns out, she was absolutely correct. Dhariel Carrillo was that ONE IN A MILLION. 3

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Dhariel and Roger Timperlake, M.D., pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at DCH.

“Then Doctor Morales came in and told me Dhariel was going to make it after all. He said honestly, ‘I would not have done the surgery if I didn’t think he would survive. Now, what you have to do,’ he said, ‘is love and feed your baby. That’s all you have to do because he’s going to be fine.’ And,” she smiles, “he was.”

At a year and a half, Dhariel had another open heart surgery. “It was a complete reconstructive surgery,” explains Jessica.

“And after that,” she smiles knowingly, “he never went on oxygen again.”

With his heart now working as it should to support his body, it was time for Dhariel and his family to face the long-term orthopaedic needs of a child with Ellis van Creveld Syndrome.

There is no doubt this soon to be 11-yearold boy has beaten the monumental odds stacked against him from the beginning and his Mom quips smiling, “The doctors have quit predicting what Dhariel will do or what will happen because every time they say, ‘this will happen or he will do this,’ he does the exact opposite. I knew,” she says, “he was special from the time he was born and he just keeps on proving that.

“When I was five months pregnant,” Jessica recalls, “they did a sonogram and told me my baby was going to have shortened extremities.”

But when he was born not only did Dhariel have shortened extremities and six digits on each hand, indicative of a lifelong condition known as Ellis van Creveld — a type of dwarfism — additionally he had a heart condition, also indicative of this genetic anomaly. Dhariel was born with three heart chambers instead of four.

Born on October 18, 1999 in Weslaco, Dhariel, with a prognosis that looked grave at best, was flown immediately to Driscoll Children’s Hospital and he had his first procedure — open heart surgery — at 14 days old performed by Dr. Mark Morales, pediatric cardio-thoracic surgeon at Driscoll.

“Dr. Morales,” explains Jessica, “did the open heart surgery on Dhariel at Driscoll.

He put in a pulmonary artery band to control the flow of oxygen to his lungs.”

Following the surgery, the doctors told Jessica they did not think Dhariel was going to make it. He was simply not getting DriscollChildrens.org

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Dhariel and Mark Morales, M.D., pediatric cardio-thoracic surgeon at DCH.

enough oxygen. However, there was still one option, but there were no guarantees.

They could perform a tracheotomy and see if that might help, or they could take him off the ventilator and Jessica could sign a DNR (Do not resuscitate).

“I decided at that moment,” Jessica says thoughtfully, “it was time to let Dhariel go and leave him in God’s hands. I agreed to the DNR, but I couldn’t sign the papers. I couldn’t make myself do it. They told me

“This is a very rare condition,” explains Dr. Roger Timperlake, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Driscoll. “In sixteen years of practice here I have probably only seen one or two children with this syndrome.

The main orthopaedic concerns for a child in this situation are the stress on his joints and the potential development for arthritis in those joints. Children with Ellis van Creveld Syndrome have legs that grow crooked, their joints are mal-aligned and ultimately their joints simply wear out and they develop arthritis.”

As a child with this syndrome grows and develops, often several extensive surgeries are required to alter mal-alignment and pressure on the joints. Dhariel had his first orthopaedic surgery in 2003 when he was four years old.

“Dr. Timperlake removed the extra digit on each of Dhariel’s hands,” explains Jessica, “and performed an osteotomy (controlled surgical break to shorten,

I wasn’t going to give up on him and neither did they. my verbal agreement was fine. Then they removed the ventilator and I went to the other room. I couldn’t stay in the room.

I was so afraid. But, the next morning Dhariel was still with us. I couldn’t believe it. But then again, I could because I couldn’t understand why God would give this baby to me and then take him away.

lengthen or alter alignment) on each of his legs. Because of his dwarfism, his femurs are curved inward and his tibias outward.

Dr. Timperlake had to break or cut the bones and reset them to make the joints align. He did Dhariel’s hands at the same time and,” she smiles, “he told Dhariel he left him a Nike™ symbol on each hand.”

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listens. He always takes his time and he makes sure all of our questions are answered. In my mind he is a doctor that is compassionate and passionate. You can tell he loves what he does, and he has made a huge difference in Dhariel’s life. I just had to say that,” she smiles.

Dhariel and Chaplain Alan Bagnall, Director of Pastoral Services at DCH.

At that moment, Dhariel who has been drawing intently and seemingly not paying attention to a word being said places both elbows on the table and proudly shows off his Nike™ scars on each hand. He eyes each one carefully, smiles, nods and then says, “Dr. Timperlake, he’s cool!” Having made his definitive statement, he smiles again, picks up his pencil and returns to the issue at hand — finishing his drawing.

