CHKD Kidstuff, Spring 2023

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

KIDSTUFF

Saving Samirah

Teen gets back on the court after surgery to repair severe bone decay in elbow

Lighting the Way for Mental Health fundraising goal within reach

Akhil Jain, Chair

Marta S. Satin-Smith, MD Brian K. Skinner

Elly Bradshaw Smith Carl St. Remy, MD Svinder S. Toor, MD Kathryn M. Van Buren

Seven-year-old Phoenix Thomas enjoys an art project during her treatment session in the Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at CHKD, located on the second floor of the main hospital. Arts and crafts supplies, toys, videos, and games fill the playroom in the clinic to provide a welcome distraction for children undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders.

News from Around the Blocks

Health System President and CEO Announces Retirement

CHKD’s President and CEO, Jim Dahling, has announced he will retire in June after nearly 30 years of service to our health system. The board of directors has selected Amy Sampson to succeed Dahling. She most recently served as CHKD’s senior vice president, chief engagement and innovation officer. As part of a new structure, Dr. Christopher Foley joined CHKD’s leadership team as chief clinical operations officer, a newly created position that replaces the role of chief operating officer.

“I t has been a privilege to lead this organization,” says Dahling. “CHKD is a remarkable family of extraordinary clinicians, surrounded by exceptional team members and bolstered by The King’s Daughters and our volunteers, all of whom are steadfast in their dedication to doing what is best and right for children. I am in awe of their compassion, their commitment to excellence, and their resilience, and I am confident they will continue to grow and flourish with Amy’s insightful and inspirational leadership, and Chris’ knowledge and experience of clinical operations.”

Level 1 Status Renewed for Pediatric Surgery and Trauma

CHKD has been reverified as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center – the highest level of quality verification for pediatric surgical programs from the American College of Surgeons. As a Level 1 center, CHKD offers multiple medical and surgical specialties with procedures for major congenital anomalies and complex diseases. This national level of excellence encourages continuous quality improvement in pediatric surgery and identifies centers that provide the most advanced surgical care to children. Level 1 Children’s Surgery Centers are verified every three years through an extensive site visit.

The Virginia Department of Health has renewed CHKD’s designation as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. This designation, originally granted in 2017, is reviewed through site visits by a multidisciplinary Health Department team to verify the hospital’s adherence to Virginia trauma center standards. Level 1 Trauma Centers care for the most severely injured patients and have the resources to address all aspects of accidental injury, from prevention through rehabilitation.

Jim Dahling Amy Sampson Christopher Foley, MD

Dr. Donald Nuss Receives

Top Surgical Award

CHKD Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus Donald Nuss, who developed a procedure to correct chest deformities that is used across the globe, was honored with the most prestigious surgery award given by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Nuss received the 2022 William E. Ladd Medal at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim, California. The Ladd Medal recognizes pediatric surgeons who have made significant contributions to the field and to the care of children.

CHKD Pediatrician Publishes Popular Book for New Moms

Dr. Natasha Sriraman, a board-certified pediatrician at CHKD and mother of three, has authored one of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ bestselling books of all time. In “Return to You: A Postpartum Plan for New Moms,” Dr. Sriraman shares practical professional advice, along with her personal experiences and those of other mothers, to ensure new moms know they are not alone, to help them restore themselves physically, to encourage them to ask for help, and to give themselves the time they need to rest, recover, and heal emotionally. The paperback is available for purchase at Shop.AAP.org, Amazon.com, and other national booksellers.

Not Your Garden Variety Ambulance

CHKD’s newest transport vehicle features a vibrant flower theme created by OnieTonie, designed to bring a moment of happiness and hope to patients and families. But behind the colorful design is serious business. This CHKD transport vehicle and the highly trained medical team on board offer the highest level of pediatric and neonatal intensive care available on wheels, designed to provide lifesaving care to young patients as they are being transferred to our hospital.

Back on the C ourt

Teen undergoes orthopedic surgery to repair severe cartilage damage and bone decay in elbow

arter Gresham already had an orthopedics appointment scheduled at CHKD when his elbow gave out in the middle of tryouts for Coastal Virginia Volleyball Club. The Western Branch High School junior felt a sharp pop while serving the ball and was overcome with excruciating pain.

