CENTR A FOCUS HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA | ISSUE 2, 2017
Fight, Survive, Inspire Stories of hope after cancer
Building Bridges 30 years of supporting our youth in their time of need
A Dancer’s Life The power of physical therapy
+ GRETNA PACE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OAKWOOD SENSORY ROOM CANCER PATIENT SUPPORT FUND
Your story can have a happy ending A twisted ankle can keep you from running in that marathon or participating in your favorite sport. Throwing your back out can keep you from getting weekend chores done. A blown out knee can keep you from that elusive hole-in-one. Let Centra Rehabilitation help you write a happy ending. Expert physical
Lynchburg Locations:
therapy when you need it.
Jamerson Family YMCA 434.237.8160
Direct Access – No Referral Needed Individualized attention to get you back in the game!
Atherholt Road 434.200.4200 Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital 434.200.4668 Centra Lynchburg Medical Center 434.200.7860 Surrounding Communities: Bedford 540.587.3246 Gretna 434.656.4607 Danville 434.797.1384 Farmville 434.315.2920 Keysville 434.315.2920
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Centra E.W. Tibbs Jr., RN, BSN, MBA President & Chief Executive Officer David Adams Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Bill Bass Senior Vice President of Community Hospitals & Regional Medical Centers Daniel Carey, MD Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer Michael Elliott Senior Vice President of Operations & President of Acute Care Services H. Lester Reed, MD Senior Vice President & President of Centra Medical Group David Gough Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Jan Walker Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer Curt Baker Interim Chief Nursing Officer
Officers David Gough David Adams
FIGHT, SURVIVE, INSPIRE
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THE GARDEN
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People of Hope: Stories of life after cancer
A nurturing and healing environment
BUILDING BRIDGES
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A DANCER’S LIFE
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CENTRA PACE
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
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30 years of supporting our youth
Board of Directors Walker P. Sydnor Jr. Amy G. Ray E.W. Tibbs Jr., RN, BSN, MBA Albert M. Baker, MD Michael V. Bradford Julie P. Doyle H.C. Eschenroeder Jr., MD Sharon L. Harrup Hank Hubbard Jeffrey R. Rowan Verna R. Sellers, MD Amanda N. Stanley Francis E. Wood Jr. R. Sackett Wood George R. Zippel
CONTENTS
Chairman Vice Chairman President & CEO
The power of physical therapy
Celebrating one year in Gretna Treasurer Secretary
A special partnership for a milestone year
Foundation Board of Directors Mark D. Townsend, MD George A. Hurt, MD E.W. Tibbs Jr., RN, BSN, MBA Kathryn M. Pumphrey, EdD David Gough Robert R. Chapman III Melanie Christian Theodore J. Craddock Thomas J. Delaney, MD Michael J. Diminick, MD MaryJane Dolan Patsy A. Dooley Paul F. Fitzgerald, MD Robert H. Gilliam Jr. John J. Halpin, MD Janet Hickman, MD Yuille Holt III Augustus A. Petticolas Jr., DDS Elliot S. Schewel John H. Sorrells III Walker P. Sydnor Tim Tharpe
Chairman Vice Chairman President Executive Vice President Treasurer
An engaging and therapeutic environment
CANCER PATIENT SUPPORT FUND
Providing hope and support on all levels
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AREA OF FOCUS
Medical Staff Officers Lynchburg General & Virginia Baptist Shawn Hayes, MD President Wade Neiman, MD Vice President Bedford Memorial Michael Cook, MD Hillary Basham, MD
President Vice President
Southside Community Kwabena Donkor, MD Kirsten Huber, MD
President Vice President
Editorial Staff Angela Bryant Dana Poleski Steven Bowler
OAKWOOD SENSORY ROOM 19
Vice President of Marketing, Strategic Planning & Consumer Insights Editor Assitant Editor
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To place your name on our mailing list, call Centra Communications & Marketing, 434.200.4730. Centra is a regional, nonprofit healthcare system based in Lynchburg and serving central and southside Virginia. We are comprised of Centra Lynchburg General, Virginia Baptist, Southside Community and Bedford Memorial hospitals, the Centra Medical Group network of primary care and specialty practices, senior care services, mental health services, and numerous other health facilities and programs throughout the region.
Contributing Photographers Jonathan Mitchell, Andrew Wilds Contributing Writers Steven Bowler, Kate Kolb, Diane Ludwig, Jonathan Parker, Louise Rozene, Molleigh Tomlin
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People of Hope: Stories of life after cancer The painful sting of cancer isn’t far from most Americans. Over 40 percent of men and more than one in three women in America will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Whether it’s you personally, a family member, or a friend, the emotional weight and physical struggle is prevalent. The startling frequency of those with cancer creates a common thread among all of us, which is brought to heart while reading the stories of those that experienced this hardship firsthand. The People of Hope campaign details these brave men and women’s trials and triumphs. Each of their life journeys were interrupted by this devastating disease. They sought help and fought hard. Now on the other side of their cancer battles, they inspire those that must go through their own fight. Physicians and nurse navigators at the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center guide patients from beginning to end, helping them realize their strength and survive their cancer. We are humbled to be part of these survival stories, knowing that their journeys will help inspire others.
