“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

– Mother Teresa

These words embrace the great importance of small gestures, the comfort a Josh Cares Child Life Specialist (CLS) delivers to her patients every day. But the CLS staff also achieve great things on a regular basis as they make a critical difference in the quality of care offered to their young patients at Cincinnati Children’s.

“Small things” can be a hug, a smile, or a tender touch, moments that are huge for a seriously ill child who must stay in the hospital without the comfort of family to ease them through the pain, fear and loneliness of a lengthy visit.

We asked Josh Cares CLSs and other hospital staff to share with us some of their “fi nest hours,” those unforgettable moments when the purpose of their ministry to these vital needs became crystal-clear. Their stories are amazing. Here are some of the most poignant “ah-ha” moments of a day in the life of a Child Life Specialist. More to come in our next issue!

States CCHMC RN Roma Seat, “The CLSs are an integral part of our unit and staff, and patients and families would not be where they are today if it were not for them. I remember a day

that started with me wanting to cry because of how distressed my patient looked to me and ended with me wanting to cry because of how content he looked to me, all because I had the help of CLS Mindy Roux. Mindy provided the care and comfort of a warm bath, massage and clean bed; her touch, gentleness, eye contact and companionship made baby boy feel safe, heard, loved and cared for. The look on his face when she spoke to him was truly a priceless moment.”

Adds Mindy, “When a seven month-old patient smiles at me for the fi rst time, it truly melts my heart and brings tears to my eyes as something so simple and small can mean so much.”

Writes CLS Ashley Fiffi ck, “Those outside my job do not understand that for as many heart-wrenching, gut-fl ipping, and disappointing moments I have experienced, therein follow three joyful, uplifting and cheerful ones. One of those ‘lightbulb’ moments came with my toddler patient Tuff.” Repeat illnesses with extended stays caused mobility and developmental delays for Tuff, stealing his energy and budding vocabulary. Ashley’s relationship with Tuff opened the doors to trust,

attachment, fun and nurturing, as well as the return of words to name cars, bubbles, babies and wagons. Says Ashley, “The ultimate moment that made me realize why I do this work came when I entered a room and was greeted by a toddler who used his entire body power to reach me, arms outstretched for an unprompted hug, with trusting eyes and a warm smile. Tuff saw me as someone to provide comfort in a sea of staff swimming around him at a dizzying pace. Tuff has truly blossomed under the protective curtain of consistency provided by Josh Cares.”

Josh Cares, Inc.PO Box 43295

Cincinnati, OH 45243(513) 459-1911 • joshcares.org

Contact@joshcares.org

JOSH CARES BEAT

Words of Joy

Page 2

A Decade of Memories

Page 3-4

Happy Babbles

Page 5

“Event-full” Moments

Page 6-7

A New ‘Flare’

Page 8

SPRING 2015

Our Finest Hoursby Moira Grainger

Mindy Roux shares a tender moment with Morgan, a patient in the Newborn

Intensive Care Unit

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JOSH CARES MISSIONJosh Cares provides companionship and comfort to

children hospitalized in critical care units inchildren’s hospitals. Josh Cares Child Life Specialists serve as surrogates for, and links to, the families who

would be with their children in the hospital if they could.

JOSH CARES VISION

Josh Cares ensures that no critically ill child feels alone and

afraid while hospitalized.

RECENT GRANTS RECEIVED Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Community Relations

John and Shirley Davies Foundation

Good Charity

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation

The Linnemann Family Foundation

The Robert H. Reakirt Foundation, PNC Bank, Trustee

And our ongoing thanks to the Charles H. Dater Foundation for their continued leadership support of our efforts in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Community

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation

Foundation, PNC Bank, Trustee

And our ongoing thanks to the Charles H. Dater Foundation for their continued leadership support of our efforts in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.

April 2015

Dear Friends of Josh Cares,

In 2005, following their own personal experiences, the Pierce and Helfrich families realized a

gap in service at Cincinnati Children’s and began working with hospital offi cials to understand

the extent of the needs of seriously children whose families were unable to be by their sides

throughout lengthy hospitalizations. Their concerns were validated…a signifi cant number of

children were struggling to cope with feelings of fear, anxiety and loneliness without a consistent

trusted companion and caregiver. Under the lead of Sharon McLeod, Senior Clinical Director in the

Division of Child Life and Integrative Services, the fi rst ever program of its kind was established

to address the needs of these highly vulnerable patients and their families. The program has grown

and evolved through the years to become an integral part of the Family Centered Care philosophy

at Cincinnati Children’s.

