Board of Directors James S. Bush

Chairman Robert Madigan, M.D.

Vice Chairman Michael Crabtree

Secretary/Treasurer Dawn Ford Steven HarbLewis Harris, M.D. Jeffory Jennings, M.D. Bob Koppel Donald E. Larmee, M.D.A. David Martin Dugan McLaughlinChristopher Miller, M.D. Alvin Nance Dennis Ragsdale William F. Searle III Bill Terry, M.D. Laurens Tullock Danni Varlan

Medical Staff Lewis Harris, M.D.

Chief of Staff David Nickels, M.D.

Vice Chief of Staff Lise Christensen, M.D.

Secretary

Chiefs of Services John Buchheit, M.D.

Chief of Medicine Alan Anderson, M.D.

Chief of Surgery

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 Laura Barnes, R.N., M.S.N., C.N.A.A.,B.C.

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 almost 70 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 trained personnel who recognize that children are not miniature adults.”...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 and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents.”

Statement of Philosophy East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

www.etch.com

2

February 13, 2006

Dear Children’s Hospital,

I wrote Children’s back in September about the care of my son who was admitted inAugust and diagnosed with staphylococcus scaled skin syndrome.Since then I have given birth to another boy on November 24, 2005.

He was also admitted to Children’s with RSV. His first night was in the PICU, and thestaff took very good care of him and monitored him very well. Thankfully, the next dayhe was sent to the floor. He was doing much better.

I just want to thank the nurses, doctors, respiratory techs and Child Life for takingsuch good care of both my sons and especially to Child Life for keeping thementertained with toys and music. I also want to thank the nurses for making our stay ascomfortable as possible. Thanks to the doctors for explaining everything so thoroughly,and thanks to respiratory for helping my son breathe better. Thanks so much toChildren’s Hospital, and God bless you for your help and support.

Sincerely,Tamara TwitchellMorristown

“Dear Children’s”“Dear Children’s”1

On the cover: Annie and Elizabeth Smith. Read Annie’s story on pages 4-6.

Dear Children’s Hospital,

On Monday, December 5, our 3-year-old daughter fell andcut her forehead open. We brought her in to your wonderfulhospital to be stitched up. Everyone that we came in contactwith during our visit was extremely helpful and made us feel welcome, even though the waiting room was packed that night.

When we made it to our room in the EmergencyDepartment, the Child Life specialist was great by showingour daughter the different tools the doctor would use tomake her better. Then, Heather Broome, a physician

assistant, came in andhad more numbing gelapplied to be sure nopain was felt. She latercame back and,according to Dr. RonaldRimer at KnoxvillePediatric Associates,did a fabulous job ofsewing up the cut withsix stitches.

We received goodfollow-up instructionson how to care for thewound, and though wedidn’t finally leave untilafter midnight, we leftknowing that Children’s

Hospital is the place to go in a time of need. This wasn’t ourfirst trip to your Emergency Department, and with two smallchildren at home, I’m sure it wasn’t our last. We just wantedto let you know how much we appreciate the service youprovide and how well you provide it.

We’re sorry if we left anyone out who helped care for ourdaughter or got any names wrong, but if you were workingthat night or any night, we thank you very much.

Sincerely,Bobby and Beverly MeddersKnoxville

January 2, 2006

Dear Children’s Hospital,

My name is HeatherShipley, I am the mother ofan 8-year-old patient whohas recently been releasedfrom Children’s Hospitalafter a 31-day stay. I broughtmy daughter, Emily Parker,to the EmergencyDepartment on the last dayof November 2005 atapproximately 6 p.m., andshe was admitted into thePediatric Intensive Care Unitat 2:30 the following morning.

She was brought in an EXTREMELY sick child. TheEmergency Department staff took one look at her, brought herstraight in and hooked her to an IV for fluids. Thirty-one dayslater we were released. After a couple of days in the PICU, thedoctors were able to determine her condition. She had apseudomonas infection, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpuraand leukemia.

I CANNOT express in any words in my vocabulary howextraordinary the staff is at Children’s Hospital. From theoncologists, specialists, right down to housekeeping, everyonemade you feel as if you were the only family in that hospital. Herdoctors were not only knowledgeable in their practice but weresincere and caring. Dr. Kevin Brinkmann, in particular, treatedher as if she was his child. It was overwhelming to a mother tosee the man in whom your child’s care lies to be that passionate.I am nothing short of pleased with our whole experience atChildren’s Hospital; we could not have asked for better, and Idon’t think we could have gotten any better.

I know that God was looking after my little girl, and I knowthat he was guiding the precious hands of the doctors who havehealed her. My heart goes out to them, and I can’t thank themenough. God bless everyone at Children’s Hospital. Thank youfor doing what you do, and going the extra mile at doing whatyou do; it makes a difference to a family!

Heather ShipleyCorryton

3

“O, Christmas Treats” will be the delicious holiday theme for this fall’s 22nd

annual Fantasy of Trees.

Co-chairs Linda Redmond and Stephanie Jeffreys and assistant co-chair Sarah

Beth Carlon are busy planning this year’s event, set for November 22-26 at the

Knoxville Convention Center.

Thousands of volunteers will contribute more than 140,000 hours of their

time throughout 2006 to make this year’s Fantasy of Trees a reality for families

in East Tennessee.

This year’s event is sure to sweeten the season with decorations and designs that

celebrate visions of sugarplums, Christmas confections, candy canes, gumdrops,

cookies and other candied surprises awaiting young and old during the holiday

season. In addition, new children’s activities and shops will also reflect this year’s

tasty theme.

2005 was a record-breaking year for the Fantasy of Trees with proceeds totaling

more than $322,000 and attendance of 62,556.

For more information about the 2006 Fantasy of Trees, contact the Children’s

Hospital Volunteer Services and Resources Department at (865) 541-8385 or send

an email to fot@etch.com.by Clair Cowley, student intern

Bulletin Board

V

2006 Fantasy of Trees Assistant

Co-Chair Sarah Beth Carlon and

Co-Chairs Linda Redmond and

Stephanie Jeffreys (left to right)

V

Children’s Hospital is now offering an innovative new service for the families it serves who have children with chronic or seriousillnesses and injuries. Called CarePages, the Internet-basedcommunications system offers an opportunity for families to createsimple web pages about a sick or injured relative who is a patient at Children’s Hospital.CarePages offers patient web pages that deliver emotionalsupport to Children’s Hospital patients and families by making iteasy for them to stay in touch during a hospital stay or any time thechild is receiving medical care. The service provides patient familieswith an easier way to update relatives and friends without the needfor repeated phone calls or e-mails. CarePages also makes it possiblefor relatives and friends to send messages of encouragement, givingthe patient and family much needed emotional support. A patient’sCarePage can be updated as often as the family chooses, and gueststo the page can see the updates about the patient any time theyaccess the family’s web page.

CarePages also makes it possible for families to help the hospitalin return. Through CarePages, patients and families can recognizestaff members who have provided superior levels of care. Children’s Hospital’s CarePages can be accessed through computersin the hospital’s Family Resource Center, in a patient family’s home orfrom any computer by visiting www.etch.com. CarePages are password-

protected, secure, and comply with all patient privacy regulations. Over500 facilities in North America now offer CarePages with new hospitalsadding the service each month.The service is offered free to Children’s Hospital patient families,thanks to funds raised by the annual Star 102.1 Radiothon.“We are really excited about offering this new service to ourpatients and their families,” said Mary Pegler, Director of Child Lifeat Children’s Hospital. “A child’s hospitalization, particularly when itis for a serious accident or when the child has just been diagnosedwith a chronic condition, is very stressful for the entire family. Bysetting up a CarePage, families will be able to provide friends andrelatives with information about their child’s condition but not haveto repeat what could be difficult news over and over and over again.Hopefully, this will alleviate some anxieties about making sure othersknow what is happening and give parents more time to concentrateon their child.”

Families say CarePages give them greater control over the flowof information during and after hospitalization, since they can shareupdates at a time that is right for them. Relatives and friends call lessoften because they are automatically notified via e-mail wheneverCarePages are updated.For more information on CarePages, call the Children’s HospitalCommunity Relations Office at (865) 541-8165.