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Elaine Bohling {Breast Cancer} & Mark Bohling {Lymphoma} out for the two-week trip. The couple enjoyed the holidays, and Elaine began chemotherapy in January. However, right after her second treatment, Mark’s life took a similar turn. He felt disoriented one morning on his way to work. Still in his neighborhood, he parked his car, and Elaine rushed him to the doctor. Blood tests and biopsies confirmed he had stage IV lymphoma, and Dr. Jenkins began treating him as well. “As Elaine was about to ring the bell with chemotherapy treatments complete, I was up there talking with Dr. Jenkins to schedule my chemotherapy plan,” Mark said. He had four treatments – once a month – to knock out the cancer. Elaine had reconstructive breast surgery and then radiation treatments around the same time. “We both finished up treatments in June 2015. We met with Dr. Jenkins at the same time for a wrap-up,” Mark said. “Elaine was cancer free. I was in complete remission.”
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Two things brought Elaine and Mark Bohling closer together: beating cancer and the German Alps. “Cancer brings the reality that you’re not invincible,” Mark said. “We don’t put off anything. We live life to its fullest, hoping tomorrow will come so we can do it again.” The couple met at the Virginia Episcopal School baseball field nine years ago. Mark was watching his son play, and Elaine was taking photos for a friend. “It was love at first sight,” Mark said.
The couple has their follow-up appointments together. “Everything has been fine. It was certainly difficult and frightening for the both of us, before our treatment and during our treatments. Luckily, we had each other for support, as well as our family and friends,” Elaine and Mark said.
A common health scare brought them even closer. Elaine was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2014. Kara Lamb, RN, a breast cancer nurse navigator, guided Elaine through her testing and treatment plan and scheduled appointments with her oncologist, Dr. Emily Jenkins. The lumpectomy was scheduled around the couple’s travel plans so they could enjoy a Christmas river cruise in Germany. She had surgery on a Friday, and seven days later, they were flying
Everyone at the cancer center was friendly, helpful, and very supportive. “In our opinion, it takes a special person to work at the cancer center, especially the chemo nurses,” Mark said. The cancer bouts encouraged them to do something special for their wedding. They had traveled in 2008 to Garmisch, Germany, a village at the base of the German Alps, and decided it was the place to say I do this May, checking it off their bucket list. a
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George Dawson {Cholangiocarcinoma} An endoscopic procedure at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital confirmed it was cholangiocarcinoma – a tumor in the common bile duct, which joins the pancreatic duct. He needed a Whipple procedure, a specialized surgery typically performed only in the largest academic medical centers. Within a week, he had surgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. He spent over two weeks there after surgery, and his doctors encouraged him to have follow-up radiation and chemotherapy at Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. “The doctors said everything they would do for me at Johns Hopkins could be done in Lynchburg. That was good news to us,” he said. George praised the team at Centra, including oncologist Dwight Oldham, MD, and the nurse navigators that guided him through treatment. “I had a lot of confidence in the treatment team,” he said. “I made it back to work before my official retirement.” Years before his diagnosis, George worked with other leaders to design the cancer center. “Little did I know that I would be a patient there,” George said.
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Watercolor and oil paintings line the walls of George Dawson’s Riverviews Artspace studio. The fresh paintings allow him to view life through a different lens. “When I paint, it changes the way I look at the world. There is a sense of wonder about objects and things. The arts have a way of letting people with different perspectives have a common dialogue and understand how to talk to each other, and right now that’s very important,” George said. 4 | CENTR A FOCUS
Art isn’t the only thing to give George a new perspective, however. He was used to talking with patients receiving treatment, but months before his retirement from Centra as president and CEO six years ago, he became a patient himself after being diagnosed with cancer. “Things were happening really fast,” George said. “I hadn’t planned for any of this.” George thought his skin looked yellow. His primary care doctor referred him for an MRI, which detected a tumor.
Cancer changed his viewpoint on retirement. “My horizon went from what is the next five years going to be like to what is the next five days going to be like?” George said. In retirement, he and his wife, Rosemary, jumped into new projects, including raising funds for the new Lynchburg Humane Society and spearheading the capital campaign to renovate the historic Academy of Music Theatre. His cancer journey taught him to embrace and enjoy things under his control. “My perspective changed quickly, but I never doubted that I would recover,” George said.
Lynda Bullington {Breast Cancer} B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, followed by surgery. Sixteen radiation appointments completed her treatment. Unfortunately, the hurdles kept coming. Last May, her husband, John, had surgery to remove cancer from the base of his tongue. However, with the help of his doctor and through a focused treatment plan, he is also cancer free now. “You have to maintain a positive attitude, have faith, and get through one day at a time.” During treatments, Lynda found solace in a familiar place – on the back of a horse. Her chemotherapy treatments had a consistent cadence. “The first week, I felt like I was being dragged behind a horse. By the third week, I was riding one again,” she said. “By the time I felt decent, it was time for another treatment.” This repeated itself for 18 weeks as she continued to look forward to long rides in the mountains on Black Pepper Pusher, her friend Nancy’s horse. “She lives up to her name sometimes. She’s my buddy, but can be a little pushy at times. She keeps me on my toes,” Lynda said.
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Seeing your child battle cancer is a parent’s worst nightmare. Just ask Lynda Bullington. In 1997, her 18-year-old daughter, Amanda, was diagnosed with leukemia. “A cancer diagnosis and treatment is life changing, but watching your child suffer through it is far worse than going through it yourself. I would have traded places with her in a heartbeat. Her dad and I prayed a lot, as well as our family and friends, and we are eternally grateful.”