I n that moment, Carter realized he could no longer go on playing volleyball. For the past two years, the Chesapeake teen had pushed through constant pain in his elbow so he wouldn’t have to give up the game he loved so much.

At Carter’s first appointment with Dr. Stephanie Pearce, a sports medicine and orthopedic surgeon at CHKD, he couldn’t straighten his left arm at all. It was permanently bent as if he was trying to flex his bicep. Imaging tests revealed why: His capitellum – the end of the upper arm bone that creates the elbow joint – had broken into two pieces.

He learned the damage was caused by osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a condition that occurs most often in children and adolescents, who may experience symptoms for years before seeking treatment. “It is less of an injury and more a disease process,” Dr. Pearce says.

With OCD, bone and cartilage can break loose from a joint, causing pain and limiting motion – and in severe cases, the bone can die from lack of blood flow. Once the bone becomes unstable, only surgery can help repair the joint and improve its function.

Although the idea of going under anesthesia scared him, Carter agreed to the surgery.

Like many high-level athletes, Carter, a quiet teen, got much more out of volleyball than just being a competitive player. He enjoyed the confidence that came from his position as the team’s setter, controlling the pace of the game and making quick decisions on the court.

I f he wanted to pursue his dreams to play volleyball in college, Carter knew his best shot was to have the surgery and work with sports medicine physical therapists to regain his strength and mobility.

Operating on the elbow can be tricky due to the small treatment area, says Dr. Pearce, who specializes in complex knee, elbow, shoulder, and hip conditions. During her fellowship at the renowned Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, Dr. Pearce focused on cartilage preservation and advanced arthroscopy, honing the skills necessary to help athletes like Carter.

To remove the damaged cartilage and repair Carter’s elbow, Dr. Pearce used arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique that involves inserting a tiny video camera and other tools into the joint through small incisions. During the procedure, she discovered Carter’s OCD was so advanced that a portion of the bone was gone, creating what looked like a pothole. “Dr. Pearce told me it was the second-worst case she had seen in her life,” Carter says.

After drilling holes in the damaged area to encourage blood flow, Dr. Pearce filled the space with donor cartilage that works like scaffolding and allows cartilage to regrow into the area. Due to the size of the defect, Dr. Pearce planned for a second, larger surgery after the arthroscopy procedure if Carter’s symptoms continued through his postoperative recovery.

Carter went home that same night. Only time would tell if he would need any further procedures.

Three days after surgery, Carter had his first of many visits to CHKD’s Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Center at Harbour View in Suffolk, where he worked with physical therapists specially trained to help young athletes recover and get back in the game.

Each time Carter would visit Dr. Pearce during his recovery, he would ask about playing volleyball again. It wasn’t until his brace came off that he finally heard

WRITTEN BY Alice Warchol • PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ken Mountain

Before his surgery, Carter felt constant pain in his left elbow, which was stuck in a bent position, much like in this photo.

Carter spent months working with sports medicine physical therapist Tim James so he could regain enough strength and mobility to play volleyball his senior year of high school.

“I think I cried when I started playing volleyball again. For the first time, it didn’t hurt.” Carter Gresham

the good news: he could go back to playing in a couple of months. And best of all, he would be back in time to participate in his senior high school season.

Carter couldn’t believe how great his arm looked when the brace came off. “I had the biggest smile on my face,” he says. “It was perfectly straight.”

Once he was back on the cour t, Carter had to relearn everything. The biggest shock, however, was the absence of pain. “I think I cried when I started playing volleyball again,” Carter says. “For the first time, it didn’t hurt.”

So far, Carter, now 18, has had no further issues with his elbow, which bears a small, unnoticeable scar. Repeated MRIs have shown that his elbow is healing, recreating new cartilage and bone, and does not need further surgery at this time. “It’s looking like a capitellum again,

which is amazing,” Dr. Pearce says.

Carter’s father, who also suffered from OCD while growing up, says he is grateful for the care his son received at CHKD.

“Dr. Pearce is such a compassionate doctor,” says Grant Gresham. “She cared about our well-being and wanted to help Carter recover fully and not just get by. She has the knowledge and skill set to be a benefit for people who have OCD. It’s so rare.”