V

FFaannttaassyy ooff TTrreeeess names co-chairs, sets theme

NEW CAREPAGES SERVICE AT CHILDREN’SHOSPITAL OFFERS EASY WAY FOR PATIENTS,FAMILIES TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY THROUGH THEIR OWN WEB PAGE

4

Annie

DDuring the summer of 1997, Kyle Smith was a stay-at-home mother of a toddler and wasanxiously awaiting the birth of her second child. Elizabeth, Kyle’s three-year-old daughter, was ahealthy and happy girl who couldn’t wait for her little sister to arrive. The excitement, however, turnedto nervous anticipation in June when Kyle received the results of an amniocentesis, a procedure whereamniotic fluid is drawn from the uterus and analyzed to detect genetic abnormalities. The testindicated that her unborn baby had Down syndrome.

Annie

5

Not fully understanding what Downsyndrome was, Kyle decided to immerse herselfin every bit of information she could find. Shewanted to make sure she felt educated enoughto be the best parent possible for a child withthis condition. “My first reaction was, I don’twant this; I didn’t want my child to have Downsyndrome,” Kyle said. “But I quickly realizedthe only thing I could do was make sure I wasready and that this baby would have everythingshe needed.”

To understand Down syndrome, you have to understand a little about chromosomes.A person is supposed to have 23 pairs ofchromosomes, for a total of 46. But a personwith Down syndrome has an extra chromosomeor one chromosome has an extra part. Thisextra genetic material causes problems withdevelopment. About one of every 800 babies is born with Down syndrome, and it happensregardless of the parent’s race or nationality.Doctors aren’t sure why this chromosomeproblem happens to some babies and not toothers, but they do know it’s nothing themother or father did before the child was born.

As the birth of her new daughterapproached, Kyle felt she was as prepared toparent her new child as possible, but the fearwas still there. “It was scary. Both of mypregnancies made me nervous, but this oneespecially.”

The big day came in December 1997.Annie was born on December 5 and spent eightdays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU) at Children’s Hospital. This wasn’t theSmith family’s first experience in the NICU;Annie’s older sister Elizabeth spent five daysthere for respiratory distress when she was bornthree years earlier. Kyle said, “Dr. Louden Nalle(a neonatologist at Children’s) attended Annie’sbirth and was very supportive. The entire NICUstaff was wonderful.”

Now eight years old, Annie is a bright,healthy and very active little girl who playssoccer and attends dance lessons. “She can doanything other children her age can do. Shemight do things at a different pace, but she canrun and play just the same,” Kyle said.

Annie attends Brickey-McCloud ElementarySchool and is a typical first grader. “Herclassmates love her. She has such an outgoingand larger-than-life personality that people can’thelp but be drawn to her,” Kyle said.

The family has not been without momentsof worry, however. Infants with Downsyndrome tend to develop more slowly thanother babies do. About half are born with heartdefects, and some can experience eye or earproblems, among other difficulties. Annie hashad tubes placed in her ears three times and eye surgery at Children’s Hospital to correctproblems relating to her condition. More

seriously, Annie underwent heart surgery inAtlanta during the winter of 1998. Theoperation was to correct Tetrology of Fallot (a complex combination of four birth defects in the heart) and an Atrioventricular Canal(another congenital heart defect). “It’s a pretty rare combination of defects, but thecombination kept Annie from having to haveimmediate surgery. I felt very fortunate to havebeen able to wait until she was older,” Kylesaid. “From her activity level now, you wouldnever know that she ever had heart surgery.”

Through it all, one thing has remainedconstant: the special relationship betweenAnnie and Elizabeth. The bond between thesisters has been growing since Annie was born.Kyle said she has always been honest withElizabeth about Annie and about what it meansto be a big sister to a child with Downsyndrome. Elizabeth went with Annie todevelopmental therapy and continued workingwith her at home. Kyle said Elizabeth is mostproud of teaching Annie how to sing “Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star” and encouraging her tocrawl, stand and eventually walk.

“Annie will do things for Elizabeth whenno one else can get her to do them,” Kyle said.“At dance lessons, Elizabeth is Annie’s ‘helper,’which is Annie’s choice. Of course, Annie alsowill go into Elizabeth’s room and get into herstuff and make Elizabeth so mad, just like anyother sisterly relationship.”

One way the girls express their love for oneanother that is especially touching for theirmother is the way they share music. “Elizabethis very good at sharing her things with Annie.She has an adaptor for her iPod so they canboth listen to it at the same time,” the proudmother said.

When Annie was in the NICU, Kyle made adecision that would change her life. Whileadmiring the work of the nurses around her,Kyle decided she knew that the work they weredoing is what she needed to be doing herself.

e

Continued on page 6

What is Down syndrome?Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality

that occurs in one out of every 800-1,000 births. Forunexplained reasons, an error in cell developmentoccurs at the time of conception that results in 47chromosomes rather than 46. This extra chromosomecan affect an individual’s health, muscledevelopment, body development and mentalcapabilities.

About 5,000 babies with Down syndrome are bornin the United States each year. Contrary to popularbelief, about 80 percent of babies with Downsyndrome are born to mothers UNDER the age of 35.

While the extra chromosome in individuals withDown syndrome does affect body and braindevelopment, individuals with Down syndrome aremore similar to typically developing individuals thanthey are different. Just as with typically developingindividuals, there is a great diversity withinindividuals of Down syndrome in terms ofpersonality, learning styles, intelligence, appearance,compliance, humor, compassion and attitude.

Ten things you never knewabout Down syndrome( a n d t h e p e o p l e w h o h a v e i t )1. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring

genetic disorder.2. People with Down syndrome typically finish high

school, have jobs and do volunteer work.3. People with Down syndrome often live

independently or semi-independently inadulthood.

4. Their average life span is 55 years, with manyliving into their sixties and seventies.

5. In one recent year, individuals with Downsyndrome addressed the delegates at theRepublican Convention, became Eagle Scouts,appeared on prime-time television, illustrated achildren’s book and testified before Congress.

6. The vast majority of people with Down syndromehave only mild to moderate mental retardation.

7. People with Down syndrome have married andowned homes.

8. Children with Down syndrome learn to sit, walk,talk and play only somewhat later than theirpeers.

9. Although incidence of Down syndrome increaseswith maternal age, 80 percent of babies withDown syndrome are born to mothers less than 35years old.

10. A woman with Down syndrome ran for the TexasState Board of Education.

To learn more about Down syndrome, visit theweb site for the National Down Syndrome Society atwww.ndss.org or call (800) 221-4602.

(Source: the National Down Syndrome Society,www.ndss.org)

Pictured here are Annie with her sister,Elizabeth, and her mother, Kyle.

6

“I thought it was the greatest job,” Kyle said.Soon after Annie was discharged and settled inat home, Kyle enrolled in nursing school, andin 2002, she became an NICU nurse atChildren’s Hospital.

“My decision was very personal,” Kyle said.“I had to go back to work, and I wanted tohave a job I loved. At the same time, I alsoknew that I would have something unique tooffer parents, especially those that have babieswith Down syndrome.”

Kyle continued, “I truly understand what it feels like to not be able to take your babyhome. I don’t share my experiences with everyparent, but if someone is having an especiallyhard time, I can reassure them that Iunderstand, and it will get better.”

Without the help of people like pediatriccardiologist Dr. Jeffory Jennings, pediatric

ophthalmologist Dr. Gary Gitschlag, pediatricotolaryngologist Dr. Michael Belmont and theentire NICU and radiology staff, “Annie wouldnot be in the great condition she is in today,”Kyle said.

Kyle has shown her appreciation to themand to Children’s Hospital by being a dedicatedand valued staff member in the Haslam FamilyNICU.

Through perseverance and help from those at Children’s Hospital, Annie has lived ahappy and healthy life to this point. She is aninspiration for anyone who doesn’t understandthat people with Down syndrome can doanything anybody else can do. She also hasbeen an inspiration to her mother, in moreways than Annie herself even knows.

By Jake Resler, Public Relations Specialist

Did you know that expectant and newparents are some of the most frequent users ofthe Internet? KidsHealth has launched aPregnancy & Newborn Center as a valuedresource that new and expectant parents willwant to visit regularly.

Featured on the Children’s Hospital website,the Pregnancy & Newborn Center includeshundreds of articles for expectant and newparents as well as quick links to the mostpopular features, such as the week-by-week

pregnancy calendar (available in English andSpanish), an easy-to-read immunization chart,recipes for pregnant and nursing women,research news and much more.

Visit the Children’s Hospital website atwww.etch.com, and click on Pregnancy & Newborn Center in the “In The News” box.

Children’s Hospital is a KidsHealthEducational Partner. KidsHealth is a project ofthe Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’sHealth Media.

In February, the Food and DrugAdministration announced the approval ofRotaTeq, a live, oral vaccine for use inpreventing rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants.The Advisory Committee on ImmunizationPractices, which advises the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, has recommended thatthe vaccine be added to the schedule ofimmunizations for infants and young children.