Amanda, who was treated at University of Virginia Pediatric Cancer Center, beat cancer while continuing college during treatment. Twenty years later, healthy, with a husband, two beautiful children, and a busy schedule, she is enjoying life to the fullest. However, in 2014, Lynda was the one in treatment, after feeling a lump in her breast that April. “I knew it was my turn to put on my big-girl pants and face this ugly beast yet again.” Treatment began with chemotherapy at Centra Alan
The desire to literally get back in the saddle motivated her throughout treatment. “Riding became my therapy, and I didn’t want anyone treating me like a disease,” she said, and her riding group certainly didn’t do that. “Many are over 60 with varying aches and pains. Riding really gave me incentive to keep my strength up and get back on the horse. Hands down, I have the best friends in the world. I don’t know what people do without faith, family, and dear friends to lean on.” The Bullingtons, along with family and friends, plan projects each Christmas for pediatric cancer patients at UVA. Friends from Amelon United Methodist Church knit prayer shawls, hats, and baby blankets for Centra cancer patients and others in the community. “We feel very blessed and try to pay it forward,” Lynda said. a ISSUE 2, 2017 | 5
Paul Webb {Prostate Cancer} Paul, an active participant in her class, is a trained yoga instructor and teaches at James River Yoga. He was a natural fit. Six months before taking over, Paul had special training to help cancer and cardiac patients. “Cancer patients tend to feel like their bodies have attacked them,” Paul said. “You lose touch with your body. Yoga will slow you down, bring you back to your body, and put you in touch with those feelings and emotions that you try to wall off.” Paul said yoga also helps the lymphatic system. “There are just lots and lots of benefits for cancer patients,” he said. Paul’s Tuesday night class at the cancer center is the most important event on his calendar. “It really is the nearest and dearest thing to my heart. I thoroughly enjoy that class,” Paul said. “It’s a community. It’s beautiful to see.” Paul takes his role in facilitating community yoga for cancer patients, caregivers, and Centra staff seriously. “For an hour and a half each week, I hold sacred space for these people to come together to move and breathe and be together,” he said.
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Paul Webb doesn’t halfway commit to any course of action. When doctors told him he had prostate cancer in January 2012, he dove into classes and support groups at Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. “As part of my diagnosis, the incredible nurse navigators at the cancer center gave me a packet with the class schedules,” Paul said. He attended Mindfulness Meditation, Man to Man Prostate Support Group, and a yoga class. “I just threw myself 6 | CENTR A FOCUS
into all things cancer at that point,” Paul said. “These were people dealing with the same things I was, and I wanted to be a part of it.” After surgery, his care team continued to monitor his PSA counts, recommending radiation therapy in 2013. Through all his treatments, Paul remained committed to support groups and classes. “It becomes part of your life,” he said. The yoga teacher, Michelle Walsh, wanted someone to take over in 2015.
Paul knows about radical change firsthand. Before cancer, he learned to live with a new normal as a recovering alcoholic. “Having cancer on top of that, every moment becomes precious. It’s the moment-to-moment mindfulness that yoga creates to notice the sky and notice the clouds so you aren’t just folded in on yourself,” Paul said. Each day is a gift. “It allows you to notice those special moments and treasure them a little more. Cancer definitely changes you,” he said.
Robert Stewart {Throat Cancer} diagnosis, Kenneth Saum, MD, thoracic surgeon, removed a spot detected on Robert’s lung by a CT scan. “Those physicians have been very important to me throughout this,” Robert said. “I was determined I was going to do exactly what they told me.” Robert showed what determination looks like. “I’m still here,” he said. “When you are first told, don’t fold. Don’t give up. That’s not the end of the world. Go with the program and do your part.” After spending his career in the garment business, Robert jumped into farming, calling it his “senior’s hobby.” Robert stays quite busy. “I do it all by myself. From the spring to early fall, your time is pretty taxed.” Cancer free, Robert relishes each sunrise and sunset that backdrops his Appomattox farm. “To me, every one of them is a pretty one.” a
See cancer survivors share their fight, survival, and inspirational view of life. Watch their powerful stories at CentraHealth.com/Cancer.
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Robert Stewart likes his pace. Busy, but not chaotic. Steady, but not fast. Every day, the Appomattox cattle farmer tends to all the needs of his 500 acres where he raises beef cattle to sell at the Lynchburg Livestock Market. “Everybody’s got to have a purpose,” Robert said. “You just get up in the morning and make yourself do something.” A throat cancer diagnosis in 2013 devastated him. Robert, 75, thought he was battling bronchitis for three months.
Tim Courville, MD, of Blue Ridge ENT, told him he had cancer after a biopsy. He put his faith in Michael O’Neill, MD, radiation oncologist, and Kathleen Paul, MD, oncologist, at Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. “I have a great relationship with both of them,” Robert said. “You couldn’t ask for anything better. Whoever gets cancer, it’s a frightening experience. I decided we would fight it as long as we could.” Almost 18 months after his initial ISSUE 2, 2017 | 7
Doug Pugh {Prostate Cancer} on how unexpectedly things like that come up.” Doug’s experience with cancer isn’t limited to himself, however. His parents and two brothers also battled cancer. “It’s just kind of an eye-opener. You can’t turn your back and ignore things for one second,” he said. Doug and his wife of 52 years moved to Lynchburg four years ago. She was born at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. “We liked Virginia very much, and Lynchburg was an ideal destination for us,” he said. Doug spends his free time doing landscaping and training dogs in agility and obedience classes. Because his father was a career Naval officer, Doug joins the crowd at Monument Terrace in Lynchburg each Friday to salute veterans. At the cancer center, Doug makes it his mission to help patients feel comfortable. “Cancer really gives you insight into what life and quality of life is all about,” he said.