Carter’s return to volleyball was so successful, he has achieved his dream to continue his sport at the collegiate level, recently committing to play next year at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. He plans to study nursing, something he has always wanted to do.

“I’m grateful for the new perspective that I have from being injured,” Carter says.

CHKD Sports Medicine provides a comprehensive treatment approach for growing athletes and has helped thousands of kids like Carter return to sports after injury.

At CHKD, our orthopedic surgeons use state-of-the-art surgical techniques based on the latest research in sports medicine and work closely with our sports medicine physicians, certified athletic trainers, and sports medicine physical therapists from the time a child is injured, through surgery, and throughout their recovery.

CHKD’s Sports Medicine program is led by Dr. Marc Cardelia, orthopedic surgeon and surgical director of the program, and Dr. Joel Brenner, a sports medicine physician and medical director of the program.

Samirah’s arrival was carefully planned and practiced so everyone involved in her care was prepared for immediate action.

WRITTEN BY Alice Warchol • PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ken Mountain

Saving Samirah

Experts from CHKD, EVMS, and Sentara team up to provide lifesaving care before, during, and after birth through CHKD’s new Fetal Diagnostic and Treatment Center

Having a baby and creating a family meant everything to Jodi-Ann and Hassan Spivey. When the Portsmouth couple found out Jodi-Ann was pregnant, they couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Their excitement was soon overshadowed by fear, however. When Jodi-Ann was 22 weeks pregnant, an ultrasound at the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) program at EVMS revealed three tumors in the sac around their baby’s tiny heart. The main tumor was centered on the baby’s aorta. Two more were compressing her lungs. Doctors told the Spiveys that their unborn daughter, already named Samirah, would need open heart surgery as soon as possible after birth.

Jodi-Ann remembers turning to her husband in the elevator as they left. “What if she doesn’t make it?” she asked.

Unbek nownst to the Spiveys, dozens of medical and surgical specialists would soon begin a coordinated collaboration to save their baby. The first member of this team was Dr. Elena Sinkovskaya, who diagnosed the tumors during an ultrasound at MFM. Dr. Sinkovskaya quickly alerted the Fetal Diagnostic and Treatment Center, a new CHKD program that works closely with other regional health systems and specialty practices to coordinate the complex care high-risk babies require before and after they’re born. The program’s clinical director, Dr. Philip Smith, is CHKD’s chief of cardiac surgery. He brought in Drs. Jonathan Fleenor and Robert Escalera from CHKD’s cardiology team; his new partner in cardiac surgery, Dr. Emily Downs; and others, to prepare for Samirah’s birth.

Samirah’s type of tumor – teratoma – is estimated to occur in about 1 in 40,000 births per year. Most of these tumors grow on the end of the tailbone or in a different location of the chest. Teratomas inside the pericardium, the space around the heart, are very rare.

The Spiveys searched online to find anything reassuring about their daughter’s condition, but found very little. Fearing the worst, they decided to put off painting the nursery. They also kept the diagnosis mostly to themselves. They knew everyone would have questions they couldn’t answer.

“I didn’t want to add to my stress,” Jodi-Ann said. “The doctors told me the longer my pregnancy lasted, the stronger Samirah would be for surgery, and I didn’t want to push myself into pre-term labor. Every week that went by made me feel better.”

The team from CHKD and EVMS closely monitored mother and baby. At one point, Samirah developed significant fluid around her heart. A collaborative decision was made to remove the fluid, and Dr. Alfred Abuhamad, longtime chair of obstetrics and gynecology at EVMS and now president, provost, and dean of the medical school, and his MFM colleague Dr. Camille Kanaan were able to drain the fluid, giving Samirah more time to grow and develop before her dramatic entry into the world.

The team at CHKD’s Fetal Diagnostic and Treatment Center, determined to be completely prepared for Samirah’s birth, held drills to simulate the process of transporting her safely from Sentara Norfolk General to the CHKD neonatal intensive care unit. They wheeled an

Samirah was born with her heart and lungs compressed by three tumors, each the size of a golf ball.

empty incubator through a corridor that connects the two hospitals, measured how many people could fit in the elevator with the baby for the trip from the NICU to the operating room, and set up a special team-activation process so everyone involved in her care would know when she was arriving. Her care team included specialists from pediatric and cardiac anesthesia, radiology, neonatology, cardiology, otolaryngology, and cardiac surgery.