RotaTeq is the only vaccine approved in theUnited States that can help protect againstrotavirus, a viral infection that can causediarrhea, vomiting, fever and dehydration.

Infection with rotavirus is a leading cause ofsevere diarrhea in infants and young children inthe United States and worldwide. The Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention hasestimated that rotavirus infection results inapproximately 55,000 hospitalizations annuallyof infants and young children in this country.

Studies of the new vaccine show RotaTeqprevented 74 percent of all rotavirusgastroenteritis cases and 98 percent of the

severe cases. In addition, RotaTeq preventedabout 96 percent of hospitalizations due torotavirus gastroenteritis.

In 1998, FDA approved a different livevaccine against rotavirus that was laterwithdrawn from the market because of itsassociation with an increased risk ofintussusception, a rare, life-threatening type of blockage or twisting of the intestine.Intussusception occurs spontaneously inapproximately 1 in 2,000 healthy young infantsand children per year, but occurred at anincreased rate during the first week or twofollowing vaccination with the previousrotavirus vaccine.

Studies showed no similar problem withRotaTeq, a liquid vaccine that is given bymouth in three doses between the ages of 6 and 32 weeks.

Sources: MedScape from WebMD(www.medscape.com) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)

The Down SyndromeAwareness Group of East Tennessee

The Down Syndrome Awareness

Group of East Tennessee (DSAG) is a

parent-initiated organization developed to

provide information and support to

families of individuals with Down

syndrome and to raise awareness within

the community about the abilities of

individuals with Down syndrome and the

benefits of their inclusion into society.

DSAG is a non-profit organization that

works to educate and link individuals

with Down syndrome and their families

within a 17-county area in East Tennessee.

Support meetings called Coffee and

Crayons take place monthly; packets of

information, called Down Comfort Kits,

are presented to new parents of babies

with Down syndrome; social events are

conducted throughout the year to bring

families together; a bi-monthly newsletter

with current information relating to Down

syndrome is provided for members; and

informational meetings and conferences

on topics relevant to Down syndrome are

periodically presented.

DSAG is available to parents and

professionals 24 hours a day to provide

general information about Down

syndrome and area resources. For more

information, call (865) 905-2968 or send

an e-mail to dsagtn@hotmail.com.

Annie Smith playing the piano

Annie continued from page 5

New rotavirus vaccine available

KidsHealth adds new feature for expectant and new parents

Carol L. Fowler, M.D.

B.S. (Biology) and B.A. (Chemistry) —Emory University, 1975M.D. - Louisiana State University MedicalCenter, New Orleans, 1979Residency (Pediatrics) - Medical Collegeof Virginia, Richmond, 1979-80Residencies (General Surgery) —Louisiana State University Medical CenterAssociated Hospitals, New Orleans, 1980-84; and University of South DakotaAssociated Hospitals, Yankton, 1984-86Fellowship (Surgery Trauma Research)— Louisiana State University MedicalCenter, 1982Fellowship (Pediatric Surgery) —Texas Children’s Hospital, 1986-87Fellowship (Pediatric SurgeryResearch) - Children’s Hospital of Buffalo,N.Y., 1987-89Residency (Pediatric Surgery) —TexasChildren’s Hospital, Baylor College ofMedicine, Houston, 1989-91Additional education — Summerresearch fellowships at Children’sMemorial Hospital, Chicago, 1976 and1977; summer research fellowship atLouisiana State University, 1978; andassociate resident in pediatric surgery,Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 1983Husband — Jeffery Turek, Ph.D.Personal interests — digitalphotography/ editing and outdooractivities such as hiking, canoeing andscuba diving.

Pediatric surgeon grew upwanting to be a doctor

Growing up in New Orleans, Carol Fowler,M.D., had a clear and consistent career goal. As the daughter of the head of pediatrics atLouisiana State University, Dr. Fowler alwaysknew she, too, wanted to be a pediatrician.

Early on, she had a specific interest in geneticsand birth defects, and during her medical trainingshe completed three summer research fellowshipsin this area.

When she began her surgery rotation, however,she found a new but related interest. In genetics, aphysician diagnoses congenital (birth) defects andcounsels parents, but does not treat or repair theproblem. Conversely, a surgeon has the trainingand knowledge to do something about the defect.Dr. Fowler was drawn to that more “hands-on”approach to the genetic problems she found sointeresting. She decided to redirect her interestsin pediatrics, genetics and surgery into a pediatricsurgery residency. Following her training, she wentinto an academic and research position at theUniversity of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky.

While living in Lexington, Dr. Fowler met herhusband, Jeffery Turek, Ph.D., then a nuclearengineer in Oak Ridge. Dr. Fowler and Dr. Turekmoved to Savannah in 2002 for Dr. Fowler to joinSavannah Pediatric Surgery, a private surgicalpractice with a surgery residency teachingaffiliation. But the couple discovered they missedthis part of the country, particularly the rural areas.

In Savannah, Dr. Fowler was affiliated with a“hospital within a hospital,” a concept where thechildren’s hospital is a small component of alarger hospital setting. Because of its small size,the children’s hospital in Savannah had a smallnumber of pediatric subspecialties. This limitedthe hospital’s ability to handle complicated cases;instead, children requiring more complicated carewere sent to other, larger hospitals.

Dr. Fowler wished to return to a freestandingchildren’s hospital setting and found EastTennessee Children’s Hospital to be conducive toher interests for several reasons in addition to itsgeographic location. One, the hospital is able toprovide care for children with more complicatedneeds because Children’s has 28 pediatricsubspecialties.

Two, a teaching appointment at the Universityof Tennessee training general surgical residentsalso was appealing to Dr. Fowler, who enjoyed asimilar role in Savannah.

In May, Dr. Fowler is joining the East TennesseePediatric Surgery Group, P.L.L.C., at Children’s Hospital to help serve the surgicalneeds of this region’s children. Dr. Fowler joinspediatric surgeons Alan E. Anderson, M.D., Gus Papadakis, M.D., and Alfred P. Kennedy Jr.,M.D., in the surgical group.

Pediatric surgeons perform commonprocedures such as appendix removals andhernia repairs. More complicated cases includechildren with various congenital anomalies,obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract,urological surgical cases (such as circumcision,undescended testes and kidney obstructions),trauma, lung cysts and infections, and tumors.

As a surgeon, Dr. Fowler has maintained herlongtime interest in congenital defects and alsohas a tremendous interest in neuroblastoma, aform of cancer usually found in infants andyoung children. She researched this type ofcancer through several grants, including onefrom the National Institutes of Health.

Clinical research and publishing areespecially important to Dr. Fowler, who enjoysstudying a problem thoroughly and thenpublishing her findings. Among her studieswere a description and treatment of conjoinedtwins and a study of a patient with a rarevariant of split notochord syndrome. This childhad multiple complex problems, including asplit spine, a triplicated (three-part) colon, apartial third leg in the abdomen, a tetheredspinal cord and a teratoma (a type of tumor).

As a researcher, Dr. Fowler looks at theembryology - how the problem happened andhow to explain it. As a teacher, she likes tostress to her residents the importance ofresearch. “It’s important for them to learn howto investigate the literature to see if a problemhas been described before,” she explained. “It’salso valuable for them to learn how to use themedical library, not just the Internet.”

Since Dr. Fowler began practicing medicine,some significant changes have improved andenhanced care for patients and also improvedthe practice for physicians. Laparoscopy offerspatients the benefits of less invasive surgery anda quicker recovery time. Electronic records,especially the electronic storage of radiologyfilms (X-rays as well as CT and MRI images),has made it easier and faster for physicians toreview their patients’ test results, radiologystudies and other information.

As she prepares to become an EastTennessean, Dr. Fowler doesn’t plan to startwearing a lot of orange. In fact, because of her11 years spent in Kentucky, she is certain she’llremain a Kentucky men’s basketball fan. “But Ihave followed the Lady Vols for years,” sheadded, noting that prior to this interview, shehad watched Pat Summitt win her 900th gameas the Lady Vols’ head coach.

In conjunction with her colleagues at EastTennessee Pediatric Surgery Group, P.L.L.C., Dr.Fowler will help to provide the best in pediatricsurgical services to the children of this region.

Subspecialist Profile

7

There is no such thing as a “typical” day in ahospital. Day in and day out, patients enter ourdoors for care, but each child is unique and eachexperience is different. However, within each dayat Children’s Hospital, there are some commonthreads. One common thread is the training andexperience of the hospital’s staff – no matter whatsituation arises, our staff is skilled and preparedto meet the challenge. For the next several issuesof It’s About Children, we’ll profile some of ourstaff and highlight all our clinical areas. We hopeit will give you a glimpse into life at Children’sHospital.

