Champions November by Arkansas Children's

Champions THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOUNDATION

NOVEMBER 2017

WITH YOUR HELP, Kids like Toby will have a healthier tomorrow INSIDE

Holiday Card Catalog

Reaching More Children Where They Live, Learn and Play Welcome to another edition of Champions, the magazine of the Arkansas Children’s Foundation. Thank you for being a loyal supporter. Your gi s have a profound impact on the patients and families we serve. Over the last few months, I’ve had lots of people ask, “Marcy, why did Arkansas Children’s change its logo?” My answer is this: our new look and feel is about more than changing a logo. It’s about changing our approach to how we deliver care. As we grow and evolve to reach more children where they live, learn and play, our look has evolved, too. The new logo showcases the three essential pillars of our work: Hospitals, Research, Foundation. In order to make children be er today and healthier tomorrow, one cannot exist without the others. Your generous support is making great things happen for kids all over the state. For example: • We are within 100 days of opening Arkansas Children’s Northwest, a new children’s hospital in Springdale. Want to see your name or a loved one’s name displayed in the hospital on opening day? Visit giving.archildrens.org/birds to learn how. • Your support is allowing us to dream big as we finalize plans to expand our presence at the ACH Clinic in Jonesboro. I look forward to sharing more with you in the upcoming months. • Through the Stephens Elementary School-Based Health Center in Li le Rock, we now provide primary care to students at Stephens Elementary as well as their siblings. • And we recently unveiled the Laboratory for Active Kids & Families at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC), where researchers will begin to be er understand the science of exercise and the mechanisms by which physical activity promotes health. All of this important work is made possible by donors like you. Thank you for championing children!

Marcy Doderer, FACHE President and CEO Arkansas Children’s CHAMPIONS STAFF: Editor Becky McCauley Contributing Writers Ashley Leopoulos, Becky McCauley Design C. Waynette Traub Photographers Wesley Hitt, Daniel Moody 2

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Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board of Directors Chair Marcy Doderer, FACHE Vice Chair Charles B. Whiteside III Treasurer Jason LaFrance President Fred Scarborough, CFRE

Pat Allen Ritter Arnold Sharon Bale Ginger Blackmon Frances Buchanan Stuart Cobb Steve Davison Kirk Dupps Harry C. Erwin III Kim Fowler Sharilyn Gasaway Robin George Mike Gibson Sonja Yates Hubbard Jason LaFrance Sharon Lamb Jim McClelland Mandy Macke Barbara Moore Beverly Morrow Cindy Murphy Jake Nabholz Marshall Ney Terry Quinn Jennifer Schueck Belinda Shults Jennifer Smith Claudia Strange Celia Swanson Emeritus Directors Robert G. Cress Don Edmondson Henry Rogers, MD

*Current as of October 15,,2017

LIVES

YOU’VE TOUCHED

The Hemotology/Oncology program at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric cancer treatment program in the state. More than 250 patients receive life-saving care for cancer or blood disorders at ACH at any given time. Because of your support, our expert doctors and care teams are specially trained and highly skilled in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of childhood problems related to blood disorders and cancerous tumors such as anemia, leukemia and neuroblastoma.

Your generosity helps provide expert pediatric care for children battling cancer and blood disorders at Arkansas Children’s. Thank you for being a champion for children. Here are the facts about these devastating illnesses:

13,500 90% CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER EVERY YEAR IN THE U.S.

100

CHILDREN IN ARKANSAS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER EVERY YEAR

OF ALL PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS IN ARKANSAS ARE TREATED AT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S

ONLY 4% OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE BUDGET IS DESIGNATED FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

Your support helps make children better today and healthier tomorrow. giving.archildrens.org | 800-880-7491 GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • NOV E M B ER 2 0 1 7

