IMPACT Winter 2018

WINT E R 201 8 ISSU E 7

I M PA C T UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER

Stepping Up to the Plate As champions for the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital, Jill and Chris Davis support their youngest fans CON TIN U ED ON PAGE EIGHT

NEWS FOR DONORS AND FRIENDS

I N G R AT I T U D E

Yumi C.A.R.E.S. Foundation Provides Critical Emotional Support to Young Patients

At the University of Maryland Medical

In

Center (UMMC), our extraordinary

Hospital, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan has launched a full-spectrum

community of donors, faculty, students,

Art Therapy Program for Children’s Hospital patients through her

staff, and friends is driven by a single goal:

foundation, Yumi C.A.R.E.S.: Children’s Art for Recovery, Empowerment,

to extend our outstanding clinical care,

and Strength.

biomedical research, and educational

a n ot h e r f i r st for the University of Maryland Children’s

The vision for this pioneering program — the first of its kind in the

programs to as many people as possible.

state of Maryland — was initially conceived by First Lady Hogan during

This passion constantly inspires the

the time she spent with her family at the University of Maryland

members of our community in all of their

Medical Center. After witnessing the excellence and compassion of the

endeavors on behalf of UMMC — from the

UMMC team, the First Lady proposed a unique new partnership with

renowned care and research of our top

her foundation.

Children’s Heart Program team, to the various fundraising initiatives led by our dedicated philanthropic partners.

In this issue of IMPACT, we share stories of UMMC people and programs using their tremendous skills and creativity to advance human health in every way they can, for everyone who needs it.

You will read about the construction of the new Patient Care Tower at the UMMC Midtown Campus that focuses on chronic disease management and population health, and the “Stop the Bleed” campaign that promotes first aid training for the public. You will also learn about former patients, families, and friends of UMMC, including Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan and Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and his wife, Jill, who have established programs in support of the Medical Center.

As an indispensable member of the UMMC community, you are among our close circle of supporters on whom we rely to advance our lifesaving care, research, and training — and I offer you my deepest thanks for continuing to champion our work.

Pictured from left to right at the launch event for Yumi C.A.R.E.S.: Gov. Larry Hogan, Josh Birch, Marty Weishaar, First Lady Yumi Hogan, Stephen J. Czinn, MD, Sarah Birch and Greg Birch.

“During my husband’s battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, we had the opportunity to meet so many courageous pediatric patients and their families,” explains First Lady Hogan. “Partnering with the University of Maryland Medical Center — where my husband received treatment and where my grandson received excellent care in their NICU — made perfect sense.”

Led by a trained art therapist, the Art Therapy Program fosters a sense of empowerment and strength in children facing health challenges, helping them heal both emotionally and physically. Through their experience in the program, the children build resiliency and coping

Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA President and Chief Executive Officer University of Maryland Medical Center The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Professor of Radiation Oncology University of Maryland School of Medicine

skills, work through depression, and manage pain and anxiety. When given a chance to express themselves in this way, pediatric patients gain a sense of control at a time when they feel they have none.

“We constantly seek comprehensive approaches to healing both the body and the mind — and art can help heal the emotional side of illness in a unique way,” says UMCH Director Steven J. Czinn, MD, the Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji Endowed Professor of Pediatrics and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Yumi C.A.R.E.S. is bringing a much-needed service to help our young patients and their families cope. We are honored to have First Lady Hogan and her foundation as part of our team.”

2 I M PA C T | W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

INVESTING IN LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus breaks ground on state-of-the-art Patient Care Tower that will address vital health care needs of patients with chronic diseases

T

his past November, the University

project that will address many vital

and lower overall associated health

of Maryland Medical Center

health concerns,” explains Mohan

care costs.

(UMMC) Midtown Campus broke

Suntha, MD, MBA, president and chief

ground on a 275,000 square-foot

The new Patient Care Tower will

executive officer of UMMC and the

contain specialty outpatient services

Patient Care Tower that will serve as a

Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum

for diabetes and endocrinology,

new regional center of excellence for

Professor of Radiation Oncology for

infectious diseases, pulmonary disease,

population health improvement and

the University of Maryland School of

cardiac care, and gastrointestinal care.

chronic disease management.

Medicine. “We are committed to

A community health education center

Scheduled to open in 2020, the new,

implementing new models of care to

will offer patients disease-specific

state-of-the-art building will meet the

meet the evolving health care demands

health information as well as

long-term health care needs of the

of our patients.”

education about lifestyle habits for

community, region, and state.