Much has transpired over the last decade to allow the Josh Cares program to grow and thrive. Our

program staff has evolved into a full-time collaborative team of experienced professionals who

are changing lives through their commitment and passion for the children and families we serve.

New relationships with foundations have resulted in pivotal gifts to the organization. Partners

have opened doors for us throughout the community which have led to exciting and impactful

opportunities. Volunteers have come along and assumed leadership roles to bring innovation and

skilled expertise to allow us to continue to operate with very low overhead. Our number of donors

and volunteers, who champion Josh Cares in their own networks and communities, has grown

well into the thousands. The only thing that has not changed in the last ten years is the unwavering

support and dedication of our original founders and core supporters who focus on one thing and

one thing alone--ensuring that no seriously ill child at Cincinnati Children’s feels alone and afraid

in a family’s absence.

In honor of our 10th Anniversary, we invite you to join us on Saturday, April 25th at the Green

Acres Art Center for Fire & Ice: A Gourmet Affair with New ‘Flare’…in Grand Gatsby Style. For

those who have not yet attended an event at this Indian Hill treasure circa 1922, you are in for

a treat! Jay Gatsby himself would feel right at home at this magnifi cent estate and you will, too!

We’ll have a grand time!

Sincerely,

Joy Rowe Blang

Joy Rowe Blang, Executive Director

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On Saturday, April 25, Fire & Ice: A Gourmet Affair with New ‘Flare’… in Grand Gatsby Style, will celebrate ten years of bringing these qualities to some of Cincinnati Children’s most seriously ill patients. Since the fi rst Fire & Ice event in 2006, Josh Cares has grown its fundraising efforts from $43,000 to the million dollar mark in November 2013, with a promise to raise an additional $1,000,000 over the next four years. Annually, Fire & Ice now raises over $100,000- a quarter of the organization’s annual budget.

Successful philanthropies often speak of their core elements of success as generous gifts of time, talent and treasure. Perhaps the greatest “treasure” Josh Cares is fortunate to possess is its committed leadership team, many of whom have been actively involved since the charity was formed ten years ago.

The dynamic team that designs and develops each season’s Fire & Ice event is a prime example of good chemistry and strong work ethic. The 2015 committee includes Lynn Pierce, Wendy Barney, Gina Burrington, Tracy DiGennaro, Chrissy Fixler, Alicia Gerlinger,

Lisa Hall, and Leigh Anne Meurer. Each brings a unique set of talents to the table in creating this special celebration. Says Wendy, “My introduction to Josh Cares was through the 2009 Fire and Ice event. It was an eye opener and I couldn’t imagine not being involved in such an important cause.”

Adds Chrissy Fixler, “The common thread woven into this event is a shared friendship and mutual purpose of generosity, awareness and commitment to Josh Cares. Many hours are spent creating an atmosphere that is cohesive with each year’s inspired theme. I love watching the guests arrive and seeing them enjoy the splendor created and the shared celebration of the mission and purpose of Josh Cares.”

Lynn Pierce, Josh Cares founder and board member, adds: “I have so many memorable moments from Fire & Ice over the years, with many great examples of the committee’s creativity, collaboration, commitment, and comic relief. This signature fundraiser is so important in funding the Josh Cares program, mainly because the proceeds cover the annual salary and benefi ts of 2 specialists.”

Special thanks to the Josh Cares Communication Committee for the production of this newsletter: Kesse Hodge, Chair, Chris Brigger, Shawn Cox, Ashley Davies,

Mindy Miller, and Pete McConney.

