ChildrenÕs Hospital2018 Clinch Ave. ¥ P.O. Box 15010Knoxville, Tennessee 37901-5010

We always try to stay current with friends of the hospital.If for any reason you should receive a duplicate issue,please notify the hospital at (865) 541-8257.

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PA I DPERMIT 433

KNOXVILLE, TN

The holidays are just around the corner, andmany East Tennesseans are making gift lists andplanning family get-togethers. The ChildrenÕsHospital Auxiliary has an easy way to checkone important task off your holiday "to-do" list:purchase the just-released 2004 ChildrenÕsHospital Auxiliary Holiday Greeting Card tohelp the areaÕs children.

This is the 40th year the ChildrenÕsHospital Auxiliary has sold holiday cards tobenefit the hospital. Again this year artist andAuxiliary member Jan Church has designed theannual Christmas card. This yearÕs exclusiveholiday card is titled "Home for the Holidays."The card features a festively decorated mantle,tree and wreath that represent "home" and isfull of holiday delight.

Church began designing greeting cardsfor ChildrenÕs Hospital in 1991 with her design"Bears on Sleighs" when she was chosen from aprospective artist search. After designing thefollowing yearÕs card, Church took a year off.Because of the beautiful designs she paints andthe success of the card sales, Church was askedto return and has donated the card design forseveral years running.

Cards are $1 each; they can be purchasedin any quantity including boxed sets of 12 cardsfor $12, and personalization is available on bulkorders. The cards are suitable for business andpersonal use.

Proceeds from the holiday cards will beused to support a variety of the AuxiliaryÕsprograms at ChildrenÕs Hospital to help makehospitalization more comfortable for thechildren we serve.

For more information or to place anorder, send an e-mail request towharalson@etch.com or call the VolunteerServices and Resources Department atChildrenÕs Hospital at (865) 541-8136.

by Amber Birdwell, student intern

Winter 2004Winter 2004

Holiday cards benefit children, spread seasonal cheerHoliday cards benefit children, spread seasonal cheer

Board of DirectorsJames S. Bush

Chairman Robert Madigan, M.D.

Vice Chairman Robert M. Goodfriend

Secretary/Treasurer Michael Crabtree Dawn Ford Peyton Hairston Jeffory Jennings, M.D. Bob Koppel Donald E. Larmee, M.D. Dugan McLaughlin Chris Miller, M.D. Alvin Nance Dennis Ragsdale J. Finbarr Saunders, Jr. William F. Searle III Bill Terry, M.D. Laurens Tullock Danni Varlan

Medical Staff Chris Miller, M.D.

Chief of Staff Lewis Harris, M.D.

Vice Chief of Staff David Nickels, M.D.

Secretary

Chiefs of Services Lise Christensen, M.D.

Chief of Medicine Cameron Sears, M.D.

Chief of Surgery David Birdwell, M.D.

Chief of Pathology Clifford J. Meservy, M.D.

Chief of Radiology Mike Mysinger, D.D.S.

Chief of Dentistry Mark Cramolini, M.D.

Chief of Anesthesiology

Administration Bob Koppel

President Paul Bates

Vice President for Human Resources Joe Childs, M.D.

Vice President for Medical Services Rudy McKinley

Vice President for Operations Jim Pruitt

Vice President for Finance Beckie Thomas, R.N.

Vice President for Patient Care

A quarterly publication of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, It’s About Children is designed to inform the East Tennessee community about the hospital and the patients we serve. Children’s Hospital is a private, independent, not-for-profit pediatricmedical center that has served the East Tennessee region for more than 65 years and is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.

Ellen Liston Director of Community Relations

David Rule Director of Development

Wendy Hames Editor

Neil Crosby Cover/Contributing Photographer

“Because Children are Special…” ...they deserve the best possible health care given in apositive, child/family-centered atmosphere of friendliness,cooperation, and support - regardless of race, religion,or ability to pay.”...their medical needs are closely related to theiremotional and informational needs; therefore, the totalchild must be considered in treating any illness or injury.”...their health care requires family involvement, specialunderstanding, special equipment, and specially trainedpersonnel who recognize that children are not miniatureadults.”...their health care can best be provided by a facilitywith a well-trained medical and hospital staff whoseonly interests and concerns are with the total health andwell-being of infants, children, and adolescents.”

Statement of Philosophy East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

www.etch.com

The Bottom LineArtwork by some of Children’s Hospital’s special patients

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Meg

Dustin

Hanna

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Judy Caudill and Amy StegerVolunteer Services and Resources DepartmentEast Tennessee ChildrenÕs Hospital

Judy and Amy,

Tonight, after I got home from the Junior Volunteer Banquet, I was thinkingof some things, and I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunityto volunteer at the hospital for the past three years. It has been an amazingexperience, and I canÕt wait till next summer.

I could never, ever give back what the hospital has given me. The experience,the friendships, the good and hard times, just everything is more than I couldever imagine. The reason I started volunteering was so I could be in thehospital setting to see what it was like, to see if IÕd like it. Thanks to yourprogram, I know exactly what I want to do when I grow up. I donÕt have tosearch during college; I know.

Last spring I got to go upstairs to the NICU for a report I was doing for school.The only way I got up there was because I was a junior volunteer. IÕve alwaysliked little babies, and when I went into that unit, I knew. I knew I was goingto work there for the rest of my life (well, until retirement ...). ItÕs justsomething you can feel. The nurse said she knew in nursing school that theminute she went in there, it was for her. I know itÕs for me, too.I have a quote I love that I want to share with you. ÒDonÕt ask yourself whatthe world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go anddo that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.ÓVolunteering at ChildrenÕs Hospital has made me come alive. Thank you somuch for what you do. You truly have changed my life. As I said, I couldnever give back to the hospital what itÕs given me.

Love, Lauren BaumgardnerKnoxville

On the cover: Jacob ÒJakeÓ Wallace is a cancer survivor. Read his story on pages 4-5.

Dear ChildrenÕs Hospital,

My family and I have been a part of ChildrenÕs

Hospital for about five years, visiting the facility quite

frequently concerning our children. It is a very warm and

inviting facility. The specialists, doctors, nurses and staff

open their hearts to all children who enter the hospital,

whether it be for a lengthy stay or just a check-up. They

make the children feel special and that they are important to

them.The Web site shows that same caring environment on

its pages. It is a great and informative Web site. We visit it

often to get the latest updates on information like booster

seats and car seats. Keep up the good work!

Christina McCloudCrossville

Dear ChildrenÕs Hospital,

My son, Chris, was born nine weeks early. He weighed in at just three

pounds, 13 ounces and spent the first of his life in a neonatal intensive

care unit. When Chris was finally able to come home from the hospital,

his doctors warned us that his premature birth would likely result in

developmental delays.

For the first year of his life, Chris appeared to be developing normally.