“He was in a spica cast or body cast,” continues Jessica, “from his waist down and he had casts on both hands. He was four years old then and his baby brother was born at that time as well. At that point, Dhariel was in those casts for two months.

The casts were removed in December and then we started therapy so Dhariel would have the strength to be able to walk.”

“Our goal in this surgery,” explains Dr. Timperlake, “is to preserve the joints.

When the joints align properly pressure is relieved, future pain prevented and hopefully the development of painful arthritis in the joints is also avoided.”

“For this particular surgery,” Jessica who is now herself a nurse explains, “they had to make cuts in each leg from the hip to the knee and then the knee to the ankle.

Then they put metal bars in Dhariel’s legs with six screws in each. This surgery was done in August of 2007 and in September the casts were removed. “Unfortunately,” she says, “one screw did not attach so Dhariel had to have another surgery. But that one was quick. We came to Driscoll on a Monday, he had the surgery on Wednesday and we went home on Friday.

He was special from the time he was born and he just keeps on proving that.

“And in May of this year,” she grins obviously most pleased with her son’s progress, “all the screws and metal plates were removed from Dhariel’s legs.

Everything,” she says, “is looking good.”

There is no doubt she is right as the future for this young boy whose aspirations run the gamut from being a trainer at

SeaWorld to an archeologist or maybe an ear doctor or scientist looks bright.

“Dhariel is a great kid,” explains Dr. Timperlake. “His prognosis is excellent. He has wonderful family support, he is wellloved and his mother’s will to have him do well serves as a key support for this young man. There could, however, be one more surgery in Dhariel’s future depending on how he grows and the need to preserve his joints. We’ll have to wait and see.”

“You know,” Jessica says as she scans lovingly at all the photos of her son from birth through elementary school she has spread out on the table chronicling his young life, “everyone has always told me about Driscoll, but we have experienced it now and I don’t know what we would have done without it. I don’t know if my baby would be here. But I wasn’t going to give up on him and neither did they.”

At that moment Dhariel looks up at his Mom, sensing perhaps it might be time to go then looks over at his cousin Mark and says, “Mom, can we go to Target™ and get that movie we talked about on the way home?”

Jessica nods, begins gathering up her photos then pauses a moment to add, “Dhariel,” she says, obviously taking stock of all that they have been through, “is unique, he is one-of-a-kind. He is,” she smiles soberly looking at her son and putting her hand gently on his shoulder, “definitely one in a million.”

Dhariel’s osteotomy was successful and he continued to grow over the next four years. Great news of course for him and for his whole family, but that also meant another major surgery in Dhariel’s future, because with growth so too comes change in alignment. So in August of 2007 Dhariel needed another osteotomy as his knee joints were being damaged since his legs were not growing parallel and joint alignment was becoming a significant problem once again.

“Dr. Timperlake did the surgery for Dhariel this time too,” recalls Jessica. “By the way,” she says before continuing with her story, “I have to tell you we love Dr. Timperlake. He is wonderful. He always

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Dhariel’s mother, Jessica, always knew that Dhariel would beat the odds.

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Building at Driscoll Children’s Hospital to be named for C. Ivan Wilson On June 4th, it was announced that the former synagogue building located on Ft. Worth Street and owned by Driscoll Children’s Hospital will be renovated, re-landscaped and dedicated in honor of C. Ivan Wilson, Chairman of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Governing Board.

Wilson, who first became a trustee of the Robert Driscoll and Julia Driscoll and Robert Driscoll Jr. Foundation in 1982, has been a long-time champion for making high quality healthcare available to the children of South Texas, and his dedication to Driscoll continues to inspire all who interact with him. The announcement was made in the Driscoll auditorium during an opening event for the annual Children’s Miracle Network Celebration.

An artist rendering shows plans for the C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center.

“A Legacy of Life”

Organ Donor Wall Dedicated at Driscoll Children’s

Hospital Honors Donors and Families

In conjunction with National Donate Life Month, Driscoll Children’s Hospital dedicated an Organ Donor Wall on the second floor of the hospital to help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. Driscoll physicians and staff, representatives from the Southwest Transplant Alliance and many family members of organ donors who are memorialized on the wall were on hand for this memorable and emotional event.

Serrao. “Without donors there are no recipients. This wall was created to recognize the gifts that these families have given so that others can live, and to inspire others to also give when they’re called upon.”

Nationally, there are more than 105,000 patients awaiting transplant; approximately 10,000 are from Texas.

Karl Serrao, M.D., (center) dedicates the wall with the help of family members of organ donors at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

The “Legacy of Life” wall commemorates patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital who passed away and gave the gift of life by donating organs. Each patient is represented by a ‘seed of life’ floating into the wind from a dandelion, symbolizing the life and future ahead.