This incredible new resource is

In partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine,

improved health.

“Breaking ground on the site of

possible thanks to a $34 million

UMMC works tirelessly to meet critical

the new Patient Care Tower is a major

investment from the state of Maryland.

health care needs, particularly in regard

step toward building a healthier future

Private philanthropy is also critical for

to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes,

for our patients,” says Brian G. Bailey,

the success of this project as well as

asthma, obesity, HIV, cardiovascular

senior vice president and executive

the funding of other priorities such as

diseases and high blood pressure.

director for UMMC Midtown Campus.

research and clinical trials, recruitment

The new Patient Care Tower will

“Through this project, our vision is to

of top medical experts, and educational

improve patients’ access to health care

provide high-quality education and

opportunities.

and reduce their need for frequent

health care that will ultimately improve

hospital admissions. The result will be

outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance

improved quality of care for patients

the overall patient experience.”

“We are extremely grateful to the State for investing in this important

3

After surviving a family member’s traumatic illness, the Class family gives back in more ways than one

M

Philanthropy Runs in the Family

aking a major gift to the Critical

serves as a resuscitation unit devoted

support from their family and friends,

Care Resuscitation Unit (CCRU)

to the critically ill. Gavin needed a liver

they also found great comfort in the

at the R Adams Cowley Shock

transplant and was placed on the

compassionate staff at Shock Trauma.

Trauma Center was an easy decision

unit’s liver dialysis machine, the first

Jonny recalls a nurse who stayed well

for the Class family. In fact, their

in the mid-Atlantic. He was the first

past his shift to be by Gavin’s side the

contribution felt less like a decision

patient to use the device as a bridge

night following his transplant. Danielle

and more like a way to say ‘thank you’

to transplant.

remembers another nurse who stayed

for saving their son’s life.

Jonny and his wife, Danielle, were

at Shock Trauma for 24 hours to

not sure if their son would make it

ensure that Gavin received continuous

Trauma saved his life. It’s that simple,”

through the first night. But he did,

dialysis. The couple even reflects on

says Jonny Class, whose son, Gavin,

and overcame many health challenges

the kind words they exchanged every

spent six weeks in Shock Trauma

following his liver transplant, including

day with the parking attendants,

after collapsing from heat stroke

pancreatitis, a collapsed lung,

custodians, and greeters at the front

during college football practice in

pneumonia, shingles, appendicitis,

doors of the hospital.

late 2013.

infections, and even lymphoma —

“We had to give back. Shock

When Gavin arrived at Shock Trauma, his body temperature was 108 degrees. The CCRU played a

“It’s just the way they were — all of

which required four weeks of

the nurses and doctors, just everyone,”

chemotherapy.

Danielle explains. “Their heart and soul

As Gavin fought for his life, Jonny

critical role in Gavin’s survival. Opening

and Danielle struggled emotionally

just three weeks prior, the CCRU

each day. While they received much

was there. It was like their child was there. It’s just a special place.”

Gavin’s grandmother, Frances Jean

“We had to give back.

Shock Trauma saved his life. It’s that simple.”

Jonny Class

Gavin Class survived a traumatic illness thanks to the expert care he received at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. He and his family showed their appreciation by becoming a partner in philanthropy to Shock Trauma and the University of Maryland Medical Center.

4 I M PA C T | W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Class, and his parents made a major gift to support data infrastructure at Shock

A SUMMER TRADITION

Trauma’s CCRU. Every year, the

Celebrating 20 years, the Ronny Maher

CCRU accrues a significant amount of data on various diseases, and having the

Memorial Polo Match continues to benefit the

ability to analyze a large disease-specific

R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center

cohort is a powerful tool in improving treatments and outcomes.

The Class family supports Shock Trauma and the University of Maryland Medical Center in other ways as well.

They made a significant gift to the University of Maryland Division of Transplantation’s Liver Research Laboratory. The Class Produce Group, a third generation family-owned business managed by Jonny, is a sponsor of the annual Shock Trauma Gala. The family also regularly attends the Ronny Maher Memorial Polo Match, a benefit for Shock Trauma organized by their friend, Ron Maher, Jr. (See article at right).

“We are very blessed and want to give back and help other people in any way we can,” Danielle says.

