Inspire Coastal Bend Medical June/July 2016 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

THE CUTTING EDGE OF CARE

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

POSITIVE MALE INFLUENCES AT CASA OF THE COASTAL BEND THE 10TH ANNUAL FACE TO FACE FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAREGIVER FESTIVAL

NO JUNE.JULY 2016

S T I LIM

CHRISTUS SPOHN CANCER CENTER

RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BUILDING CHARACTER AND HEART TEXAS HURRICANES ORGANIZATION

ND A T LES R ISTI ITAL I P N S K N IC PU S CHTION HO COR AB I LITA REH

A STEP FORWARD GCHS WALLFLOWER PROJECT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE PSYCHIATRIC HOME HEALTH I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 1

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

River City Hospice offers high quality, compassionate care to persons who can no longer benefit from curative treatment. Services are provided by a team of trained professionals that include: physicians, nurses, counselors, social workers, therapists, chaplains, nurse aides and volunteers.

ALICE

171 Medical Center Blvd., Building E Alice, TX 78332

361.664.4888

CORPUS CHRISTI

4646 Corona Dr., Suite 160 Corpus Christi, TX 78411

361.882.5900

w ww.r i verci t y hos pice.co m I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Cornerstone Home Health Cornerstone Home Health can provide a service or a combination of services in your HOME. Along with your physician and our qualified staff, we plan, coordinate, and provide care tailored to your needs.

Services we offered include: Skilled nursing, Physical therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Social Worker, and CNA

If you have any questions or want to make a referral, contact our office at 361-727-2131 or Toll free 1-855-328-2131

2600 Lakeview Dr. Suite 2C | Rockport, Tx 78382

AAdi Home Health is a full service home health agency. We provide quality nursing services and outstanding support services. The staff at AAdi Home Health has the experience, dedication and compassion needed to provide care in a home environment without sacrificing quality or safety.

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Life doesn’t warn you like this.

That’s why there’s Promptu Immediate Care — Urgent Care designed for you. Imagine receiving convenient and quality health care for a fraction of what an emergency room visit would cost. Plus, Promptu accepts most major insurance plans including Tri-Care. For more information, visit PromptuCare.com or call 888-577-4424.

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5638 Saratoga Blvd, #114 Corpus Christi, TX 78414 – Now Open 4938 S Staples St, Ste E-8 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 – Opening April 2016 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 5 Hours of Operation: Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm | Sat & Sun: 10am–8pm

Compassionate care for your special deliveries. Providing the best for mommy and baby. Sophia Ommani, M.D., FACOG

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Located at Bay Area Hospital 7121 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 200, Corpus Christi, TX Call for your appointment today 361.993.6000 ext. 7201 Accepting New Patients 6

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

In-house fabrication lab facility on site 

1326 Santa Fe, Corpus Christi, Texas 361-888-7752  Toll Free: 1-888-299-3656 Follow us on Facebook

LATEST ADVANCEMENTS

in Microprocessor Controlled Artificial Limbs, Myoelectric Arms and Energy Storing Feet We accept all insurances

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TOTAL JOINT SURGERY

HAND SURGERY

SPECIALIZING IN COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPAEDIC CARE

SPINE SURGERY

SPORTS MEDICINE

6118 Parkway Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 361-883-2000 www.orthocentercc.com

QUALITY ORTHOPAEDIC CARE SINCE 1978 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

James R. Dinn, M.D.,P.A. Robert Q. Lewis, M.D., P.A. Jeffrey R. Schlimmer, M.D., P.A. Miguel A. Berastain, Jr., M.D., P.A. Charles S. Clark, Jr., M.D., P.A. Brian L. Patterson, M.D., P.A. Aimee L. Schimizzi, M.D., P.A. Andrew A. Indresano, M.D., P.A. Camille M. Barton, PA-C Christian P. Ehrhard, PA-C Edward B. Zey, FNP-C

Emergency Room Now Open

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It’s not just what you do, it’s who you do it for.

I’m here to help you plan for the future so you can continue all the good you do in your life.

Annie J. Castro, LUTCF, CLU® Agent, New York Life Insurance Company 4466 S. Staples Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 986-1321 ajcastro@ft.newyorklife.com www.anniejcastro.com Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/ SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

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Welcome to the SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER. Our surgeons provide neurosurgical care in many of the major hospitals in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our surgeons and staff provide individual and conservative treatment using the most effective and modern technologies available in the world.

SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER 1227 3rd Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

361.883.4323

www.southtexasbrainandspine.net I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

JUNE.JULY 2016

PUBLISHER ADRIAN GARZA EDITOR Allison Alvarado

ART DIRECTOR Liv Madison

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PRODUCTION Holly Duvall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

One-of-a-kind home furnishings, apparel, accessories & more

Steven Alford Kaitlin Calk Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger Stephanie Kusy Dr. Nestor H. Praderio Jane Rowley Erin Wilder

PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Joseph/Darklab Photography Paul Marshall LIFETIME WARRANTY

Extensive local and name brand product lines and collections 25 YEAR WARRANTY

Family owned, in business since 2005 • Mon.-Sat. 9-5

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com. For editorial comments and suggestions, please email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

7957 Wolverine Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 Phone: 361.548.1044

Located at Old Town Six Points 1710 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi

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I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CONTENTS JUNE. JULY 2016

PATIENT

14 A Unique Perspective 16 Emotional Support is Key 18 Be Kind to the Caregiver

COVER STORY

20 CORPUS CHRISTI REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

Thanks to a dedicated team led by CEO Nick Nilest, patients are in good hands at the only freestanding rehabilitation center in town, which takes a “no limits” approach to patient care.

PROFILE

26 CHRISTUS SPOHN

CANCER CENTER

The center becomes the only one in South Texas to receive national re-accreditation from the Commission on Cancer, further solidifying CHRISTUS Spohn Health System’s place on the cutting edge of care.

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 30 Building Character and Heart

NONPROFIT

36 Take that Step Forward 38 Positive Male Influence

EVENTS

40 Mixing Things Up in the

Coastal Bend

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: MARK JOSEPH/DARKLAB PHOTOGRAPHY

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PATIENT

For additional information, please contact Jane Rowley, administrator for AAdi Home Health, at 316-452-3384, or Kathryn James, R.N., administrator for Cornerstone Home Health, at 361-727-2131.

Psychiatric home health services manage mental health issues in the home, with an emphasis on patient and family education. By: JANE ROWLEY WITH OLDER ADULTS at an increased risk of depression due to chronic illness and adults and adolescents accessing mental health services in growing numbers, physicians and psychiatrists are having difficulty keeping up with the increased volume of patients and families seeking mental health assistance. Local resources are limited, and current community mental health entities are overwhelmed and overburdened. As a result, we are seeing physicians using, with greater frequency, home health services, which incorporate psychiatric skilled nursing as a specialty. The Center for Medicare Services (CMS) defines home health psychiatric nurses as those nurses who have had specialized training in a psychiatric facility or hospital, or who have advanced degrees in psychiatric mental health nursing. These nurses, under the direction of a physician or psychiatrist, can help provide supportive interventions for patients with depression, dementia, psychosis, Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse and other psychiatric disorders. The psychiatric nurse can provide active psychiatric interventions and psychoactive treatments, and is able to educate the patient and families on crisis and symptom management. Psychiatric home health services take place in the home and provide 24-hour availability, medication management, case management, addiction assistance, disease management, resource education and coping skills training with a major emphasis on patient and family education. These services are provided by experienced psychiatric nurses and are designed to reduce hospitalizations, provide in-home oversight and communication with the physician, facilitate access to mental health services for continued support and facilitate community living and quality of life. The psychiatric home health nurse is able to work in patients’ homes, where they develop comprehensive plans

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HOME HEALTH AGENCIES CAN HELP PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ACCESS COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND RESOURCES. in providing safe and effective care. Home health agencies can provide much-needed education to patients and their families on psychiatric and mental health conditions, and can help them access community mental health support and resources.