Karl Serrao, M.D., critical care intensivist, spearheaded the Organ Donor Wall effort and cut the dedication ribbon with the help of family members of organ donors.

“Not enough recognition is given to the people who donate organs,” stated Dr. DriscollChildrens.org

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The Orthopaedic Staff at Driscoll Children’s Hospital: (back row left to right) Jorge Gonzalez, Sylvia Mendiola, Rosemary Olivo, Ernestina Castillo, Lisa Niño, Amanda Patlan, Julio Reyna. Front row left to right: Roger Timperlake, M.D., Rosie Zapata, Bernadine Ramon, Monica Briseno, Marianne Garcia, Adelicia Rea, Maria Garza, Anette Torres, Melissa Esparza and Angela Escalante, Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Not pictured: Christopher Comstock, M.D.

For Dr. Timperlake, it became evident in short order that he alone could not fill the need. He was going to need help — and he was going to need it soon. That’s when Dr. Chris Comstock entered the picture.

W

hen Roger Timperlake moved to Corpus Christi and opened the doors to his pediatric orthopaedic practice in September of 1993, one of his thoughts as a new doctor in town was, “What if no one comes?” Little did he know at the time that was not, nor ever would be, a problem. Because from day one, there have been patients in need to fill every hour of every day and then some.

“When I got out of the Navy,” Dr. Timperlake explains, “I knew I wanted

“I had completed my residency in pediatric orthopaedics at Stanford,” recalls Chris Comstock, “and I had gone to San Diego Children’s Hospital to do my Fellowship. My plan was to complete my Fellowship there and then go back to Stanford and work on staff. But I guess that wasn’t meant to be,” he smiles. here. There were plenty of great adult orthopaedists, but no one who worked solely with children. The day we opened the practice here, I considered the possibility,” he admits easily, “that perhaps no one would come, maybe I just wouldn’t have any patients. But what I didn’t know,” he smiles, “is that all of the adult orthopaedists in town had been saving up their pediatric patients for me. So beginning that very first day we had a full schedule. Actually, we were inundated. In fact, for the first sixteen months I was here, I never had a day off.

There just wasn’t time.

“One of the surgeons at San Diego Children’s mentioned that a colleague of his in Corpus Christi, Roger Timperlake, had opened his practice three years prior and he was overwhelmed with the case load. Roger, he told me, had sent out an S.O.S. looking for another pediatric orthopaedist as he was just trying to keep his head above water. At the time, I was supposed to return to Stanford, but I decided I would just come out and meet with Roger and see what the position was all about.

Orthopaedic Team

Set on Casting

Kids First

By Debra Young Hatch

to be at a children’s hospital. I looked around Texas at several places. Then I heard about Driscoll Children’s Hospital, and came to Corpus Christi. There seemed to be a significant need here, and no one to serve that need. Plus it looked like a great place to live and work.

“In 1993,” recalls Dr. Timperlake, “there was not one pediatric orthopaedist

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“I had one nurse, Bernie Ramon, and one cast tech, Jay Reyna,” and he says, “They have been with me since day one and they are still with us. Back then our office was next to the ER in Driscoll and we were going non-stop trying to meet the needs of the children in Corpus Christi. The need was just tremendous, and I couldn’t have done what I did without Bernie and Jay.”

Christopher Comstock, M.D., is all smiles with 2-year-old Roman Niño.

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“When I came to meet with Roger, he was so busy, seeing patients from early in the morning until late at night; his time was very limited and it was obvious he was exhausting himself. We had a hard time meeting. But we did find time to talk in between patients. I liked Roger, liked what I saw at Driscoll, and it was obvious additional services were needed and would be appreciated. So I decided then and there that I wanted to come to Corpus Christi.

“I arrived here in ’96,” recalls Dr. Comstock, “and hit the ground running.

I started with twenty patients a day and then that grew to 30. Today we see 90–100 in the clinic daily. But Roger and I are never in the clinic at the same time, we alternate. One of us serves patients in the clinic on a given day and the other is in the operating room.”

In addition to serving Corpus Christi patients, several years ago Dr. Timperlake started a Brownsville clinic where he served patients on Saturdays in the Valley. Today Dr. Comstock goes to the Valley twice a month alternating between two Driscoll clinics in Brownsville and McAllen. On those days, he sees between 75 and 100 patients.

One of the elements that makes these two orthopaedists’ partnership and practice unique is the breadth of the pathology they see and treat. In contrast to many pediatric orthopaedic practices — particularly in larger cities — which specialize in certain areas such as hands or upper extremities only, their services in South Texas run the gamut of care.

