It's the Little Things

Cheers to your favorite Nurses…

Posted by Donna Teach on May 16, 2012
Everything Matters, Our Patients, Our staff / No Comments

Occasionally, we invite special guests writers to Little Things. Last week we celebrated National Nursing Week here at Nationwide Children’s so it was only appropriate to ask Linda Stoverock, our fabulous Chief Nursing officer to share her thoughts. Join me in celebrating our amazing nurses. Be sure to post a comment about your favorite Nationwide Children’s nurse. They’re the best!

On May 12, the nursing community celebrated the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered to be the founder of nursing practice. It was a great time to celebrate nursing as a profession, and for me, to reflect on my nursing practice.

I knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was 14 years old. I had not been around healthcare people until I lived with my aunt, uncle and cousin. My cousin was 8 years old and had a congenital defect which caused problems for him each time he encountered a bacteria like strep or any virus. We would make many trips to the pediatric emergency department where the nurses and doctors would work quickly to give him IV fluids and medications. The nurses were so good at making him feel comfortable, as well as my very scared aunt and uncle and me. I didn’t know then how much their interactions with our family would influence my values for family centered care.

Today, I have the pleasure of leading 2,330 nurses, each with a passion to provide high quality care that embraces the parent’s role as a partner in healthcare. Nurses working closely with other team members, are carefully listening to very important information the family is offering to ensure some subtle clue to the illness is not missed. Nurses look for ways to find creative solutions to help a family understand their child’s medical needs and adapt the plan to each families life.

Nurses are often the thread that weaves all the different people, medicine, treatments, and therapies together so the child and family has a unique plan to create the best health for them.

Every detail in every child’s plan matters. Every nurse that contributes to their plan matters! Thanks to all the nurses at Nationwide Children’s for the contributions to the families we serve!

We would love to hear stories about a nurse who made a difference in your life.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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Meet Miracle Mile Champion #4: Micah Ross

Posted by Donna Teach on May 14, 2012
Fundraising, Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon, Our Patients, Uncategorized / No Comments

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon is October 21st and we’re honored to be the event’s title beneficiary. As we countdown to the Marathon we’ll introduce you to our “mile champions.” These 26 special children and teens, each with a moving story to share, will be designated a mile along the event course. They will serve as patient ambassadors – to motivate participants and engage the entire community in this vital fundraising event. Each child will have a fundraising page for their mile and many of the miles will have corporate sponsors.

This week we introduce you to Micah Ross
Age: 3
Hometown: Bexley
Condition: Spina Bifida

Even before he was born, we knew Micah would be a patient at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. A prenatal ultrasound detected Spina Bifida. Micah’s vertebra were not closing normally around his spinal cord resulting in nerve damage that would impact his ability to walk and move normally. Micah’s parents knew he would be transferred to Nationwide Children’s immediately after birth and within two hours of delivery he was in our neonatal intensive care unit where immediate care began.

His treatment has included 15 surgeries and weekly therapy here with help and encouragement from his favorite four-legged care provider, Ainsley, our medical therapy dog.

Spina Bifida has not slowed Micah down – he’s a two-wheeled speed racer in his wheelchair and his mischievous smile lights up his whole face (and frequently gets him out of trouble). His five-year old sister Jennifer is Micah’s biggest cheerleader and will be by his side on Micah’s Marathon Miracle Mile to cheer on Marathon runners and walkers.
Micah’s Marathon Team, “Team Super Micah” welcomes new walking and running members and anyone can give. Look for Micah on his special mile – and watch out, he might try to race you in his wheelchair!
What Moves You? Get Involved!
Sign up for the Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) or Full Marathon (26.2 miles) – Runners and Walkers Welcome –

Become a Children’s Champion – If you’re already registered for the Marathon help fundraise for Nationwide Children’s Hospital while you train. We have all the tools to help you get started and motivate you along the way.
Give to Micah’s Team, “Team Super Micah” – Anyone can help – make a contribution to Micah’s mile.

Volunteer –Just email Lindsey at Lindsey.Gulliver@nationwidechildrens.org. Hundreds of volunteers of all ages are welcome and needed.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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Tiny Potties…Little Things Really Do Matter!

Posted by Donna Teach on May 10, 2012
Everything Matters, New Hospital, Our staff / 1 Comment

I am so excited about this…really, I am SO EXCITED!

We have tiny, pint-sized potties in the new hospital’s family restrooms. I discovered them on a tour the other day and they just made me smile – these perfect little potties sitting next to the adult version – both with auto-flush and ready to go for our families. Does it get better than that?

Actually the story does get better. I learned from Scott McClure, project engineer for the new main hospital, that the idea for these child-size toilets came from Bryan O., a project manager in our Information Services Department.

