Meet the Doctor

Cynthia Hoff Lives to Volunteer

IBM Grant Helps Newborns

Make Your Will Known

I N S I D E

pg.2

pg.3Robotic Surgery

Upgrades

Seton Circle Supports New Projects

Save the Date Berry Creek Golf Tournament

pg.4

A newsletter for friends of the Seton Williamson Foundation supporting Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, Seton Northwest Hospital and Seton Medical Center Williamson

Amy Merida was pregnant, just shy of six months to be exact. She had the usual concerns that swim through the minds of expectant mothers, but an accident while checking the mail wasnt one of them.

It was a few days before Halloween in 2012. I was just walking to the mailbox and lost my balance.

Two Surgeries + One Baby Girl = Happiest Ending

setonwilliamsonfdn.org

Read more on page 2

Thanks to your support, mom walksagain before daughters birth

Spring2015

Amy Merida, executive director of the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, and daughter Lauren.

Special Insert: Seton Highland Lakes

2 setonwilliamsonfdn.org

About eight years ago, Seton Medical Center Williamson welcomed an orthopaedic surgeon from Alexandria, Louisiana. Dr. Erik Bruce and his wife Dr. Jinnie A. Bruce, a general surgeon, had long been visiting the Hill Country and knew this was the place they wanted to be.

Dr. Bruce says the move to Williamson County could not have been a better one. From the beginning, there has been a talented core group of physicians, and it feels right. As a personal benefit, he also admires the pastoral views from the hospital windows.

Dr. Bruce specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder, and knee reconstruction. He has brought an element of cutting-edge medicine to Seton Williamson, supporting the hospitals goal to be a top quality, full service medical center. We cover cases that range from very complex to very simple, he adds.

He and his wife have two sons, ages four and five. He says waking them up in the morning is the best part of his day. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and woodworking, but more recently has taken up cooking.

Dr. Erik Bruce, University Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, located in Seton Williamson Medical Plaza I, adjacent to the medical center, (512) 388-BONE (2663)

Meet the Doctor Erik Bruce, MD Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Two Surgeries + One Baby Girl = Happiest EndingContinued from Cover

Already the protective mother, she made sure not to fall down on the baby. That made for an awkward landing and an ugly break in the bone just above her ankle.

When the ambulance arrived, the first thing I said was take me to Seton Williamson. I was already a fan of the hospital from a prior visit.

With a top medical staff and the support of donors like you, Seton Williamson is a first choice for emergency care and home to a Level II trauma center and a modern maternity unit. All things Amy would need. Once at the hospital, Amy was in the expert hands of Erik Bruce, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon.

He told me the break would never heal without surgery. My first concern was how anesthesia would affect my baby. Dr. Bruce

genuinely cared about my fears and spent time explaining my options. Everyone there was just as concerned about the baby as I was.

Amy chose an epidural, a local anesthesia to block pain during surgery. She and the baby were closely monitored during the successful procedure to set her broken bonea great relief for Amy and her husband Martin. Now, she was determined to recover

and walk without crutches before her due date.

Unfortunately, Amy soon faced another unexpected hurdle. She had kidney stones. So many stones in fact, that urologist Sandeep Mistry, MD, performed surgery to remove them. Again, Amy describes the amazing care she received, from the surgery team to the maternity team to her obstetrician Ingrid Brown, MD.

Seton Williamson had it all covered. I guess I could have felt bitter about my run of really bad luck, but I never did. I only felt gratitude for this hospital and the people who took care of me and my baby.

Once home, Amy put all her energy into walking unassisted before her baby arrived. She quickly went from using a wheelchair to two crutches to one crutch. Just one week before the big day, she took her first steps without a crutch.

Lauren was born at Seton Williamson on February 9, 2013. Today, she is a vivacious, delightfully talkative toddler. And shes certainly healthyonly two small colds in two years.

Its a good thing I started walking before Lauren got here, because shes kept me running ever since! I just cannot thank Seton Williamson enough and the people in this community who support this hospital. Your gifts, whether large or small, make a huge difference in others lives. They certainly did for my family.

Erik Bruce, MD

Your gifts, whether large or small, make a huge difference in others lives. They certainly did for my family.

Make Your Will KnownIn celebration of Mothers Day, consider honoring a mom in your life with a pledge through your will or estate. Your pledge will help ensure care for others and offer hope to those not yet born. Give a gift that lasts beyond your lifetime and help continue the tradition started in Central Texas by the Daughters of Charity 113 years ago.