“One day,” explains Dr. Comstock, “I will be doing an anterior spine procedure, the next day a small finger and the next day a sports case. Every day is different. I like it all. And I love the kids; they make it.

“I always knew,” says Dr. Comstock, “when I was trained I would do a pediatric version of the specialty I chose. Kids are so great to work with because for them there is no secondary gain. They just want to be outside playing. They wear their emotions and feelings on their face. And they give you an honest perspective on life in general.”

In addition to their common passion for the kids — a passion which definitely drives them to do what they do — both doctors concur unquestionably that without their staff, it would be impossible to serve the children at such a high level in Corpus Christi and throughout South Texas.

“We have an incredible team,” says Dr. Timperlake candidly. “Without them we could not do what we do. We have such a fantastic staff who is as dedicated and skilled as we are. We couldn’t care for the kids the way we do and handle the numbers of children without our staff.

Many of our staff members have been here for at least ten years and several from the first day we opened our doors.”

“Monica Briseno who is an RN,” explains Dr. Comstock, “has worked with me since my first day at Driscoll and Angela Escalante an RN who is now our nurse practitioner has been with us almost as long. With such a busy practice we have to have skilled, efficient staff. We have been blessed with outstanding nurses and staff members who have great attitudes.”

Driscoll Children’s Hospital

Orthopaedic Services Driscoll Children’s Hospital — Corpus Christi 3533 South Alameda Street Phone: 361-694-5057 Driscoll Children’s Medical Plaza — McAllen 1120 E. Ridge Road Phone: 956-688-1205 Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center — Brownsville 5500 North Expressway Phone: 956-688-8605 Pre-operative and post-operative x-rays of a scoliosis case reveal the capability of modern medicine to repair this common anomaly.

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Julio Reyna, cast technician for the program, stays very busy with the high volume of children requiring casts. He is pictured above with patient, Nicolas Castillo.

“We have five RNs, one LVN, two cast techs, one staff director, one nurse practitioner, five medical office specialists and two secretaries,” explains Angela Escalante. “We answer about 500 calls a day, and perform 80–100 surgeries per month per doctor. We are busy from start to finish every day.

“But Dr. Timperlake and Dr. Comstock,” Escalante emphasizes, “take their time with every patient. They want them to feel and know when they are talking to them that it’s all about them. They are never in a hurry and they are very social with the children, so they develop a good relationship with the kids. It is unique,” she shares candidly, “having two physicians who really enjoy coming to work every day.

They set the standard for all of us.”

As for the future, Drs. Timperlake and Comstock are certain that a third partner is in the offing when the right one comes along. Currently, Dr. Brett Richards, who has been working with the practice for a year and a half, serves patients twice a month focusing on upper extremities and hand anomalies.

“We definitely have enough need for a third physician. But it has to be the right one.

We have to have the right fit,” explains Timperlake. “There are only 18–20 Fellowed pediatric orthopaedists nationwide annually, and most of them choose to go to the larger cities where they can specialize in areas like the spine or hands. We handle everything so we need someone who wants a broad practice and has a personality that fits in well with us, our staff and,” he smiles, “of course, the kids. We love the kids. They keep us going.”

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Healthy Families Program: What You Need to Know, When You Need to Know It. In a world where making healthy choices does not come easily, there is now a new option in South Texas that is designed to coordinate with on-the-go lifestyles.

Healthy Families is a program that comes with a virtual team and provides individuals, including those at risk for diabetes, with individualized health information aimed at improving health knowledge and awareness. Joining the program is easy — anyone can enroll via text message, email or postcard.

The Healthy Families Program brings health information directly to the individual, on the go and in the home. It’s ideal for any health-conscious families in rural communities, but anyone can and should join for convenience and encouragement to make their health a priority.

The program’s goal is to improve self-care for families by increasing their knowledge of better lifestyle choices. The Healthy Families registry team provides families with personalized educational advice through the use of text messages, e-mail and traditional newsletters.

The Healthy Families Program is administered by Driscoll Children’s Health Plan and was made possible through an Office for the Advancement of Telehealth grant from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Telehealth Network Grant Program (TNGP).

To register or learn more about the program, text HEALTHY to 25827 or go to www.hfstx.org.

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2010 Holiday Cards On September 1st, the 2010 Driscoll Children’s Hospital Holiday Cards will be available for sale in the Carousel Gift Shop. For information, call 361.694.5011. The cards will also be available for purchase at www.driscollchildrens.org.

Third Annual Transplant Reunion

Makes a Splash!

The third annual Kidney Transplant Reunion was held on April 17th at the Texas State Aquarium, and fun was had by all! The event is held each year to give the patients, donors, physicians and staff from the Kidney Center a chance to get together, have fun and celebrate.