Then at around 18 months, he began falling behind. Chris was referred

to the East Tennessee ChildrenÕs Hospital Rehabilitation Center Ñ an

agency of the United Way of Greater Knoxville Ñ where he received

both speech and occupational therapy until his third birthday, when the

public school system took over.

Chris was eventually diagnosed with autism, but weÕre convinced that

early intervention and the therapy he received at the East Tennessee

ChildrenÕs Hospital Rehabilitation Center made a difference in his

prognosis.

Today, Chris is a bright, energetic, seven-year-old who loves reading,

playing video games and giving hugs. Chris still has a long road in

front of him, but weÕre glad that East Tennessee ChildrenÕs Hospital

Rehabilitation Center was there when he needed it.

Holly Pichiarella

Knoxville

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It was a cold, they were sure. But itdidnÕt go away, so they blamed it onallergies. In September 2003, six-year-oldJacob "Jake" Wallace couldnÕt shake thesymptoms, so his mother, Rhonda, tookhim to the family pediatricianÕs office foran examination.

Jake completed a course of antibioticsprescribed by Dr. Stephanie Shults, thefamily pediatrician. However, hissymptoms did not completely resolve. In fact, within weeks, Jake had begunsnoring loudly and had evenexperienced episodes of sleep apnea.Rhonda contacted Dr. Donald Ellenburg,JakeÕs pediatric allergist, thinking thesymptoms might be related to allergies,and that his adenoids would probablyneed to be taken out.

Dr. Ellenburg performed routinehead, neck and chest X-rays on Jake onOctober 17, 2003. As expected, JakeÕsadenoids were very enlarged and anappointment was made with Dr. JohnLittle, pediatric ear, nose and throatspecialist (otolaryngologist) at ChildrenÕsHospital, to have them removed. Inaddition, JakeÕs chest X-ray showedapparent enlarged lymph nodes in thecenter of his chest. He was referred toChildrenÕs Hospital for furtherevaluation through a CT scan. This scanconfirmed the presence of a mass in hischest.

On October 24, 2003, Dr. Littleremoved JakeÕs tonsils and adenoids. Asa result of the CT scan and the enlargedlymph nodes, Dr. Little sent the tonsil

and adenoid tissue for a frozenpathology; the initial results for thefrozen section came back normal. Othertissue was sent for further testing toconfirm this finding.

Jake was released from the hospitalthe following day. Four days aftersurgery, however, Jake became very ill.He had a fever of 103 degrees and wasnauseated and confused. The Wallacesreturned to the ChildrenÕs HospitalEmergency Department, and Dr. Littleadmitted Jake to the hospital because ofthe fever and vomiting. About this sametime, the final pathology from the earliertests returned, and Dr. Little told theWallaces that the results indicated Jakehad lymphoma.

A form of cancer, lymphoma is ageneral term for a group of malignant(cancer) disorders that affect thelymphatic tissues. Found throughout thebody, lymphatic tissues make up thevarious parts of the lymph system,which plays an important role in thebodyÕs defense against infection.

As a result of the diagnosis, Jakebecame a patient of the ChildrenÕsHospital Hematology/Oncology Clinicand Dr. Ray Pais, Director ofHematology/Oncology. Jake beganchemotherapy on October 31, 2003. Dr.Pais explained to the Wallaces that Jakewould be on 24 months ofchemotherapy: eight months of intensivetherapy and then 16 months ofmaintenance.

During a portion of his treatment, the

family was required to bring Jake to thehospital four days a week for treatment.That meant the Wallace family wasdriving 96 miles round trip to thehospital from their home in LaFollette.As a result of that drive and JakeÕsfrequent need for medical attention, theWallaces were only home for 10 daysduring one six-week period.

Jake became a patient of ChildrenÕsHospital Home Health Care during aportion of his therapy because histreatment schedule was falling on theweekend, and they would have to comethrough the Emergency Department forthe treatments. Dr. Pais and the Wallacefamily knew that Jake mightinadvertently be exposed to dangerousgerms in the Emergency Department.Because JakeÕs immune system wasweakened by the cancer and thechemotherapy, infections were veryhazardous for him, and it was importantto keep him away from any area thatcould have an abundance of germs.

A Home Health Care nurse came tothe WallacesÕ home to administermedications and chemotherapytreatments. This meant Jake was able tostay home more with his youngerbrother Riley, who missed Jake wheneverhe was at the hospital.

"Our family only has wonderfulthings to say about the hospital, theclinic and Home Health Care,Ó Rhondasaid. ÒWe are blessed that the hospital isonly a 96-mile round trip. If it werenÕtfor ChildrenÕs Hospital, we would be in

Memphis or farther away for treatment.We have a two-year-old son who doesnÕtunderstand why we have to stay awayfor those days; he would be broken-hearted if we had to stay away longer fora trip across the state or even thecountry."

Unfortunately, children with cancerexperience frequent hospitalizations as aresult of high fever, changes in their redor white blood counts and infection.Jake is no stranger to staying atChildrenÕs Hospital. "For a while wewere staying at the hospital for severaldays every week," Rhonda said. "It was adifficult time with Riley staying with hisgrandparents and away from us andfrom Jake."

During JakeÕsinitial hospitalizationthe medical staff,social workers andchild life specialisttalked with himabout losing his hairdue to thechemotherapytreatments. Jakedecided he didnÕtwant to lose his hairbecause he didnÕtlike that his Dad hadthinning hair on thetop of his head. Hisfather, Andy,decided to try tohelp Jake with thatproblem.

"One day whilewe were at thehospital, Andydisappeared to theChildrenÕs Hospital Gift Shop, and whenhe came back, he spent a long time in thebathroom of JakeÕs room," Rhonda said."I remember thinking it was taking him along time, when he came out to revealthat he had bought disposable razorsand shaved his entire head for Jake."Jake really didnÕt like his Dad withoutany hair but eventually thought it wasfunny.

JakeÕs treatments lasted through theholidays in 2003. During the familyÕsexperience with ChildrenÕs Hospital andJakeÕs illness, their community, familyand church supported them mentally,emotionally and financially. "We couldnot have made it through some of those

days without our church and family,"Rhonda said. "People were havinghotdog dinners, spaghetti dinners andeven blood drives for Jake throughoutthis entire ordeal."

The Hematology/Oncology Clinicenvironment was an eye-openingexperience, according to Rhonda. "Andyand I were amazed at the number ofchildren who were being treated thereand even more astounded by thegrowing number of new diagnoses thatwere made. We realized that many otherfamilies had been dealing withchronically ill children and were notreceiving the continued support over thelong haul that we were experiencing." Itwas this realization that led the Wallaces

to inquire about potential ways to helpsome of those families. "We were glad todiscover the Adopt-A-Family programwas in place at ChildrenÕs," she said.