This year marks Gavin’s five-year anniversary — or ‘liversary’ as his family calls it — since his transplant. Prior to his

“

I

t began as a luncheon for close family and friends on a steaming hot summer afternoon,” says Ron Maher Jr., recalling the first

year of what would become the Ronny Maher Memorial Polo

critical illness, Gavin prioritized health

Match benefitting the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.

and fitness. Today, it remains a focus of

“We served simple chicken salad on paper plates yet still had about

his life. Gavin graduated from Towson

50 guests, which was pretty remarkable. So we thought, ‘why not

University in the spring of 2016 with

do this for charity?’”

a degree in exercise science and now

Ron and his cousin, Mary Bee, initially conceived of the polo

works as a strength and conditioning

match as a way to honor Ron’s father, Ronny Sr., who passed away

coach. He also competed in the

in 1997. Since then, the Ronny Maher Memorial Polo Match has

World Transplant Games in Spain this

raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Shock Trauma at the

past summer.

University of Maryland Medical Center.

Gavin’s motivation, however, does

The Maher family chose Shock Trauma as the event beneficiary

not end there. He and his parents have

based on the outstanding care Ronny Sr. received following a

started the You Only Live Twice

traumatic fall, which tragically proved fatal. Twenty years later,

(YOLT) Foundation. They hope to

the Maher family and their friends remain extraordinarily grateful

inspire patients to live a healthy and

to Shock Trauma for their expert treatment of Ronny and their

active lifestyle following a transplant,

compassion to all of his loved ones throughout his illness.

educate others about organ donation, and one day open a facility in Maryland

“It’s a phenomenal institution,” Ron says. “It’s more than bricks and mortar — it’s the spirit and the dedication of people who work there.”

that provides temporary, affordable

This past July, Ron hosted the 20th polo match with more than

housing to transplant patients and

600 people in attendance. The afternoon match was followed by a

their families.

catered dinner, live band, dancing, and silent auction.

“What they do at Shock Trauma

Looking back over the last two decades, Ron is amazed by how

is amazing. The doctors, nurses, and

the benefit has grown over the years. He couldn’t be more pleased

staff helped Gavin get back to who he

that his effort to honor his father now brings hundreds of people

was before — to be that active, athletic

together each year, offering a wonderful opportunity to socialize

person. And now, he wants the same

with friends, commemorate Ronny Sr.’s life, and raise funds for

for others,” Danielle says. “He wants

Shock Trauma.

other people to live their second life to the fullest.”

“It’s a fun event that benefits an important cause and brings people together every summer,” he says. “It’s become a tradition now.”

5

Distinguished Children’s Heart Program Embarks on $5 Million Campaign Among the nation’s premier pediatric cardiology centers, our Children’s Heart Program has launched a $5 million philanthropic campaign to expand its pioneering clinical care, research, and training efforts for the benefit of children throughout Maryland and beyond.

D

ancing, watching sports, chatting

Combining Clinical and Research

scientist Sunjay Kaushal, MD, PhD, who

with friends — all of these activities

Excellence with Community

co-directs the Children’s Heart Program

and more are enjoyed by 15-year-old

Commitment

alongside pediatric cardiology expert

Amari Hall, a larger-than-life teen

Offering every expertise in the

Geoffrey L. Rosenthal, MD, PhD. In the

born with hypoplastic left heart

diagnosis and management of pediatric

trial, Dr. Kaushal, an associate professor

syndrome (HLHS), which severely

heart diseases, the Children’s Heart

of surgery at the University of Maryland

limited his heart’s ability to pump blood

Program features highly specialized

School of Medicine, is treating babies

throughout his body. When Amari’s

resources designed to meet the unique

born with HLHS, using stem cells to

condition recently grew critical, the

needs of young patients with

regenerate their hearts — and ultimately

Children’s Heart Program team at the

cardiovascular conditions. The program

giving new hope to kids like Amari Hall.

University of Maryland Children’s

provides the very latest treatment

Hospital (UMCH) came together to

strategies, resources, and technologies,

a game-changer,” says Dr. Kaushal,

perform a lifesaving heart transplant,

including sophisticated imaging

“not only for children with HLHS, but

allowing him to once again shuffle his

technology needed to diagnose babies

for those who suffer from other types

dancing feet as he left the hospital.

with congenital heart disease in utero,

of congenital heart disease as well.”