The first pediatric kidney transplant in South Texas was performed at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in February 2007, and over 37 successful transplants have followed since.

Mindy Solis from Driscoll and patient, Millie Salinas, enjoy the day at the Aquarium. Millie received a kidney transplant in 2008.

A New Location for Driscoll Children’s After-Hours Clinic in Victoria The Driscoll Children’s After Hours Clinic in Victoria recently moved from a second floor suite to a newly renovated suite on the first floor. The project includes four additional exam rooms and a larger receptionist area and waiting room. With the additional space, the clinic will be able to accommodate more patients in a more family-centered environment. “The new floor plan is definitely more inviting and welcoming to the public,” said Laura Zamora, physician practice administrator.

Clinic staff are excited to share the new space with the patients in Victoria.

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The Driscoll Children’s Quick Care — McAllen facility is located at 1120 E Ridge Road in McAllen.

Driscoll Children’s Quick Care — McAllen:

Going Strong Its First Year

DCH Volunteens: Out to Make a Difference

Every summer, a young group of future leaders give of their precious free time to volunteer at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

This summer approximately 100 teens between 14 and 18 years of age helped lend a hand all over the hospital. Many teens return year after year — already set on making a difference in their community. To learn more about the Volunteen Program, contact Volunteer Services at (361) 694-4762.

A year after its grand opening, Driscoll Children’s Quick Care — McAllen continues to grow as more families become aware of its presence.

“More than half of our patients are new every day,” stated Riaz Shareef, M.D., medical director of Driscoll Children’s Quick Care — McAllen. “Most of the children are sick after normal business hours or their parents did not have an opportunity during regular office hours to take them to a pediatrician.”

Dr. Shareef said the clinic is seeing 800 to 900 patients per month. The clinic is designed to complement a child’s primary care physician by providing services after regular business hours and on weekends. The Driscoll medical staff stays in close contact with the child’s physician and fax a summary of the visit to the physician’s office.

Dr. Shareef and the staff at Driscoll Children’s Quick Care — McAllen are excited about the full-scale laboratory that will soon be added to complement the clinic’s radiology services, which include X-rays, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans.

(Left to right) Volunteens Hayley Johnston, sophomore, King High School; Rosario Rodriguez, junior, Carroll High School; and Josh Reyes, freshman, Ray High School, make rounds with the Jolly Trolley — selling tasty treats to raise money for the DCH Auxiliary.

Physician Spotlight Taeed Joins Driscoll as Medical Director of Cardiology Roozbeh Taeed, M.D., joined Driscoll Children’s Hospital in January 2010 as medical director of cardiology. Dr. Taeed comes to Driscoll after serving as associate medical director of the Pediatric Surgical Intensive Care Unit at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in San Antonio. He was a clinical associate professor at the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and served as cardiac intensivist in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. Dr. Taeed

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earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston and his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Texas A&M University, College Station and completed his residency, and was chief resident of the Department of Pediatrics at UTMB. He completed his cardiology training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the Cardiology program at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

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Children’s Miracle Network Children’s Miracle Network and Driscoll Children’s Hospital

A Year in

Celebration Driscoll Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network began their partnership in 1984 and since then have raised over $26 million for the children of South Texas. This year’s annual celebration was a tremendous success in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley — raising $2,411,535! The celebration represents gifts donated by individuals, community organizations, corporations and foundations who support our mission by selling Miracle Balloons, hosting workplace giving campaigns and sponsoring a variety of events and cause marketing promotions throughout the year.

Community Chairs Kathleen and Pat Horne (far left) pictured with Lola and Ivan Wilson, Chairman, DCH Governing Board (far right) and Richard Harris, DCH Development Foundation (center).

Driscoll Children’s Hospital Auxilians Vivian Daniel (red crab on head) and Gerry Reeves

With the exceptional help of Community Chairs Kathleen and Pat Horne, the annual event once again proved to be a wonderful success, giving Driscoll a chance to thank all of its generous community supporters.

Thank you to all of our DCH staff members and Auxiliary members who volunteered their time and thank you to media partners Kiii-TV South Texas and KGBTTV Harlingen for their support year after year. One hundred percent of the money donated to Children’s Miracle Network in our area stays in our area, directly benefiting the young patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

Patient, Patrick Arredondo smiles with his good friend Marie Soza, Corpus Christi ISD schoolteacher at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

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Left to right: Paige Cooper, RN, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Cardiology Services; Lynn Kaylor; Garbine Goya, M.D., Driscoll Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiologist; Travis Kaylor and Hayden Kaylor, 2010 Miracle Child.