CRITICAL CARE SERVICESAt Children’s Hospital, Critical Care Services

encompasses several major departments andservices – the Goody’s Pediatric Intensive CareUnit, the Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Scott M. Niswonger EmergencyDepartment, the Pediatric and Neonatal TransportTeams and the After Hours Program. These arethe departments and services that care for themost seriously or most urgently sick and injuredpatients we see.

GOODY’S PEDIATRIC INTENSIVECARE UNIT

The hospital’s Goody’s Pediatric Intensive CareUnit (PICU) provides sophisticated, 24-hour-a-daytreatment for critically ill and injured children. The PICU is staffed with critical care physicians,physician assistants, nurse practitioners, R.N.s and clinical practice specialists specifically trainedand experienced in the care of critically illchildren. Patients in the PICU receive a high levelof monitoring and/or treatment until they are well enough to be transferred to a patient room on one of the general medical/surgical units ordischarged home.

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admitted 662 patients during the most recently completed fiscal year, 2004-05.

HASLAM FAMILY NEONATALINTENSIVE CARE UNIT

In the Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive CareUnit (NICU), tiny and fragile infants bornprematurely or facing life-threatening illnessesreceive treatment from a team of board-certifiedneonatologists, with valuable assistance fromspecially trained nurses, respiratory therapists,clinical practice specialists, lactation consultantsand other medical professionals. The NICU treated628 newborns during the 2004-05 fiscal year.Although these babies are critically ill, each yearabout 97 percent of the babies go home.

SCOTT M. NISWONGEREMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

The Scott M. Niswonger EmergencyDepartment (ED) is staffed with emergencymedicine specialists, nurse practitioners, R.N.s,technicians and other staff to provide treatmentfor all types of emergencies 24 hours a day,seven days a week. The department providesevaluation and treatment for patients up to 21years of age with varying levels of illness andinjury, from minor to life threatening. Eachpatient is first triaged to determine the severityof the illness or injury. After being treated andstabilized in the Emergency Department,patients are either admitted to the hospital ifneeded or discharged home with follow-upinstructions. Patients made 62,594 visits to theED in the 2004-05 fiscal year.

PEDIATRIC AND NEONATALTRANSPORT SERVICES

As a regional referral center for EastTennessee, Children’s Hospital offers neonataland pediatric transport from outlying hospitalsin LIFELINE, a mobile intensive care unitspecially designed to maintain the same qualityof care during transport as patients receive inthe hospital’s critical care units. Lifeline carriesalmost 1,000 supplies to administer care topatients – ranging from the tiniest prematureinfant to adult-sized teens – during transport tothe hospital. In addition to the specialequipment, the Lifeline transport team mayinclude, depending on the condition of thepatient, a neonatologist, neonatal nursepractitioner, pediatric/neonatal R.N., respiratorytherapist and an EMT. The hospital’s twoLifeline vehicles travel tens of thousands ofmiles each year to dozens of different hospitalsin Tennessee and surrounding states,transporting hundreds of pediatric patients toChildren’s Hospital.

If it is known in advance that transport toChildren’s will be necessary, the NeonatalTransport Team will attend the delivery at anyhospital to immediately stabilize the babybefore the transport.

AFTER HOURS PROGRAMFor more than 10 years, Children’s Hospital

has provided a service to area pediatricianscalled the After Hours Program. After Hours is amedical call center for patient concerns “afterhours” – evenings, weekends and holidays.When a parent has a concern about a child, theparent can call the child’s pediatrician’s officenumber and leave a message for the call center.

The parent will be asked such questionsas the child’s name, date of birth andreason for the call. The message is routedto the After Hours Program, where anurse returns the parent’s call. After Hoursnurses ask additional questions and makea recommendation to the parent based onphysician-approved protocols.

Depending on the severity of the child’sproblem, the nurse may provide homeinstructions to follow, suggest the child beseen the following day by the pediatrician,tell the parent to bring the child to thenearest Emergency Department or,in the most serious scenario, tellthe parent to call 911.

After Hours nurses rely on thephysician-approved protocols butalso depend on experience to helpthem determine a child’s needs byphone – without seeing the childin person.

8

life

BILL CHESNEYBill Chesney, R.N., B.S.N., has served for several

years as the nurse manager of the PediatricIntensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Critical CareTransport Service at Children’s Hospital. Recentlyhe made the decision to return to a patient caresetting, and he is preparing to transfer to thehospital’s Home Health Care department. In hiseight years at Children’s, he has also worked as aPICU staff nurse and as a Transport Team leader.

Chesney entered nursing because of the influenceof his wife, Lucreta, who is an R.N. “I saw thecontribution she made by her service to the sickand the value it has for them – how she was able tochange lives for the better.” Chesney earned anassociate degree in nursing from Roane State andbegan working as a staff RN on an adult pulmonaryunit at a hospital. Later he returned to school tocomplete a bachelor of science in nursing.

A chance meeting with the daughter of a patientresulted in a move to Children’s Hospital. “One day,while taking care of an elderly man in the laststages of his life, his daughter and I were talkingabout our jobs,” Chesney said. “It turned out thatshe and her husband were physicians at Children’sHospital. She encouraged me to apply for a PICUR.N. job.”

Chesney says nursing is a journey, with nursingschool just the beginning. After “an excellent nursingeducation,” Chesney plunged into his first nursingjob as a new graduate nurse with little orientationand a large number of patients to care for.

Later when he began working in the PICU atChildren’s, he found a much different situation: “I was nearly overwhelmed by the number ofeducation requirements and the opportunitiesavailable. I had a variety of classroom andpracticum experiences, but the most valuable to mewere the one-to-one experiences working withanother nurse. Whenever some procedure orcondition I had not experienced happened in thePICU, someone was always quick to come and getme to see and to do it.”

One experience stands out as the most personallytransforming and meaningful for Chesney: “It wasthe second night I had been taking care of a littlegirl suffering from meningitis. The previous nighthad been rough, and she had nearly died. Duringthe day, the family learned that their child hadsuffered an irreversible injury to her brain, and she was never going to recover. As I recall, theyreceived the news just around shift change and, as is required, we had notified Tennessee DonorServices of her death. I guess it was 1 or 2 in the

morning when her mom asked ifshe could hold her. You have torealize the equipment that was involved withkeeping her little body going. About all the mothercould do at this time was to hold her hand ortouch her foot. With the help of the other nurses inthe PICU, we got her into her mother’s lap. Theimage I will always see is that mother rocking herchild and singing Amazing Grace to her. This littlegirl eventually was the means to life for severalpeople through her organ donation. Why does thisimage stay with me? I have not seen this familyagain nor am I likely to, but I will hopefully neverforget her example of what love is.“

A day in the of Children’s Hospital

Beth Hilbelink’s two-and-a-half-year-old triplets, Heather, Dustin and Ashley (right)

9

BETH HILBELINKFor some individuals, a career path is

extremely clear from a young age. Such was thecase for Beth Hilbelink, R.N., a nurse in theHaslam Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit atChildren’s. “I always knew I wanted to work withbabies,” she said.

While in college to study nursing, Hilbelinkcompleted a clinical rotation at Children’s Hospital,and from that point on, her career path was evenclearer – “I knew Children’s was where I wanted tobe. I think it is the best. It is where I would takemy own kids. I am sure we will be using the

hospital’s services overthe years!”

Hilbelink came toChildren’s Hospital as anew graduate nursehired into the NICU, andshe has never workedanywhere else. Inaddition to her nursingduties, she serves on theNICU’s ServiceExcellence Committeeand Palliative CareCommittee.

Her best memoryof working in the NICUhas happened more than

once and often occurs after her patients aredischarged. “I form relationships with the familieswhile they are here. Then I can watch the childrenwho ‘graduate’ from the NICU return for visits afterthey have grown.” Seeing her former patients, nowbigger and healthier, gives her great satisfaction inher work: “My life has been touched by so manyfamilies I have come in contact with over the yearshere. I feel blessed to have a job that I truly love.”

Not long ago Hilbelink had the opportunity todevelop a unique link to some of the NICU’spatient families. She had a successful tripletpregnancy, giving birth to three babies who were sohealthy that they did not even need care in theChildren’s Hospital NICU. During their four-dayhospital stay, the babies were seen daily byChildren’s neonatologists, who also attended thebirth. After that short hospitalization, the babieswere discharged home.