Amari is just one of countless

and to determine prenatal care and

“We’re hoping this therapy will be

This high-level research coincides

children whose outcomes have

birth plans that give infants and

with the Children’s Heart Program’s

dramatically improved through the

mothers the best outcomes.

patient outcomes, “which have been

efforts of cardiologists, surgeons,

While the team members bring

objectively measured and externally

caregivers, and researchers at the

a wealth of preeminent experience

validated as excellent,” explains

UMCH Children’s Heart Program.

to the care of pediatric heart diseases,

Dr. Rosenthal, who also serves as

Thanks to a new $5 million fundraising

the team is also on the leading-edge

division chief of Pediatric Cardiology.

campaign for the program, this

of scientific investigations into the

remarkable team will now have the

causes and best possible treatments

outcomes, the team also spends the

opportunity to help thousands

for children’s heart conditions. Chief

critical time necessary to deeply

more children with heart disease in

among these investigations is a first-

understand and analyze them, helping

the future.

ever clinical trial led by surgeon and

to further hone their skills and

6 I M PA C T | W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

In addition to routinely measuring

Sunjay Kaushal, MD, PhD, co-director of the Children’s Heart Program, leads a groundbreaking clinical trial that uses stems cells to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome, one of the most life-threatening congenital heart diseases.

advance the overarching quality of

An equal amount of dedication

Our $5 million campaign goals

exists among program researchers,

include: recruiting expert faculty to

who constantly seek to make

focus on prenatal treatment and

Program is to provide state-of-the-art

scientific advances that extend to

care; establishing an endowed

cardiovascular care to every child

as many children as possible. These

research fund to support Dr. Kaushal’s

with heart disease in Maryland and

investigators study the broad spectrum

groundbreaking work in stem cell

beyond,” says Dr. Rosenthal.

of factors that contribute to pediatric

research; and purchasing advanced

care they provide to patients.

“Our vision for the Children’s Heart

heart diseases, such as childhood

equipment to meet the evolving

prominent pediatric cardiologists,

obesity and pediatric hypertension.

needs of the patient population.

specializing in areas such as non-

They also focus their research on

The opportunity to further develop

invasive imaging, electrophysiology,

ways to reduce and prevent sudden

the efforts of the Children’s Heart

and interventional cardiology. All of

death in infants and children.

Program will undoubtedly benefit

Joining in this effort are seven

countless pediatric heart patients in

these extraordinary clinicians share Dr. Rosenthal’s dual commitment to

The Crucial Need to Grow

outstanding care and community

In just a decade, the

outreach.

Children’s Heart Program

“One reason I came to the

has emerged as a leader in

University of Maryland Medical Center

pediatric cardiology and

was to reconnect with what I saw as

makes groundbreaking

my personal mission in health care,”

discoveries, maintains

Dr. Rosenthal says. “I not only wanted

high-quality patient

to offer compassionate, cutting-edge

outcomes, and brings

care to children with complex heart

comprehensive and

conditions, but I also wanted to

compassionate care

engage with the community that

to critically ill children.

surrounds the hospital and ensure

Maryland and beyond.

Philanthropy is essential

that every child has access to quality

to continue the expansion

cardiac diagnostics and interventions.

of the Children’s Heart

And every one of our cardiologists

Program and the

wants to go out in the community

remarkable work of the

and do the same thing.”

medical team.

7

A Grand Slam Crush’s Homers for Hearts benefits the Children’s Heart Program BALTIMORE

continues to grow

ORIOLES first

each year and

baseman Chris

becomes a

Davis kneels

cornerstone in

down and places

the program’s

a T-ball on a

fundraising

batting tee for a

efforts.”

pediatric heart

Also in

patient. The

attendance

young boy takes

were Steven J.

a swing and Chris

Czinn, MD, director

cheers as the ball

of the University

soars onto the

of Maryland

field at Oriole

Children’s

Park at Camden

Hospital, as well

Yards. It was one

as Geoffrey L.

of several special

Rosenthal, MD,

moments during

PhD, and Sunjay

Crush’s Homers

Kaushal, MD, PhD,

for Hearts, an

co-directors of the

inaugural event

Children’s Heart

established by

Program. The

Chris and his

home run derby

wife, Jill, that

presented them

raised nearly

with another

$100,000 for the

chance to connect

Children’s Heart

with UMCH

Program at the

patients and share

University of

critical advances

Maryland

occurring in

Children’s

pediatric cardiology.

Hospital (UMCH).