Luke Loftus, 2010 Miracle Child, with pediatric nephrologist Samhar Al-Akash, M.D..

Angel Anaya, 2010 Miracle Child, entertained hosts on-air with a Spanish song.

Valero Convenience Stores presented $74,600 that was raised for Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

Walmart District Manager Assistant 409, Filbert Villanueva (left), is pictured with fellow Walmart associates as they present their check.

McAllen Auxiliary members (left to right) Carmen Jackson, Ellen and George Carruthers, Aida Escobar, Gricelda Cantu and Shirley Robinson

2010 Miracle Child Logan Flores

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Stripes representatives Genia Flores (left), McAllen, and Yolanda Flores (right), Brownsville, with Cindy Salinas, Director of the Stripes Child Life Program at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

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Fiesta de los Niños Rio Grande Valley Fiesta de los Niños — McAllen Raises Over $185,000 Net! On Friday, April 16, 2010, Whataburger presented the 7th Annual Fiesta de los Niños benefiting operations for the Driscoll Children’s Medical Plaza — McAllen. The rainy weather cleared just in time for the party and made way for a beautiful evening at Sister and Carlos Guerra’s La Muñeca Ranch in Linn, Texas.

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Everyone had a wonderful time enjoying barbecue and dancing to the Valley’s own Scott Randolph and the White Lightning Band — a local favorite. Guests kicked up their heels and danced the night away and the live, silent and bidboard auctions had people bidding high to win their favorite items.

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One hundred percent of the funds raised at this event directly benefit Driscoll patients in the Rio Grande Valley who receive medical care at the Driscoll Children’s Medical Plaza — McAllen. A tremendous thank you to everyone who contributed their time and talent to make this event a success for the mission of Driscoll Children’s Hospital!

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1. Sister and Carlos Guerra receive a token of appreciation for their significant support of Fiesta de los Niños.

2. Live auction high-bidder of the evening, Alice East, helps to ‘dog-sit’ the adorable lab puppy that would later be sold to a good home during the live auction.

3. Fiesta committee member Krystal Krenek helps Gerry Guerra sign for his Live Auction win. At the table with Gerry is Marco Flores.

4. Howdy, friends! Jaden Flores throws his hat up to celebrate a great party.

5. Whataburger representatives Priscilla and Ike Flores enjoy the evening.

6. 2010 Fiesta de los Niños Chair Laura Ramirez smiles with her precious daughters, Gabriela and Mia Carmen.

Also joining in for the picture is friend, Cullen Runnels.

7. Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., pediatric surgeon (left), and wife, Cristina, won an autographed pair of basketball shoes from Houston Rockets player Aaron Brooks (center) during the live auction.

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Early Childhood Cancer Awareness:

Drawing Attention to an Important Cause

Chemo-Kids Fish Off

2010 Chemo-Kids Fish Off Makes a Splash On July 12, 2010, Driscoll oncology patients and staff boarded a bus to Aransas Pass, where they spent the day fishing, painting their ‘catch of the day’ and just having a blast. The annual event was once again supported by our big-hearted friends of the Coastal Bend Chapter of Credit Unions. The Fish Off gives our oncology and hematology patients something to really be excited about year after year, and is a worry-free day for all. Local fishing guides volunteer their services and a few lucky Driscoll employees also get the opportunity to volunteer and spend a day away from the hospital with these patients.

Driscoll oncology patient Joe Richard Martinez looks out over the city as he receives treatment.

Did you know that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month? Take a moment to become aware of the following statistics about childhood cancer: • Approximately 12,400 children and teens under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year.

• Cancer is slightly more common in boys than girls, affecting one in 333 girls and one in 300 boys before age 20.

• Caucasian children and teens are more frequently diagnosed with cancer than children in any other ethnic group.

This year, Driscoll will celebrate with activities and events that will help raise community awareness. On September 14th, Driscoll Children’s Hospital will host the first-ever Early Childhood Cancer Awareness event in our auditorium. The public is encouraged to attend and enjoy the food, fun and even get haircuts to collect donations at the event. To find out how you can get involved, contact Mara Ellis at (361) 694-4315.

Logan Radford smiles with his good friend Darryl Longee, M.D., pediatric oncologist at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. The young anglers get to make a fish print of their catch of the day — featured in the background.

South Texas Cattleman’s RoundUp Kory and Kary Humphrey and Weston Rhodes hang out at the Three Rivers RoundUp.

Braxton Butler proudly shows off a goat that he just caught in the auction pen in Beeville.

