Ochsner Magazine

chsner 2 017 / february

serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate

ULTIMATE FIGHTERS

Desi H. turned her battle with MS into an effort to support the inspiring work of Ochsner neurologist Dr. Bridget Bagert

Inside: Donor support from the heart (page 3).

Exercise to build your brain (page 10).

Specialized care for the youngest cardiovascular patients (page 11).

Welcome

Thank You!

DEAR FRIENDS, As we recognize National Heart Month in February and Multiple Sclerosis Education Month in March, I hope that you enjoy this issue of Ochsner magazine. In its pages, you will find stories of patients and donors who work to create a brighter future for those with heart disease and neurological disorders.

Some, like Robert and Elena Perdomo, have done this by making gifts to Ochsner. The positive impact of the staff at Ochsner made them want to ensure that others experience the level of care they received. Others, like Desi H., raise funds and awareness. Desi celebrated her birthday by asking for donations in lieu of gifts. Others look for areas at Ochsner where they know they can

Ochsner extends its deepest thanks to all the donors, supporters and volunteers who helped make the fourth annual Moonlight & Miracles Gala—held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Nov. 11, 2016— such a success. Hosted by Gayle Benson and the Ochsner Miracle Makers, the event raised more than $1.5 million to benefit cancer services and research programs at the Ochsner Cancer Institute.

make a difference for years to come. After dedicating his life to the education of medical residents, Dr. Michael Carey committed a portion of his estate to Ochsner’s neurosurgical residency. His generosity will allow for continued excellence in education for the residents who train at Ochsner.

Their stories are wonderful inspirations from people who faced daunting experiences and sought to find something positive from them in fulfilling ways. Their commitment to others is changing and saving lives at Ochsner through advances in research and patient care.

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ochsner, I

To support philanthropy at Ochsner, please visit:

giving.ochsner.org

want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have made Ochsner a part of your lives.

You continue to inspire the Ochsner team every day through your compassion and generosity.

Warner L. Thomas

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! please send comments to philanthropy@ochsner.org.

Copyright © 2017 by Ochsner Health System. Ochsner is published five times a year as a community service and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Produced by DCP.

President & CEO Ochsner Health System

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Cover: Daymon Gardner

Spotlight

Change of Heart Robert and Elena Perdomo pledge their support to the Ochsner Heart and Valve Institute following a vital heart transplant Robert and Elena Perdomo

Robert was in the operating room for more than eight hours. The surgery went smoothly and he is recovering with no signs of rejection.

“It’s really rewarding for all the teams involved with his care to see him progressing,” says Dr. Bates. “He received a great donor heart that started working right away.”

Robert and his wife have made several contributions to the hospital in appreciation, focusing on patients in the LVAD program— donating both funds and medical supplies to support people experiencing similar challenges. “When you see some of the people in the LVAD group, it breaks your heart,” Robert says.

“The doctors and the nurses become part of your family,” adds Elena. “We feel so welcome there; it’s like going home.”

R

That familial atmosphere is part of obert Perdomo never imagined that the rheumatic fever he contracted as a child

Ochsner’s high standard of care. Lisa Tichenor,

in Cuba would lead to a heart transplant at Ochsner Medical Center more than

RN, who coordinated Robert’s LVAD in 2014

six decades later.

Now 72 and living in Covington with his wife of 50 years, Elena, Robert has been

and is one of Elena’s former students, likens her team to a bunch of mother hens. “We’re

through a long medical journey. It began with the discovery of his fever-damaged

very close with our patients: We cry with

mitral valve in 1996 and progressed through multiple cardiac surgeries, including

them; we hold their hands. We do as much as

ones at Ochsner to implant a defibrillator and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD),

we can to support them,” says Tichenor.

which helps the heart pump blood. In September 2015, after waiting more than a year

“I will never be able to give back enough for

for a donor heart, Robert underwent a heart transplant performed by cardiothoracic

all they did for us,” Robert says, “but as long as

surgeon Dr. Michael Bates.

we’re alive, we’re going to help out financially

“We were about to go to church,” says Robert, a retired industrial sales manager,

as much as we can.”

recalling that life-changing moment. “We got a phone call from a transplant coordinator who said, ‘We have a heart for you.’ ” “We were both crying as we were listening,” says Elena, a retired high school

➜ To support the Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute, please visit www.ochsner.org/

Spanish teacher. “The coordinator told us we had 20 minutes to pack a bag and leave

heartfund or call the Ochsner Department

for the hospital. We did the entire 35-mile drive without saying a word to each other.”

of Philanthropy at 504-842-7117.