AREA STUDENTS LINK TOGETHER TO RAISE $23,000 THROUGH THE CHAIN OF LOVE

Thanks to the Student Advisory Council for their leadership and the following schools for participating:

Anderson High School

Archbishop McNicholas High School

Cincinnati Country Day School- All Divisions

Holmes High School

Indian Hill Middle School

Indian Hill High School

Josh Cares Walkers

Kings Jr. High School

Loveland Intermediate School

Madeira Middle School

Madeira High School

Mason High School

Milford Jr. High School

Mount Notre Dame High School

North Pointe Elementary School-Hebron, KY

Seton High School

The Seven Hills School

St. Joseph Catholic School-Cold Spring, KY

Villa Madonna Academy

Sycamore High School

See page 7 for pictures!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Success comes from chemistry and work ethicby Moira Grainger

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Contributions have been made to Josh Cares over the past year in honor or memorial of the following individuals. We greatly appreciate those donors who have made

these meaningful donations.

The fi rst Fire & Ice event is held. 2006

A second fellow was added to the NICU. Three additional fellows expand their coverage to support patients in all critical and chronic areas throughout the hospital.

2010

The program was restructured from an annual fellowship program to long term positions. The team now consists of 6 full-time Child Life Specialists.

2012

25 board and committee leaders, 75 committee members and over 175 occasional volunteers ensure Josh Cares continues to operate effectively and effi ciently with very low overhead. The majority of all funds raised go directly to supporting the program at Cincinnati Children’s.

2014

2008Katrina Baliva serves a second fellowship term, providing more consistency to the program.

Program expands to provide services in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.

2007

Sharon McLeod, Senior Clinical Director in the Division of Child Life and Integrative Services at Cincinnati Children’s, receives the Child Life Council’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for her leadership in the fi eld of Child Life. Later that year, Joy Blang was hired to expand development, volunteer, communications and organizational operations for Josh Cares.

2009

Amy McGrory was hired as a permanent Senior Child Life Specialist to provide leadership for the team and consistency of care for our longest term patients

2011

Cincinnati Children’s honors the supporters of Josh Cares with an appreciation event in recognition of $1M in all-time giving to the hospital. At this event, Josh Cares announces a commitment to fund an additional $1M over the next 4 years.

2013

2015

The 10th Anniversary of Josh Cares will be celebrated at Fire & Ice: A Gourmet Affair with New ‘Flare’…in Grand Gatsby Style at an all new location: the magnifi cent Green Acres Arts Center, formerly the Fleischmann Estate, in Indian Hill on Saturday, April 25th.

2005

Dan and Lynn Pierce and Ann Helfrich co-founded the Josh Cares Child Life Program at Cincinnati Children’s. The fi rst program of its kind nationwide, Josh Cares was established in memory of 10 year old Josh Helfrich, who passed away due to a tragic accident in 2004. The program initially began with two annual fellowship positions in the Pediatric ICU.

IN MEMORY OF:The newborn son of Dhani Jones and Marcia Ashley

Larry Bowling

Andrew James Calaway

Eric Faulkner

Patti Fiffi ck

Josh Helfrich

Kian Moss

Ian Pierce

Katlyn Rosenbluth

IN HONOR OF:The Attiyah Family

Olivia Attiyah

Laura Bohn

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Buescher

Mike Collette

Ashley Fiffi ck

The Fitzpatrick grandchildren

Lyla and Wyatt Grossman

Lisa Hall

Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Harris

Ruth Hranilovic

Robin Huizenga

Shelby Kopp

Annie, Abbie and Austin Krause

Pete McConnney

Sammy McLaughlin

Josie Onkst

David and Susan Pavlik

Dan and Lynn Pierce

Kathy Peterson Saba

Bob and Melanie Schaeffer

Team Micro

12-for-1 Circle donor Barbara Robb is pictured her with her beloved grandson Alexander, for whom she made her gift in honor.

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Special thanks to Debbie McQuade of T&D Graphics in producing this newsletter.

Seamless transitions for patientsJace was born 11 weeks premature which led to a multitude of complications, including Chronic Lung Disease which resulted in his having to be connected to a tracheotomy to help him breathe.

Jace’s loving family is caught in the “sandwich generation.” His mother has other small children at home while also caring for her ailing father who requires a great deal of attention. This has made it extremely diffi cult for her to be at the hospital with Jace. Pulled in many directions, she is extremely grateful that Josh Cares is there for Jace when she is not.

Jace has spent his entire life in the hospital. With two Child Life Specialists assigned specifi cally to the NICU, he grew very attached to both Mindy and Nikki. His health was precarious in the early weeks and months of his life. Despite coding several times, he responded well to treatment and remained as calm as could be expected due to Mindy and Nikki’s calming presence and reassuring touch.