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The 23rd Annual South Texas Cattlemen’s RoundUp kicked off June 22nd in Hallettsville, with the help of FFA and 4-H Chapters, barn owners, county commissioners and generous ranchers and donors throughout the South Texas territory! A very special thank you goes to DCH Development Foundation Board member Gerald Eckel, of Lyssy and Eckel Feeds, for his dedication and support of this event year after year. To support the RoundUp, visit www.driscollchildrens.org/roundup or call (361) 694-6402. Watch for more coverage of the South Texas Cattleman’s RoundUp in the next issue of Driscoll Life.

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Community Giving Freebirds Makes an Entrance

(Left to Right) Timothy Sassenrath, Director, Apache Worldwide Support, Boeing; Charles Spriggs, Logistical Representative, Community Involvement Focal, Boeing; Rickford Gregg, Quality Representative, Community Involvement Lead, Boeing; Peri Widener, Senior Director, Army Worldwide Support, Boeing; and Martha St. Romain, Vice President, Driscoll Development Foundation.

Boeing Presents $10,000!

On April 21st, 2010, our friends at Boeing donated $10,000 to Driscoll Children’s Hospital, showing their commitment to investing in communities where they have many employees.

The gift was given for the most critical needs of the hospital, and will aid in helping our team at Driscoll make a huge difference in the lives of our patients. Thank you, Boeing!

Freebirds and its charitable arm, Freebirds World Works, have a mission to help inspire staff and guests to give back to the community. Freebirds of Corpus Christi opened to the public on May 27th, and in their extraordinarily “Not Normal” style, held two charity fundraising events to benefit Driscoll Children’s Hospital in coordination with their grand opening activities. To top it all off, Freebirds hosted a VIP party for Driscoll Volunteers to officially cut the ribbon and dedicate the restaurant in Moore Plaza. Thank you, Freebirds!

Welcome to Corpus Christi!

Elizabeth Whitmire cuts the grand opening ribbon with the help of Joe Gazin, Kiii-TV; Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal, DCH Governing Board member and Driscoll Foundation trustee; and his wife, Thetis Neal.

Coastal A’s and Rods Local car club, Coastal A’s and Rods, hosted its 18th Annual Fun Run over Memorial Day weekend. It was a perfect opportunity for car lovers in the area to come out for a good time and to support a great cause. For the last four years, this generous group has donated proceeds from the event to Driscoll Children’s Hospital. The 18th Annual Fun Run raised $11,103 for the children at Driscoll! Thank you to this dedicated group!

During the CMN Celebration, members of the Coastal A’s and Rods present a check for the money raised at the Fun Run.

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Walmart #395 Hosts 12th Annual CMN Golf Tournament As a part of CMN national sponsorship, Walmart store #395 in Mission, Texas, hosted its annual golf tournament to benefit Children’s Miracle Network and Driscoll Children’s Hospital at the Shary Golf Course in Mission, Texas, on May 29th. They raised $3,100 for the patients at Driscoll, and are excited about continuing this tradition in the future. Thank you, Walmart #395!

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Donor Spotlight VALERO AND DRISCOLL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL’S

DRIVE TOWARD EXCELLENCE Meeting the needs of children is a major community focus for Valero — one that makes an ideal partnership with Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

As they give back to numerous charitable causes in our community, it is quite easy to see just how dedicated they are to making a lasting difference in children’s lives.

For decades, Valero has been a dedicated supporter of Driscoll; however, over the last 3 years, has truly stepped up to the plate and made some very significant contributions — donating proceeds from the annual Valero Texas Open Benefit for Children Golf Classic to several priority projects at the hospital.

A walk through the halls at Driscoll reveals several areas that all have Valero’s thumbprint.

Take a look at the beautiful murals on the walls of our Child Resource and Evaluation (CARE) Team’s new examination room. A place that used to be dark and lacking in character is now a true refuge for abused and neglected children who are brought to Driscoll. The colorful walls and comforting surroundings provide a sense of safety and even entertainment for these children.

We know that investing in the wellbeing of children is an investment in our community and in our future.

Around the corner from the CARE Team Unit, one will find that construction is underway on the renovation and expansion of Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center — a victory for pediatric patients in our South Texas community. The hospital has long-needed a new clinical area that equals the high caliber of the care that is offered. Over 40% larger than the current space, the updated Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center will offer patients and families a home away from home during lengthy treatments at Driscoll. Modern, comfortable space and specialized furniture will help to truly accomplish our mission of hope and healing for these families. Thanks to special supporters like Valero, this dream will soon be a reality.

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“We know that investing in the well-being of children is an investment in our community and in our future,” states Chad Wilfong, Senior Human Resources Manager, Valero. “While we have supported Driscoll for many years, we are so pleased to have had the opportunity to give even more significantly to the hospital in the recent past.”