A HEALTHIER TOMORROW You give kids like Toby access to expert pediatric care

BY BECKY MCCAULEY

an you imagine your 7-year-old child, who is full of fun, jokes and silliness, being diagnosed with a frightening disease like cancer? Sadly, this is exactly what happened to May and Tyler just a few months ago. Their healthy, active, fun-loving li le boy was suddenly stricken with a life-threatening illness. Their whole world turned upside down in an instant. It all began last April when their son Toby fell off his bike and broke his leg…usually a typical childhood injury. Li le did this Hot Springs couple know, this was just the beginning of a long, harrowing journey for their family. Toby’s pediatrician applied a cast to his leg and, a er several weeks with very li le pain, the bone had mended. But as soon as the cast was removed, Toby began to scream in agony. His parents knew immediately something was very, very wrong. A lump the size of a so ball protruded from just below Toby’s knee and stretched all the way to the outside of his leg. It was red, puffy and swollen. The doctor suspected cancer and made an appointment for Toby at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for the next week. Then, that night, Toby spiked a very high fever, so his mom and dad took him to their local emergency room. They immediately sent him to ACH. “When Toby was admi ed, we didn’t have anything with us because we le in such a hurry,” says May. “The nurse brought toys

for Toby and things like toothbrushes and toothpaste for his dad and me. It was hard, but they did everything they could to make us as comfortable as possible.” A biopsy at ACH confirmed the doctors’ suspicions. Toby had osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Suddenly, this li le family’s world revolved around hospital rooms, needle sticks and chemotherapy. Toby’s doctors worried they’d have to amputate his leg because the cast had caused the tumor to hemorrhage. A er several weeks of chemo, though, the tumor had shrunk to the size of a thumb. Toby would keep his leg! But Toby still has a long, difficult ba le ahead. He’ll have surgery in a few weeks to remove as much of the tumor as possible, and then undergo another six or seven weeks of chemotherapy. May expressed her gratitude for your support: “It’s amazing you care so much about families you’ve never even met. You reach out with your time and money without expecting anything in return. All I can say is, ‘Thank you.’” Although Toby has a good shot at a healthy, happy future, there is still a 15 percent chance his cancer could return. That’s why your generosity is so crucial. May and Tyler know they owe their wonderful experience at ACH to you. “Every single thing the hospital does for us is because of the help the hospital has received from you,” says May. “We wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. ACH is the best!”

Thank you! Your gifts help kids in Arkansas and beyond receive the expert care they need to get better. 4

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You can champion children by making a gift today. Use the enclosed envelope, call 800-880-7491 or visit giving.archildrens.org GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • NOV E M B ER 2 0 1 7

BY LEAPS & BOUNDS Your support helps precocious twins find their voices BY ASHLEY LEOPOULOS

Identical twins Trent and Trey Hollon share everything. Both diagnosed with cle lips at birth, the brothers received their first reconstructive surgeries at Arkansas Children’s Hospital when they were only six months old. Placed into the foster system at 8 months old, the boys were welcomed with open arms by Kelly and Cliff Hollon right before their 3rd birthday. “We knew we weren’t finished as far as our family was concerned,” says Kelly. Having raised two biological children, Stuart (25) and Allie (23), the Hollons decided to expand their family. In 2007, Kelly and Cliff a ended training to become foster parents. “There were a lot of questions about children with

disabilities, including whether or not we were willing to accept a child with a physical or mental disability,” says Cliff. “We were determined no barriers would stop us from adopting. We didn’t want to choose based on photos.” Kelly and Cliff asked their adoption specialists to send their family the next sibling group that came to the agency. Trey and Trent arrived home in 2008 and the Hollons immediately fell in love. The brothers were officially adopted by the Hollons in January of 2009, just a er their 3rd birthday. Neither boy could speak at the time, but now, at 11 years old, Trey and Trent are thriving. “We’ve seen them grow by leaps and bounds,” explains Kelly.

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“We couldn’t ask for a better place and have been blessed by the care ACH has given our boys.” —Cliff Hollon

Trey has aspirations of being a superhero and a missionary. Trent has an interest in architecture and spends his free time drawing house plans and reading log cabin magazines. “Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of the time they would rather go to the book store than the toy store,” explains Kelly. “The boys talk o en about college. Trent wants to live in Colorado, and Trey wants to stay close AND live next door to his brother.” Regardless of what they grow up to be, they want to be together. In 2014, Trey needed an additional surgery to close a hole in his gum. The surgery required a bone gra to be taken from Trey’s hip to fill the void. Taking the boys to follow-up appointments, Kelly and Cliff

learned more about their sons’ diagnoses from the physicians and nurses at ACH. Dr. Buckmiller, the surgeon who performed Trey and Trent’s first surgeries, recovered photos of the boys before surgery. “These are our only pictures of them as infants. Those pictures are very precious to me,” says Kelly. Trey and Trent also receive care from the ACH Dental Clinic and will be monitored until they’re 18 years old. “All the nurses and doctors are engaged with our boys,” says Cliff. “It’s like visiting family! The boys are not bashful and enjoy talking to everyone during their appointments. We couldn’t ask for a be er place, and have been blessed by the care ACH has given our boys.”