2017 / february

3

Warrior for a Cause Desi H., a vivacious Ochsner patient with multiple sclerosis, has found innovative ways to give back

W

hen New Orleans native Desi H. was diagnosed with

multiple sclerosis (MS)—an often-­

disabling chronic disease affecting the central nervous system—she almost felt relieved. She finally understood why she had been having trouble walking and was falling frequently, occasionally suffering concussions. In fact, Desi accepted her diagnosis with the same positive, can-do attitude with which she approaches everything in her life.

“I’m not giving up,” says Desi, 58. “I am a fighter. I want the best possible care, which is exactly what I’m getting at Ochsner.” She knew from personal experience that Ochsner offered worldclass care and treatment; her father, who also had multiple sclerosis, was cared for by one of the health system’s founders, Dr. Alton Ochsner.

Leading neurologist Dr. Bridget Bagert, Director of the Ochsner Multiple Sclerosis Center, diagnosed Desi’s condition in 2013 and has been caring for her ever since. “Desi is an inspiration,” Dr. Bagert says. “She is fully engaged in the process and is game for anything that will help her better manage her disease.”

That includes monthly infusions of an immunosuppressive drug known as Tysabri and frequent physical therapy sessions under the guidance of Dr. Michael A. Saucier, Sr. Physician with the Department of Physical Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine at Ochsner. Because she can barely raise her right foot, Desi relies on a cane as well as two state-of-the-art devices to

Desi didn’t let MS keep her from helping others.

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help her walk. One is a programmed electronic cuff worn around the knee called the Bioness L300, which stimu-

Inspired Giving

are doing to improve treatments and one day find a cure, and she wanted to lend her support to these efforts.

After six months of planning, Desi held a party on July 31, her 58th birthday, and asked guests to make donations to Ochsner’s Multiple Sclerosis Center in lieu of bringing gifts. Many friends turned out for the occasion, For her 58th birthday, Desi H., pictured with her husband, Marshall, asked friends to donate to Ochsner’s Multiple Sclerosis Center in lieu of giving her presents.

which raised $6,000; Desi has also issued a challenge in which she will personally match up to $3,000 per calendar year in 2016 and 2017. Additionally, she

lates the nerves and muscles that raise

husband. A passionate supporter of

is considering launching a version of the

the foot. The other is a special orthotic

education, Desi has raised money for

ALS ice bucket challenge.

brace that helps hold her leg and foot in

her son’s school and funded a scholar-

Dr. Bagert says that she and her

position.

ship at her alma mater, the University

team at the Multiple Sclerosis Center

of New Orleans. She now channels

are grateful for Desi’s commitment

lesions were identified in her brain and

all her philanthropic energy into

to their work. “We value it so much

spinal cord that had caused her extreme

two related causes: multiple sclerosis

when patients want to give back,” she

pain and other symptoms of MS. As a

research and education.

says. “There is revolutionary research

At the time of her diagnosis, inflamed

result of her treatments and therapies at

happening in the field now, and Desi’s

Ochsner, Desi’s disease has stabilized.