When Samirah was born on Dec. 22, 2022, at 35 weeks gestation, more than 25 people were in the delivery room at Sentara Norfolk General. They wore name tags on their surgical caps to identify themselves and their specialty. Each was prepared to step in and provide whatever Jodi-Ann or Samirah might need. “We had a plan for every contingency,” said Dr. Smith.

Samirah weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and elated her parents by letting out a soft cry in the delivery room. “She came out ready for surgery,” Jodi-Ann said.

After safely ferrying their precious cargo to CHKD, Samirah’s team went to work. Their first order of business was to insert a breathing tube. With her heart and lungs compressed by the tumors, each of them now the size of a golf ball, Samirah needed help to breathe. “It was clear she was at risk for low blood pressure and lung problems without alleviating the pressure caused by the tumors,” explained Dr. Downs, who prepared to do the surgery immediately.

To remove the tumors, Dr. Downs made an incision through the breastbone. Once the pericardial space was opened, the tumor in the middle of Samirah’s chest

popped up, relieving pressure on her aorta and allowing her blood pressure to rise toward a normal level. Next, Dr. Downs removed the tumors that were in the spaces around the lungs. This enabled the surgery team to see the blood vessels around the heart in case they needed to use the heart-lung bypass machine. Dr. Downs then delicately detached the tumor on the aorta. “Fortunately, we never needed the heart-lung bypass,” said Dr. Downs.

Samirah was in the operating room about four hours. “During surgery, they called every hour to give us an update,” said Jodi-Ann. Later that night, she and Hassan were able to see their newborn, but they couldn’t hold her yet. She was too fragile, surrounded by wires and tubes connected to machines that monitored her vital signs and delivered nutrition and medication. “I should have been scared by all those tubes, but I was just happy to see her and to know she made it through surgery,” said Hassan.

“She was just beautiful to us,” Jodi-Ann added.

Samirah spent four weeks in the NICU recovering from surgery. The Spiveys were able to be with their daughter, watching her daily progress and preparing to take her home. Samirah’s tumor has some risk of coming back, so she will see CHKD cardiologists and hematology/oncology specialists at regular intervals for the first year of her life. “If the tumor hasn’t come back by that point, the risk of it returning is very low,” Dr. Downs explained.

Today, Samirah has completely healed and continues to grow as she should. For now, she sleeps in a bassinet right next to her parents’ bed, but soon she’ll move into her nursery … which her parents recently painted pink and gray for their beautiful, healthy daughter.

The Fetal Diagnostic and Treatment Center at CHKD works with other regional health systems and specialty practices to coordinate the complex medical needs of babies who have serious or life-threatening conditions diagnosed before birth.

Since opening in October, more than 75 patients have been referred to the center. Roughly 40% of them have congenital heart problems. Other CHKD specialties involved in the program include urology, neurosurgery, neurology, orthopedics, craniofacial, and hematology/oncology. The center’s advisory group includes representatives from CHKD, Sentara Norfolk General, and EVMS Maternal Fetal Medicine.

“Our mission is to build trust with our patients and address their fears,” said Dr. Philip Smith, CHKD’s chief of cardiac surgery and the center’s clinical director. “The best way we can do that is to amass an army of experienced medical and surgical specialists who can provide the care they need and make sure their experience – in an extremely challenging time – is as good as it possibly can be.”

Cardiac Collaborative Ranked No. 20 in the Nation

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the Virginia Congenital Cardiac Collaborative, CHKD’s partnership with University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, one of the best cardiology and heart surgery programs in the country. The publication’s 2022-23 “Best Children’s Hospitals” guide ranked the collaborative No. 20 among the top 50 pediatric cardiology and heart surgery programs in the country.

Jodi-Ann and Hassan Spivey admire their beautiful daughter during a follow-up visit to her cardiologist at CHKD’s Heart Center.