Jace was eventually transitioned from the NICU to the Transitional Care Center, a unit where patients with trachs are treated until their families are fully educated on

the high level of care their children will need at home. Sadly, some children remain in the TCC for many months or even years due to the complexities of their care needs. Technically, Mindy and Nikki will no longer be Jace’s primary Child Life Specialists since he has left the NICU. But careful thought and effort has gone into transitioning his care to Katelyn and other members of the Josh Cares team who work with older patients. Mindy and Nikki taught the team all about Jace—what he likes, what he doesn’t like, what calms him when he is upset, where he is developmentally, etc. Gradually, Josh Cares Child Life Specialist Katelyn and the others became familiar faces to him and he has attached to them as he did with Mindy and Nikki in the NICU. And they have become just as attached to him!

Katelyn, who joined the Josh Cares team in August, shares “Today I found myself tearing up for the fi rst time since joining Josh Cares. Eleven month old Jace, born smaller than my hand, started babbling for the fi rst time ever so loudly over his trach. Absolutely shocked, I quickly positioned the mirror in front of us for further

stimulation play and, with prompting, he realized what he was doing - his reaction

was priceless... mine was a puddle. Before I knew it the staff was crowded around CHEERING as we babbled and bounced away to “Old McDonald.” I will forever remember that moment with Jace!”

Ashley has found Jace’s tickle spot!

NICU CLS, Mindy Roux (right), working closely with Katelyn Zilles to help Jace become comfortable in his new environment and with his new

support team on the TCC.Jace loves to get out of his bed and play

on the fl oor mat with Katelyn.

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Picture yourself on a warm summer day in June. Your stomach is grumbling because you barely had anything that could be called breakfast. You don’t want to eat your ham & cheese sandwich that you slapped together earlier this morning, so what are your options? The usual downtown eateries you’ve already been to don’t excite you? Well today you’re in luck. Josh Cares is here to the rescue, offering your choice of 15 food trucks that will line up around Fountain Square so you can get some good eats and have the satisfaction of knowing that your money is going to a good cause.

The Junior Board of Josh Cares reassembled this past December and has been working hard on its signature summer event to help raise money and awareness for the Josh Cares mission in the local community. Breaking up into committees to man the planning and ownership of the event, the Jr. Board has already accomplished a great deal even though we have three months until the event! So far we have:

• Received a city permit to utilize curb lanes all around Fountain Square to accommodate more food trucks and larger crowds

• Partnered with Kroger and P&G as Co-Presenting sponsors

• Secured Ohio National Financial Services as the VIP Sponsor

• Signed up multiple local businesses to sponsor individual food trucks

• Locked in Fox19’s Frank Marzullo as emcee & Bob and Marianne of Warm 98 as hosts

As we continue to take steps to make this event bigger and better, partnership in the community and partnership for the community are two themes that the Junior Board has made a focus. Major corporate sponsors like P&G and Kroger have chosen to put their resources behind us because they believe in what we are doing: providing comfort, support and companionship to seriously ill children going through lengthy hospitalizations without a family member by their side the whole time.

We hope to see all of you on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 from 11am-2pm on Fountain Square to enjoy food like: gourmet grilled cheese, Korean bbq, traditional bbq, tex-mex, Cajun, Cincinnati style cheese coneys, and sweet treats like gelato, popsicles and cupcakes at Fountain Square’s original and premier food truck festival!

Wings and Wheels, a family friendly event for transportation enthusiasts ages 1-100, will take place on Saturday, April 18th from 3-8pm. The event, which is being put on by the Lunken Flight Training Center and N2 Publishing’s magazines Terrace Park’s A Walk in the Park and the Indian Hill Connection, will benefit Josh Cares. Admission is free.