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

of care that address the patients’ physical, psychological, support system, social and environmental needs. The psychiatric home health nurse provides teaching and caregiver tools to assist with coping techniques, strategies to maintain functional status, instruction on safe and supportive home environments, dementia management including dealing with agitation and aggression and the effects of caregivers’ burden. These home visits provide a unique perspective to the physician providing valuable information about the patient’s home environment including living conditions, safety concerns and family dynamics. In summary, home health agencies that specialize in psychiatric nursing can help physicians and community mental health providers as we address the current crisis in the lack of mental health services available. With trained psychiatric nurses available 24 hours a day, home health agencies can provide early detection in the home, communicate valuable information to the treating physicians and assist

WE WILL PUT YOU BACK IN THE GAME OF LIFE

TREATMENTS AND PROGRAMS FOR: Musculoskeletal Injuries Pregnancy (Pre/Post Natal Care) Diabetes Fall Prevention Neuropathy Cardiovascular Therapy Osteoarthritis Vertigo (Dizziness) Osteoporosis Athletic Rehab (Sport Specific) Thoracic-Outlet Syndrome Orthotic Evaluation/Fabriation Pre-Op/Post-Operative Therapy

ALL 6 LOCATIONS OFFER CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED EXERCISE PROGRAMS IN STATE OF THE ART GYMS AND LARGE INDOOR HEATED POOLS:

CORPUS CHRISTI

CALALLEN

ALICE

5026 Deepwood Cir. • 361.854.2278 4040 Five Points Rd. • 361.241.7399 1302 E. 5th St. • 361.664.9675

PORTLAND 114 Lang Rd. • 361.643.8243

ARANSAS PASS 2150 W. Wheeler Ave. • 361.758.5199

ROCKPORT 1811 Broadway (a.k.a. Fulton Beach Rd.) 361.729.8777

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PATIENT

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT IS KEY

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s new online support network offers help for patients and caregivers affected by heart disease and stroke. By: ERIN WILDER

PEOPLE IN RECOVERY CAN HEAL BETTER PHYSICALLY IF THEY HAVE SUPPORT AND ARE HEALING EMOTIONALLY, AS WELL.

To join the network or find more information, visit www.heart.org/supportnetwork.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

eart disease and stroke are our No. 1 and No. 5 greatest health threats nationally. And while on average, heart disease claims the lives of more than 990 Corpus Christi residents each year and stroke claims the lives of 140 residents, we can celebrate the fact that each year, more and more people survive heart and stroke incidents. Chances are most people know someone who has been impacted by cardiovascular diseases or stroke and is on the path to recovery. Research shows that people in recovery can heal better physically if they have support and are healing emotionally, as well. Having a stroke or hearing that you have heart disease and need surgery can make you feel anxious, scared and isolated. It is easy to feel alone and that no one understands what you are going through. But finding opportunities to talk and share with others who have been through the experience before can ease patients’ concerns, answer their questions and better prepare them for what’s ahead. And it’s not just the person who had the heart attack or stroke who is impacted by this life-changing event. Family members and other caregivers also need to have strong support systems and take care of themselves to better care for their loved one. The emotional support provided by friends and family can help patients or caregivers deal with complex feelings around their diagnosis or recovery. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association now offers a free, online support network, sort of a Facebook for patients and their caregivers. The goal of the network is to connect people living with heart disease and stroke with others who are going through similar journeys. It’s a place to ask questions, find helpful information and tips and share your concerns or fears. It’s also a place to find encouragement and inspiration or offer your own words of wisdom and reassurance to others. The online community is available at www.heart.org/supportnetwork. From specific topic regions such as congenital heart defects or high blood pressure, to ongoing blogs from survivors, it’s an authentic online community for all those impacted by cardiovascular diseases. The challenges of recovering from heart disease and stroke are multifaceted, and strong emotional support is key. If you or a loved one is facing this journey, you don’t have to do it alone. Join the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s support network to connect with others who are sharing similar journeys.

At the Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, we specialize in rehabilitative services for patients with functional deficits, such as stroke, trauma, spinal cord injury, brain injuries, cardiac, orthopedic, complex medical conditions and other disabling impairments. Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for its Stroke Program by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. The certification award recognizes CCRH’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards. Learn more at CCRH.ernesthealth.com.