GIVING BACK

generous support can really make a

The lesions are no longer inflamed and

“I was amazed to discover how many

difference in the lives of others.”

aren’t progressing.

misperceptions people have about

“Dr. Bagert is the reason I have be-

multiple sclerosis,” Desi says. She notes

come such a multiple sclerosis warrior,”

many changes in her life. She was hav-

that people asked her questions such

Desi says. “And giving back is in my

ing cognitive issues, “a bit of brain fog,”

as how she got MS (no one knows what

DNA. It always makes me feel better

she says, so she retired from her suc-

causes the disease for certain), if MS is

when I help others.”

cessful career in commercial banking

contagious (it isn’t) and what the cure is

in 2013. She can no longer ride a bike,

(there isn’t one).

Still, MS has caused Desi to make

➜ To support the Ochsner Multiple

Troubled by the myths associated

Sclerosis Center, please visit www.

avoids crowds because she is afraid of

with MS, Desi decided to make raising

ochsner/org/msfund or contact Eric

being jostled and falling, although she

awareness of the disease a priority. She

Stillman, Director of Development,

faced that fear to attend a recent Beck

also was deeply inspired by the work

at eric.stillman@ochsner.org, or

concert at the Saenger Theatre with her

that Dr. Bagert and other researchers

call 504-842-1500.

go for a walk alone or use stairs. She

2017 / february

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Advanced Training

Former neurosurgery professor dedicates gift to Ochsner’s neurosurgical residency program

Supporting Tomorrow’s Neuros

O

chsner’s neurosurgical residents recently received

Vietnam War. “We saw so many cases

residents for decades,” Dr. Carey says.

“I’ve been involved in training residents for decades. It’s so important that they have funds so they can do research or travel to meetings.

Ochsner is a national leader and the neurosurgical leader in New Orleans.”

“It’s so important that they have funds

— DR . MICHAEL C ARE Y, PROFE SSOR

a vote of support with the

promise of a philanthropic gift from distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery Dr. Michael Carey. The physician and former professor, who retired in 2006 after teaching at Louisiana State University Health Science Center for 36 years, has committed a portion of his estate to Ochsner’s neurosurgical residency program. The joint program with Tulane University trains the next generation of neurosurgeons in New Orleans.

“I’ve been involved in training

so they can do research or travel to

OF NEUROSURGERY

meetings. Ochsner is a national leader

wounds,” he says. “It was in Vietnam that I decided I wanted to have a career in medical school.”

He came to New Orleans in 1970 for an assistant professorship at LSU, where, in addition to teaching, he did clinical research, published extensively and became an internationally recognized expert on traumatic brain injury, receiving grants from the U.S. Army to improve outcomes for wounded soldiers. Later in Dr. Carey’s career, he shifted his focus to treating epilepsy. “The most satisfying part of my career has been the ability to serve people and help those who were amenable to therapy,” he says.

Dr. Carey remained in the U.S.

and the neurosurgical leader in New

Army Reserve until 1995 and served in

Orleans.”

the first Gulf War as the chief of neu-

Originally from Hartford, Con-

rosurgery for an evacuation hospital in

necticut, Dr. Carey studied at Yale and

Saudi Arabia. During his military ca-

Cornell before completing his residen-

reer, he was awarded numerous med-

cies at the University of Minnesota.

als, including the Purple Heart, two

He spent the formative years of his

Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit and

surgical career as a U.S. Army neu-

the Order of Military Medical Merit.

rosurgeon treating wounded soldiers in an evacuation hospital some 50 miles south of Da Nang during the

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Dr. Olawale Sulaiman, PhD and Ochsner Health System President & CEO Warner Thomas with Dr. Michael Carey

Chairman of Ochsner’s Neurosurgery Department and the Back and Spine

urgeons

Center, remembers Dr. Carey from Dr. Sulaiman’s fellowship at LSU, where

we’re now rated number 1 in the state.”