The Adopt-A-Family Programidentifies families through the SocialWork Department and Home HealthCare that could most benefit fromadditional assistance, especially duringthe holiday season (for more informationon this program, see page 13). As familiesare identified, the Community RelationsDepartment gets those familiesÒadoptedÓ by community organizations,hospital departments and individuals.Those groups then purchase gifts and/orgift certificates for the family members.

"One thing we have learned is thateven though it may sound awful to havea child endure cancer, it is really not justabout us, or about JakeÓ Andy said. ÒIt is about watching God work throughthose around us to provide physically,emotionally and spiritually. Many timeswe have been provided just exactly whatwe needed at just the exact time bysomeone elseÕs unseen hand."

The Wallaces have become"advocates" for the hospital throughseveral events over the last year. InMarch 2004, they traveled to WestTown Mall in Knoxville to tell theirstory to the thousands of listeners ofthe Star 102.1 Radiothon for ChildrenÕsHospital, and in June 2004 they shared

their story with theviewers of theChildrenÕs MiracleNetwork Telethon onWBIR-TV 10. InOctober 2004, the Wal-Mart in La Follettehosted a local telethonfor ChildrenÕs Hospital.JakeÕs school, ValleyView Elementary, hadraised money to donate.Jake and his teacherpresented the Wal-MartTelethon and ChildrenÕsHospital with a checkfor $1,562 that thechildren had raised.

The night before theChildrenÕs MiracleNetwork telethon inJune, the Wallace familyagain visited theChildrenÕs Hospital

emergency department, but this timeJake wasnÕt the patient. Two-year-oldRiley had been excited by familyvisitors at their house, fallen off theirhome slide and broken his collar bone.

"Jake had needed to be isolated fromcousins, family and friends while hisimmune system was low, so we hadnÕthad company in eight months exceptfor each set of grandparents," Rhondaexplained. "I think Riley was moreexcited about the visitors than Jake, andI also think his excitement led to a lot ofplaying that led to his injury."

( C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 1 5 )

JAKEJAKE

Jake and his parents, Rhonda and Andy, appeared with WBIR-TV 10’s Ted Hall on the 2004 Children’s Miracle Network Telethon at Children’s Hospital.

The 20th annual Fantasy of Trees willhelp you discover "Where Your HeartFinds Christmas" this holiday season.This heartwarming event is an annualtradition that marks the beginning of theholiday season in Knoxville. It will takeplace at the Knoxville Convention CenterNovember 24-28. More than 300designer-decorated items will reflectChristmases past, present and future,while entertainment, activities forchildren and unique shops will bring themagic of the holidays to life.

Enjoy wandering through the FantasyForest while admiring beautifullydecorated trees, holiday accessories, roomscenes, fireplace mantles, swags, doordesigns, table centerpieces, topiaries and"Adopt-A-Trees" donated by local schoolchildren. Visit the Gingerbread Villagewhere deliciously decorated gingerbreadhouses created by area bakers, chefs andchildren smell as good as they look.

Each day entertainers from throughoutEast Tennessee will perform at the FantasyTheater. Singers, dancers and otherentertainers will help ring in the holidayseason by sharing their talents. While

enjoying the trees, decorations, activitiesand entertainment, visitors also can shopin the Holiday Marketplace. Shopperswill find unique holiday items rangingfrom childrenÕs gifts and toys to clothingand accessories to holiday decorations.

A family-oriented event, the Fantasyof Trees offers activities and fun forchildren of all ages. For the youngestguests, activities include many returningfavorites such as a beautiful 30-horsecarousel and visits with Santa. Newactivities include Christmas Tree JewelBoxes (children can decorate tree-shapedboxes); a Holiday Art Mosaic (littleartisans can help create a large mosaic bydesigning their own squares); My HolidayApron (SantaÕs little helpers can decoratetheir own apron); Picture Me HolidayNecklace (children can design jewelrywith their picture on it); and more newactivities. New holiday boutiques havebeen added for adults, making it easy toshop for everyone on your Christmas list.

The 2004 Fantasy of Trees hopes tocapture the nostalgic feeling ofChristmases past each night by recreatingthe old MillerÕs Department Store

Christmas tree lighting that was afavorite Knoxville event in the 1960s.New designer categories andentertainment have also been added, andthe traditions that make the Fantasy ofTrees the premier holiday event in EastTennessee each year are returning.

Fantasy visitors also will be able topurchase a ticket for just $5 for theirchance to win a beautiful seven-foot treedecorated by Target Stores of Knoxville.Target will create a special theme for theraffle tree, which will be surrounded bychildrenÕs toys, games and holidaygoodies. The lucky winner will takehome the tree and everything thatsurrounds it. Tickets will be on sale at theFantasy through Sunday, November 28,at 4 p.m., and the winner will be chosenimmediately after the ticket selling ends.

Since 1985, ChildrenÕs Hospital hasreceived overwhelming communitysupport for its annual Fantasy of Trees.Again this year, hundreds of businessesand individuals have participated in theSponsor Program, which is invaluable tothe success of each yearÕs show. Specialevents at the Fantasy of Trees include:

Opening Night GalaTuesday, November 23, 7-11 p.m.Dance the night away at the seasonÕs firstand most festive party! Enjoy cocktails,an evening buffet, a private preview andsale of designer trees and holidayaccessories and shopping in the HolidayMarketplace. Festive attire is requested atthis black-tie-optional event. Tickets are$150 per person and must be purchasedin advance. Call (865) 541-8136 for ticketinformation and availability. The gala issponsored by Metron North America,with promotional support from CityViewMagazine.

Babes in Toyland ParadeWednesday, November 24, 7 p.m.DonÕt miss the first and only indoorChristmas parade of the season as kidsfrom area child care centers show offtheir colorful costumes while parading tothe sounds of a real marching band. TheparadeÕs grand finale features SantaClaus and indoor "fireworks" providedby Pyroshows, Inc. The parade isbroadcast live on WVLT-TV VolunteerNews at 7 p.m. and is sponsored byDollywood.

Call Home Free on Thanksgiving DayThursday, November 25Visitors to the Fantasy of Trees can talkby phone with Grandma or anotherspecial relative on this holiday,compliments of Sprint.

SantaÕs Senior StrollFriday, November 26, 9-10 a.m.Seniors and walkers of all ages can enjoya one-mile walk through the splendorand sparkle of this yearÕs Fantasy ofTrees. Tables will be set up at the end ofthe walk with information on healthtopics of interest to seniors. Best of all,seniors 55 and over get a half-priceadmission of $4 to enjoy all of theFantasy of Trees when they arrive duringSantaÕs Senior Stroll; this discount cannotbe combined with any other discounts.SantaÕs Senior Stroll is sponsored byBaptist Senior Health Centers andKnoxville Coca-Cola.