A gift to your favorite Seton project or program in honor of your mom, grandmother, aunt or best friend through your will or estate plan, can help continue Setons healing ministry.

If you would like information on how to plan such a gift, please contact Tim Aronson at 512-324-4091 or tjaronson@seton.org. If you have already put Seton in your plans, please let us know so we can acknowledge and celebrate your gift. Here is sample language that can be used to make your will known for generations to come:

I hereby direct $___________ (or percent of my residual estate) in cash, securities or other property to Seton Williamson Foundation, Round Rock, Texas. This gift shall be used for the further benefit of _______( Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, Seton Northwest Hospital, or Seton Medical Center Williamson)______. This gift shall be used to ________(purpose)_______ .

setonwilliamsonfdn.org 3

On a drive with her husband along Highway 183, Cynthia Hoff saw a heavenly sign. It was the Seton cross perched atop Seton Northwest Hospital.

I felt like that cross was calling me, and I had to respond.

Cynthia reached out the Seton Northwest volunteer office where she was warmly welcomed. Since then, on just about every Wednesday over that past 20 years, Cynthias smiling face has greeted patients and guests at the Seton Northwest information desk.

I tell people where to goin a nice way! she chuckles. I like being front and center interacting with everyone. I latch onto people and they latch onto me, and they are comfortable sharing their stories, hurts, and joys. People crave someone who will listen to them.

Gail Gorman, who directs volunteer services at Seton Northwest and Seton Medical Center Williamson, describes Cynthia as a bright ray of sunshine and a visible reminder of Setons mission.

To Cynthia, Seton Northwest is a second homea warm place with a homey feel and many friends. She also knows firsthand the high quality of care offered there. She had a bilateral mastectomy in 1995 and was overwhelmed by the loving care of her nurses.

Cynthia firmly believes in philanthropy and the power of helping others. Ive been blessed in my life, and I think it is incumbent upon me to give back. And Ive taught my children to do the same. She adds, This work has been immensely gratifying. Wednesdays cant come fast enough!

If youd like more information on volunteering at Seton Northwest Hospital or Seton Williamson, please contact Gail Gorman at ggorman@seton.org or 512-324-6052.

New equipment at Seton Northwest was made possible through a recent IBM grant to care for newborns who need extra help with their first breaths. Beth Tracy, manager, IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, pictured with a baby training mannequin, visited Seton Northwest to see the new oxygen blenders and resuscitation carts they made possible. Thank you, IBM, for helping us care for our tiniest patients!

Pictured with Beth Tracy are (l-r): Ed Reilly, clinical nurse educator, Tracey Wiedenfeld, Labor & Delivery manager, and Margaret Butler, senior director of nursing.

Wednesdays Cant Come Fast Enough Cynthia Hoff Lives to Volunteer

IBM Grant Helps Newborns

201 Seton Parkway Round Rock, TX 78665P 512.324.4090 F 512.324.4657 setonwilliamsonfdn.org

The Beacon is published twice each year for donors and friends of Seton Medical Center Williamson, Seton Northwest Hospital and Seton Highland Lakes Hospital. It is a publication of the Seton Williamson Foundation, Donna Budak, executive director.

Seton Williamson Board of Trustees

Life TrusteesCharles N. Avery, III

Judy McLeod

Ex-Officio MembersHarsh Babbar, MD

Sister Helen Brewer, DCDonna BudakScott FullerJess Garza

Ken Gladish, PhDBrian Lidiak

Michelle RobertsonSaid Soubra, MD

Community Volunteer Leadership

Amy GanttSeton Womens Development Board

Nancy CrouseSeton Circle President

The Beacon production team includes photography by Jim Lincoln and design by onecreativegirl.com.

Your feedback and suggestions are welcome at info@setonwilliamsonfdn.org. For more information about support provided by the Seton Williamson Foundation, visit setonwilliamsonfdn.org.

Robotic Surgery Upgrades Increase Precision, Minimize Scarring

Your gifts will keep patient care on cutting edge!