To learn more about CCRH and our services, visit our website at

I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414I N •S P361.906.3700

PATIENT

Opening Remarks by Nestor H. Praderio, M.D., at the Face to Face Family and Friends Caregiver Festival, 2015

BE KIND TO THE CAREGIVER

The Face to Face Advisory Council hosts the 10th Annual Face to Face Family and Friends Caregiver Festival to create a learning experience for families and caregivers of the elderly.

ept. 9, 2016, marks a significant milestone. On that day, the Face to Face Advisory Council and I will host our 10th Annual Face to Face Family and Friends Caregiver Festival. The event will blend traditional features such as my opening general session, greetings from local and state officials, the “Ask the Experts” panel session and our newly introduced interactive Family Caregiver Roundtable. This engaging and enlightening colloquium has become a favorite of mine. Related topic themes stimulate a guided group discussion to impart the bliss and anguish of the caregiving odyssey. The event is a coordinated effort to recognize family caregivers and facilitate an opportunity for them to unify and learn not only from us, but from each other. The education platform is designed for family caregivers to learn more about their roles and the intricate problems of providing care for individuals with dementia. It is also a time to celebrate the ebb and flow of caregiving. We conclude in a festive mode with music, dancing and lots and lots of smiles. The general public is invited to attend this event, which will be held at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi. Educational sessions will run from 8 a.m. to noon and conclude with a dance festival from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. At our Respite & Activity Station, student nurses and professional staff will provide respite support for family caregivers through supervised activities for their loved ones so that the caregivers may attend the education sessions. While I take much pride in the success, challenges and progress of my practice, I find an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in connecting with family

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THE FESTIVAL IS A TIME TO CELEBRATE THE EBB AND FLOW OF CAREGIVING.

caregivers. Even from my early days at Yale University, I knew I wanted to influence not only my patients, but also their families, other medical students and the community. I embraced a holistic approach to treatment and a fervor for education, training and collaboration. I then embarked on a quest to erase the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and to stimulate legitimate support for family caregivers. In fall 2006, I convened a group of dedicated professionals representing state and municipal governments and institutions of higher education who shared my vision in developing a unified strategy for supporting family caregivers. This led to the formation of the Coastal Bend Caregiver Coalition, now known as the Face to Face Advisory Council, to reach out to family caregivers to provide tools, tips and

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACE TO FACE, LLC

By: DR. NESTOR H. PRADERIO

techniques in caring for their loved ones and expand access for available resources. In August 2007, we hosted the first Face to Face Family and Friends Caregiver Festival. Approximately 75 percent of event expenses are financed by our exhibitors. Their participation has enabled us to present a high-quality education program, continental breakfast, lunch, a dance festival and door prizes at no cost to the attendees. The family caregivers have an opportunity to visit with exhibitors to learn about products and services from longterm care facilities, home health and hospice agencies, durable medical equipment and health insurance representatives, family caregiver services, state agencies and others. I presented a session on compassionate caregiving and addressed the importance of demonstrating compassion for those we love and care for – but equally of importance is to have compassion for ourselves. Learning how to “share the care” is a good strategy to avoid compassion fatigue and possibly reinforce a positive relationship with our loved one. The keynote luncheon speaker was Pepe Serna, actor and artist. Through humor and tears, he shared how his family was learning to cope with the reality of his father’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. And then, they danced – the moves, the smiles, the memories. I knew we

Family Caregiver Roundtable session with Nestor H. Praderio, M.D., and Elsa Munoz, moderator, at the Face to Face Family and Friends Caregiver Festival, 2015 had to make this an annual affair. It has been gratifying to reflect on our progress of the past 10 years. A pivotal accomplishment was achieved in 2008 when Face to Face LLC was established as a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to provide “education, resources and respite for caregivers” for the Coastal Bend community. We foster five core initiatives to generate resources and support services for family caregivers. I am grateful for the community’s support of the Face to Face Alzheimer’s Education and Support Program, the Coastal Bend Walk for Memory, Memories on Canvas, National Memory Screening Day (in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America project) and the Face to

Face Family and Friends Caregiver Festival. Family caregivers often express a desire to know how to provide the best care for their loved one. I suggest learning all you can about the illness, adapt to the caregiving process and be kind to the caregiver. This article was written by Nestor H. Praderio, M.D., founder of Face to Face LLC. For more information, call 361-238-7777. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities for the festival are available. To learn more, visit www. texasfacetoface.com or www.facebook. com/texasfacetoface.