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A PHILANTHROPIC

SPIRIT BY BECKY MCCAULEY

Retired teacher’s estate benefits social work fund at Arkansas Children’s Northwest

iving back to others is a way of life for retired teacher Paul Christ. When he’s not driving the two-hour trip from Harrison to Faye eville to take military veterans to medical appointments, Paul is scheduling other drivers to ensure our country’s heroes get where they need to be. When he’s not shopping online for historic artifacts for a local school’s history department, Paul is shopping at an outlet store for food, clothing and hygiene products for the school’s needy children. When Paul’s not adding funds to the checking account he shares with the school principal to be used to provide for children in need, he’s adding rescued dogs to his pack. And recently, Paul has added another philanthropic pursuit—he’s included Arkansas Children’s Northwest in his estate plans. He comes by his philanthropic spirit honestly. “When I was growing up, we were poor…we ate, but didn’t have a lot of extras,” says Paul. “So I like to help children in need.” Paul’s family lived with his grandparents in Pennsylvania for the first several years of his life. A er his family spent two years in California,

they finally se led in Arkansas in a tiny community between Malvern and Benton called Glen Rose. Paul a ended Glen Rose schools from 8th grade through graduation. “When I was growing up, we had one pair of shoes that had to last the whole year,” reflects Paul. “One year, the top and bo om of my shoes were ripping out, and I had to use tape to repair them. So I feel for kids in school who are in similar situations.” Education is close to Paul’s heart. A er graduating from the University of Arkansas, he taught middle school math for a short time at a now-closed junior high school in Li le Rock. He then went to work for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools for 30 years—teaching middle-school military dependent children for four years in Japan and 26 in northern Germany. Paul loved his time overseas and visited exotic countries like Egypt, Malta and Turkey. But when he retired in 2000, he decided it was time to go home. Paul se led near Harrison, where he immediately got involved with a local school and also began accumulating the nearly 5,000 volunteer hours he’s spent transporting veterans to Faye eville for appointments.

LEAVE ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS. It’s simple. For more information, call Mallory Van Dover at 800-880-7491 or email vandoverm@archildrens.org. “I realize when their child is hospitalized, many parents cannot afford to be with them,” says Paul. “I can’t imagine being a mom or dad and not being near my child when they need me the most.” Paul’s affinity for underserved children and their families led to his interest in supporting the social work fund at Arkansas Children’s Northwest, the new pediatric hospital scheduled to open in early 2018 in Springdale. He first learned about ACNW through newspaper articles. “I don’t have kids or grandkids, and was beginning to worry about what to do with my estate,’ says Paul. “But the solution was simple—I filled out the paperwork to make Arkansas Children’s Northwest the beneficiary of my mutual funds, payable at my death. My problem was solved.”

Support of the social work fund at Arkansas Children’s helps provide gas cards, a place to stay and other needs for patient families. Because of donors like you, kids even receive visits from the Tooth Fairy!

2017

Holiday Card Project

SPREAD

HOLIDAY

CHEER to patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital! Every year, too many children spend the holidays at ACH, hoping for the gi of healing and recovery. You help give that gi when you purchase your holiday cards and gi s from the ACH Auxiliary. Each card or gi item features artwork created by young patients and is accompanied by a warm holiday message.

Purchase your holiday cards today! Order online: archildrens.org/holiday Call: 800-595-6498

Imprinting is also available! $6 for a box of 20 cards or envelopes. $12 to imprint both the card and envelope per box of 20. 10

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HOLIDAY CARDS

New! Feature your family on these adorable cards! Upload your digital photo and we will print a 4”x 6” image and adhere the photo to the card.

A. LOVE CAME DOWN

by Morgan Coven Herndon Featured Artist Inside: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced.” Matthew 2:10 Sponsored by Lisenne Rockefeller $20 for 20 cards

D. SNOWY SCENE

by Victoria | age 12 Inside: “Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season!” Sponsored by Rosie Wilson $20 for 20 cards

B. TRIPLE SANTA FOR VERTICAL PHOTO

by Henry | age 6 Inside: “Ho! Ho! Ho!” Sponsored by The Ford Family Foundation $30 for 20 cards*

*Price includes photo printing and attachment.