Teddy Bear BrunchFriday, November 26, 11 a.m.Treat your little ones to a special party atthe Teddy Bear Brunch. Children areinvited to bring their teddy bears andenjoy a variety of childrenÕs activities and

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entertainment, including a "beary" specialmeal and holiday goodies. Tickets are $25per person and include free admission tothe Fantasy of Trees. Tickets must bepurchased in advance. Call (865) 541-8136for ticket information and availability.The Teddy Bear Brunch is sponsored byBellSouth, Comcast and MINT Magazine.

The Fantasy of Trees is more than just

a special holiday event for many EastTennesseans; all proceeds from eachyearÕs show benefit Children's Hospital.This yearÕs event will benefit the hospitalÕsOpen Door Endowment Fund thatensures Children's Hospital can continueto provide health care to all children,regardless of their parentsÕ ability to paythe medical bill. The Fantasy has raisedmore than $3.3 million for Children'sHospital since its inception in 1985.

This spectacular holiday event wouldnot be possible without the more than116,000 volunteer hours that make theFantasy of Trees a reality year after year.Children's Hospital would like to thankeveryone involved in making this event asuccess, ensuring Children's Hospital cancontinue to provide the best in pediatrichealth care to all of East Tennessee's children.

For more information about the 2004Fantasy of Trees, visit our web site atwww.etch.com/fantasy.cfm.

by Kathryn DeNovostudent intern

2004 Fantasy of Trees

Show Times

Wednesday, November 249 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursday, November 25 Thanksgiving Day

3 to 9 p.m.

Friday, November 269 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, November 279 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, November 28Noon to 6 p.m.

2004 Fantasy of Trees Major Event Sponsors:

Celebrating

20 Years of the

November 24-28

Co-chair Becky Vanzant, assistant co-chair LindaRedmond and co-chair Karen Waldbauer

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Alfred P. Kennedy Jr., M.D.

B.A. (natural science) Ð Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., 1986M.D. Ð Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, 1990Internship and Residency Ð Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa., 1990-95Fellowship (pediatric surgery) Ð ChildrenÕs Mercy Hospital at the University of Missouri, Kansas City,1995-97Fellowship (clinical pediatric urology) Ð Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Del., 2002Family Ð Wife, Lisa; son, Parker (age 2); twin daughters, Alexis and Amber (age 1)Personal interest Ð playing piano

A chance to practice pediatric surgery at a freestanding childrenÕs hospital along with a teachingappointment at a university were significant factors for drawing ChildrenÕs HospitalÕs newestpediatric surgeon to our medical center.

Alfred P. Kennedy Jr., M.D., joined the East Tennessee Pediatric Surgery Group, P.L.L.C., atChildrenÕs Hospital in July to help serve the surgical needs of this regionÕs children. Dr. Kennedyjoined pediatric surgeons Alan E. Anderson, M.D., and Gus Papadakis, M.D., in the surgical group.

Dr. Kennedy said he is looking forward to the chance to teach general surgical residents at theUniversity of Tennessee while also practicing at ChildrenÕs. Further, the East Tennessee region issimilar to the area in central Pennsylvania where he grew up, adding another important factor into hisdecision to relocate here.

First interested in general surgery while in medical school, Dr. Kennedy was encouraged by amentor to consider pediatric surgery. During his residency at Geisinger Health System inPennsylvania, he traveled to the University of Missouri, Kansas City, to complete a rotation inpediatric surgery.

"I really enjoyed it and fit in well with the staff at UMKC," he said. He later completed hisfellowship in pediatric surgery at the same hospital.

As a pediatric surgeon, Dr. Kennedy is most interested in minimally invasive surgeries andpediatric urological surgeries. "Minimally invasive surgery is a newer procedure in pediatrics. It helpskids to get better quicker with less pain," he said. "It utilizes a smaller incision and the organs are notexposed to an open-air environment as with traditional surgery with a larger incision. This meansthere is less in the body that has to heal, and the patient gets better more quickly."

Technology has changed the face of pediatric surgery in significant ways in recent years. "Theindustry has developed more pediatric-sized instrumentation," Dr. Kennedy explained. "We can offermuch more now than even 10 years ago to our patients because of this. Industry had focused first onadult-sized instrumentation," which isnÕt always adaptable to use with younger, smaller patients. With the newer technology, surgeries to treat such common problems as appendicitis and hernias areeasier on the patients.

"Kids are not small adults," he continued. "They have different physiology even with the samemedical condition. In addition, their psychosocial needs are different; youÕre dealing with the wholefamily, not just the patient, when the patient is a child, and it can be a difficult situation for everyone."

At Children's Hospital, the full complement of pediatric specialists ensures Dr. Kennedy can workwith a variety of other specialists to solve complicated medical cases. "ItÕs one of the reasons I wantedto practice here," he added.

Dr. Kennedy said that in addition to appendix removals and hernia repairs, he often treats patientswith "lumps and bumps" that need to be removed when they cannot be diagnosed with certainty bythe patientsÕ primary care physicians.

More complicated cases include children with various congenital anomalies and obstructions of thegastrointestinal tract. Dr. Kennedy also is especially interested in urological surgical cases, such asundescended testicles, hydroceles, incontinence, bladder reflux, circumcision and kidney obstructionsand tumors.

"We can do so much more now because of the latest technology" that is available to care forpatients, Dr. Kennedy said. "Most of the surgeons in our group are recently trained, and we can offerthe latest surgical techniques to the East Tennessee community."

In conjunction with his colleagues at East Tennessee Pediatric Surgery Group, P.L.L.C., Dr. Kennedywill help to provide the best in pediatric surgical services to the children of this region.

Pediatric surgeon joins hospital staff

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Physician fulfills lifelong missionKevin C. Brinkmann, M.D.

B.A. (biology) Ð University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 1993M.D. Ð UT, Memphis, 1997Internship and Residency Ð UT, Memphis, 1998-2001Fellowship (pediatric critical care) Ð UT, Memphis, 2001-04Family Ð Wife, Jennifer; expecting a baby daughter in January 2005; two Shetland sheepdogsPersonal interest Ð golf, listening to music, camping and hiking

A native of the Chattanooga area, pediatric critical care specialist Kevin Brinkmann, M.D., hasreturned to East Tennessee to fulfill a mission he has held throughout his life Ð to take care of children.

After spending a decade in Memphis, Dr. Brinkman relocated to Knoxville in July to provide care tocritically ill patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at ChildrenÕs Hospital. He joins pediatriccritical care specialists Joe Childs, M.D., and Matthew Hill, M.D., in the PICU.

"As a pediatric critical care specialist, I am able to satisfy my interest for using the latest technologyto take care of children and help them get back on their feet toward recovery," Dr. Brinkmann said. "Icannot think of anything better to do with my life than to work to save a childÕs life or help a childtoward recovery."