Donations like the one Dr. Carey has

tional initiatives. “Such generous gifts can lead to the development of inno-

he learned complex nerve reconstruc-

stipulated in his estate plan contribute

vative educational materials and mo-

tion. “Dr. Carey was on staff at the

to the education of the next generation

dalities,” he says, “which will give our

time,” Dr. Sulaiman explains. “He’s

of neurosurgeons, one of the depart-

residents and physicians-in-training

an excellent neurosurgeon with a

ment’s vital needs. Ochsner’s neuro-

tremendous advantages in the future.

high level of dedication, and he’s well

surgical residency is an important tool

Financing education is one of the

respected in the community. He is

for recruiting talented new doctors.

most important and necessary things

deeply committed to the neurosurgi-

“Neurosurgery is a small field, so the

we all can do.”

cal field in New Orleans.”

ability to attract top doctors is critical,”

Dr. Sulaiman says Ochsner’s Neu-

Dr. Sulaiman says. “We train some of

➜ For more information on Planned

rosurgery Department has grown

the best out there, and we’ve been very

Giving at Ochsner, please visit www.

by leaps and bounds in recent years,

successful in retaining them.”

ochsner.planmylegacy.org or contact

both in size and reputation. “We have

William McDade, Executive Vice

Craig Bardell, Director of Planned

12 neurosurgeons on staff now; when

President and Chief Academic Officer

Giving, at craig.bardell@ochsner.

I took over in 2012, there were only

of Ochsner Health System, under-

org or call 504-842-6585. To support

three of us,” he says. “We’ve doubled

scores the impact that philanthropic

neurosurgery at Ochsner, please

the number of surgeries we do, and

donations have on Ochsner’s educa-

visit www.ochsner.org/neurofund.

2017 / february

7

Glimpses

People and Places This winter was bright with the annual Moonlight & Miracles Gala and Ruby’s Kids holiday party. The brightest thing of all? The Ochsner community’s continuing enthusiasm and generosity.

Above: Inspired by the care her cousin receievd in the Ochsner Baptist NICU, Claire Douglas and her parents, Jason and Ashley, delivered gifts to babies in the NICU during the holiday season. Below: Members of the Academy of Our Lady high school volleyball team stopped by Ochsner; proceeds from the Penguins’ Pink Game in October went to Ochsner Goes Pink.

Above: On December 14, 2016, Ruby’s Kids held their annual holiday party at Ochsner. Several families stopped by to celebrate the season with Santa and his elves.

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Moonlight and Miracles Ochsner held its fourth annual Moonlight & Miracles Gala on November 11, 2016, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Gala, which hosted more than 2,200 donors and guests this year, raised funds for Ochsner Cancer Services.

Above: Father Tim Henrick; Gayle Benson, Moonlight & Miracles Chair; Tom Benson; and Warner Thomas, Ochsner President and CEO. Below: Benjamin Samuels, Dr. Robert Vasquez, and Maggie, Daniel, Lynette and Chris Allemond.

Top: New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton joined Sean Fazande and Kristi Coleman for a “sideline report” during the event. Middle: Members of the New Orleans Saintsations with a 2017 Black C300W Mercedes-Benz, which was raffled off at the event. Congratulations to the winner, Michael Tomeny. Bottom: The Sophie B. Wright Charter School Marching Band surprised guests with a performance of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

2017 / february

9

Body & Soul

EATING FOR A HEALTHY HEART Diet is a key factor in the fight against cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends a nutrient-rich diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar.

AMONG THE TOP HEART-HEALTHY FOODS ARE: • Wild salmon and other fish that are low in mercury levels and rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that help fight heart disease.

• Unsalted nuts in moderation. (Think almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts—the latter of

Exercising for a Better Brain It seems that a heart-pumping exercise routine not only increases physical fitness but benefits mental acuity as well.

Researchers have found that regular aerobic exercise boosts brain-building hormones, particularly in the hippocampus, the area of the brain that involves memory and learning. Exercise also reduces insulin resistance (which can adversely affect memory and thinking), increases focus, enhances creativity, and slows age-related cognitive decline. For example, a 2006 study found that participants ages 60–79 who engaged in consistent aerobic activity significantly increased their gray and white brain matter.

Breaking a sweat and getting your heart rate elevated are key components to achieving brain health, and while resistance and strength-training workouts are beneficial for overall health, they don’t have the same brain-building effect.