Dawning a New Day

CHKD marks historic opening of Children’s Pavilion, improving access to inpatient mental health care

A new era in pediatric mental health care began at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters when the first 12-bed inpatient mental health unit at Children’s Pavilion officially opened to patients in October of 2022.

I n anticipation of this momentous occasion, we held a dedication ceremony along with special celebrations to thank those who were instrumental in helping us reach this milestone.

During the official dedication ceremony on September 30, 2022, elected officials, CHKD board members and leaders, visionary philanthropists, patients, families, and team members participated in a ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of inpatient mental health services at Children’s Pavilion.

Children’s Pavilion was carefully crafted to serve as a welcoming and healing environment that prioritizes the well-being of all who come for a visit, for treatment, or to work within its walls. The beautiful facility features innovative patient- and family-centered design and offers inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs with the highest level of comfort and safety for our most vulnerable patients.

Thirty of the 60 inpatient psychiatric rooms have now been opened for patient care, with the remaining units scheduled to open in phases throughout the coming months. The opening of this one-of-a-kind hospital is a giant step forward in our transformational journey to build a brighter future and provide health, healing, and hope for all children.

Learn more about Children’s Pavilion and mental health at CHKD by scanning the QR code or visiting CHKD.org/ChildrensPavilion.

Help Us Create a Brighter Future

Research estimates that at least 20% of children in the U.S. have a diagnosable mental health condition. And suicide is now the second leading cause of death in children and young adults. As many as a dozen children turn to CHKD’s emergency department every day in need of urgent mental health care. With the opening of Children’s Pavilion, we are tackling this crisis head-on.

To support this initiative, CHKD launched the Lighting the Way for Mental Health fundraising campaign in 2018. Our community responded with generosity and compassion, exceeding our initial goal of $60 million. The unexpected

stressors of COVID-19 and escalating needs of our children led us to push past our initial target to a new goal of $75 million.

“ We are in awe of the support this project has received,” says John Lawson, II, chair of CHKD’s Lighting the Way Campaign. “Nothing makes a greater difference to our community than this initiative and delivering these critical programs to the children who so desperately need them.”

Please join us, and the visionary philanthropists who have already made commitments, in making our children’s mental health a priority. Together we can save lives and light the way to a brighter future for all children.

Campaign Goal: $75 million

Amount Raised: $70.6 million

(as of May 1, 2023)

Standing Tall in Support of Mental Health

In 2000, teenager Henry Hoover planted sunflower seeds in his family’s backyard in Norfolk, but nothing sprouted.

Three years later, Henry died tragically by suicide in that same backyard. Just a few months after his death, a single sunflower emerged near the spot where 19-year-old Henry spent his last moments.

“I t was like a spiritual message from Henry, this single sunflower looking directly at the spot where he left us,” says his mother, Patty Hoover. “It was as if to say, ‘I’m OK, I am at peace. Be happy.’”

Ever since then, Patty has found solace and inspiration in sunflowers, seeing them as a spiritual connection to Henry and a reminder of the beauty and resilience of life.

That connection now includes the artistic sunflower display at Children’s Pavilion, CHKD’s new mental health hospital for children. Inspired by the Hoover family’s story, Virginia Beach sculptor Richard Stravitz created five bronze sunflowers rising to face the sun in a garden on the café terrace, where children and their families can find fresh air, sunlight, and solace.

Henr y, the youngest in the family, was a pre-med student at the University of Alabama, and beloved by scores of friends and family. Henry’s life was full of creativity, love, and

humor. He also suffered from depression. His family tried to find psychiatric help for Henry, but nothing like Children’s Pavilion existed at the time.

Henr y’s brothers Randolph, Benjamin, and William joined other visionary philanthropists supporting CHKD’s Lighting the Way Campaign for Mental Health with a generous donation. The brothers, who founded Xylem Tree Experts, a national utility vegetation management company, wanted to honor Henry’s memory with this special gift.

Through the generosity of his family and the vision of CHKD, Henry’s legacy continues to inspire and support those who are facing mental health challenges, offering a ray of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still light and life.

“Children’s Pavilion is a gift for our area, and especially for children,” Patty says. “I feel grateful there is a place like this, a place that might have helped Henry had it been here.”