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Prostate cancer survivor Doug Pugh finished his treatments at Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, but he never really left — immediately offering his services as a volunteer.
A retired software developer, Doug now works as an ambassador, taking patients to appointments and out to their cars in wheelchairs. He also volunteers in the resource library.
“I guess I was just so impressed with the level and quality of care I got with the medical team,” Doug said. “I was relieved to have so many caring and compassionate people helping me out that I thought I would help others feel comfortable too.”
Doug, who is taking a Master Gardeners course, is most comfortable working in the cancer center’s healing garden, tending vegetables and weeding.
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He vividly remembers receiving the cancer news. “The diagnosis is a hammer blow,” he said. “It gives you a perspective
Each of these survivors displays the resilience of the human spirit as well as the need for an experienced, compassionate medical staff to guide them along the way. It’s our mission to treat each patient with the care, respect, and expertise that we would expect if our families were being treated. The Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center treats a broad range of cancers, including lung, prostate, breast, brain, kidney, bladder, ovarian, lymphoma, leukemia, colon, uterine, rectal, and more. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about our treatment options and services, call 434.200.4522.
The Garden
A nurturing and healing environment at the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Larry Vicks, garden volunteer
When you think of the word cancer, there are many emotions that come along with it. Hopelessness. Overwhelming. Burdened. Tired of fighting. Survivor. Overcomer. Or maybe even a person comes to mind that is battling it right at this moment. But take heart — hope can manifest itself in many ways. The raised-bed garden at the cancer center is like a daily fresh start, a sensory-rich new beginning with continual progress for patients to witness while receiving treatments. It’s a reminder of renewal and rebirth during a challenging time. The garden, filled with many different vegetables and flowers, is a way for patients to reconnect. It’s a place to sit and enjoy the beauty and quiet that the garden brings. One of the more humbling experiences is to hear the stories from patients and volunteers about what the center means to them. Doug Pugh, a volunteer and cancer survivor, has played a large part in creating and maintaining the garden. “We can’t feed everybody, but we can give everybody a lift. That’s why we have plants for both eye and taste appeal.” Not only is the garden beautiful to sit in and observe, but patients can take a piece of the garden with them. There is a basket that sits at the welcoming desk in the lobby that is filled every morning with fresh vegetables for patients to take with them. Carol Riggins, managing director for the cancer center, said, “You can go out into the garden right now and find patients who are watching the garden, who are looking at things grow, and it is a meaningful part of their experience at the cancer center. They want it to feel like home, a place to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. The cancer center is more than just scheduling appointments, check-ups, and chemotherapy treatments. It is a place where our patients are more than a diagnosis; they are family.” ISSUE 2, 2017 | 9
Building Bridges As an anchor of peace and stability, Zeb Henderson wears a tattoo of a dove carrying a dogwood branch on his lower leg — a reminder of how far he’s come from a troubled past. To the young man of strong faith, the dove represents the Holy Spirit, and the dogwood branch symbolizes Dogwood Cottage, where he lived for seven months at Centra Bridges Treatment Center.
Zeb Henderson
“The tattoo represents peace — from my past to my future,” said Zeb, who credits the staff at Bridges for “making me into the person I am today.” “I was a senior in high school, and there were a lot of changes in my life,” he said. “I had been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, and I don’t do well with change. My anxiety and depression had built up over the years, and I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know what else to do but seek hospitalization.” After having been hospitalized, he arrived at Bridges in November, 2015, depressed and suicidal. At Bridges, Zeb learned coping skills. He went on community outings, attended school, and passed his Standards of Learning. His therapist, Mark Faulconer, LPC, worked with cognitive behavioral therapy so Zeb could better manage what he calls his pessimistic personality tendencies. “I specifically remember one day at Bridges when I wanted to give up,” Zeb said. “It’s not all fun. They push you. They want you to succeed. One day I was just tired. I tried to bring myself up. I said to myself, ‘you can do this.’ At that moment, some kind of a light went on. I looked back at everything I’d gone through, and I realized I could do this.” The staff’s impact on the children that have come through Bridges is evident. For Zeb, who has graduated from high school and plans to attend college this fall, the growth he experienced during his time at Bridges — like his inspired tattoo — will be with him for the rest of his life. “Bridges helped me with my anxiety. Before Bridges, I wasn’t very good at expressing my feelings with people. By teaching me coping skills, the staff helped me push my boundaries to get out of my comfort zone,” Zeb said. He added that returning to visit Bridges meant a lot to him. “I wanted to tell everyone what I had done — that I came from there, and now I’m here.”
Zeb Henderson and his tattoo of a dove carrying a dogwood branch (above right)
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“I want people to know that it’s OK to get treatment,” he said. “You shouldn’t be afraid. If you are going through something, in the long run, it will help a lot. Just do it. It helped me. That’s proof that it can help you.”
Artwork by a former Bridges student hangs in Dee Rainey’s office.
About Bridges Treatment Center Zeb is one of the many children and adolescents who have been referred from across the Commonwealth to Bridges. This year, the staff celebrates its 30th anniversary of treating six- to 17-yearold boys and girls who have severe emotional and behavioral disorders. Bridges has come a long way, after opening in July, 1987, with two cottages, no students, and no referrals.