So I had to call Bryan – and it’s true. Bryan, who is also a proud daddy, recounted the story to me:

“At the time the new hospital was being designed, I recalled a recent visit to our emergency department with one of my boys. Of course, he had to go and I remember him struggling in the restroom because of his size. I thought to myself, we are a children’s hospital but we don’t have a bathroom that is orientated for children. So, I told Scott McClure he needed to consider this in the design of the new hospital. Or…I was going to take him with me the next time one of my boys had to go and let him work through the dilemma.
I think he got the idea. And…here we are today.”

First – kudos to Bryan for sharing this great idea to improve our family’s experience but also to Scott and our entire construction team for considering this type of feedback. It’s a perfect example of how little things make a difference and that everything really matters.

I can’t wait to hear about what you think of the new hospital. We’re just a few weeks from our Grand Opening Celebrations. Mark your calendar for the Community Open House on June 10th so you can see the new hospital (and the tiny potties) for yourself.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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Meet Miracle Mile Champion: Kole Noble

Posted by Donna Teach on May 7, 2012
Fundraising, Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon, Our Patients / No Comments

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon is October 21st and we’re honored to be the event’s title beneficiary. As we countdown to the Marathon we’ll introduce you to our “mile champions.” These 26 special children and teens, each with a moving story to share, will be designated a mile along the event course. They will serve as patient ambassadors – to motivate participants and engage the entire community in this vital fundraising event. Each child will have a fundraising page for their mile and many of the miles will have corporate sponsors.

This week we introduce you to Kole Noble
Age: 3
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Condition: Short Bowel Syndrome

Kole is a 3 year-old miracle. Before his birth, Kole’s parents entered the United States from Mexico with hopes of giving their son a better life. Sadly within 24 hours of his birth, Kole developed life-threatening complications and was rushed to the operating room. Over the course of several weeks, this tiny newborn had all but 10 cm of his small bowel removed leaving him with short bowel syndrome and dependent on IV nutrition (TPN). Kole’s birth parents had to return to Mexico and knowing their newborn son would require long-term care they made the difficult decision to place him for adoption with a family that would provide access to the best GI care available. The good news is that Kole was adopted by the wonderful Noble family here in Columbus and he has thrived with their love and care from the GI team at Nationwide Children’s.
Kole is still IV-dependent and receiving tube feeds 17 hours per day through a special medical backpack that goes everywhere he does. Otherwise, he is a typical active pre-schooler that loves playing with cars, swinging and hopes to play Major League Baseball when he grows up. His motto is “have backpack, will travel.” Kole is an inspiration to everyone he meets with his great smile and outgoing personality. His parents will both be running the marathon (a first full marathon for Kole’s mom, Donna). Kole and his family are proud to give back to their community and invite everyone to help keep Kole traveling down his path of good health and long life by supporting their Miracle Mile Team, Kole’s Kontenders.

What Moves You? Get Involved!
Sign up for the Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) or Full Marathon (26.2 miles) – Runners and Walkers Welcome –

Become a Children’s Champion – If you’re already registered for the Marathon help fundraise for Nationwide Children’s Hospital while you train. We have all the tools to help you get started and motivate you along the way.

Give to Kohl’s Team, “Kole’s Kontenders” – Anyone can help – make a contribution to Kole’s mile.

Volunteer –Just email Lindsey at Lindsey.Gulliver@nationwidechildrens.org. Hundreds of volunteers of all ages are welcome and needed.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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The Story Behind Our Wagons…

Posted by Donna Teach on May 3, 2012
Everything Matters, Fundraising, Nationwide Children's / No Comments

A rolling wagon always stops traffic here at Nationwide Children’s.

Whether it’s to wave goodbye to a discharged patient happily riding out the door with their balloons and personal belongings or a more somber time as these same wagons roll children to surgery or their latest chemo treatment.

Wagons have been our preferred mode of patient transportation since the 1960’s – we currently rely on more than 60 Little Tyke Explorer Wagons in our “fleet” and our patient transportation team estimates each wagon rolls 12-15 miles around the campus every day.  That’s a lot of rolling and each wagon lasts 1-2 years before “retirement.”

Our patients love the wagons – they’re much less intimidating than a wheel chair and they hold everything including patients, car seats and special possessions.  Check out this story from our dispatcher/transporter, Tiffany Smith:

“Brielle loves seeing the bright faces of Patient Transport. She can hear us before she sees us come around the corner. As we pull in to her room, her hands grab the rails of her crib, her binky slides to one side of her mouth to make room for her huge smile. We may be taking her to get her dialysis treatment for the day, or chemo treatment that is needed, but she knows that the ride there and back will be a blast. Brielle loves traveling in the wagons to her testing sites when she can. We pile the wagon full of all her pillows, her favorite purple blanket, and her doll that she does not travel without.  With her parents living far away and having to care for other children, Brielle looks forward to the trips in the wagon, even if it is for tests.”