Compassion & Excellence

in patient rehabilitation & recovery 4713 Business 181 North | Beeville, Texas 78102 (361) 358-5612 | nursingrehabbeeville.com

CONTRACTED FACILITY

24-Hour Admissions Hotline (361) 205-9677 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COVER STORY

in service

Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital CEO Nick Nilest defines the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission and dedication to patient recovery. By: JESSICA DUSEK Photos by: MARK JOSEPH/DARKLAB PHOTOGRAPHY

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e thinks he is a lap dog,” says Nick Nilest of his Great Dane, Gatsby. “He is my life away from the hospital,” he explains of his 2-year-old “gentle giant.” Overseeing Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital (CCRH), the CEO admits that at times, he’s painted with Gatsby’s slobber as he strolls into work. As Gatsby is accompanied by Nilest’s adopted cat, Daisy, there is no coincidence to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s connection to “The Great Gatsby,” which remains one of Nilest’s favorite books. “I read anything I can get my hands on,” he explains. This is evident as Nilest describes his schooling. The Louisville native frequented the Kentucky Derby, growing up down the street from the famous annual event. Completing his undergraduate degree with a B.A. in Health Sciences at the age of 23, he simultaneously finished his doctoral work in physical therapy in an impressive fiveyear span. Nilest graduated from Bellarmine University in 2008. As CEO of CCRH, he works to ensure members of the community receives the highest level of care – and know their options. Nilest boldly adds that he wants people to “know the centers of excellence in [their] community.” The facility houses 35 beds, with patients staying on average of 14 days. “We are nationally certified in stroke rehabilitation by the Joint Commission, which means we are dedicated to better results for our patients,” he explains. “With strokes, time is of the essence. I want people to be informed before they have to be informed. If something bad happens tomorrow, I want people to be prepared.”

Point of inspiration: understanding patients “I was in sports growing up,” Nilest says. After he experienced an injury during his sophomore year of high school, he was forced to take a break from sports. “It was very debilitating,” Nilest explains. “There were nine months of physical therapy. I had to be dedicated to go three times per week.” He recalls in appreciation, “I still remember my therapist’s name, Tim Nichol.” The catalyst guided Nilest to his career and to both CCRH and community involvement. He sits

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on the board of the American Heart Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. He graduated from the Leadership Corpus Christi Class 44, was nominated as one of Corpus Christi’s “40 under 40” and is involved in the Corpus Christi Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. He requotes his favorite Gandhi wisdom: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Drawing from his personal experience of care and his work as a clinician, a plan of action is what he emphasizes most. “Being proactive about your health – not reactive – is what’s important,” explains Nilest of having a plan. When unexpected injury such as stroke or heart attack takes place, family members can have difficulty finding a quality solution quickly. Nilest notes the warning signs of a stroke in an acronym called FAST: • Face • Arms • Speech • Time Being able to recognize when people are having a stroke is key. Identifying when individuals’ faces droop or they have arm weakness or speech difficulties, and understanding time is of the essence are necessary in the case of a stroke. Referencing stroke education and a plan for future care, Nilest emphasizes, “It is important [patients] know they have a choice.” CCRH is the only freestanding center in town.“I fell in love with this company,” explains Nilest of the organization’s structure and purpose. At just 29, he was appointed CEO of CCRH after spending time as the director of therapy operations in the company’s Laredo facility for six years. After acquisition in 2013, CCRH quickly improved its success. Bringing nationally recognized patient care to Corpus Christi, Nilest explains, “We ranked in the 16th percentile nationally among inpatient rehabilitation facilities, meaning we had a lot of room for improvement. In 2014, we moved

"We will do whatever we can to meet a patient or family member's needs."

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up into the top 10 percent and remain there today for the second consecutive year.” Improving facility conditions and bringing on the right staff members have advanced the company’s ranking. According to Nilest, there is a focus on “having people with the right mentality – staff that are people driven, here to help and serve and genuinely care about getting people back on their feet and to their families – people who truly believe we do this for our patients, not a paycheck.” Nilest continues enthusiastically: “Our patient satisfaction is off the charts. If we get a survey that is bad, that’s the one I want to know about and look into. It’s the details. We are only as good as our most recent patient satisfaction survey.” Qualitative feedback helps improve policy, according to Nilest, who adds that, “when you think about a hospital, it can be a scary place. But with us, if you have a special request, we will meet it. We will do whatever we can to meet a patient or family member’s needs.” Understanding the patients’ lifestyle before their recovery is essential. Nilest and his staff will ask questions such as, “What were you doing before entering the hospital? Did you drive? Were you riding horses? We want to get you back to that point!” Nilest’s passion heightens his standard of patient care, which is also outlined in the company’s guiding principles. Each principle is reinforced to staff members and supports the hospital’s dedication to patient care. The organization also demonstrates organizational business transparency to the community. When in question, “if I go read those nine principles, the answer is going to be there.”