“Crush’s Homers

In addition

for Hearts was

to the T-ball

an amazing first-

challenge for

time event that

pediatric heart patients, Crush’s

and the University of Maryland Medical

raised significant funds and brought

Homers for Hearts featured a home

Center’s role in advancing patient care,

awareness to the important work that

run derby for adults where teams of

research, and teaching.

we do in the Children’s Heart Program,”

four people competed against one

“When we decided to remain in

says Dr. Rosenthal.

another in a home run hitting contest.

Baltimore, Jill and I hoped that we

Participants also enjoyed the special

could establish an annual event hosted

bring world-class medical care to the

opportunity to participate in an Orioles

at Oriole Park that would bring people

children of Baltimore and the state

workout session, warm up on the field

together to make a meaningful

of Maryland, the generosity of the

with the team’s strength and

difference in our community,” Chris

Davis family will enhance our efforts

conditioning coaches, and watch

says. “It’s especially exciting for us to

to support the many lifesaving and

team members go through their drills.

bring this event to life in partnership

life-changing programs we implement

with the Orioles and with UMCH’s

every day. We very much look forward

the Children’s Hospital, helping to raise

Children’s Heart Program. Our hope

to continuing our partnership with

awareness about childhood illnesses

is that Crush’s Homers for Hearts

them in 2018.”

Jill and Chris are ambassadors for

8 I M PA C T | W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Dr. Czinn adds, “As we continue to

The Kalhert Foundation Supports Lifesaving ‘STOP T H E B L EE D’ campaign

J

ust a few short minutes are all it

benefit our communities and help

Medicine. “We are sincerely grateful

takes for a person with traumatic

make us safer.”

to the Kahlert Foundation for their

injuries to bleed to death. In these

With a priority on health care, the

longstanding support.”

Conducted in partnership with the

situations, first aid training can make

Kahlert Foundation has also supported

all the difference.

Shock Trauma’s Critical Care

American College of Surgeons, the

Resuscitation Unit. The foundation’s

Hartford Consensus (a committee

campaign, the renowned R Adams

continued generosity enables the Shock

comprised of representatives from

Cowley Shock Trauma Center is

Trauma team to develop innovative

the medical community and federal

encouraging first aid training among

programs and expand state-of-the-art

government), and the Maryland

the public, aiming to equip more

research, all of which benefit patients.

Committee on Trauma, Stop the Bleed

Through the national Stop the Bleed

people to act in an emergency. This

“Philanthropy plays an indispensable

includes twice-monthly trainings,

groundbreaking effort is possible

role in all of our pursuits, providing us

instructing participants in simple

thanks to a philanthropic investment

with the resources to turn ideas into

maneuvers — such as applying

from the Kahlert Foundation.

reality,” says Thomas M. Scalea, MD,

a tourniquet — that can save a life.

“Shock Trauma is an amazing

FACS, MCCM, physician-in-chief,

“Our goal is to provide people with

institution that has saved the lives of

R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center;

the knowledge and skills to be able

countless people,” says Greg Kahlert,

system chief for Critical Care Services,

to stop the bleeding,” explains

president of the Kahlert Foundation.

University of Maryland Medical System;

Dr. Scalea. “It is important to be trained

“Investing in Stop the Bleed was an

the Honorable Francis X. Kelly

correctly so that it can be effective.

easy decision. To have experts from

Distinguished Professor of Trauma

And while we hope people never have

Shock Trauma train others in lifesaving

Surgery; director, Program in Trauma,

to use it, we want everyone to be

bleeding control techniques will only

University of Maryland School of

empowered to act.”

GRANTS RECEIVED FROM MAY 2017 THROUGH DECEMBER 2017

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL SYSTEM FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL FOR ALL PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT, INCLUDING THE SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. RECENT GRANTS TO THE FOUNDATION INCLUDE: Anne Arundel County Department

Governor’s Office of Crime Control and

Kohl’s Cares: supports the University

of Health: helps to purchase equipment

Prevention: supports victims of intimate

of Maryland Children’s Hospital

for the University of Maryland Medical

partner violence through the R Adams

Breathmobile providing asthma care

Center Labor and Delivery facility

Cowley Shock Trauma Center Violence

to Baltimore City schoolchildren.

currently undergoing renovation.

Prevention Program Bridge Program.