Dee Rainey “We remain one of the premier residential treatment centers in Virginia because regardless of the industry trends and the buzzwords, we are right where we started — giving good care and treating children and families with dignity and respect,” said Dee Rainey, director and one of the original eight staff members of Bridges. “With average lengths of stay between four and six months, we place a large emphasis on successfully transitioning children back into the community,” said Dee. “Residents take field trips to museums; baseball, football, and basketball games; and city parks and play on teams at Lynchburg’s Jamerson Family YMCA. We also give residents the opportunity to go home more frequently and engage in their own communities.” “None of the children who walk through our doors want to be here,” said Dee. “But they need to be here. It’s a matter of meeting them where they are on their journey and giving them the tools and the environment to do well. Bridges is kind of a magical place.” a
30 YEARS
Bridges’ initial plan was to offer dual diagnosis treatment, with one cottage for substance abusers and the other for children with emotional and psychiatric disorders. It took three months to enroll five children from Fairfax County and Roanoke. The substance abuse program never developed because insurers would not provide funding for a 30-day program. However, it wasn’t long before Bridges emotional and psychiatric program blossomed because of Bridges’ experienced clinical staff. Bridges has changed enrollment size over the years, and it now has 82 staff members and 52 beds in three cottages. The center is staffed by John Hendrickson, MD, medical director; Jitendra Annapareddy, MD, who specializes in autism and developmental disorders; licensed clinical social workers; licensed professional counselors; associate mental health professionals; special education teachers; and support staff. Another integral part of the residential center is education at Bridges Rivermont School. The school is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Educational Facilities and AdvancEd. With five full-time teachers, the classroom size is never larger than eight students. The center continues to meet the rising need in the community of treating children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders through its two autism programs located on campus: the Rivermont Autism Program and the Autism Diagnostic and Development Clinic.
To learn more about Centra Bridges Treatment Center, call 434.200.5700 or visit CentraHealth.com.
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John Hendrickson
Margaret Williams
As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, John Hendrickson, MD, medical director, leads the treatment team for diagnoses that include attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, conduct disorder, schizophrenia, learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders.
Margaret Williams, MSW, LCSW, lead therapist, has seen that light bulb turn on in the minds of residents many times during her 27 years at Bridges. A recent resident came to Bridges because he had lost his mother and was being raised by another relative. “The boy was dealing with a lot of anger, and what we needed to do was help him deal with his grief,” Margaret said. “When he recognized that he was putting blame where it didn’t belong, then the real therapy began.”
“In addition to their medical diagnoses, many of the children have not had the most positive experiences,” said John, who has been at Bridges for 20 years and medical director since 2002. “We show them that things can be different. They develop trusting relationships with their therapists, the cottage staff, teachers, and their psychiatrist. Over time, they learn we are going to keep them safe here and are looking out for their best interests.” John said he gives a lot of credit to the boys and girls. “They are amazingly resilient. We open the window of hope so they see things can get better. This is not detention, but treatment so they can learn a better way of doing things. When they have that moment when they realize that their actions are selfdefeating, they recognize that there are better, adaptive coping skills. That’s one of the bigger things we hope to give the kids here.” John noted that when children leave Bridges, they leave with medication management as well as therapeutic and educational support. “They transition back to their families or other placement gradually through short, day, overnight, or weekend therapeutic passes,” he said. “The final step is to make that transition back to the real world — to their communities and school placement.” For John, “The fact that people trust us with their kids means a lot. As a parent, I know what it feels like to have my child in someone else’s care. Many families do not see or talk to their children here often because they live too far away or do not have a cellphone. It is very humbling to me that they give us the opportunity to take care of their children.” 12 | CENTR A FOCUS
“Through therapy and support, we help them understand the effects of loss and trauma; understand how their feelings, thoughts, and actions work together; identify healthy boundaries; and gain insight into their unique circumstances,” Margaret said. “My philosophy is that they must take responsibility for their choices and focus on who they want to be,” Margaret said. “The children learn and integrate new skills they can take back to their family, school, and community. And as the family engages in the therapy process, the therapists build a bridge for the child to their family life and community setting, help them repair those relationships, and move forward with a plan for success when they leave.”
Cray Callahan
Donna Wingfield
“Some of the children have significant problems in school, including truancy,” said Cray Callahan, MEd, principal. “One girl had missed more than 100 days in public school. She came here and never missed a day. We asked her why, and she told us that she felt safe and that people cared. She is back in public school and doing fine.”
A nurse at Bridges for 26 years, Donna Wingfield, RN supervisor, points to the nurturing role of the nursing staff for developing the children’s trust. “The boys and girls often want a hug from a nurse,” she said. “Whenever they have a medical concern or problem, they know we are going to take care of them.”
“Some children cannot read,” he said. “A parent will tell us, ‘I had my youngster this past weekend, and he read a book to me. That has never happened before.’”
“During their stay here, we see them becoming more open, more affectionate, more accepting of us,” she said. “They begin to understand the concept of normal interactions. They recognize that people can be consistent. I frequently tell nurses if you have a strong desire to nurture, this is where you need to be.”
“While out one night, I recognized someone who had been a resident of Bridges,” he continued. “Now in her 20s, she still looks at her goodbye book that residents receive at the end of their stay. She told me that one of her greatest memories is that she was able to be in the holiday play. So many of the children have never had that kind of opportunity before.” “Although we may not see it every day, we know that somehow we have made an impact on their lives. Sometimes they come back to visit, like Zeb did recently. Visits like his tell us that, ultimately, what we are doing does make a difference,” said Cray.