For Patty, the sunflowers in the garden represent a symbol of healing and connection, a gift to the community, and a tribute to her beloved son. She hopes that the children and families who come to Children’s Pavilion will feel the same sense of calm and inspiration she has found in sunflowers, and know they are not alone in their struggles.

WRITTEN BY Elizabeth Earley • PHOTOGRAPH BY Ken Mountain

Benjamin, Patty, Randolph, and William Hoover support art and healing at Children’s Pavilion with a sunflower sculpture that honors their late son and brother Henry, who tragically died by suicide.

Welcome to Team CHKD

CHKD Surgical Group

Children’s Specialty Group

Alice Basinger, MD Medical Genetics

Kaitlin Blackard, MD Developmental Pediatrics

Clinton Dunn, MD Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

Linette Ewing, DO Pediatric Critical Care

Katherine Davenport, MD Pediatric Surgery

Jamie Golden, MD Pediatric Surgery

Prashant Charugundla, MD Plastic and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Franklin Margaron, MD Pediatric Surgery

Natalie O’Neill, MD Pediatric Surgery

Sarah Williamson, MD Pediatric Urology

Joanne Mendoza, MD Hospital Medicine

Danielle Russell, MD Hospital Medicine

Kaitlin Ryan-Smith, MD Neonatology

Michael Mendoza, MD Gastroenterology, Hepatics, and Nutrition

CHKD Mental Health

CHKD Medical Group

Patricia Al-Adsani, MD Psychiatry and Psychology

Meghan Coleman, PhD Psychiatry and Psychology

John DiMichele, MD General Pediatrics/ Division of Psychiatry

Carrie Thornton, PsyD Psychiatry and Psychology

Kelly Williams, PsyD Psychiatry and Psychology

Jeffrey Wilson, MD Psychiatry and Psychology

Tamara Palka, MD Psychiatry and Psychology

Nasim Shajihan, MD Psychiatry and Psychology

Andria Tatem, MD General Pediatrics/ Division of Psychiatry

Sanjeev Silwal, MD Coastal Pediatrics

Diana Stafford, MD PDC Pediatrics

Jessica Gardner, MD Tidewater Children’s Associates

Erin Hunt, MD Hampton Roads Pediatrics

Khadijah Al-Dahwah, MD Partners in Pediatric Care

Save the Date

Fundraising Events

Scan the QR code for more upcoming events. Visit CHKD.org/Giving or call (757) 668-7070 to learn about giving opportunities.

Costco Register Campaign

Monday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 31

During Costco’s annual fundraising campaign, members are invited to donate at any checkout register, food court monitor, or on Costco.com. All funds raised locally will benefit CHKD and Costco will match a portion of donations.

Taylor’s Do it Center Round Up Campaign

Monday, May 1 – Sunday, May 14 Help light the way to better mental health care by rounding up your purchase at Hampton Roads Taylor’s Do it Centers. All proceeds support CHKD’s mental health program.

Walmart and Sam’s Club Campaign

Monday, June 12 – Friday, July 14 Make a difference for the kids at CHKD and donate at the register or through an in-store fundraising activity during Walmart and Sam’s Club’s annual fundraising campaign.

Baby 101

At our Welcome Baby! and Open House events, new and expectant parents or families can tour CHKD pediatric practices and learn about basic newborn care, including topics such as immunizations, breastfeeding, bathing, swaddling, sleep safety, and more. There will be opportunities to meet the providers and ask questions.

• Pediatric Associates of Williamsburg

• Suffolk Pediatrics

Visit CHKD.org/Classes for dates, times, and to register.

For more information on finding a CHKD pediatrician, visit CHKD.org/Pediatricians.

The King’s Daughters Events

Scan the QR code or visit KingsDaughters.org for more information, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Tee One Up for CHKD

Friday, June 16

Join The King’s Daughters for a day of fun, fresh air, and sunshine in support of the kids at CHKD. Registration starts at 11 a.m. at Riverfront Golf Course in Suffolk, with a 1 p.m. start. Dinner and awards will follow. Funds raised will benefit CHKD’s Lighting the Way Campaign for Mental Health.