Now Hilbelink is often assigned to be a nurse for “multiples” — twins, triplets, quadruplets oreven quintuplets. As a “triplet mom,” she isuniquely able to bond with these families and helpthem learn what to expect from life with a housefull of babies.

Chesney says nursing is a journey, with nursingschool just the beginning. After “an excellent nursingeducation,” Chesney plunged into his first nursingjob as a new graduate nurse with little orientationand a large number of patients to care for.

Later when he began working in the PICU atChildren’s, he found a much different situation: “I was nearly overwhelmed by the number ofeducation requirements and the opportunitiesavailable. I had a variety of classroom andpracticum experiences, but the most valuable to mewere the one-to-one experiences working withanother nurse. Whenever some procedure orcondition I had not experienced happened in thePICU, someone was always quick to come and getme to see and to do it.”

One experience stands out as the most personallytransforming and meaningful for Chesney: “It wasthe second night I had been taking care of a littlegirl suffering from meningitis. The previous nighthad been rough, and she had nearly died. Duringthe day, the family learned that their child hadsuffered an irreversible injury to her brain, and she was never going to recover. As I recall, theyreceived the news just around shift change and, as is required, we had notified Tennessee DonorServices of her death. I guess it was 1 or 2 in the

morning when her mom asked ifshe could hold her. You have torealize the equipment that was involved withkeeping her little body going. About all the mothercould do at this time was to hold her hand ortouch her foot. With the help of the other nurses inthe PICU, we got her into her mother’s lap. Theimage I will always see is that mother rocking herchild and singing Amazing Grace to her. This littlegirl eventually was the means to life for severalpeople through her organ donation. Why does thisimage stay with me? I have not seen this familyagain nor am I likely to, but I will hopefully neverforget her example of what love is.“

Bill Chesney

CHRISTY COOPERChristy Cooper, R.N., B.S.N., C.E.N., is the

Emergency Department staff educator, aposition she recently moved into after a four-year stint as an assistant nurse manager in theED. She also has served as a Transport Teamleader, nursing coordinator, staff nurse in theEmergency Department and an EmergencyDepartment technician.

Her interest in Children’s Hospital began atan early age: “I remember always wanting to bea nurse, even as a small child. After spendingmy high school summers at Children’s Hospitalas a Junior Volunteer, I knew that pediatricswas the nursing specialty for me. Getting a jobas an ED tech while I was in nursing schoolhelped me make my home in the ED.”

Cooper holds a bachelor of science in nursingfrom Carson-Newman College and a paramediccertificate from Roane State CommunityCollege. She also is certified by the Board ofCertification in Emergency Nursing as a CEN(Certified Emergency Nurse). Certification is apersonal choice that demonstrates a nurse hasattained a certain level of skill and competencein the chosen specialty. For Cooper, itdemonstrates how important she thinkseducation is: “I regularly attend continuingeducation conferences and classes to keep myknowledge and skill set up-to-date with always-changing technology and standards. I alsospend time teaching in the classroom andclinical setting to allow me to keep up withcurrent trends in nursing education.” She alsohas worked on an ambulance and on UTMedical Center’s LIFESTAR helicopter to gaintrauma and more critical care experience.

While no one memory of her career standsout, Cooper says what keeps her motivated isthe resilience of her young patients: “It seemsthat no matter what happens, every day a child– usually one who I have just performed apainful procedure on – will look up and say‘thank you’ and be sincere about it. That iswhat keeps me coming back for more.”

Christy Cooper

Beth Hilbelink (right)

10

Children’s Hospital announces $10 million capital/endowment campaignthe Children’s MiracleNetwork Telethon and asan Underwriter of CenterStage. A benevolentsupporter of health care,education and communityimprovement, Niswongerhas made a commitmentof $1 million to thecampaign. The new andexpanded EmergencyDepartment, which treatsmore than 60,000children each year, hasbeen named the Scott M.Niswonger EmergencyDepartment in his honor.

Plaques honoring thegenerosity of each of thesemajor donors have beenplaced in the respectivepatient care areasrecognizing thesephilanthropiccontributions to Children’sHospital. The plaqueswere unveiled March 21during a tour of thepediatric medical centerwith the families. TheGoodfriend, Haslam andNiswonger families werealso recognized at aprivate luncheon at thehospital, which wasattended by members ofthe Children’s HospitalBoard of Directors,Medical Staff,Administration and

the Capital Campaign Executive Committee.Children’s Hospital also announced that

its medical and hospital staffs have alreadymade significant contributions to the CapitalCampaign. Hospital employee have contributed$233,300 to help fund the new Atrium in theSecond and Third Floor Inpatient areas, as wellas the hospital’s new Family Resource Center,which provides patients’ families with a varietyof resources to help them learn about theirchild’s medical condition. The Medical/DentalStaff at Children’s Hospital has pledged anadditional $791,200 to the campaign’s recently begun Physician Division, which will continue through the remainder of 2006.Specific hospital areas will be named forphysicians contributing to the campaign at the end of the year.

Goodfriend,Haslam,Niswongerfamilies leadcampaign withpledges totaling $5 million

A capital funds campaign tosupport Children’s Hospital wasannounced March 21. Fundswill primarily be dedicated toChildren’s Hospital’s recentlycompleted three-year, $31.8million construction/renovationproject. Some funds also will beused to increase the hospital’sendowment. Highlights of theannouncement were the leadgifts to the campaign, totaling$5 million pledged from threewell-known and generous areafamilies.

Bob and Wendy Goodfriendhave been staunch supporters of Children’s Hospital since1983. The Goodfriends andGoody’s Family Clothing, Inc.,have been the largest donors tothe Children’s Miracle NetworkTelethon every year since itsestablishment 24 years ago.They were the first PlatinumSponsor of the Fantasy of Treesand were the Founders andFounding Underwriters of thehospital’s annual Center Stage Celebrity Gala, which they continue to chair. Bob also served on the hospital Board from 1989 to 2005, including several terms as treasurer.

Bob and Wendy Goodfriend have committed$3 million to the capital campaign. Because ofthis gift and their long history of thoughtfulsupport, the hospital’s Board of Directorshonored multiple generations of their family by naming the new Children’s Hospital 7-story patient facility the Goodfriend Tower.

The Haslam family name has becomevirtually synonymous with philanthropy in East Tennessee. The Haslams and theircompany, Pilot Corp., have also beensupporters of Children’s Hospital for manyyears. Jim Haslam served on the hospital Boardfrom 1963 to 1973. Pilot has supported theChildren’s Miracle Network Telethon since its

inception in 1983 and has generouslysupported the Fantasy of Trees since itsbeginning in 1985. The Haslam family andPilot were also founding Underwriters of theCenter Stage event and continue their supportof this major event for Children’s Hospital.

The Haslam Family has pledged $1 millionto the capital funds campaign. To honor thisunselfish history of support, the hospital’sexpanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, whichserves premature and critically ill newbornsfrom throughout East Tennessee, SouthwestVirginia, Southeastern Kentucky and WesternNorth Carolina, has been named the HaslamFamily Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Scott M. Niswonger of Greeneville, Tenn., is the founder of Landair Transport, Inc., andForward Air Transport, Inc. He has beeninvolved with Children’s Hospital as a donor to

Bob and Wendy Goodfriend outside the newly-named Goodfriend Tower at Children’s Hospital.

Executive Committee and theCampaign Steering Committee fortheir hard work as well as theirunselfish ongoing efforts towardachieving our goal.”

The Campaign ExecutiveCommittee includes Jim Bush, BobGoodfriend, Wendy Goodfriend,David Martin, Dugan McLaughlin,Dennis Ragsdale and Laurens Tullock.The Campaign Steering Committeeincludes Dick Anderson, Bill Carroll,Sam Furrow, Jim Haslam, JimmyHaslam, Jon Lawler, Alvin Nance,Don Parnell, Ed Pershing, KnoxCounty Mayor Mike Ragsdale, Dr. BillTerry, Danni Varlan and Bill Williams.

“We will need strong support fromthe remainder of the community tomeet our $10 million goal. We haveadditional naming opportunities forinterested donors including patientrooms and other patient care and

clinical areas,” Bush added. “We will need giftsfrom our current supporters as well as frombusinesses and individuals who have yet tosupport our efforts to care for the area’s sickand injured children.”

For more information about the Children’sHospital Capital Funds Campaign, contactDavid Rule, Director of Development atChildren’s Hospital, at (865) 541-8244.