C. SANTA WITH STRIPES FOR HORIZONTAL PHOTO by Charlie | age 6 Inside: “May your days be merry and bright!” Sponsored by The Wallace Family $30 for 20 cards*

*Price includes photo printing and attachment.

E. HAPPY REINDEER

by Sy’mone, Anna, Sha’mya and Bethany | ages 9 –11 Inside: “To you and all that you hold ‘deer,’ Happy Holidays!” Sponsored by The Marks Family $20 for 20 cards

F. FESTIVE CHRISTMAS TREE by Matthew | age 4 Inside: “May the simple joys of the holidays be yours.” Sponsored by The Southern Company of NLR, Inc. $20 for 20 cards

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HOLIDAY CARDS

G. HO HO HO SANTA

by Joie | age 12 Inside: “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!” Sponsored by Horton & Horton Printing Co. $20 for 20 cards

J. GRATEFUL PENGUIN by Jack | age 6 Sponsored by: The Shelby Family $20 for 20 cards

H. JOLLY NUTCRACKER by Lila | age 7 Inside: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” Sponsored by The Smart Family $20 for 20 cards

I. FROSTY SNOWMAN

by Max | age 8 Inside: “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” Sponsored by Stuart Cobb $20 for 20 cards

K. HONOR CARD

by James Paul | age 12 Inside: “A special gift has been made to Arkansas Children’s on your behalf by...” Available for a minimum $10 donation per card. Each card will be printed with a message letting the recipient know a gift was made to Arkansas Children’s in their honor.

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SPECIALTY GIFT ITEMS

L. ZIPPERED “LOVE” BAG

by Olivia W. and Olivia B. | ages 9 Displayed front and back Dimensions: 5” x 8” $18

O. HERE FISHY, FISHY by Avery | age 13 Glass trivet/cutting board Dimensions: 10.75” x 7.75” Sponsored by Acker and Chris Bell $30

M. BRIGHT FLORAL TEA TOWEL

N. HEART SHOPPING LIST

P. HO HO HO ORNAMENT

Q. ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AUXILIARY 50TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

by Macy | age 7 Dimensions: 20” x 26” $20

by Joie | age 12 Displayed front and back Dimensions: 4” x 2.75” $15

by Carson, Isabella and Eliza | ages 11 & 13 50 sheets per pad Dimensions: 5.25” x 8.5” $15

A book commemorating half a century of giving by the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. $25

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Meet the Holiday Card Artists Featured Artist: Morgan Coven Herndon After completing a multitude of art courses from interior design to graphic design and most things in between, Morgan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Since that time, she’s experienced the joys and heartaches that come with life, pushing her toward creating more art. For Morgan, her faith and art are deeply intertwined—both are sustaining, uplifting and purpose -giving. Max, 8 Eight-year-old Max is full of energy, but when a high fever and congestion slowed him down, his parents took him to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. At the General Pediatric Clinic, ACH doctors and nurses got him on the road to good health in no time. Max has a great sense of humor and loves to make everyone laugh. He also enjoys playing sports and being outside. Olivia B., 9 At the age of 6, Olivia was rushed to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital to repair a closed-skull fracture. Olivia and her family were met with calm nurses and physicians who made sure Olivia received the care she needed. Now 9 years old, Olivia enjoys swimming on the swim team, writing songs and stories, and creating works of art. Macy, 7 Over the past seven years, Macy has participated in research studies at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center and the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute. Macy is proud to be a part of cutting-edge research and knows her participation will provide a healthier tomorrow for future generations. Macy loves to play sports, sing and dance. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher. Victoria, 12 At only 2 days old, tiny Victoria was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for heart surgery. She continues to receive care at a variety of ACH specialty clinics. Victoria is a fearless child who loves every school subject. She can speak Polish and knows sign language. She also loves to create art and play with her cats.