Jim Schwertner Chairman

David Hays Secretary

Troy Rodriguez Treasurer

John S. Avery, Jr.Cliff BlountNancy CrouseBob Eskridge

Bryan FarneyDan GattisKen GrahamRandy HowryFrank KrenekBetty LordNyle MaxwellJim NyquistLaura RobinsonJeff RuskBonnie SellsDavid Singleton

Shortly after Seton Williamson opened, generous donors like you supported the purchase of a da Vinci robotic surgical system, a game-changing innovation in surgical precision. It was the first hospital is Central Texas to secure the latest generation of the da Vinci robot available at the time. To stay on the cutting edge of patient care, Seton Williamson plans to secure new upgrades for its da Vincithe da Vinci Single Site Surgery and the da Vinci Fireflythat will bring greater benefits to patients. And, once again, your support will be vital. With the da Vinci, the most complex of surgeries can be performed through multiple incisions the size of keyholes. But with the da Vinci Single Site, surgeriessuch as the removal of a gall bladdercan be performed through a single incision at the belly button. Theres minimal pain and virtually no scar. The da Vinci Firefly is one of the greatest recent enhancements to robotic surgery. The Firefly enables surgeons to use a special video

camera and fluorescent dye to clearly see blood flowing through vessels and tissue during surgery. With this tool, healthy tissue with blood flow appears bright green, while tissue without blood flow looks gray. Doctors also can view the bile ducts in real-time. Real-time, precise images will give our surgeons the best visualization during robotic surgery, leading to optimal results for our patients, said Brian Lidiak, Seton Williamson vice president and chief operating officer. Community support, including the more than $1 million raised for the original da Vinci system, have put Seton Williamson on the leading edge of technology and patient safety. Your support of these new, top-quality upgrades will help keep the highest level of care available to all. To find out more or to make a donation, please contact Tim Aronson at the Seton Williamson Foundation, tjaronson@seton.org or (512) 324-4091.

17th Annual Berry Creek Cancer Fund Golf Tournament June 6, 2015 Berry Creek Country ClubYour support benefits cancer care in Williamson County. Proceeds from this event help fund the cancer patient navigator position held by Cindy Fawver, RN. Cindy helps ensure that individuals with cancer receive high quality treatment through coordination of care.Its a personal and supportive hands-on approach during a stressful time in a patients life. Last year, nearly $60,000 from the event went to fund the cancer patient navigator.You can help continue this important service! If you would like to participate as a sponsor, volunteer, and/or a donor, visit www.berrycreekcancerfund.org or contact BCCF Committee Chair Katy Quinn at kdquinn@suddenlink.net.

Your Gifts, Your Vote Seton Circle Selects New Projects to Support

Gifts from Seton Circle members totaling $12,137 will fund: Two Quick Move patient transfer

devices One Stryker wheelchair Radiology accessories Cardiac Gentle Flow Movement,

balance and strength class

Chaired by Seton Williamson Foundation board member Nancy Crouse, the Seton Circle is a society of community friends and Seton associates who donate $250 or more annually. Members gather for social events and annually vote on projects to support with their generous donations.

We welcome you to join the Seton Circle! For more information,please contact Karen Garbaccio at klgarbaccio@seton.org or call (512) 324-4092.

Help others and have fun!

It started out as an ordinary night. Long-time Marble Falls resident Kay Buckley settled in to watch television with her dog Snoopy when she felt a terrible tightening in her chest. It was so frightening. I couldnt breathe in or out, she describes. I used my life alert system to call for help. Thank goodness I got the care I needed in time, including a stent to open up an artery in my heart.

Following her surgery, Kay would need comprehensive cardiopulmonary rehabilitationa vital piece to her recovery. She felt fortunate to find those services close to home at Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, and more fortunate still to receive financial help from the Seton Assistance Program.

I really was scared to exercise. I kept thinking about having an attack while I was just sitting watching TV. What would happen to me while exercising?

Her fears were quickly put to rest. Under constant monitoring and the caring attention of cardiac nurses, Kay joined the Seton Highland Lakes Cardiac Rehabilitation Program last June and attended tailored sessions twice a week.

She felt encouraged by the care team and her fellow patients who worked side-by-side with her on the stationary bikes and gliders. And most importantly, she felt safe. The staff was very conscientious. They carefully monitored my progress and taught me how to take better care of my heart. I couldnt have been more pleased with how I was treated.

Kay graduated from the Seton Highland Lakes program in October, and her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren couldnt be happier.

Im enjoying time with my family and anticipating the birth of a new great-grandbaby. I feel good. Before rehab, a walk down the hill to my mailbox took so much out of me, but now that trip is easier. Its those simple things that I appreciate most.

Cardio Rehab Team: (l to r) Thomas Brooks, Nancy Lewis, Charlie Fox, ACNP, Erica Hughes, MD, and Chad Pearce.