Each of our wagons is purchased by the community with a $100 donation and many of these donor stories are amazing.  Each donor or community group can put a personal message on the wagon.  Here’s one of my favorites from 5 year-old junior philanthropist Vivian Blevins who recently purchased two wagons for the hospital . How does an entrepreneurial kindergartener raise $200?  Vivian sold stickers, just a dime each, at her parents work and at businesses throughout the community.  This is one very persuasive little girl! Her hard work paid off!

Way to go Vivian!  We’re always in need of more wagons (especially for the new hospital).  Click here to help us keep rolling!

 

 

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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Meet Miracle Mile Champion: Grayson Willson

Posted by Donna Teach on April 30, 2012
Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon, Our Patients, Uncategorized / No Comments

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon is October 21st and we’re honored to be the event’s title beneficiary. As we countdown to the Marathon we’ll introduce you to our “mile champions.” These 26 special children and teens, each with a moving story to share, will be designated a mile along the event course. They will serve as patient ambassadors – to motivate participants and engage the entire community in this vital fundraising event. Each child will have a fundraising page for their mile and many of the miles will have corporate sponsors.

This week we introduce you to Grayson Willson
Age: 16
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Condition: Type 1 Diabetes

Grayson knew that something wasn’t right three years ago when she began to lose weight without explanation, was constantly thirsty, and experienced other symptoms that were out of the ordinary. Her parents brought her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and within a few hours life changed forever with the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Grayson has faced this news with the same positive energy and enthusiasm the guides the rest of her life.

Grayson has learned to live life with a disease that must be managed every hour-every day. There is no vacation from Type 1 Diabetes and the entire Willson family supports Grayson and has high hopes for a cure in her lifetime.

That’s why Grayson is giving back as a regular volunteer in the Blue Jackets Family Resource Center at Nationwide Children’s and hopes to volunteer soon on the Endocrinology unit with other diabetes patients. Grayson is proud to be a Miracle Mile Champion and we know she’ll have a high-energy rally for runners along her mile. She is excited to help others feel the support and love that she felt at Nationwide Children’s. Her positive attitude and passion for others will be a true inspiration along the course. Go Grayson!

What Moves You? Get Involved!

Sign up for the Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) or Full Marathon (26.2 miles) – Runners and Walkers Welcome –

Become a Children’s Champions – If you’re already registered for the Marathon help fundraise for Nationwide Children’s Hospital while you train. We have all the tools to help you get started and motivate you along the way.

Give to Team Grayson – Anyone can help – make a contribution to Grayson’s mile.

Volunteer – Email Lindsey Gulliver – Hundreds of volunteers of all ages are welcome and needed.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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A behind the scenes look at our new Surgery Center

Posted by Donna Teach on April 26, 2012
Everything Matters, Nationwide Children's / No Comments

I’ll never forget when my brother had his tonsils taken out. As his little sister, I remember the green tile, the adult patients rolling by and being grossed out when he brought his tonsils home in a jar!

Thankfully, all of that has changed. I just visited our brand new outpatient surgery center in Westerville and it’s a wow! Not a green tile in sight – the building is bright, cheerful and every aspect has been designed to distract, delight and relax children – and only children! Not an adult patient in sight either and the facility has been designed so that patients going into surgery never cross paths with a child leaving surgery.

Behind the scenes every member of the team comes from the main hospital campus – bringing that level of pediatric expertise to this community-based center. It’s a special place.

You have to check out this great virtual tour.  Even if your child has never had surgery it’s something great to show them to alleviate anxieties and demystify the experience.

Let me know what you think and I’d love to hear from anyone who has already experienced the new surgery center with their children.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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26 Miles. 26 Mile Champions.

Posted by Donna Teach on April 23, 2012
Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon / 1 Comment

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon happens on October 21st – just 26 weeks away and today, we begin the official countdown by celebrating the first of our “mile champions.”   These 26 special children, each with a moving story to share, will be designated a mile along the event course.  They will serve as patient ambassadors – to motivate participants and engage the entire community in this vital fundraising event. Each child will have a fundraising page for their mile and many of the miles will have corporate sponsors.

We will announce one child each week until July when we’ll unveil the entire list of Mile Champions and their designated miles along the course (more details on that event to come).  We were so moved by the dozens of nominations for mile champions that were submitted.  Each and every child will be celebrated during the event either as a mile champion or VIP (Very Important Patient).