Carson, 11 Two years ago, Carson was complaining of intense stomach pain. After a visit to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Carson received the care and treatment plan she needed to combat chronic heartburn and reflux. Today, she’s a healthy tween who loves hanging out with her friends and baking, and plans to open a bakery when she grows up. James Paul, 12 When he was 4 years old, James Paul suffered from swollen tonsils and adenoids which affected his appetite and sleep schedule. His pediatrician referred him to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for surgery. James Paul is now a healthy young man who loves to play baseball, fish and hunt. When he is older, he plans to play for the University of Arkansas baseball team. Sy’mone, 9 Sy’mone was born without hearing in her left ear. She receives support and follow-up at the ACH Audiology Clinic. She loves to dance, run track and sing. Sy’mone plans to become a physician when she grows up so she can help others. Isabella, 13 When Isabella was 6 months old, she became dehydrated and lethargic. Her parents took her to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital where physicians diagnosed her with rotavirus. She was given IV fluids and monitored overnight. Now a teenager, Isabella loves hanging out with her friends. She is an honor-roll student and enjoys art and photography. Eliza, 11 Newborn Eliza was delivered by emergency c-section due to a placental abruption during delivery. She was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. There, Eliza was monitored, and is now a healthy little girl. She loves to read and create art, and enjoys soccer and hunting with her dad. When she grows up, Eliza plans to be a doctor. Anna, 10 Anna was born deaf. Nine months later, she received cochlear implants at Arkansas Children’s Hospital to help her hear. She’s now a healthy child who loves to create works of art, play outdoors and collect Pokémon cards.

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Jack, 6 By the time he was 2 years old, Jack had suffered from more than 20 ear infections. Physicians at Arkansas Children’s Hospital removed his tonsils and adenoids in addition to placing t-tubes in his eardrums, which resulted in immediate relief. Jack is now a healthy 6-year-old who enjoys reading, art projects and swimming. Matthew, 4 When he was 10 weeks old, Matthew was rushed to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Physicians diagnosed him with RSV, a respiratory virus that can be fatal for infants. Thankfully, the team was able to restore Matthew to health. He’s now a happy, healthy 4-year-old who loves to play outside with his brothers. Sha’mya, 11 At the age of 4, ACH physicians discovered Sha’mya had profound hearing loss. Now fitted with hearing aids, she loves to play sports and enjoys playing with her brother and sister. Lila, 7 Three-year-old Lila was diagnosed with scar tissue on her retina, causing blurred vision. She received surgery to correct the problem, and physicians at Arkansas Children’s Hospital continue to monitor her. She loves to dance, cook and go to school. When she grows up, Lila plans to be a chef. Avery, 13 Eighteen-month-old Avery was rushed to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Emergency Department with a high fever and abdominal pain. Thanks to the quick action of the nurses and physicians on call, she was diagnosed with rotavirus. Now, Avery is a healthy teenager who enjoys creating art, designing spaces and directing her own videos.

Charlie and Henry, 6 When Charlie was 18 months old, he woke up one morning unable to walk. His pediatrician referred him to Arkansas Children’s Hospital where physicians discovered an infection in Charlie’s knee. Following surgery at ACH, both Charlie and his twin brother Henry were monitored by infectious disease physicians for several months. Both boys are now well and full of life. Olivia W., 9 Over a weekend, 5-year-old Olivia became very ill. Her family pediatrician referred the family to the after-hours clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she received the care she needed to feel better. Olivia and her family are grateful to have care close to home for those unexpected moments. Joie, 12 One night, 3-year-old Joie spiked a fever of 104 degrees. Her family rushed her to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with a virus. Thankfully, the virus was easily treated with medication. Joie loves creating art and playing volleyball and softball. When she grows up, she plans to be an emergency room physician. Bethany, 10 Diagnosed at birth with anemia, Bethany was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit. Physicians discovered Bethany was also born with auditory neuropathy leaving her unable to hear. Thanks to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Bethany has a cochlear implant and receives checkups at the ACH Audiology Clinic. Bethany loves ACH, bowling with the Special Olympics and collecting pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House.

ORDER AT ARCHILDRENS.ORG/HOLIDAY GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • NOV E MBER 2 0 1 7

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“[The nurses] never let you know if they’re having a busy night. You think your child is their only patient and this is all they have to do.” ~ ROBBY FUNK GRATEFUL PARENT OF ADDISON

YOUR GIFT MATTERS

BE A CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN

You can help children like Addision get better today and be healthier tomorrow. A gift of $25, $50, $100 or more to Arkansas Children’s makes a huge difference in the life of a sick child.

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY!

Use the enclosed envelope, visit giving.archildrens.org or call 800-880-7491.