11

n capital/endowment campaign“The completion of our construction/

renovation project and the announcement ofthis capital funds campaign marks one of themost significant moments in our 69-yearhistory,” said Bob Koppel, president/CEO ofChildren’s Hospital. “We are delighted with ournew and expanded facilities to care for thechildren of East Tennessee and are very gratefulfor the tremendous support of our generouslead donors, hospital staff and physicians. Theyhave all set a tremendous example of thoughtfulphilanthropy.”

“There are meaningful opportunities foranyone in East Tennessee who is interested inthe future of our children to participate in ourcapital funds campaign,” Koppel noted.“Children’s Hospital is committed to providingexcellent health care to all children entrusted toour care. Private gifts continue to be a vitallyimportant link that helps make our mission areality. It cannot be stressed enough that thehospital welcomes and appreciates the generoussupport from our community.”

The public phase of the capital fundscampaign will be a region-wide initiative

reaching out to individuals, companies,associations and organizations to pledge theirfinancial support. Pledges can be paid overthree to five years and donors can give cash,stock, land or other assets of value. It is alsopossible for donors to make planned gifts that

could provide a life income to a donor.“We are fortunate to be able to make our first

public announcement with over $6.9 million ofour goal already pledged,” said Jim Bush,chairman of Children’s Hospital’s Board ofDirectors. “We are grateful to the Campaign

Steve Bailey, Dee Haslam, Whitney Haslam, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, Natalie Haslam, Ann Bailey andJim Haslam in the Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital.

Scott and Nicki Niswonger with the plaque that has been placed in the Scott M. NiswongerEmergency Department at Children’s Hospital.

CCAALLEENNDDAARR OOFF EEVVEENNTTSS

HOPE-A-THONChildren’s Hospital will again partner with

WATE-TV Channel 6 to raise money to benefitCamp Cure, but the event is moving to a summerdate. Hope-a-thon will take place Sunday, July 16from 7-8 p.m. and will be broadcast livefollowing Children’s Hospital’s week-long diabetescamp, Camp Cure. WATE anchors Lori Tucker,Gene Patterson and Matt Hinkin will revisit campexperiences during the hour-long broadcast withpatients and their families, who will also sharetheir stories about living with diabetes and theirhope for a cure. Last year’s Hope-a-thon raisedmore than $26,000. For more information, call(865) 541-8437.

TENNESSEE RIVER 600Water enthusiasts from all over East

Tennessee can take their personal watercrafts on a seven-day, 600-mile excursion down the Tennessee River to benefit four Children’sMiracle Network hospitals and the TennesseeWildlife Resources Agency. The trip will startJuly 23 at Knoxville’s Volunteer Landing and end July 29 at Pickwick Landing nearMemphis. Participants collect donations for the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals alongthe route, including East Tennessee Children’sHospital. Last year’s trek raised more than$24,000 for the five charitable organizations.For registration information, go towww.tennesseeriver600.com or call Dennis Beckley at (865) 898-3101.

BOOMSDAYThis Labor Day holiday will again host an East

Tennessee tradition. Boomsday, sponsored by theKnoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, bidssummer goodbye and welcomes fall with anextravaganza of fireworks and music on Sunday,September 3, at the Knoxville riverfront. Boomsdayalso benefits Children’s Hospital; a portion of theproceeds from the Children’s Activity Area at theevent are donated to the hospital. The free eventstarts at noon, with the fireworks show as the grandfinale at 9 p.m. The finale’s musical soundtrack canbe heard on the four Journal Broadcast Groupstations: Star 102.1, The Point 93.1, Hot 104.5,and The Ticket 1040 AM. The show also will be broadcast on WBIR-TV Channel 10.Boomsday draws more than 250,000 peopleannually to the Knoxville riverfront.

by Clair Cowley, student intern

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T O B E N E F I T C H I L D R E N ’ SMark your calendars now for several upcoming events to entertain families and benefit Children's Hospital. Thanks to the generous people of East

Tennessee who host and participate in these events, Children's Hospital can continue to provide the best pediatric health care to the children of this region.

CCAALLEENNDDAARR OOFF EEVVEENNTTSS

12

Estate Planning...Children’s joins LEAVE A LEGACY®

Please send the free brochure titled “How to Make a Will That Works.”

Name______________________________ Address__________________________________________City___________________________ State_______ Zip_____________ Phone( )______________

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

r Please send me more information about deferred giving.

r I have already included Children’s Hospital in my estate plan in the following way:

__________________________________________________________________________

r Please send me information about the ABC Club.

Children’s Hospital Development Office • (865) 541-8441

The LEAVE A LEGACY® program is an effortunderway throughout North America topromote increased public awareness of theimportance of bequests to charitableorganizations. Currently there are LEAVE ALEGACY“ programs in 63 U.S. and 24Canadian communities.

Children’s Hospital joins forces with 11 otherlocal charitable organizations in establishing aprogram in Knoxville. The goal of the LEAVE ALEGACY® program is to help the communitybetter understand that we all have the ability to“make a difference in the lives that follow” byleaving a charitable legacy.

Children’s Hospital has long enjoyed thesupport of generous individuals who make giftsthrough their wills. In the hospital’s early years,such gifts helped keep the doors open. Today,these gifts allow Children’s to expand itsservices, provide care to ever increasing

(New York, N.Y.), Hugh Sanford (KnoxCounty), Emile Seilaz (Knox County), Rev. Vertrue Sharp (Blount County), PaulineStamps (Hawkins County), Flossie BroomeWalker (Knox County), Eugenia Williams(Knox County) and hundreds of others havemade gifts large and small to ensure thatChildren’s Hospital continues its mission into the future.

Won’t you join them by leaving your owncharitable legacy? All gifts are important, and all are gratefully appreciated. For ourcomplimentary booklet titled “How to Make a Will that Works,” please contact TeresaGoddard, Senior Development Officer or David Rule, Director of Development, at (865) 541-8441. We will be delighted to work with you and your advisors on a gift that will be meaningful to you and helpful to future generations.

numbers of area children, and keep the OpenDoor policy in effect.

Friends like Alwayne Allison (Knox County),Elizabeth Ann Buda (Sevier County), Mr. andMrs. Woodrow Catherman (Sevier County),Bernice Clabo (Sevier County), Dr. HaroldCloogman (Blount County), Sam Essary (KnoxCounty), Esther Groeniger (Omaha, Neb.),Donald M. Gally (Knox County), Joe Kyker(Monroe County), Velma Latham (KnoxCounty), C. Clark Lotspeich (Knox County),Wallace Miller (Jefferson County), Peter More

Dates to Remember

JUNEJordanne Clabo Fight Against Crohn’s

Golf TournamentJune 10

AUGUSTSons of Thunder Motorcycle Fun Ride

Date to be announced

For more information about any of theseevents, call (865) 541-8441 or visit our Web

site at www.etch.com and click on “Coming Attractions.”

In the fall of 2003, Children’s Hospital and WBIR-TVbegan a program to recognize children from throughoutEast Tennessee who have done something out of theordinary – whether through extraordinary volunteer work or an amazing talent or by impressive service to their community.

“We were looking for outstanding youngsters who haddone something amazing: overcome an incredible physicalor emotional situation, demonstrated outstanding talent andachievement through their art, or exhibited a passion forhelping to make life better for others,” said Jeff Lee, WBIR’sGeneral Manager.

From that desire to recognize area children, 10 AmazingKids was created; the first group was honored in the springof 2004, and another group was honored in April 2005. InDecember 2005, announcements on WBIR-TV askedviewers to nominate a child they know who has donesomething exceptional – for their family, friends, school,city, place of worship or the community. Dozens of entrieswere received featuring children who truly have done avariety of amazing things, and the selection process wasextremely difficult.

The 2006 10 Amazing Kids are:Anne Calkins, age 17, Sevier County High School –

This valedictorian of her senior class has a perfect 4.0average. Anne has excelled in a wide array of activities,including serving as drum major of the band, and has heldmany positions of leadership and responsibility. While theseaccomplishments would be impressive for any teenager,consider that Anne also had to take care of her mother forseveral years during a battle with cancer; when her motherdied last year, she had to face the grief and care for heryounger sister as a minor. Her senior counselor said, “She is the most amazing student with whom I have worked in19+ years of counseling more than 6,000 students. I havenever said that before, and it is the highest compliment Icould give a student.”

Matthew Gibbs, age 12, Alcoa Middle School –Following Hurricane Katrina, Matthew began collectingmoney for the relief effort at school. From that grew hisfamily’s idea to purchase bicycles for children in the GulfCoast area for Christmas. He involved his church membersby placing a bike order form in the Sunday bulletin, and his enthusiasm for the project became infectious. Seventyfive people gave over $10,000 to buy more than 150 bikes, helmets, Bibles and candy. In addition to hisphilanthropic efforts, Matthew is an honor student, playsfootball and is a member of the band. He is a member ofthe Destination Imagination Team and is involved in dramaand music programs at his church, First Alcoa UnitedMethodist Church.