In the ChildrenÕs Hospital PICU, Dr. Brinkmann and his colleagues treat children with a widevariety of very serious medical conditions. Among the more common conditions are: respiratorydistress, near-drownings, seizure disorders, complications of diabetes, severe asthma attacks andsevere infections. In addition, children admitted to the PICU may have metabolic disorders, liverfailure or heart failure. They also may have been injured in accidents, and Dr. Brinkmann notes thattwo things parents can do to help prevent head injuries are insist their children wear helmets whileriding a bicycle and use their seatbelts while riding in passenger vehicles.

The ChildrenÕs PICU also treats children recovering after some major surgeries, such as scoliosisrepair, neurosurgical surgeries (especially after tumors are removed), and lung or heart surgery. Thesechildren may recover for just a few hours or even a few days in the PICU before being moved to aregular patient room.

Whatever the childÕs need for intensive care, medical advances are improving treatment optionsand patient outcomes. "We have better strategies for day-to-day supportive care," Dr. Brinkmann said."We also have better mechanical ventilators. The high-frequency oscillatory ventilator is a lifesaver formany kids with severe lung disease or acute respiratory distress syndrome, where the breathing sacsfill with protein and fluid."

Staff in the PICU recently used a new therapy for the first time at ChildrenÕs. CRRT, or continuousrenal replacement therapy, is similar to dialysis to support a child with kidney failure or metabolicproblems. "There are exciting technologies weÕre just now getting to use with kids," Dr. Brinkmannsaid.

But even as technology improves, other challenges remain. "Helping families understand theirchildÕs illness and how to cope, and providing support to them, are challenges," Dr. Brinkmann said."ItÕs very important that a family understands whatÕs going on, and thatÕs part of my job Ð not justtreating the child. Parents are a part of their childÕs recovery. Their voice and calming behaviors can bebetter than the medication for some children. "I canÕt imagine, not yet being a parent, what some ofthese parents are going through," said Dr. Brinkmann, whose first child -- a girl -- is due to be born inearly 2005. "Becoming a father will help me to be a better doctor."

Dr. Brinkmann praised his colleagues, Drs. Childs and Hill, as well as the PICU nurses, RespiratoryCare staff and other patient care support staff. "It would be an understatement to call them welltrained and highly motivated," he said. "I couldnÕt do my job or provide such a high level of carewithout them."

Dr. Brinkmann arrived at ChildrenÕs Hospital at an exciting time. The PICU is one of thedepartments that will grow significantly through the hospitalÕs current expansion project. The unit willnot only add beds but also will be able to offer individual rooms to most patients. Theseimprovements will ensure greater comfort and privacy for a larger number of critically ill patientsreceiving care each day at our pediatric medical center.

Subspecialist Prof iles

Children’s News...

The corner of Clinch Avenue and20th Street has had a major makeoverin the past two years. What was once aparking lot has been transformed into aseven-story addition to ChildrenÕsHospital. The new space will allow thehospital to offer 95 private patient roomswith full baths and increase its number ofbeds from 122 to 152.

Departments that will be expandedinclude the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit,Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, EmergencyDepartment, the inpatient medical/surgical units, Radiology, Neurology/Sleep Lab, Food and Nutrition Services,and others. Construction of the tower isnearing completion, and several floors inthe tower are now open.

HereÕs a look at recent changes to theChildrenÕs Hospital campus:

¥ The Emergency Department openedits new space in mid-October.

¥ The new areas of second, third andfourth floors are set to open in November.

¥ The fifth floor addition wasscheduled for completion in November,while the sixth floor addition is to becompleted in December.

¥ The new kitchen and dining facilitieswill be completed in January.

In conjunction with the constructionproject, ChildrenÕs Hospital is alsoupdating several services to ensurepatients and their families have the mostcomfortable stay possible.

For many years the hospital hasprovided a video cart, which offeredpatients a selection of VHS movies. Thevideo cart is being eliminated, and aclosed-circuit digital television system isbeing installed, purchased with a $75,000contribution from the ChildrenÕs HospitalAuxiliary. This is the AuxiliaryÕs largestsingle contribution ever made toChildrenÕs Hospital. The new system willallow patients to choose from a widerange of cable channels and movies rightin their room. The system also will include

several channels for patient education.With the hospitalÕs growth has come

the need for an updated telephone system.Effective in October, all patient rooms arenow called by dialing (865) 246-7 and thepatient room number.

In other construction news:In 2003 the ChildrenÕs West Surgery

Center and the ChildrenÕs HospitalRehabilitation Center moved into newfacilities at Pellissippi Parkway andWestland Drive. Recently the TennesseeChapter of the American Society ofInterior Designers and the InternationalInterior Design Association honored theinterior designers who designed thesetwo facilitiesÕ interior spaces. SusanBallard and Rebecca Tinsley of CorporateInteriors, Inc., won a Silver Award for theinterior design they created at theChildrenÕs West Surgery Center and aBronze Award for their interior design ofthe Rehabilitation Center.

by Kathryn DeNovo, student intern

Building Blocks

1110

Beckie Thomas to retire

After 27 years of service to ChildrenÕs Hospital, Beckie Thomas, R.N., VicePresident of Patient Care Services, willretire January 1, 2005. Thomas beganher career at ChildrenÕs Hospital onFebruary 13, 1978, as the AssistantDirector of Nursing. She also servedas Director of Nursing and AssistantAdministrator before becoming VicePresident in 1982.

ThomasÕ many responsibilities atChildren's Hospital have included thesupervision of all the medical centerÕsnursing units (EmergencyDepartment, Neonatal and PediatricIntensive Care Units, outpatientclinics, inpatient services and surgery), aswell as the hospitalÕs RehabilitationCenter and the departments of QualityManagement, Social Work, Child Life,Pastoral Care, Infection Control andHome Health Care.

Her responsibilities as Vice Presidentof Patient Care Services also include themanagement of the budget and financialviability of these many clinical areas,which has taken on added emphasis witheach passing year. When Thomas joinedChildrenÕs HospitalÕs senior management22 years ago, patients made just over26,700 visits to the hospital annually,while patients made more than 136,000visits to the hospital in the 2003/04 fiscalyear. This phenomenal growth has

presented financial challenges, relatedboth to the growing number of patientsand to the increasing size of the hospitalÕsstaff to serve those patients.

ChildrenÕs has had significantimprovements to the staff, programs andservices for patients while Thomas workedhere. The Child Life department wascreated more than 20 years ago. Morerecently, Child-Family Centered Care andService Excellence, two initiatives thatshape the hospitalÕs policies, programsand the staffÕs daily activities wereimplemented to ensure patients receivethe best care and service in a setting thatencourages family involvement.