Enhancements Coming to Cardio-Rehab Program

Seton Highland Lakes Hospital operates the only cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program in the Highland Lakes area. Its a vital resource to patients, like Kay, working to achieve the best possible recovery following a heart attack or other cardio-pulmonary event. Hundreds of Highland Lakes residents are relieved to find these services at home, avoiding burdensome travel.

How You Can Make A Difference

To enhance the SHL Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, the hospital is raising funds for a state-of-the-art Cardiopulmonary Telemetry Monitoring System. For information on how you can help, contact Becky Fox, senior development officer, at bfox@seton.org or (512) 715-3367.

Your support can save a life!

A Change of Heart: Cardio Rehab Helps Grandmother Gain New Strength

For more information, please contact Becky Fox at 512-715-3367 or bfox@seton.org.

Project SEARCH Coming to Seton Highland Lakes

Beginning in the Fall of 2016, Seton Highland Lakes will proudly welcome Project SEARCH, an innovative best practice for preparing and training young adults with intellectual disabilities for the competitive workforce. Through yearlong internships, Project SEARCH offers each participant the opportunity to develop their vocational skills in a business setting, while building a solid foundation of professional experience.

The first of its kind in Texas, Project SEARCH was initially piloted at Seton Medical Center Austin in 2007 and has grown each year to four additional sites within the Seton network.

Project SEARCH at Seton is a collaboration involving many community partners including Seton, the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and disability service providers. It is vocational rehabilitation with a competitive edge, and is driven by business.

To date, Project SEARCH at Seton has graduated 82 interns. Of those graduates, 39 have been hired by Seton and an additional 30 have successfully transitioned into roles of competitive employment with community employers.

Collectively, this translates to a competitive hire rate of 84%, a remarkable outcome as compared to the national unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities of 79.7% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

An exciting endeavor for the Seton Highland Lakes community, Project SEARCH will focus on working with a group of 8 to12 young adults, developing the vocational skills they need to be competitive in todays challenging workforce, and helping them achieve a greater level of independence in the community. For questions, please contact Becky Fox, senior development officer, at 512-715-3367 or bfox@seton.org.

Youre invited! Venetian Masquerade Gala Hosted by Horseshoe Bay seton associates

Benefitting Project search at seton Highland lakes Hospital

Thursday, October 1, 20156 to 8 p.m.Escondido Club House211 Plaza EscondidoHorseshoe Bay

Celebrating the 24th anniversary of the Horseshoe Bay seton associates!

Watch for further details coming soon.

Jack Keefer, a 2014 Seton Williamson Project SEARCH graduate, is now employed in the hospitals Sterile Processing department.

Thanks to donors like you, A Night on the Red Carpet netted more than $468,000. Amazing! More than $353,000 raised will fund building and equipment needs to provide excellent, person-centered healthcare at Seton Medical Center Williamson. The Paddles Up portion of the event raised $115,000 for Project SEARCH, a year-long internship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Project SEARCH provides professional experience to interns through hands-on training in complex, systematic internships with the ultimate goal of competitive employment.

This annual event, hosted by the Seton Womens Development Board featured an Oscars theme, live and silent auctions, sumptuous dinner, and dancing.Thanks to Gala Chairs Mary Steger and Karen Cumberland, and the hard work of our wonderful board, this years event was wildly successful, said Amy Gantt, SWDB president. Our heartfelt thanks to Mary and Troy Rodriguez, Emerson Process Management, The Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, and all our generous sponsors.

Your Generosity Shines at Annual Gala

Thank you for supporting better care in Williamson County.

PHOTOS

1 - Mary and Troy Rodriguez

2 - Seton Womens Development Board

3 - Project SEARCH Graduate Jack Keefer and mother Kelly Keefer

1

3

2

The Seton Cornerstone Society recognizes the generosity of those who support the work of Seton Medical Center Williamson. These businesses and individuals are part of the legacy to further the mission of Seton and our founders, the Daughters of Charity.

You, too, can become a member of the Seton Cornerstone Society. For more information, please contact Karen Garbaccio, 512-324-4090, klgarbaccio@seton.org.

Thank you to our 2014 Seton Cornerstone Society Members!