Shawn Lynn Hilton, Jr., age 9, DandridgeElementary School – A serious illness at a young age leftthis elementary student with no hands or feet. While hereceives assistance from a teaching assistant, Shawnfunctions mostly on his own – completing assignments,participating in school activities and playing on theplayground. He has overcome tremendous obstacles in his young life but enjoys being like any other child –swinging, sliding and climbing around his schoolplayground. His art instructor said his positive attitudeand winning smile make him an inspiration to studentsand school staff.

Emily Hollingsworth, age 16, Gatlinburg Pittman HighSchool – When the devastation of Hurricane Katrina hit theGulf Coast last fall, this high school junior wanted to helpthe children she saw on television, and the Books for KatrinaKids project was born. With the assistance of her family, UPS(through the donation of boxes), local schools, media and achain of local Christian bookstores, Emily has been able tocollect nearly 10,000 books. The first 2,500 books went toSt. Bernard Parish in Louisiana to start a children’s library.This Sevier County student is also active in many schoolorganizations, is on the varsity swim team and was selectedas a member of Smoky Mountain Youth Leadership.

Monte Hubbard-Greenhalgh, age 11, Jones CoveSchool – This amazing kid believes that by having thewill, there is always a way. Although he has cerebral palsy,a condition that could easily discourage him, Monte has apositive attitude, a refusal to accept limitations and putsothers’ needs before his own. Last fall, he asked hisschool’s principal if he could raise money to purchase a“stander” for his grandfather, a paraplegic. Monte raisedthe more than $2,000, allowing his grandfather to standfor the first time in four years with the device’s assistance.

Brittany Marie Lejeune, age 18, Jefferson County HighSchool – Though she is small in stature at only 4 feet, 4inches, this extraordinary teen is big on accomplishmentsand on having the respect of her peers with seeminglylittle effort. She is an upperclassman mentor and isparticularly adept at making new students feel welcome.Brittany sings and dances with the Patriot Singers and hasbeen a four-year participant in her high school’s showhonoring local veterans. Her volunteer efforts raised over$2,500 to help families in need during the holidays, andshe currently is the catalyst for finding the perfect promdate for several classmates! One of her teachers saidBrittany can “find silver linings in even the darkest of skies.”

Byrgundy Mallory, age 12, Gresham Middle School –When she was only seven years old, this special childstarted a club called the Disney Debutantes. This grouphas touched the lives of the girls and their mothers who

are members, by encouraging each person to spend timeparticipating in community service projects and helpingmake club members community leaders. A member of herchurch said Byrgundy has “endless compassion for othersand pushes them to strive for excellence. She is a role model,because she is not only introducing others to new adventuresbut introducing them to life skills.” Byrgundy is also active in4-H and dance and represented Knox County in the math bowl.

Blaze Manning, age 13, Cedar Bluff Middle School –This amazing kid took a personal family tragedy and turnedit into a positive for her community. In April 2005, Blaze’solder brother was the impaired driver in an accident thatkilled a teenage passenger. While searching for a way to keepa similar tragedy from happening again, Blaze learned aboutSADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions, whichworks to encourage new laws that insist on more adultaccountability in underage drinking. She founded the SADDchapter at Cedar Bluff Middle School and has spoken tolocal, state and national government officials on SADD’smission. With her determination and positive spirit, this teenis making a difference. She also is active in her church andwas chosen Miss Tennessee Preteen 2005.

Josh Powell, age 13, Karns Middle School – A diagnosisof childhood cancer when he was eight years old led thisamazing child to want to help those who helped him throughhis illness. He faced his own fears by writing poems for hisfamily, for other patients and for his doctors. After going intoremission, Josh did not forget what he went through andhow others had helped him and his family. He gives back tothe community by raising money for childhood cancerresearch through a national “lemonade stand” program. Joshalso encourages others to donate aluminum cans and drinktabs to the Ronald McDonald House, a program dear to hisheart since he and his mom stayed in the houses in Nashvilleand New York while he underwent cancer treatment.

Katherine Thomason, age 17, Maryville High School –Building houses may not sound like an activity that a teenagegirl would be involved in, but Katherine is president ofMaryville High School’s Habitat for Humanity chapter. Shehas been selected for three years as a member of the SpeakersBureau for the Positive Role Model Club and is a highacademic achiever with membership in several honorsocieties. Katherine also is a tireless volunteer for manycauses; in addition to Habitat for Humanity, she hasvolunteered for the Hispanic Ministry, Toys for Tots, theGood Samaritan Clinic and many other organizations.

Each of the 10 Amazing Kids’ stories was featured on “Liveat 5” on WBIR-TV each weekday from April 10-21.

Applications for next year’s 10 Amazing Kids will beaccepted beginning in December 2006. Watch WBIR-TV thisfall for information on the 2007 selection process.

10 Amazing Kidsrecognized by WBIR-TV 10, Children’s Hospital

Anne Matthew Shawn Emily Monte

Brittany Byrgundy Blaze Josh Katherine 13

14

From chicken pox to fitness to germs tosunscreen, keeping your child safe and healthy isof primary concern to you and to Children’sHospital. Here, Lise Christensen, M.D., Directorof the Pediatric Emergency Department atChildren’s Hospital, discusses the ABCs of kids’health and safety.

AA iiss ffoorr AAll ll eerrgg iieessAllergies cause a variety of irritating symptoms

ranging from sneezing to hives, and they accountfor nearly two million lost school days each yearamong students in the United States. Some typesof allergies, such as those to bees and peanuts,can be life threatening. An allergy is anoverreaction of a person’s immune system to asubstance the body treats as an invader. Some ofthe substances children can be allergic to includedust mites, pollen, molds, certain foods, pets andcockroaches. Although there is no cure forallergies, parents can help relieve symptoms byeducating children about the cause of theirallergies. Allergy shots can help children build upresistance to allergens, and both prescription andover-the counter drugs can help relievesymptoms.

BB ii ss ffoorr BB iikkee ssaaffeettyyRiding a bike can be one of the most enjoyable

activities of childhood, and it’s a great way to getexercise. But each year in the United States,about 250 children die in bicycle-relatedaccidents, and another half million children areinjured in bike accidents. This number could besignificantly reduced if more children worebicycle helmets regularly while cycling. It is alaw to wear helmets in most states, includingTennessee. Parents can help keep bike riding afavorite activity for children as well as a safeactivity by making sure their children wear ahelmet every time they peddle.

CC iiss ffoorr CChh ii cckkeenn ppooxxSince 1995, doctors have been vaccinating

adults and children older than 12 months againstthe highly contagious chicken pox virus. Thevaricella vaccine is 70-85 percent effective inpreventing a mild infection and more than 95percent effective in preventing moderate or severedisease. If someone does develop chicken pox after

TThhee AA ttoo ZZ gguuiiddee ttoo cchhiillddrreenn’’ss hheeaalltthh ((PPaarrtt 11 ooff 22))being vaccinated, he or she is more likely to havemilder symptoms with fewer skin blisters and afaster recovery. The red, itchy rash first pops upon the stomach, back or face and is accompaniedby a fever and abdominal pain. Childrengenerally have chicken pox for about seven to 10days. Oatmeal baths, wet compresses, calaminelotion and children’s acetaminophen are a fewhome treatments that can ease the uncomfortablesymptoms associated with chicken pox.

DD iiss ffoorr DDeehhyyddrraatt ii oonnParents should not judge dehydration by a

child’s level of thirst. Children with vomitingand/or diarrhea can quickly become dehydrated, ascan active children who lose fluid by sweating. Bythe time a child feels thirsty, he or she may alreadybe dehydrated. So offer drinks frequently,especially when a child is more likely to becomedehydrated. Children can replace lost fluids bydrinking lots of water, Pedialyte if they are sick, ora sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade ifthey are physically active (especially on hot days).Children who are becoming dehydrated maydisplay some of the following symptoms: dry orsticky mouth; few or no tears when crying; eyesthat look sunken into the head; a soft spot(fontanelle) on top of a baby’s head that lookssunken; lack of urine or wet diapers for 6-8 hoursin an infant (or only a very small amount of darkyellow urine); lack of urine for 12 hours in anolder child (or only a very small amount of darkyellow urine); dry, cool skin; lethargy or irritability;and fatigue or dizziness in an older child.