“A child may have tantrums or swear at us, but when they ask for a hug, they want to know if we still care about them,” Donna said. “I never refuse a hug. We try to give the children something to rely on when they have to cope with an issue. When they are ready to leave, we tell them to try to remember what they have learned here. In the end, we are trying to make a small dent in each child’s life.”
Amy Stephens “It is not a failure on their part, but difficulties arise when the demand is greater than their skill level or ability to manage,” said Amy Stephens, Bridges milieu supervisor (resident life), who has been with Bridges for 27 years. The cottage staff, who are on-site 24 hours a day, work with the children to build life skills. Amy continued, “Cottage staff are most often with the children during moments of crisis, reminding them of the skills they have learned and helping them move forward. “By recognizing their needs and difficulties, we help them build their confidence,” she said. “We also help families look at these children in a different way — not to see them as failures, but to recognize their child’s skill deficits.” “Our biggest impact is preparing our residents to return to and function in their school, family, or foster family and to reduce hospitalizations,” Amy said. “For some children, this is the first time that they’ve experienced consistency, structure, and people on whom they can count. We work very hard on how to not just cope, but to be able to use their skills to get themselves in a place where they can think about a problem and how to solve it in a safe, healthier manner.” ISSUE 2, 2017 | 13
A Dancer’s Life The power of physical therapy
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Lynchburg Elite Dance instructor Mikayla Jobe was doing something she teaches her students never to do — jumping in socks. While at a dance teachers workshop in North Carolina, she jumped and slipped. When she fell, she did so with the full force of her body on one knee. She was sure she had dislocated her knee. Returning to Lynchburg, her muscles tightened up, meaning she had to wait a week before having an MRI. It was then that her doctor gave her the terrifying news. She had torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee. For dancers, a torn ACL can signal the end of a career. 14 | CENTR A FOCUS
“At first, I thought I might never dance again,” said Mikayla. “I knew it was a huge injury, and I was really scared.” Mikayla, who has been dancing since she was two years old, couldn’t imagine a life without dance. Three days before Christmas, surgeons completely reconstructed her ACL. The day after the holiday, she started a year of physical therapy with Centra Rehabilitation at the Jamerson Family YMCA in Lynchburg. Courtney Bumgarner, physical therapist with Centra, would take Mikayla down the road to recovery and back to dance.
In the beginning, Mikayla couldn’t put any weight on her leg. They worked on Mikayla’s range of motion as well as core and leg strength through a variety of exercises, including plank leg raises, singleleg balancing, and water physical therapy.
hard – not only hard work, but hard on my mind. It’s difficult when you want to do something but you can’t. She was always there for me. She invested in my whole person.” “My mother was a great support throughout my rehabilitation,” Mikayla noted. “She came with me to my appointments. She made sure I did my exercises at home. She celebrated my accomplishments, both big and small. My entire family was supportive throughout the entire process.”
As the weeks and months went by, Courtney had Mikayla begin to utilize squat machines, kettlebells, step-up exercises with weights, and TRX suspension exercises. Mikayla also performed homework, including balance exercises, walking up and down the stairs at home, and swimming at the YMCA.
Mikayla has also returned to traveling throughout the country with a performance company based in Los Angeles and a tap dance company in Washington, D.C.
“It was important for me to work on my hamstring strength and capability,” Mikayla said. “In the water, I was not as fatigued because the water supported me.” Mikayla knew that if she hoped to dance again, she needed to follow the plan.
“I love performing, and I want to teach forever,” she said. Left: Mikayla Jobe practices at the Lynchburg Elite Dance studio. Above: Mikayla and her physical therapist Courtney Bumgarner work on specific exercises at the Jamerson YMCA.
“Courtney told me this would be my full-time job, and it was,” she said. For the first two months, Mikayla was in physical therapy three days a week. As she gained back the strength in her leg, her rehab at the YMCA gradually decreased to every other week after she graduated from the program. Six months after her operation, Mikayla began to dance a little, and she was back to dancing 100 percent by the last two months of rehab. A year after her operation, not only was she dancing, but she was snow skiing. Mikayla has nothing but praise for Centra Rehabilitation and her therapist Courtney. “The experience was absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “Courtney supported me in so many ways. Physically, she helped me with my strength and how to work my body, making sure I knew how to do an exercise correctly before I did it. She also supported me emotionally. It was really
Mikayla is enrolled at Liberty University, where she is studying special education and elementary education so that she can become a school teacher. And as if she’s not busy enough, she is planning her December wedding. As for Courtney and Mikayla? They have formed a lifelong friendship. “She was there when I saw my scars,” Mikayla said. “She held my hand when I cried. Now, we meet for coffee or lunch, and she’s coming to my wedding.” Mikayla looks back on her injury and rehabilitation and said she believes that everything happened for a reason. “I think this was meant to teach me a lot about being humble and sympathetic,” she said. “Something like this is a good reminder. You never know what someone is going through until you feel it. Each experience teaches you something. What you learn, you apply to help other people.” To learn more about Centra Rehabilitation, call 434.200.4651 or visit CentraHealth.com/RehabServices. ISSUE 2, 2017 | 15
Centra PACE
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Living alone in her home at 83, Betty was feeling isolated and becoming depressed. However, Centra PACE (Program of AllInclusive Care for the Elderly) quickly changed that. “Within a month of joining the program, she told me how much better she felt,” said her daughter and caregiver, Kathy Worley, who works as a family nurse practitioner at Centra PACE in Gretna. “She enjoys the social connections with others and the PACE staff who are helping build her strength so that she can safely remain in familiar surroundings. My mother calls PACE her second home.”