Activities will include:

JOSH CARES EVENTS

Junior Board Keeps on Truckin’ by Rahul Gupta

Wings & Wheels to benefit Josh Cares on April 18th

THANKS TO OUR UPCOMING EVENT SPONSORS*:

FIRE & ICEGatsby Presenting Sponsors:Systems Evolution, Inc.- CincinnatiAnonymous

Quintessential Jazz Sponsor:Brower InsuranceSystems Evolution, Inc.- Atlanta

Bubbly & Balloons Sponsors:Cincinnati Mine and MachineryCollette MasonryFifth Third BankPremier Mail & FulfillmentSugar Creek PackingJoshua Helfrich Memorial FoundationJim & Wendy BarneyGary & Laura BohnMike & Carolyn ColletteAlex & Kathy SabaAnonymous in Memory of Ian Pierce

FOOD TRUCKIN’ FOR JOSH CARESCo-Presenting Sponsors:Kroger and P&G

VIP Sponsor:Ohio National Financial Services

Truck Sponsors:Beck Pearce DentalBrower InsuranceCors & Bassett, LLCDefinity PartnersKlosterman Baking Co.OmnicareRCF GroupRegency CentersSystems Evolution, Inc.

*as of 3/9/15

• Tours of new and vintage planes and cars • Climb aboard to see some up close• Test drives• Flight simulator experiences

• Kids activities• BBQ and fixins’ and sweet treats• Wine tasting

Great raffle prizes including: flight for two from Lunken to NYC by Ultimate Air Shuttle, introductory flight classes by Lunken Flight Training Center, an around-the-city flight tour, as well as gift cards to some of Cincinnati favorite places.

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Josh Cares ... and Students Do, Too!ON THE TOWN

Special thanks to photographer Moira Grainger

For more information and to view additional photos from these spectacular events, visit www.joshcares.org.

Anderson High School Student vs. Faculty Game

Cincinnati Country Day 8th Grade Beach Bash at Hahana Beach in Mariemont

Alex David and his father Roger serve up Gold Star Coneys at an Indian Hill HS

home basketball game

Milford Jr HS Eagles raised $1,300 through an all-school dodgeball tournament

Kings Jr HS vs Loveland MS track meet Candygrams at North Pointe Elementary in Hebron, KY benefit Josh Cares

Student volunteers spent a day installing Chain of Love displays throughout

Newport on the Levee

Volunteers working on the display inside Gameworks

The Junior Board lent a hand in putting up a Chain of Love display

Honored students at the 2014-15 SAC/Chain of Love Celebration Banquet

Recognizing student leaders from Seton HS, Madeira HS, and St. Joseph School

LC Member Maia Forman recognizes the efforts of students from Mason HS and

CCDS

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FIRE & ICE

Josh Cares, Inc.P. O. Box 43295

Cincinnati, OH 45243

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE PAID

Cincinnati OHPermit No 7312

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WHEELS & WINGS Sat., April 18th

3–8pmLunken Flight Training Center

FIRE & ICE Sat., April 25th

7–11pmGreen Acres Arts Center, 8400 Blome Road, Indian Hill

FOOD TRUCKIN’ FOR JOSH CARESWed., June 24, 201511am–2pmFountain Square

JOSH CARES GOLF OUTINGThurs., September 17, 2015Terrace Park Country Club

Watch our video at

joshcares.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJim BarneyLaura BohnAshley Carrico Mike CoxMike ColletteAnn Helfrich

Pete McConneyDan PierceLynn PierceChris ShepardKathy Peterson Saba

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORJoy Rowe Blang

“Like” us! http://www.facebook.com/joshcaresforchildren

Josh Cares’ signature event, Fire & Ice, is taking on a new “fl are” in celebration of the organization’s 10th Anniversary on Saturday, April 25th by moving to an all new, spectacular location—The Green Acres Arts Center, an Indian Hill treasure circa 1920. It is sure to be a party that even Jay Gatsby himself would have relished!

For the past nine years, an average of 200 guests annually have enjoyed being transported to exotic destinations, based on the theme of the year. These have included regions rich in culture such as the Mediterranean, Japan, Southern Africa, Latin countries and New Orleans. The décor, entertainment, cuisine and libations are unparalleled. Over the years, guests have learned to salsa dance, create origami, and bang on conga drums. They have sampled sushi, paella, wild game and jambalaya. Signatures at each event have always included an elaborate raw bar, fi re grilled surf and turf along with specialty cocktails with enticing names such as “Cheetinis,” “Allota Colladas” and “Flaming Lamborghinis.”

You won’t want to miss this year’s swingin’ soiree, so get yourself all dolled up because “A little party never killed nobody!”

A Gourmet Affair with New ‘Flare’…in Grand Gatsby Style

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