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

Connecting with Your Child

CHKD’s parenting experts offer webinars and workshops on a wide range of topics to help you understand and connect with your child, from parent education to children’s health and mental wellness to injury prevention and sports performance. Join us for popular topics:

• Children and Stress

• Understanding Anger in Children (ages 6-12)

• Children, Separation, and Divorce

• Positive Discipline (ages 5-12) …and more!

For dates, times, and to register, visit CHKD.org/Classes.

WEBINARS FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Focus on HOPE for Our Children, Families, and Communities

Dads in Action

Five Minute Fatherhood Talks

Free Car Seat Distribution and Safety Events

CHKD has teamed up with Hall Autogroup, part of MileOne, to make sure your child is buckled up in a properly installed car seat. Certified Passenger Safety Technicians from CHKD will teach you about all aspects of your new car seat, including how to correctly install your car seat and harness your child. Hall will be donating seats to families in need.

Thursday, June 1, 3–6 p.m. Hall Ford, 12896 Jefferson Ave., Newport News

Wednesday, July 26, 2–3:30 p.m.

Research shows positive childhood experiences can prevent and mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences. At this presentation, participants will learn about the four building blocks of HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) and participate in reflection and discussion on how to incorporate the HOPE framework into their families, communities, and work with children and families. Learn more and register at CHKD.org/Classes.

Being a dad is an important job, and these on-demand podcasts from CHKD fatherhood consultant Z. Andrew Jatau, LPC, will help you build confidence and connect with your kids. Choices include favorites like:

• Family of Origin

• Confident Fathering

• Discipline and Fatherhood

• Effective Partner Communication

• Raising Sons

• Financial Anxiety

Listen at CHKD.org/DadsInAction.

MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY EVENTS

FREE! Hiding in Plain Sight –Film and Discussion

Parents, students, and professionals are invited to join us for this documentary that explores America’s mental health crisis through the eyes of more than 20 young people, their providers, advocates, family, and friends. Hear them speak courageously about their challenges, difficulty finding treatment, and encounters with stigma, making their experiences more relatable for all of us. After the documentary, a panel of school staff and mental health experts will discuss the film and answer questions.

Wednesday, May 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Warhill High School, 4615 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg Register for the event at CHKD.org/Classes.

Every Brilliant Thing, a production by the Virginia Stage Company

Thanks to support from Sentara and the Virginia Stage Company, CHKD invites teens and adults to experience this immersive and nontraditional theatre performance that explores the complicated topic of mental health. The aim is to destigmatize the conversation around mental health and encourage the audience to see the many ways in which we all experience joy and hardship.

Thursday, May 25, 6–8 p.m.

St. Matthew’s Catholic School, 3316 Sandra Lane, Virginia Beach Register to attend at CHKD.org/Classes.

Registration is required. Each seat demonstration will take 30-45 minutes. Visit CHKD.org/Classes to register.

Virtual Baby Shower!

We’re celebrating pregnant moms throughout Hampton Roads! At these free events, experts from CHKD and three local birthing hospitals will share advice to help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby, and provide a virtual hospital tour. Guest speakers from the Optima Health Partners in Pregnancy program and CHKD will talk about their services and benefits, local parenting resources, and what to expect when bringing your new baby home. Attendees’ names will be entered into a raffle for a new stroller and car seat.

Tuesday, May 23

Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital

Friday, June 23

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Tuesday, July 18

Sentara CarePlex Hospital

Wednesday, Aug. 23

Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital

Register at OptimaHealth.com/BabyShower and select the date for your birth hospital, or call 1-833-261-2367 (TTY: 711).

Making a Difference

Individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the community hold campaigns to support the children at CHKD. Here’s a look at some of our all-star supporters.

Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen locations throughout Hampton Roads fundraise year-round in support of their $5 million commitment to CHKD’s mental health initiative. Here, Dairy Queen’s Scott Moore and Matt Bean celebrate with the “traveling trophy” at the DQ on Battlefield Boulevard in Chesapeake, one of DQ’s top fundraising locations in the region.

Celebrating in front of the main hospital, The Breeden Company presents a check for $20,000 to support CHKD’s Buddy Brigade pet therapy program and facility dogs. Pictured are CHKD volunteer Mary Mantey and her dog Koda; Tim Faulkner of The Breeden Company; CHKD’s Joy Parker; Jake Marshall of The Breeden Company; CHKD volunteer Dr. Cara Novick with her dog Zoie; and CHKD’s Shannon Hood with facility dog SaraLee.