Celebrating one year in Gretna
to reclaim the role of daughter, and our visits are now more enjoyable.” Centra PACE was established in Lynchburg, expanded to Farmville, and now the center in Gretna celebrates its one-year anniversary. PACE is a national program that provides a skilled interdisciplinary team to oversee medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The PACE team includes geriatricians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers. PACE drivers transport participants to and from the three locations as well as to healthcare providers for medical appointments.
“The role of caregiving can be overwhelming. Knowing that PACE is there to help my mother allows me to reclaim the role of daughter, and our visits are now more enjoyable,” said Kathy.
Participants like Betty are being empowered to maintain their independence and live in their homes despite the challenges of aging. And Kathy has learned firsthand the peace of mind that PACE brings to caregivers and families. “The role of caregiving can be overwhelming,” Kathy said. “Knowing that PACE is there to help my mother allows me 16 | CENTR A FOCUS
The program provides seniors with daily activities, meals, and exercise programs, all of which help stimulate patients mentally, socially, and physically. PACE services also include 24-hour, on-call nurses and physicians, prescription medicines, clinic visits, mental health care, durable medical equipment, and nutritional services. These resources are
Kathy Worley (left) is a family nurse practitioner at Centra PACE in Gretna where her mother Betty Short (right) is a participant.
also available to participants in their homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. PACE providers follow participants through the changes in their health and the aging process, adapting plans of care from longevity to functional to comfort and end-of-life care as needed. Considered a safety net for those under its care, PACE helps decrease urgent care visits, hospital admissions, and the number of days spent in the hospital. Kathy said, “PACE is a hidden jewel and extraordinary option in the care of the elderly that benefits participants tremendously while also helping caregivers and families.�
To be eligible for PACE, participants must be 55 or older, reside in the PACE service area, can live safely in the community with support from PACE, and meet state criteria for nursing home level care. Centra PACE centers are located at 407 Federal Street, Lynchburg; 1530 South Main Street, Farmville; and 1220 West Gretna Road, Gretna. To see if PACE is right for you or a loved one, please call 434.656.4800 or visit CentraHealth.com.
Pictured below, left to right: Lyndsey Pickeral, licensed physical therapy assistant; Valerie Grimes, physical therapist and site coordinator; Kelsey Jefferson, certified occupational therapy assistant; Lakeeyah Mullins, recreational therapist; Connie Rowland, certified nurse aide.
ISSUE 2, 2017 | 17
Habitat for Humanity
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Centra employees are rolling up their sleeves this fall to build a home for one of their own, Sharon Anderson. Centra has teamed up with Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity and will sponsor the build of this local chapter’s Habitat home. “When I’m here at work, I feel at home, and having Centra build my home is very special,” Sharon said about the opportunity. “I appreciate all of this. Everyone I work with is part of my family.”
Centra and Habitat for Humanity volunteers work together to build Sharon Anderson’s new home.
and affordable home,” said Donna Vincent, executive director of Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity. “Both Centra and Habitat for Humanity are service-driven organizations,” said E.W. Tibbs, president and CEO of Centra. “I look forward to a long and continual partnership with Habitat.” Sharon Anderson
If you know Sharon at all, you know her to always have a smile on her face and a positive outlook on her day. She’s never met a stranger. You’ll be hugging hello and goodbye each time you see each other. In addition to helping build her home, Centra has donated the plot of land on which Sharon’s new home will be built. Centra and Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the 3-bedroom home located on Federal Street in early September. Weather permitting, it is scheduled to take approximately 10 weeks to complete by a team of 20+ Centra employees and a Habitat construction crew working three to four days a week. Habitat for Humanity hopes to hand the keys over to Sharon just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with her daughter in their new home. This is not only a big year for Sharon and her daughter, but also for Centra and the Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity — both celebrating their 30th anniversaries. “We are thrilled to have Centra partner with us to build a beautiful 18 | CENTR A FOCUS
The partnership doesn’t end there, however. Homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners. “Our program seeks to serve hardworking individuals who need a hand up,” noted Donna. “Our families pay a mortgage, they help build their own home, and their goal is selfreliance.” Habitat homeowners don’t just receive a new house. Research proves that overall health and outcomes for their family members improve by 76 percent. Studies have shown that they perform better in school, have enhanced mental health, and further their personal goals. Additionally, 57 percent of Habitat homeowners go on to further their education. Centra recognizes not only a family’s need for a home, but also their potential for personal growth through this initiative. We are proud to help individuals obtain that sense of security and seize those opportunities. If you would like to volunteer to help build Sharon’s house, please contact Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity by calling 434.528.3774 or visiting LynchburgHabitat.org.
Oakwood Sensory Room
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Patricia Goff, activity coordinator at Oakwood Health and Rehabilitation Center
Activity coordinator Colleen Sweeney helps resident Maxine Sanderson interact with elements in the room.
A sensory room has brought new meaning to light, color, sound, smell, and touch for residents at Centra Oakwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford.
The unique room opened in February and is open 24/7. The decision to bring residents to the room is made on a case-bycase basis.
This facility helps individuals engage and develop their senses in a safe and effective therapeutic environment. The sensory room features a wide range of stimuli, including an LED bubble tube, fiber optic cables, aromatherapy oils, a mirror ball, and a projector that displays lights and images on the wall and plays calming music. Additionally, a heated massage chair, cushions, a bench, and a beanbag chair are available for sitting and reclining. The walls are painted white so that the room can be lightened or darkened, with a dark laminate flooring underfoot.