Another major achievement was thegrowth and relocation of ChildrenÕsHome Health Care and the Children'sHospital Rehabilitation Center into larger,improved locations. Currently, all nursingdepartments are being expanded and

renovated as part of the hospitalÕsongoing expansion project on our maincampus. As the hospitalÕs services havegrown, Thomas has worked tirelessly toensure that our patientsÕ diverse healthcare needs are met and the clinical staffhas the best working conditions andbenefits available.

While ThomasÕs contributions to thehospital have been many, she is quick togive the credit to others. "The qualitypeople I work with are innovators andgo-getters Ð that truly has been thegreatest aspect of Children's Hospital,"

she said. "The hospital has had the abilityto attract the best people, and withoutthat ability, nothing would happen. Therecruitment of so many pediatricsubspecialists to the hospital in recentyears also has brought a significant newdimension to the services we can offer.

"I have been so fortunate in this part ofmy career to work in a place where thepriorities are children and their familiesand the quality of care provided," sheadded. "The nurses, physicians, other staffmembers, the members of the board,Administration, everyone has a greatworking relationship where the center ofcare truly is the patients."

She also notes the importance of thehospitalÕs relationship with thecommunity: "Our involvement with thecommunity stands out with the way thehospital is viewed in such a positive lightÐ it is because of the quality of care we

provide."ThomasÕs achievements and hard

work have not gone unnoticed by thehospital or the medical community.Thomas was awarded the MeritoriousService Award for Executive Staff onOctober 1 at the 66th annual meetingof the Tennessee Hospital Association.

In addition to this award, theNursing Administration Suite inKoppel Plaza will be named in herhonor. The Rebecca C. Thomas Suiteis a testament to her years ofdedication, caring and hard work.

Bob Koppel, President of ChildrenÕsHospital, said Thomas will be greatlymissed. "Beckie has served in seniormanagement positions for almost threedecades, during which time she hasembodied what it means to be a leader, anadministrator, a community servant and ahealth care advocate," Koppel said. "Shehas consistently been involved in areaand state organizations that supportChildren's Hospital, the hospital industryand the children we serve.

"Children's Hospital has been fortunateto have a person like Beckie Thomas aspart of its management team, and the lossof her presence will be sorely felt whenshe retires," Koppel continued. "She has( CONTINUED BOTTOM OF NEXT PAGE)

Laura Barnes named vice president of patient care servicesLaura Barnes, R.N., M.S.N.,

C.N.A.A.,B.C., currently the NursingDirector of Critical Care Services atChildren's Hospital, will become VicePresident of Patient Care Services effectiveJanuary 2, 2005.

Barnes brings 30 years of workexperience at ChildrenÕs Hospital and anabundance of management experience toher new position. Hired by ChildrenÕs asa Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staff nursein April 1974, Barnes has served as aHead Nurse, the Assistant Director ofNursing Services, Child Life Coordinator,Director of ChildrenÕs Home Health Care,Director of Child Health Education, and,most recently, as Nursing Director ofCritical Care Services. She holds a

masterÕs degree in nursing from theUniversity of Tennessee.

"[Retiring Vice President] BeckieThomas has been a tremendous asset toChildren's Hospital for nearly threedecades," Barnes said. "I am honored tobe following in her footsteps and lookforward to continuing the initiatives shewas so instrumental in developing andsupporting, such as Service Excellenceand Child-Family Centered Care."

Bob Koppel, President of Children'sHospital, said as he considered the type ofperson to be ThomasÕ successor, "I wantedto make sure Children's Hospital wouldcontinue to have someone who wouldprovide effective leadership to ourorganization and enthusiastically be

supportive of ourMission and Goals.

"We werefortunate toalready have sucha person in ourorganization," headded. "Laura iswell knownthroughout ourorganization andthe nursing profession as a mission-driven leader. She has been instrumentalin developing and overseeing a variety ofnew programs and improvements atChildren's Hospital and was an idealchoice to fill the Vice President position."

by Rupal Mehta, publications specialistBeckie Thomas

Laura Barnes

( B E C K I E T H O M A S C O N T I N U E D )

been an outstanding employee and resource to our medical center, to thehealth care profession and to the EastTennessee community."

A retirement reception will take placeDecember 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the hospitalto honor ThomasÕ many years of

dedication and efforts to provide the bestpossible care for our patients.

Thomas graduated from St. MaryÕsMemorial School of Nursing, and she islicensed as a Registered Nurse inTennessee. She is active in the TennesseeBoard of Nurse Executives, where sheformerly served as secretary and treasurer

at the state level. She is also a member ofthe American Organization of NurseExecutives. She was past vice presidentand president of the Knoxville chapter ofExecutive Women International, and sheis a member and former chair of theUnited Way Allocation Panel.

by Rupal Mehta, publications specialist

Beckie Thomas, retiring Children's Hospital Vice President forPatient Care Services, was honored recently by THA for hermany years of service to the health care field. Among theChildren's Hospital staff attending the event were (left toright) Rudy McKinley, Vice President for Operations; PaulBates, Vice President for Human Resources; and Jim Pruitt,Vice President for Finance.

1312

Estate Planning...Your lawyer, the Òhead coachÓ of your estate planning team

IncludeChildren’s Hospitalin your estate plans.Join the ABC Club.For more information,call (865) 541-8441.

Please send the free brochure titled ÒPersonal Records.Ó

Name______________________________ Address__________________________________________

City___________________________ State_______ Zip_____________ Phone#(______)___________

r Please call me at the above phone number for a free confidential consultation concerning planned giving.

r Please send me more information about deferred giving.

r I have already included ChildrenÕs Hospital in my estate plan in the following way:

__________________________________________________________________________

r Please send me information about the ABC Club.

ChildrenÕs Hospital Development Office (865) 541-8441

Why should I get a lawyer? CanÕt I just get a "will kit" orsome software for my computer?

The 10th Amendment to theConstitution of the United States reads:"The powers not delegated to the UnitedStates by the Constitution, nor prohibitedby it to the states, are reserved to thestates respectively, or to the people."

Among the powers held by each stateare the establishing of its own set of laws.Though there may be some similarities inthe laws of each state, there are manydifferences. Tennessee law contains threedifferent "titles" relating to wills andestates, which contain 17 separatechapters containing 15 different parts andmore than 300 subparts. If you find thisconfusing, imagine trying to put togethera "will kit" or a software package thatwould be accurate for all 50 states.

Imagine dealing with a softwareprogram with all of those intricatedifferences and how confusing that couldbe. The opportunities for error areenormous, especially when you considerthe number of changes that can be madeby 50 state legislatures each year.

Whether you are wealthy or of modestmeans, there is simply no substitute foryour lawyerÕs knowledge of the laws ofyour state when drawing up your will.Think for a moment about some of thethings your lawyer can do for you:

¥ Guide you as you select a guardianfor your minor children;

¥ Help you reach as many of your

in estate law and many other importantmatters.