In the child life playroom on the seventh floor of CHKD’s main hospital, Ray Smith (center right) of Spirit Halloween presents a $90,358 donation check to CHKD’s Kate Ryan (center left), and the hospital’s child life team. Since 2007, Spirit Halloween stores have been making hospitals less scary for kids and their families through their Spirit of Children fundraising campaign each fall.

Employees at longtime CHKD supporter Liz Moore & Associates recently baked up thousands of treats during their annual Cupcake Wars event, where proceeds benefit CHKD. The group of associates pictured here at the Liz Moore & Associates Newport News office sold over 2,600 cupcakes!

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

As part of his Eagle Scout project, Josh Darrow, son of Dr. David Darrow, ear, nose, and throat surgeon at CHKD, and Beth Darrow, anesthesia department nurse practitioner at CHKD, donated a bench produced from recycled plastic, which now resides outside the emergency department. Josh collected over 1,000 pounds of plastic – equivalent to 80,000 plastic grocery bags – for recycling through the Trex Company, which provided the recycled bench.

OVM Financial, powered by AnnieMac Home Mortgage, donates proceeds from their 2nd Annual Live Like Legum Golf Tournament to CHKD’s cancer and blood disorders program. Presenting the $5,000 check to CHKD’s Lauren Kiger (center left) are OVM’s Kim Markham, Chip Simkins, and Brian Hill.

Development Boards

(as of April 2023)

Development Advisory Board

Deb Vollmer, Chair

Jamie Brookover

Todd Copeland

Edward Deets

Pace Edwards

Tawana Fortune

Stephen A. Leon

Brad Martin

Sean Meehan

Richard Meredith Jr.

Hon. Eileen Olds

Stephen E. Sigmon

Andrea Vail

Rolf A. Williams

Bennett Zier

Future Generations Board

Shikma Rubin, Chair

Your Gift Matters

CHKD’s important work can only happen with your support. Below are some ways you can help.

Ashley Bussey

Cynthia Chaing

Billy Chard

Gordon Crenshaw

Carolyn Cooper Crutchfield

Katie Denton

Matt Fanghella

Nate Fine

Jason Friedman

Maureen Grover

Katherine Hines

Jessica Hoover

Jill King

Ryan King

Thomas McCarthy

Kelsey Mohring

Ashley Nimitz

David Poteran

Cameron Reeves Poynter

Amy Przymuzala

Jennifer Rahne

Michael Rowland

Will Russell

Madison Santos

Leah Swatts

Virginia Thornton

Jill K. Wainger

Lee Westnedge

J. Britton Williston

Katherine Wynne

Friends of the Child Advocacy Center

Warren Aleck

Sarah Bishop

L. Ashley Brooks

Jean Compton

Scott Duncan

Sandra Harrison

Lynn Hornsby

Maureen E. Olivieri

Solon E. Paul

Jim Schneider

Ken B. Shewbridge

Gay W. Shulman

Lisa Smith

Lawrence Steingold

Lydia C. Taylor

Sandra Warden

Dorothy Winn

Judi Worley

Nancy Yokois, MD

Outright gifts. We accept contributions by cash, check, credit card, or stock. Give using the enclosed envelope or visit CHKD.org/Donate.

Matching gifts. Many companies and foundations will match the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees. Visit CHKD.org/support-us/matching-gifts.

Endowment funds. These investments provide ongoing, perpetual funding to ensure the longevity of our programs. Call (757) 668-7070 to discuss endowments with one of our philanthropy team members.

Planned and legacy gifts. Often made as part of the estate planning process, legacy gifts can provide future philanthropic support for CHKD, a current income for you or others, and a meaningful income tax deduction. New in 2023! You can now make a direct transfer from your IRA funds to benefit CHKD. Learn more at CHKD.org/Legacy.

Fundraising. Dedicate your next event, birthday, holiday, or special occasion to CHKD – start your fundraiser at CHKDdonate.org.

To learn more and find additional ways to help, visit CHKD.org/Giving or call (757) 668-7070.