“For many, the room is very calming; for others, it makes them more alert and aware of their surroundings,” said Bill Vickery, RN, MSN, evening nurse supervisor. “It really depends on the person,” he said.
“Our sensory room enhances patients’ and residents’ personal lives in ways that are not presented to them in a normal day environment,” said Patricia Goff, activity coordinator. “Its purpose is to engage residents in new sensory stimulations, and it encourages them to explore and engage their senses in a way that helps them interact with the world around them.” Tracy Chisholm, director of nursing at Oakwood, presented the idea of the sensory room last year to DeDe Edwards, manager of the Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Volunteer Services, and Gift Shop. “I was really blown away by what this type of environment could do,” said DeDe. The auxiliary board and volunteers agreed with her assessment, and the auxiliary provided the health and rehab center with the funds to obtain the equipment.
Patricia added, “We bring residents to the room whom we may not be able to reach in other ways. Music or aromas may stir their memories. The lights may draw them in, offering something for which they can reach.” A resident who couldn’t sleep one night was brought to the room. “Watching the lights kept him busy and calmed him down,” Bill said. “After 45 minutes, he went back to bed and fell asleep.” “The darkened atmosphere can be very calming,” said Patricia, recalling a resident who felt so comfortable that she closed her eyes and went to sleep with a smile. Although the room was originally conceived to help individuals suffering from degenerative brain disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, Patricia encourages residents on all functioning levels to visit the room and experience its effects. Centra Oakwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford provides patients with intermediate and long-term care. To learn more, call 540.425.7800. ISSUE 2, 2017 | 19
Cancer Patient Support Fund
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Cancer is a diagnosis no one ever wants to receive. The physical and emotional toll that comes from fighting this disease can often seem insurmountable. And, while there are excellent treatment options and facilities available through the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, there are many patients who experience needs that reach beyond the expected medical plan. “There are so many days that we speak with patients in treatment who are struggling to get some of these very acute needs met outside of direct medical care,” Carol Riggins, managing director of the cancer center explains. “Sometimes, it’s to help with travel expenses, nutrition assistance, medicines, or an equipment need to finish a treatment process. We see people come through these doors every day with very basic needs, and we wanted to do something.” This desire to meet their patients where they were, on a very personal level, birthed the idea of a fund that would be available to assist in these situations. Nurse navigators, radiology technologists, and other staff members become like family to the patients that walk through the doors each day, week after week, for treatment that is fighting to save their lives. “These nurses and staff members spend hours with these patients and start to become a part of their stories,” describes Tammy Anderson, oncology clinical social worker for the center. “Staff members often explain conversations they’ve heard while spending time with their patients. It is out of these conversations that we can find ways to 20 | CENTR A FOCUS
help patients meet these needs that they might not otherwise be able to afford.”
local schools such as E.C. Glass, Virginia Episcopal School, Holy Cross, and others.
Since 2009, these needs have been met through a special fund organized by the Centra Foundation called the Cancer Patient Support Fund.
Businesses in the area participate in bringing donations in throughout the year, as well as supplementing the fund with tangible items like blankets from Terry Subaru. The Clubs for Cancer Golf Tournament, Centra Night of Hope, Centra Trees of Hope, and Sarah Buckley Tennis Tournament are annual or bi-annual events, with all proceeds contributing to the fund.
“The fund serves as a flexible resource to support underinsured or uninsured cancer patients in our region,” explains Kathryn Pumphrey, EdD, executive vice president of the foundation. “It helps with alleviating some of the burden and stress that many patients face while undergoing treatment. This fund also enables physicians and staff to provide immediate financial assistance to needy patients so that they have access to therapies and support services that can enhance the care they receive.” Contributions often come from community members who have continued to support the mission of the fund since its inception in 2009. Support pours in from all over the region, including special drives and events at
If you are interested in donating to the Cancer Patient Support Fund, please call the Centra Foundation at 434.200.4790 or visit the website at CentraFoundation.com. Gifts can be made in honor or memory of a friend, colleague, or loved one. If you have questions about the mission or work of the Centra Foundation, please call Kathryn Pumphrey, EdD, CFRE, executive vice president, at 434.200.4790 or visit CentraFoundation.com.
Make yourself at home A home away from home in a time of need When you or a loved one needs medical care, it’s a stressful and vulnerable time. You have a thousand thoughts racing through your mind at once. But we’re here to help. Whether you’re coming to Lynchburg for care or visiting family or friends at the hospital, we want to help ease your mind. That goes beyond having an experienced, compassionate medical staff. We want to help take care of the details you may have forgotten in the moment while making plans to come to Centra. If you need a place to stay in Lynchburg, we can provide a home away from home. The Rosemary and George Dawson Inn has a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you are greeted by a smiling staff who genuinely seek to encourage and support you during your stay. They go above and beyond to ease your mind and provide a place that feels like home.
For information on reserving a room, call the Dawson Inn at
434.200.STAY (7829) Features include: • • • •
Affordable rates Home-like environment Stocked kitchen Community room with television, movies, and computer access • Washer and dryer • Close to Lynchburg General Hospital and all surrounding Centra facilities
Rosemary and George Dawson Inn | 2012 Tate Springs Road | Lynchburg | 434.200.STAY (7829)
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Lynchburg, VA Permit #13
1920 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
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