And support, they have. Nearly $600,000 has been donated by Valero over the past decade for the health and welfare of our patients. When one considers all of the wonderful things that Valero has helped to accomplish for Driscoll Children’s Hospital, it renders a moment to be thankful for such a committed corporate citizen in South Texas.

Says Wilfong, “To see what happens within the walls at Driscoll every day is quite a reality check. You can see your gifts in action. You can see the difference you have helped create. You can see where you want to continue doing all you can to support the mission and the excellence here.”

TOP: Lillian Riojas, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Valero, admires the beautifully painted walls in the CARE Team Exam Room, made possible by Valero.

MIDDLE: Valero Cornerstore employees show their support for Children’s Miracle Network during a Miracle Balloon Campaign.

BOTTOM: As part of the renovation and expansion of the Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, patients like Adam Perez (pictured) will soon have a ‘cool’ new play area to spend their time while they are receiving treatments — another significant area where Valero has offered tremendous support.

LEFT: These children enjoy the action at the 2010 Valero Open.

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S T N E I T A P L U G R AT E F Thank you, Doctors, nurses and hospital staff on the 7th floor! I was very scared when I walked through the front door. Then you talked me through it and showed me there was nothing to fear.

You all made me feel very comfortable and at home and for someone as scared as I was that really means a lot. I love you all for your kindness and helping me get well soon.

I would like to recognize Mindy Solis, a nurse on th e 7th floor. Not only was M indy extremely competent and compassionate, and she wa s very sensitive to a 16 ye ar old boy who was in pain and quite embarrassed. The reason I am specifically recognizing Min dy Solis is for the compa ssion she showed me, the mom. She goes way above and beyond the expectations of her jo b and she does her job in the most profes sional, skilled and compassionate way. She looks beyond her patients and sees the need and reaches out dren’s to families. ll Chil o c s i r D She knew I was tired an s how ea Tell u s mad a h d scared and Please l a t i p s r life. u Ho o y n very overwhelmed, and her ence i o: differ kindness is tory t s r u o y d n se something I will never fo al Hospit rget. It was dren’s il h n C io ll dat unnecessary, just plain ol’ Drisco t Foun eet pmen nice, kind and lo e da Str v e e D Alam h t 1 u 1 o 4 above and beyond.

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g n i v i G d e n n a l P What Kind Of Legacy

Will You Leave?

We all want to leave a lasting and significant impression on those people who are most dear to us. Planning for the future and considering the legacy you will leave is one of the most effective ways to ensure a lasting impact on the world in which you live.

For many people considering their legacy, ensuring that their loved ones will be sufficiently cared for in the future is of paramount importance. Making a charitable bequest is one of the easiest ways to guarantee that your legacy endures.

What Is a Charitable Bequest?

A charitable bequest is a written statement in your will or trust directing a gift be made to a qualified exempt charity as part of the disposition of your estate. A charitable bequest is one of the most flexible estate planning tools because it can be changed at any time.

This ability to remain in complete control of your property during life makes a charitable bequest one of the most popular methods of giving.

What Type of Bequest Should You Consider?

Though making a charitable bequest is a flexible and easy way to ensure the impact of your legacy, there are some important things to consider before incorporating a charitable bequest into your estate plan. The property passing by bequest through your will is subject to probate. Also, the amount of your bequest and the type of your bequest will depend on the value of your estate and the specific assets in your estate.

There are several types of charitable bequests. Depending on your needs and objectives, one type may be better suited for your estate plan than another.

• Gift of a specific dollar amount • Gift of a percentage of your estate • Gift of a specific asset • Gift of the residue of your estate (the assets that remain in your estate after other bequests, tax and administrative costs have been satisfied)

The Legacy You Leave The professionals who work in our Office of Planned Giving have been trained to help you determine the type of charitable bequest that suits your objectives. They will provide you with confidential information that will ensure you receive the maximum tax benefits as you shape your legacy for future generations. What kind of legacy will you leave?

For more information contact Ted Daniel, Planned Giving Officer at (361) 694-5773 or ted.daniel@dchstx.org.

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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 712 Corpus Christi, TX Development Foundation 3533 South Alameda Street Corpus Christi, Texas 78411-1785 DriscollChildrens.org

Save the Date 14th Annual

Six Points Kiwanis Club Skeet Shoot September 4th, 2010

Corpus Christi Pistol & Rifle Club

15th Annual Golf Classic and

Singer Songwriter Showcase September 30th and October 1st, 2010 Corpus Christi Country Club 28th Annual

Six Points Kiwanis Club Apple Sale October 23rd, 2010

Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation and Medical Center parking lot For more information, please call the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Development Foundation at 361.694.6401.

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