Just as each state has different laws,each family has different priorities forhandling all of the assets they accumulateduring a lifetime. Your situation isimportant; it requires and deserves theindividual attention you can only getfrom your lawyer. You and your familydeserve the peace of mind that comesfrom having a properly drawn will.

For a copy of our free planningbooklet, "Personal Records," send yourname and address to us via the replyform below. Or you may email DavidRule, Director of Development, atdsrule@etch.com or Teresa Goddard,CFRE, Senior Development Officer, at tgoddard@etch.com, or call them at (865) 541-8441.

objectives as possible with a minimum oftaxes and other headaches;

¥ Present alternative plans for you toconsider and explain the benefits and thedrawbacks of each;

¥ Advise you if your situation calls forthe expertise of other professionals suchas CPAs, Trust Officers or CLUs;

¥ Guide you in selecting a personalrepresentative to carry out your wishesthrough your will;

¥ Make certain your will is properlysigned and witnessed;

¥ Help you take special circumstancesof all types into account;

¥ Advise you about the benefits anddrawbacks of holding property in jointnames;

¥ Advise you about charities you maywish to assist through your will; and,

¥ Guide you about upcoming changes

Every day at ChildrenÕs Hospital,social workers and Home Health Careand Rehabilitation staff members seefamilies who cannot afford to providepresents for their children during theholidays.

Several years ago, these hospitalemployees decided to make thosefamiliesÕ needs a priority during theholidays. Coordinated by the staff inthe Community Relations Department,the hospital chooses about 30 familiesto assist each year.

Families are elected through specificcriteria, must be current patient familiesand will only receive help for oneholiday season to ensure that as manyfamilies as possible are assisted.Family names are never given to thepublic. Community groups, businesses,organizations, individuals and families"adopting" these families are providedwith a list of the familyÕs needs, such as

childrenÕs ages, gender, needs and likesor dislikes. Groups may also purchasefood or gifts for the family home.

Some groups also donate giftcertificates to local retail, discount andgrocery stores so families can purchasespecific gifts or meet personal needs.This also offers the parents a chance topurchase special items for their childrenand be more involved in their familyÕsholiday celebration.

Because the number of families hasgrown from 20 to 30 over the last fiveyears, ChildrenÕs Hospital continues toneed more groups to adopt familiesduring the holiday season. If you areinterested in participating in the Adopt-A-Family program or for moreinformation, call the CommunityRelations Department at (865) 541-8276.

by Janya Marshall, Associate Director for Public Relations

Adopt-A-Family program brightens patients’ holidays

When the ChildrenÕs Hospital Auxiliarywas created in 1964, the groupÕs goal wassimply to make the stay of the hospitalÕsyoung patients and their families ascomfortable as possible.

As the Auxiliary celebrated its 40thanniversary in September, few could haveforeseen the impact this group would makeon ChildrenÕs in terms of its volunteer andfund-raising efforts to support much-needed equipment and programs.

The Auxiliary hosted its fall meeting andanniversary celebration September 21 at thehospital, with many longtime members inattendance.

Elizabeth Thomas, Director of VolunteerServices and Resources for ChildrenÕsHospital, remembers the events behind theAuxiliaryÕs founding. "In 1964, AnneRagsdale Regas founded the Auxiliary witha purpose of making the stay of ourpatients and their families a little better andmore comfortable. Anne, whose son Dennis

had been a patient at ChildrenÕs, enlistedthe help of friends and neighbors to beginthe Auxiliary and served as the groupÕs firstpresident."

On September 15, 1964, the firstChildrenÕs Hospital Auxiliary meetingminutes were recorded.

Another founding member, EvelynPollard, still volunteers at ChildrenÕsHospital today and fondly remembers theAuxiliaryÕs first days: "With no money andlots of elbow grease, we cleaned out a closetand stocked it with toys for the patients."Pollard also recalls the groupÕs first fund-raising effort, the holiday greeting card sale."We had to hand deliver all the cardsourselves; it gave us a good opportunity tobecome better known in the community,"she said.

In 1970, the Auxiliary had theopportunity to fulfill its dream of opening agift shop when the new hospital buildingopened on Clinch Avenue.

"During the move, we had to [help] rollpatients down the street to the newlocation. We moved everything by hand,"Pollard said. "And the new gift shop wasreally exciting. If we had a $100 day, it wasa great day. I am amazed how much we sellthere now."

Today, the annual holiday greeting cardsale continues to be the groupÕs mostpopular fund-raising activity, andadditional efforts include annual plant salesand other events that raise funds to supportthe AuxiliaryÕs services for patients andfamilies. This yearÕs greeting card currentlyis available for purchase (see page 16 formore information about the card).

The Auxiliary, ever eager to make achildÕs stay at ChildrenÕs Hospital morecomfortable, is making exciting plans toadapt and expand its services as thehospital completes its move into the newpatient tower this fall and renovatesexisting areas of the hospital during 2005.

"Keeping up with patientsÕ and familiesÕneeds and embracing new programs tomake their hospital stays as comfortable aspossible is the AuxiliaryÕs daily goal,"president Nancy Mason said.

by Rupal Mehta, publications specialist

Auxiliary celebrates 40 years of giving

Dates to RememberUpcoming events to benefit

ChildrenÕs Hospital

JanuaryWATE-TV Mini-Telethon for Camp

Cure (Diabetes Camp)January 9

JamminÕ in Your JammiesJanuary 28-30

FebruaryUniversity of Tennessee Dance

MarathonFebruary 4 & 5

MarchStar 102.1 Radiothon

March 3 & 4Cutest Little Baby Face Contest

March 5-6 and 18-19TKÕs Breakfast

March 12

For more information about any ofthese events, call (865) 541-8441 or visit our Web site at www.etch.comand click on "Coming Attractions."

Nine of the AuxiliaryÕs past presidents joined current president Nancy Mason and hospital president Bob Koppel for a group photo during the AuxiliaryÕs 40th

anniversary celebration. Pictured are (left to right) Nancy Tipton, Jane Walker, NancyFlynn, WandaHaralson, Evelyn Pollard, Koppel, Anne Palmer, Peg Parker, Mason, Zurma (Hemry) Caldwell and Carole Lebert.

becomes particularly problematic duringthe age bracket of six weeks to fourmonths, an age period that coincideswith the peak incidence of Shaken BabySyndrome.

Infants cry to communicate theirneeds: they are hungry, need to burp, areuncomfortable or are tired. Sometimesthere is no reasonable explanation for ababyÕs cries, and it is easy for caregiversto become frustrated because they canÕtseem to comfort the crying child.Unfortunately, shaking a crying baby hasthe desired effect: although at first thebaby cries more out of fear, it eventuallystops crying as the brain is damaged.

Q : How can Shaken Baby Syndrome beprevented?

14 15

Shaken Baby Syndrome is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States.

While the consequences of SBS can be fatal, they are 100 percent preventable.