$2,500+Acadian Ambulance ServiceKathleen and Tim AronsonAustin Skeletal Trauma Specialists, PAValerie and John Avery Jr.Patricia and Robert BerrymanCardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, PAChampion Site PrepClinical Pathology Associates, IncExtraco Banks, NAFirst Texas BankGail Gorman and John FieldsTammy and David HaysH-E-BJudy Wolf HindelangLynne MooreKaren Kahan and MariBen RamseyAmanda and Lee McIntoshSharon and Brent New, MDNorthstar Bank of TexasPediatrix Medical Group of Texas, PACindy and Michael PfeiferNancy RabbShari and John RammingRandolph-Brooks Federal Credit UnionMary and Perry StegerSuanna and Kenneth TumlinsonUniversity Federal Credit UnionWells Fargo Bank Texas, NA

$1,000+Laura and Brian Aldred, MDJanet and Thomas AlexanderPhilip AnnisAustin Foam PlasticsJudy and John Avery, Sr.Michelle and A. Nelson Avery, MDBank of America Charitable FoundationRebecca and Ty BarhoBrenda and Don BeardFayruz Benyousef and Malek Ben-MusaPatricia and Jim BethkeLinda and Louis BosiSara and Michael BottomMargaret ButlerCapital Surgeons Group, PLLCAnne and Robert CastleHaley and Troy Chapman

$50,000 +Mary and Troy Rodriguez Patti and Jim Schwertner

$25,000+Alpha Painting and Decorating Company Emerson Process ManagementNyle Maxwell Family of DealershipsNeel Ware, MD

$10,000+Austin Radiological Association, PAQuen and Jess GarzaShana and Dan Gattis Kathleen and Chaz GlaceNicole and Glenn Harper, MDCarol and Steve HickersonKeystone Concrete PlacementNancy and Nyle Maxwell ReitPath Pathology Texas A&M College of NursingTexas A&M Health Science CenterTexas Methodist Foundation

$5,000+Advanced Pain CareAustin CyberKnifeAustin Regional Clinic, PABeth and Charles Avery IIIAvery Center DevCo, Inc.Susie and Jim AwaltBBVA Compass BankCapRidge PartnersDonna and Bryan BudakCapitol Anesthesiology AssociationEmergency Service Partners, LPSharon and Michael DaggettEmbree Group of CompaniesDr. Marsha and Bryan FarneyAmy and Jay GanttEura Mae and Johnny GanttJavonne and Hugh Gilmore, MDHeather and Gary HillHowry, Breen & Herman, LLPIBM Corporation Independent BankNancy and Frank KrenekJoni and Brian LidiakKelly and Scott LinebrinkLone Star Circle of CareBetty Lord and David DotsonKathleen and R. Griffin LordJoanie and Ryan LudwickMercedes Benz of GeorgetownMelissa and Bo McKinneyQuenans Fine JewelersMichelle and Scott RobertsonJo Ann and Michael StanleySuzy and Jeff RuskTECO-Westinghouse Motor Co.

Comerica Bank-TexasNancy Crouse and Craig McCurdyKaren and Michael CumberlandTricia and Richard CusterViet Dinh Do and Robert Bonar Julia DavisMelinda and Grant FolsomMelanie and Steven FoxFrost BankDiane and Scott FullerValerie and Thomas GammonGentiva HospiceKendal and Kenneth Gladish, PhDGeorgetown Health FoundationSuzanne HindelangKarlene and Paul HohlsteinHumana

Carole and John JebensRonald JiedeLeslie and David Laverty, MDJanet and Theodore LobsenzRachel and Chris LogueLott Brothers Construction CompanyTracy and Mark Malone, MDJill and Paul MarshallDr. Michelle McClintock-Von Bieberstein and Glenn Von Bieberstein Cynthia and Tom McCordArlene and Terrence McKennaClaire and Ian McLoughlin, MD Medical Jets InternationalPowell Financial PartnersCrystal and Keith OdomHeather and James ParsonsPolkinghorn Group Architects, Inc

Geovanna RicaldiSusan and Steven RichmondKatherine RinehartRJ Precision Machining, IncCyndee and David RustRuth and Nolan RyanLinda and Ty SchmittJennifer ShieldLori SingletonSandy and Brad StewartTasus Texas CorporationDollene and Donald ThompsonTurnco Tool and Instruments, IncHope Van der HeijdenWallie Lock Charitable FoundationJeanne and Bob WhetsellLarry WoodZoll Lifevest Corporation

SMCW_beacon_SPRING2015Beacon_SHL_Insert2015Beacon_Insert2015Spring