Quality Health Foundation: benefits

Baltimore City Police Department

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos

the University of Maryland Children’s

Justice Assistance Grant Program:

Society: supports the purchase of a

Hospital Breathmobile providing

helps victims of intimate partner

SonoSite EDGEII Ultrasound System

asthma care to Baltimore City

violence through the Bridge Program,

for the Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji

schoolchildren.

part of the R Adams Cowley Shock

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the

Thomas Wilson Sanitarium for

Trauma Center Violence Prevention

University of Maryland Children’s

Children of Baltimore City: benefits

Program.

Hospital.

the University of Maryland Children’s

Baltimore County Government: helps

Harford County Government: supports

Hospital Breathmobile providing

life support providers attend an

the lifesaving work of the R Adams

asthma care to Baltimore City

Advanced Airway Course through the

Cowley Shock Trauma Center.

schoolchildren.

Center for Critical Care and Trauma

John J. Leidy Foundation: helps to

Venable Foundation: supports the

Education at the R Adams Cowley

purchase equipment for the University

University of Maryland Children’s

Shock Trauma Center.

of Maryland Medical Center Labor and

Hospital Pediatric Cardiovascular

Delivery facility currently undergoing

Research Program.

renovation.

9

One Step at a Time An alarming illness leads the Richardson family to experience the University of Maryland Medical System’s advanced network of care

D

avid Richardson smiles as he shows

David’s illness and recovery showed our

off a video of himself walking out

family such respect and compassion. It

of the University of Maryland

is because of their advanced care that

Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic

David has his life back,” Karen says.

Institute last summer. Walking without

“Who’s to say how we would have

assistance did not seem possible just

ended up if we would have been

two months prior after he was

anywhere else?”

diagnosed with transverse myelitis,

Prior to his diagnosis, David was in

a neurological condition that causes

the best shape of his life and worked

inflammation of the spinal cord and

out at the gym several days a week.

interrupts the messages that the spinal

But in early April, he felt as though

cord nerves send throughout the body.

he had sand in his shoes and within

As a result, David was temporarily

a few days, he could no longer move

paralyzed from the waist down.

either leg.

The video captures an amazing

David first sought treatment at the

scene: dozens of medical staff and

University of Maryland Baltimore

onlookers applaud and cheer as David

Washington Medical Center, where

takes small, carefully calculated steps

his daughter is a nurse. The disease

from the lobby and out the main doors of the hospital.

“Look how wobbly my legs are,” laughs David, who routinely cracks jokes about the illness that uprooted his life last April. Maintaining a sense of humor is important, he says, especially when going through a situation that is so scary and uncertain.

David credits his ability to walk again to the advanced care provided by the University of Maryland Medical System’s (UMMS) network of member hospitals. UMMS is the largest health system in Maryland, connecting

“ We wanted to give back

continued to creep up his body and at one point, David did not know if he

for everything the

would survive as he felt the paralysis

University of Maryland

doctors made the quick decision to

Medical System gave to us. Who’s to say how we would have ended up if we would have been anywhere else?” ~ Karen Richardson

14 affiliated hospitals throughout the

begin to reach his chest. David’s transfer him to UMMC in Baltimore to access specialized experts in this area.

It was there that David received a diagnosis of transverse myelitis.

“Transverse myelitis can be a devastating disease, and the outcome depends on starting an adequate treatment quickly followed by skilled and intensive rehabilitation,” explains Horea Rus, MD, PhD, who led the care team for David at UMMC. “In many

state. David received comprehensive

recovery. It also inspired David and his

treatment at three member hospitals:

wife, Karen, to make a philanthropic

the University of Maryland Baltimore

gift to the wheelchair basketball clinical

with intravenous immunoglobulin and

Washington Medical Center, University

and spinal cord therapy gym at the

within a short time, his symptoms

of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC),

University of Maryland Rehabilitation

began to recede. Once David’s

and University of Maryland

& Orthopaedic Institute, where David

condition improved, he arrived to the

Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute.

spent seven weeks as an inpatient.

University of Maryland Rehabilitation

“We wanted to give back for

& Orthopaedic Institute to begin the

The quick thinking and advanced expertise of the medical teams at each

everything the University of Maryland

UMMS affiliated hospital led David to a

Medical System gave to us. Every staff

correct diagnosis and successful

member we encountered during

10 I M PA C T | W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

cases, the cause is unknown.”

Dr. Rus ultimately treated David

recovery process.