Joe Childs, M.D., Medical Director ofthe Pediatric Intensive Care Unit atChildrenÕs Hospital, answers parentsÕquestions about Shaken Baby Syndromeand offers advice on how to prepare aplan that will reduce a childÕs risk ofShaken Baby Syndrome.

Q : What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

A : Shaken Baby Syndrome is the termused to describe the group of signs andsymptoms caused by someonevigorously shaking an infant or smallchild, which causes brain damage. Insome cases, the shaking is accompaniedby the final impact of the babyÕs headagainst a bed, chair or other surface. Thedegree of brain damage depends on theamount and duration of the shaking andthe forces involved in the impact of thehead.

Q : Why is shaking a baby so dangerous?

A : When someone forcefully shakes ababy, the childÕs head rotatesuncontrollably because infantsÕ neck

Shaken Baby Syndrome

A : The most important thing to knowabout handling a crying child is: whatwill you do when you becomefrustrated? And you will becomefrustrated Ð all parents do. It is importantto realize just saying "donÕt shake a baby"is not enough. A plan of action orsuggestions to deal with the situationmust be prepared. Finding ways toalleviate your stress at these criticalmoments will significantly reduce therisk to the child.

If a baby in your care wonÕt stopcrying, try the following:

¥ Make sure the babyÕs basic needs are met (For example, is the baby tired or hungry?).

¥ Check for signs of illness, like fever or swollen gums.

¥ Rock or walk with the baby.¥ Sing or talk to the baby.¥ Offer the baby a pacifier or a noisy toy.¥ Take the baby for a ride in a stroller

or in the car in his or her car seat.¥ Swaddle the baby snugly in a blanket.¥ Turn on the stereo, run the vacuum

cleaner or run water in the tub (babies like rhythmic noise).

¥ Hold the baby close against your body and breathe calmly and slowly.

¥ Call a friend or relative for support or to take care of the baby while you take a break.

¥ If nothing else works, put the baby in the crib on his or her back and

muscles are not developed enough toprovide support for the head. The violentmovement moves the infantÕs brain backand forth within the skull, rupturingblood vessels and nerves throughout thebrain and tearing the brain tissue. Thebrain strikes the inside of the skull,causing bruising and bleeding to thebrain. The damage is even greater whenthe shaking ends with an impact, becausethe forces of acceleration and decelerationassociated with an impact are strong.After the shaking, the swelling in thebrain can cause enormous pressurewithin the skull, compressing bloodvessels and increasing overall injury to itsdelicate structure.

Q : What is the outcome or prognosis ofSBS victims?

A : About 20 percent of all SBS cases arefatal in the first few days after injury. Insome studies of SBS, the death rate isalmost half of all babies involved.Children who survive may suffer partialor total blindness, hearing loss, seizures,developmental delays, speech and

learning difficulties, severe mentalretardation or paralysis. In milder cases,the baby may appear normalimmediately after the shaking but mayeventually develop one or more of theseproblems.

Q : Can tossing or rough play cause SBS?

A : No. Parents need to be assured thatplaying with children in an age-appropriate way will not cause theinjuries associated with SBS. There isslight danger in tossing a baby in the air,but it is from the possibility of droppingthe child. Even then, most children donot suffer life-threatening injuries fromshort falls. Riding in a backpack while theparent jogs or rides a bike will not causeSBS-type injuries.

Q : Why is crying the most commontrigger for shaking?

A : Normally, an infant will spend two tothree hours each day crying; 20-30percent of infants exceed that amount oftime, sometimes substantially. Crying

Dr. Joe Childs

walk away. Check on the baby every 10 minutes.

If you are a parent, there are thingsyou should do to protect your child frombeing harmed by someone else. Makesure that anyone who helps care for yourchild, including your spouse, the childÕsgrandparents, siblings, child careproviders and others, know the dangersof shaking a baby. Parents need to letthose caring for their child know that it isOK to call for help when needed. Youalso should be cautious to only leaveyour child in the care of people who youknow you can trust. Many of the SBScases seen involve children who wereleft with male caretakers with minimalinvestment in the childÕs well-being,such as a casual or new boyfriend of themother.

Parents should also be aware the useof alcohol or drugs increases a personÕschances of a violent or out-of-controlreaction such as shaking. Do not use orallow others to use these substanceswhen around your baby.

Remember that a crying baby is not areflection on your care. It is OK to let aninfant cry if you have tried numerousthings to quiet him or her. If you areconcerned about a babyÕs crying, contactyour childÕs health care provider.

For more information, visit our website at www.etch.com/sbs.cfm.

treatment, but we choose to drive toChildrenÕs Hospital because Jake truststhe staff, and so do we," Rhonda said.

Jake enjoys telling everyone about hisexperience at ChildrenÕs. "He came tothe hospital for a bone scan, and theyoung man in the Radiology Departmentgave Jake a copy of the ÔpictureÕ of hisbones," Rhonda said. "On the firstÔshow-and-tellÕ at school, Jake took it toshow everyone, and it hangs in his roomduring Halloween as his very ownskeleton."

"We would not have survived withoutChildrenÕs Hospital," Rhonda said. "Withtheir special care of JakeÕs medical needs,we were able to just be a family andfound the blessings necessary to liveday-by-day with our faith. ChildrenÕsstaff provided us with that opportunityduring the most difficult time of oursonÕs life."

During the University of Tennesseeversus University of Florida footballgame this fall, Jake and his family werewatching the game on television. One ofthe commercials featured LanceArmstrong and his bravery throughouthis battle with cancer. The commercialshowed Armstrong stating, "I am a cancersurvivor." Jake looked at his mother andboldly stated, "Hey, Mom, I am a cancer survivor, too." He went onto ask, "Mom, you want to know why?Because that is what God wanted me to be!"

"According to our faith, God does notsay all things that work for His plan aregoing to be easy or are going to besomething that we understand. However,even in these circumstances, we are seeingthat God is working in our lives and inJakeÕs life like never before," Rhonda said.

by Janya Marshall, Associate Director forPublic Relations

JAKE ( C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 5 )

Andy and Rhonda brought Riley toChildrenÕs that evening and then cameback to share JakeÕs story less than 24hours later. "We know that our childrenwill be taken care of in the best possiblemanner at ChildrenÕs Hospital," Rhondasaid. "Whether it is for a major illness ora childhood injury, we wonÕt take ourchildren to any other place. The staffprovides the best care for the medicaland emotional needs of the entirefamily."

Jake continues his chemotherapytreatment at home and as a ChildrenÕsHospital Hematology/Oncology Clinicpatient. He visits every 28 days for IVchemotherapy, every two weeks for labwork, and once a month for respiratorytreatments. The plan is to continuetreatments until November 2005."We actually have the opportunity tovisit a facility closer to home for JakeÕs