Sources: Harvard Medical School, Journals of Gerontology.

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which contains high amounts of omega-3s.)

• Whole grains. Choosing fiber-rich grains such as whole wheat, oatmeal and quinoa over refined grains has been shown to lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.

• Fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of fruits and veggies: Blueberries, broccoli and cauliflower are all rich in antioxidants, while vitamin-rich Brussels sprouts reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system and improve blood vessel health.

Pediatrics

Ochsner leadership and staff join patient NataleaJo Ladner and Canadian National Railway General Manager Tracy Miller as they prepare to cut the ribbon opening the new PICU.

Advanced Care for Young Patients The new Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit allows Ochsner to serve more young patients with complex conditions

T

original rooms are now freed up for patients with other serious conditions.

“The [PICU] will be staffed by an intensivist 24/7, and we’ll make multidisciplinary rounds, with cardiologists, surgeons and more going bed to bed to make sure all issues are addressed,” says PICU Section Head Dr. Lutifat Kashimawo. “On the new cardiovascular side, the rooms have additional space for families, and they all convert into operating rooms so patients don’t have to be moved.

“We’re grateful to CN for making this expansion possible,” adds Dr. Kashimawo. “It gives us the opportunity to elevate healthcare for children in our community.”

Having a modern pediatric cardiovascular

he new Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit—an expansion of the

ICU also helps Ochsner attract top physicians.

Ochsner Hospital for Children Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)—officially

“We’ve already started two new pediatric crit-

opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 2, 2016. The expansion was made

ical care physicians and are currently recruit-

possible by the Miracle Match campaign, led by Canadian National Railway (CN),

ing pediatric cardiovascular ICU specialists,”

which raised more than $627,000 in donations.

Dr. Lennarz says. “In addition, we’re planning

“The expansion not only increases our PICU capacity, it also creates a dedicated space where our pediatric cardiovascular patients can get the highest-quality specialty-focused care,” says Dr. William Lennarz, System Chair and Associate Medi-

to bring on several pediatric cardiovascular ICU nurse practitioners.”

The expansion plan is part of what drew Dr.

cal Director of Pediatrics at Ochsner Medical Center. “We have the largest pediatric

Benjamin Peeler, a renowned pediatric cardio-

cardiovascular division between Atlanta and Houston, so this was a necessary step

vascular surgeon, to Ochsner. “In Dr. Peeler’s

as the number of cardiac patients we treat continues to increase.”

first six months, we’ve not only exceeded our

At Ochsner’s PICU, nearly 60 percent of patients are treated for cardiovascular

projected number of patients, but our geo-

conditions such as congenital heart defects, valves that need repair or replacement,

graphic referral area has grown dramatically,”

and transplants. With the new dedicated space for cardiovascular patients, the

says Dr. Lennarz. “With his national reputation for patient outcomes, he has helped us improve care for high-complexity pediatric heart

“The expansion ... creates a dedicated space where our pediatric cardiovascular patients can get the highest-quality specialty-focused care.”

— DR . WILLIAM LENNAR Z, S YS TEM CHAIR AND A SSO CIATE MEDIC AL DIREC TOR OF PEDIATRIC S AT O CHSNER MEDIC AL CENTER

patients locally and throughout the region.” ➜ To support Ochsner Hospital for Children, please visit www.ochsner.org/pedsfund or contact Traci Lucas, Director of Development, at traci.lucas@ochsner.org, or call 504-842-6055.

2017 / february

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

New Orleans LA Permit No. 1324

1514 Jefferson Hwy Jefferson, LA 70121

Crescent City Classic ➜ April 15, 2017 RUN FOR FUN AND FITNESS AT NEW ORLEANS’ SIGNATURE 10K RACE

Lace up your sneakers and get ready for the 39th annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic, the region’s preeminent road race. Ochsner Health System is pleased to offer 2017 charity slots benefitting Ochsner Fitness Center’s I Can Do It program. The 10K begins at 8 a.m. in front of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities.

Visit www.ccc10k.com to register or find out more.