David’s daily routine included a trio of therapies: physical, occupational,

and recreational. These involved

David’s sense of determination, humor

forget the expertise and compassion

learning new life skills, like moving

and upbeat attitude, along with the

of every University of Maryland

himself from a bed into a wheelchair.

support of his family, also helped him

Medical System staff member they

He also attended support meetings

in his recovery.”

encountered — from the doctors and

where he could interact with other

During David’s seven weeks as an

nurses, to the maintenance team, to

patients dealing with similar obstacles.

inpatient, Karen stayed by his side.

David’s wonderful inpatient therapists,

Above all, David tried to keep busy,

The rehabilitation team recognizes the

including Jonathon Stacey, Christina

helping him to avoid negative

benefit that a strong support system

Feldhaus, and Mike Henley. Their

thoughts and focus on the task at

has on a person’s recovery, and Karen’s

combined encouragement motivated

hand — healing.

presence helped David through his

David to work hard, regain his ability

most difficult days.

to walk, and walk unaccompanied out

“At the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic

“She made it so much easier because

of the hospital on his release day.

Institute, we take a comprehensive,

she was with me every night,” David

multidisciplinary approach to

says. “I’d tell her to go home and get

Medical System staff member cares,

treatment, using a combination of

some rest, and she’d say, ‘I want to stay

they really do. You aren’t just another

therapies and support programs

here.’ She is my best friend.”

number or another rotation,” Karen

based on the patient’s unique needs

David and Karen remain extremely

and abilities,” explains Melita

grateful for the outpouring of support

Theyagaraj, MD, one of David’s care

they received from all sides —

providers. “In David’s case, we

especially their son and daughter, who

wanted him to stay active and

were a tremendous help during a very

encouraged him to get involved with

difficult and uncertain time for their

many of the activities that we offer.

family. And the couple will never

“Every University of Maryland

says. “And they provide state-of-the-art health care with such grace and heart.”

For more patient and donor stories, please visit www.ummsfoundation.org/donorstories

11

Nonprofit Org. US Postage

PAID Baltimore, MD

110 South Paca St., 9th Floor

Permit 7175

Baltimore, MD 21201 www.ummsfoundation.org 410.328.5770

Remembering Stewart Greenebaum The University of Maryland Medical

the University of Maryland Institute of

System (UMMS) Foundation mourns

Human Virology, and member of the

the passing of our longtime partner

Board of Advisors for UMGCCC. He

in philanthropy and dear friend,

continued to serve as an emeritus

Stewart Greenebaum.

member of the University of Maryland School of Medicine Board of Visitors,

A prominent business and civic

until his passing.

leader in Baltimore, Mr. Greenebaum was perhaps best known at the

“In the history of this organization,

University of Maryland Medical Center

few individuals have had such a

(UMMC) for his tireless support of

lasting impact,” says Mohan Suntha,

cancer research, treatment, and

MD, MBA, president and chief executive

education. He and his wife, Marlene,

officer for the University of Maryland

gave the founding gift for the

Medical Center and the Marlene and

University of Maryland Marlene and

Stewart Greenebaum Professor of

Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive

Radiation Oncology for the University

Cancer Center (UMGCCC) in 1994.

of Maryland School of Medicine. “His

Their generous and unprecedented

unwavering support of the University

investment helped to advance

Mr. Greenebaum also held several

of Maryland Medical Center, School

UMGCCC’s renowned clinical,

key leadership positions within the

of Medicine, and entire University of

research, and training programs,

University of Maryland, including past

Maryland Medical System helped to

leading to the most prestigious

chairman of the Board of Directors for

drive the collective successes of the

designation of “Comprehensive

the University of Maryland Medical

past three decades. He was a great

Cancer Center” by the National

System, chairman emeritus and

friend and mentor, and will be

Cancer Institute.

member of the Board of Advisors for

deeply missed.”

IMPACT is published by the University of Maryland Medical System Foundation Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA President and Chief Executive Officer, UMMC The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Louise Michaux Gonzales, Esq. Chair, UMMC Board of Directors Janice J. Eisele Senior Vice President, UMMS Foundation Copy: Jennifer Lehman, Stephanie Bruzzese Design: SDYM, Inc. Photography: Larry Canner, Robert Keller, Brent Myers, Todd Olszewski, Michael Schwartzberg, Stephen Spartana and Barbara Haddock Taylor

To opt out from receiving future fundraising communications from the UMMS Foundation, please e-mail umms-foundation@umm.edu.