EE iiss ffoorr EEaarr ii nnffeecctt iioonnssEar infections are the second most common

illness for children, following the common cold.Children two to four years of age are morelikely to develop an ear infection since theirimmune systems are still developing. Theirimmune systems will not fully develop untilthey are about seven years old. To reduce therisk of ear infections, avoid putting children tobed with a bottle or exposing them to cigarettesmoke. If your children have recurring earinfections, avoid sending babies and toddlers tochildcare programs or other group settings ifpossible. Children who are breastfed have fewerear infections, so it’s helpful to breastfeed yourbaby as long as possible.

FF ii ss ffoorr FFii ttnneessssThe average child spends about five and a

half hours daily watching or playing with someform of technology, such as TV, computer orvideo games and the Internet. Incorporate avariety of fun, physical activities into yourchild’s daily routine to get him or her up andmoving. Studies show that children need atleast 60 minutes of moderate to vigorousexercise each day. Schedule a set amount oftime each day in your child’s activities to makestaying fit a daily habit.

GG iiss ffoorr GGeerrmmssBacteria and viruses are the two most

common microbes in our environment thatcause diseases. Humans catch illnesses in avariety of ways, depending on the germ.Respiratory infections are often spread bycoughs and sneezes, while gastrointestinalviruses are spread when a person touches acontaminated surface, and then touches his orher mouth. Parents should instruct theirchildren not to share food or drinks with othersas this increases the likelihood of catchinggerms, such as strep throat, meningitis andmononucleosis. Children should also “cough intheir elbow,” which decreases the number ofgerms on their hands.

HH iiss ffoorr HHaannddwwaasshh iinnggNotorious for causing illness, germs thrive in

almost every environment. The best defenseagainst sickness from germs is properhandwashing. Wash your hands before eatingor touching foods, after using the bathroom,after blowing your nose or coughing, afterplaying outside, after spending time in a publicplace and after visiting a sick friend. Handsanitizers are also useful in germ preventionwhen soap and water are not readily available.

II ii ss ffoorr IImmmmuunn ii zzaatt ii oonnssMany once-common childhood illnesses can

be prevented by immunizations or vaccinations.Immunizations use small amounts of a dead orweakened microorganism that causes a certainillness. As a result, the child’s immune system is better able to fight the illness later. Parentsshould remember to take children to the doctorfor their regularly scheduled immunizations. It’s also an excellent idea to have children older than six months vaccinated yearly againstthe flu.

Lise Christensen, M.D.

JJ ii ss ffoorr JJuu ii cceeOne hundred percent fruit juice is an easy

way to increase the amount of nutrients yourchild consumes. However, too much juice canlead to tooth decay, abdominal pain, diarrheaand weight gain. The American Academy ofPediatrics recommends that infants six monthsand older, toddlers and preschoolers consumeno more than four to six ounces of juice daily.While juice is OK, be sure children also drinkplenty of milk and water.

KK iiss ffoorr KKiiddnneeyyssKidneys help maintain our body’s balance by

flushing out the by-products of our body’smetabolism. However, children using therestroom in an unfamiliar place may feeluncomfortable, and many choose to wait untilthey get home. Children can also becomeengrossed in play and other activities and forgetabout using the restroom. These actions preventour bodies from flushing out waste productsand often lead to urinary tract infections. Byfive years of age, about eight percent of girlsand two percent of boys have had at least oneurinary tract infection. Children should drinkeight to 10 glasses of water and other fluids aday, take a multivitamin, wear cottonunderwear, use the bathroom frequently andpractice proper wiping techniques to decreasethe risk of an infection. It is also important forparents to remind their children about usingthe restroom frequently.

LL ii ss ffoorr LLuunncchhSchool lunches give children an opportunity

to select their own meal, but this newindependence can sometimes be overwhelming.Parents should encourage their children to pickfruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.They should also stress the importance ofhealthy food choices, which enable properdevelopment and growth. When packing aschool lunch, include wheat bread, bakedchips, fresh fruit and other healthy foodchoices. Use a frozen ice pack to keepperishables cold until lunchtime; these areavailable in a variety of shapes and charactersthat are appealing to children.

MM iiss ffoorr MMeenniinngg ii tt ii ssMeningitis is an inflammation of the

membranes surrounding the brain and spinalcord. It generally occurs with an infectionsomewhere else in the body and spreadsthrough the blood into the cerebrospinal fluid.It is most common in children under five andin young adults. The symptoms for viral andbacterial meningitis include stiff neck, severeheadache, sensitivity to light, vomiting, nausea,extreme sleepiness, confusion and seizures. Thisinfection may be prevented through a routineimmunization; doctors suggest children 11years and older be immunized formeningococcal disease, which can lead to oneform of meningitis.

Compiled by Jessica Presley and MelissaMolgaard, student interns 15

Making Healthy ChoicesTime: 6:30 p.m.Dates: June 14, July 18 and August 10

Because food habits often are family-centered, it is important to recognizeunhealthy habits and take steps to correctthem. A registered dietitian will discuss howto make appropriate healthy food choices,provide substitutes for foods that promoteweight gain and suggest methods forincreasing daily activity. This course is free.

Safe SitterTime: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Date: August 12

Safe Sitter is a national organization thatteaches young adolescents safe andnurturing babysitting techniques and therescue skills needed to respondappropriately to medical emergencies.Instructors are certified through Safe Sitternationally. Participants must be ages 11-14.This course is $18 per person.

Infant and Child CPR

Time: 6:30-9 p.m.Dates: June 12, July 10 and August 14

This class will teach caregiverscardiopulmonary resuscitation and chokingmaneuvers for children ages eight andyounger. This class also gives general homesafety advice and tips. This course is $18per person.

Class size is limited, so preregistrationis required. All classes are offered in theKoppel Plaza at Children’s Hospital, unlessotherwise noted. For more information orto register for any of these classes or toreceive our free Healthy Kids parentingnewsletter, call (865) 541-8262.

Announcements about upcomingclasses can be seen on WBIR-TV 10 andheard on area radio stations. Or visit ourWeb site at www.etch.com and click on“Healthy Kids Education and News.”

Children’s Hospital’s Healthy KidsCampaign, sponsored by WBIR-TVChannel 10 and Chick-Fil-A, is acommunity education initiative of thehospital’s Community Relations Departmentto help parents keep their children healthy.

Upcoming CommunityEducation Classes

New recommendations for hepatitis A vaccinationThe Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently made a recommendation

regarding the universal hepatitis A vaccination.ACIP, a committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voted unanimously to

recommend that all children in the United States receive hepatitis A vaccination. The previousrecommendation called for universal vaccination only in states with the highest rates of hepatitis A.Now about two-thirds of all reported hepatitis A cases are from states without the universal vaccination.

The new recommendation is for children to receive the first dose of a two-dose series of hepatitis Avaccine at age one (12 months to 23 months). The second dose should be administered at least sixmonths after the first dose. This vaccine should become a part of the routine childhood vaccinationschedule.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can occur in isolated cases or inwidespread epidemic and can affect all ages. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can helpprevent the hepatitis A virus. The ACIP continues to recommend hepatitis A immunization forpreviously unvaccinated adults who are at high risk, such as travelers to countries with a highoccurrence of hepatitis A or persons with chronic liver disease.

by Meghan Alcorn, student intern

Children’s 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 24th annual Children’s Miracle Network Telethon was again agreat success for Children’s Hospital. Although it was broadcast earlierin the year and featured a new format, the telethon raised more than$1.8 million through pledges and corporate donations.

Traditionally atwo-day event theweekend afterMemorial Day, the2006 telethon tookplace Sunday, March12, and aired live onWBIR-TV 10 from 3-11:30 p.m. Thetelethon’s successreflects theoutstanding support of many generousvolunteers, individuals and corporate sponsorsincluding Goody’s, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Star102.1 and other community organizations.

Children’s Hospital was a charter memberof the Children’s Miracle Network in 1983,becoming one of only 22 hospitals nationally to participate in the first telethon, which wasbroadcast locally on WBIR-TV 10.

Since that first telecast, the hospital has raised more than $23million to meet the health care needs of area children who makemore than 140,000 visits to Children’s Hospital each year. Proceedsfrom this year’s telethon will buy new and replacement equipmentfor many areas of the hospital so that each patient can receive thebest care possible.

Children’s Hospital extends its sincere gratitude to all whoparticipated in this year’s telethon, including WBIR-TV for its 24years of dedication to making a difference in the lives of EastTennessee’s children.

by Meghan Alcorn, student intern

24th annual telethon raises $1.8 million