Meet Alison Hile – The “Nationwide Insurance” Mile

Age: 11

Hometown: Hilliard, Ohio

Condition: Cystic Fibrosis

 

 

Alison has been a patient of Nationwide Children’s since birth.  At just one day old, she had her first surgery to repair a bowel obstruction- a condition that led to her diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.  Alison spent more than 100 days at Nationwide Children’s after that first surgery, while doctors and staff worked relentlessly to make her healthy enough to go home. Today, Alison is a bright, active fifth grader who loves to dance, play with her twin sister Abbi and their dog Darby.  She continues to receive treatment at Nationwide Children’s at least once a month.  The Hile family leads an active lifestyle.  They love to run, which is very healthy for Alison’s lungs and is an important part of her continued treatment as a patient living with cystic fibrosis. Alison’s parents are Doug and Jill Hile, both long-time associates at Nationwide Insurance who is proudly sponsoring this mile.   As a Patient Champion Alison is honored to represent not only those with cystic fibrosis, but all patients at Nationwide Children’s.

What Moves You?  Get Involved! 

Sign up for the Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) or Full Marathon (26.2 miles) – Runners and Walkers Welcome –

Become a Children’s Champions – If you’re already registered for the Marathon help fundraise for Nationwide Children’s Hospital while you train.  We have all the tools to help you get started and motivate you along the way.

Give to Team Alison – Anyone can help – make a contribution to Alison’s mile.

Volunteer – Email Lindsey Gulliver – Hundreds of volunteers of all ages are welcome and needed.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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Beau Wows the Legends

Posted by Donna Teach on April 19, 2012
Fundraising, Our Patients, Uncategorized / No Comments

If you are into golf, Monday was a big day in Columbus. Jack Nicklaus was in town with 2011 Memorial tournament winner Steve Stricker and two-time United States Open Champion Andy North to host the annual Legends Luncheon. The Luncheon, presented by Nationwide Insurance is a huge fundraiser for Nationwide Children’s and the Ohio Union Ballroom was packed with hundreds of guests who helped raise more than $275,000 for the hospital and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation (a huge thanks to our friends at Nationwide and the Tournament)!

It was a wonderful day for golf fans but the star of the show was six year old Beau Hefner. Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara announced during the event that Beau is the 2012 winner of the “Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award.” This award is given to a child or young adult who demonstrates a strong, driving spirit in overcoming obstacles, an unwavering optimistic outlook, and a strong conviction for their connection to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. We couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient than Beau.

Many of you may remember Beau from the holiday campaign and earlier this month his mom, Tiffani shared a post on this blog to update us on Beau’s progress. Beau has been battling Leukemia for more than a year and his treatment will continue until 2015. We’re thrilled to report that Beau is doing great and together with his family has faced this challenge with hope, optimism and a commitment to help others through their experience.

Beau showed up at the event dressed to impress in a suit and a new set of dress shoes (although he was more excited to tell me about his new sneakers that make him run faster than a cheetah!) There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Beau joined his dad Marcus on-stage to accept the award from Jack Nicklaus. As part of the remarks, Beau recited the poem, “Chemo to the Rescue.” He knows it by heart because he says it every time he has chemotherapy or takes medication. It’s amazing when one six year-old can move a room of Legends and Leaders. You go Beau!

Check out Beau in this local news story about his award and the Legends Luncheon

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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And they all lived happily ever after

Posted by Donna Teach on April 16, 2012
Our Patients / No Comments

Disney couldn’t have done a better job in creating the perfect fairy tale wedding for Meghan Kinney and John Avrett.

In July of last year we introduced you to 22 year old Meghan. She struck all of us with her courage and optimism as she battled the bone cancer that ended her plans to compete on the 2012 Olympic synchronized swimming team.

Our surgeons were able to save Meghan’s leg by removing the tumor – along with her knee joint, part of her thigh bone and lower leg bones. Everything that was removed was replaced with an artificial joint and Meghan began several months of rehabilitation to regain movement and chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from reoccurring in her body. We were happy to be with Meghan when she returned to the pool for the first time with her previous team mates.

Throughout this trying experience Meghan was never alone – her boyfriend, Air Force 2nd Lieutenant, John Avrett was always by her side and in September he popped the question! Of course, Meghan accepted and they began planning a small family wedding. But the best was yet to come. Out of 210 couples across the U.S., Meghan and John were selected as the winners of the Salute to Love contest on November 11th and won their dream wedding in Outer Banks, N.C. all compliments of obxbrides.com (part Operation Homefront, a military agency that provides financial and other support to service members and their families).

Well, Saturday was the big day and it went off without a hitch. The bride and groom were glowing, the wedding was breathtaking and the weather was perfect. What more could we wish for a couple that has been through so much. It’s wonderful when dreams come true for such special people.

So get your week started with a smile and join me in wishing Megan and John every joy as they begin their new lives together.

Donna Teach

Donna Teach

Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children’s. Her job is to help the hospital feel “connected” – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world. To build loyal trusting relationships inside and outside the organization. It’s a great job and one she’s been doing here for 14 years.

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