How they work 1/ We treat all patients and employees with dignity and respect. 2/ We value teamwork; respect is earned, not assigned based on job title or position. 3/ We are only as good as our last patient outcome; therefore, we constantly strive to improve our patients’ and functional gains.

“We will send someone out to see you in the doctor’s office, a hospital, at home, etc.,” Nilest says. “We will send out a clinician to talk to you and evaluate your need for our service. There is no limitation to where we can go to reach someone needing our care.” Providing a care plan, the organization creates a customized plan specific to each patient’s needs. Stressing the importance of diet and lifestyle, recovery is based on the patient’s willingness to regain his or her desired lifestyle. “The positive attitude – you have got to be willing to buy in and make a lifestyle change,” says Nilest, who finishes with a surge of honesty and sincerity: “I hope no one ever needs our services – but should you ever need to come to our facility, you will be in good hands.”

4/ We are first and foremost passionate patient caregivers and team members, connected at our core by the treatment needs of our patients. 5/ We embrace the everpresent challenge of achieving maximum, measurable patient outcomes through the provision of affordable, costeffective care. 6/ We promote a nurturing and healing environment at each of our facilities, responding to the medical physical and psychological and social needs of our patients. 7/ We respect the regulatory environment in which we operate; compliance and quality performance audits will be built into the growth of all business lines. 8/ We recognize our duty as a corporate citizen, with a charitable intent toward each of the communities that we serve. 9/ We are mindful of our fiduciary responsibility to our shareholders, providing a reasonable return on our investors.

For more information on Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, visit www.ccrh.ernesthealth.com. You may also contact Nilest at 361-906-3706 or nicholasnilest@ernesthealth.com.

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PROFILE

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center earns national re-accreditation from the Commission on Cancer – the only cancer center in South Texas to receive the honor.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT nationally recognized cancer care, does South Texas come to mind? Corpus Christi residents need look no further than their own community to receive high-quality cancer care, close to home – and the Commission on Cancer (CoC) concurs. The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center was recently re-accredited by the commission, the only South Texas cancer center to receive this honor. For the past 51 years, the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center has been recognized by the CoC, which is bestowed upon only one in four cancer centers in the country. “We are honored to be recognized by a national authority on cancer care that holds facilities like ours to the highest standards,” said Tom Enright, executive director of the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center. This spring, the CoC spent a full day touring the cancer center, making sure it meets the commis-

“

WE ARE ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF PROVIDING CANCER CARE IN SOUTH TEXAS.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN

By: Steven Alford

Pictured left to right: The Cancer Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kimberly Stewart, D.O.; Shantan Reddy, M.D.; and Lalitha Janaki, M.D.

Back row, left to right: Belinda Sanchez, oncology nurse, LVN; Katherine Chapman, chief therapist BSRT(T); Jeremy Rodriguez, business systems analyst; Robert Muiruri, radiation therapist RT(T); and Yvette Mendiola Dosimetrist, CMD. Front row, left to right: Ineatta Mosley, radiation therapist RT(R)(T); Jennifer Shealy, chief physicist, M.S., DABR; Kimberly Boone, dosimetrist, RT(R)(T); Kimberly Stewart, D.O.; and Lalitha Janaki, M.D.

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sion’s rigorous criteria. The CoC promotes accountable quality care through:

Front row, left to right: Rosa Barrera, patient representative; Sylvia Adame, tumor registrar; Cynthia Morado, lead patient representative; and Margie Miranda, tumor registrar. Back row, left to right: Tom Enright, director of the cancer center; Allison Ware, social work, LMSW, OSW-C; and Patricia Villegas, nurse navigator, R.N.

 Comprehensive standards that guide treatment and ensure patient-centered cancer care  Unique reporting tools to benchmark performance and improve outcomes  Educational interventions and targeted training opportunities  And more With six clinics located throughout the Coastal Bend, the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center and its clinics are a place where oncologists and clinicians are passionate about their patients’ care. “This is an exciting team to be a part of,” said Dr. Shantan G. Reddy, a board-certified oncologist and the newest addition to the cancer center team. “We are on the cutting edge of providing cancer care in South Texas. There are many exciting new therapies and technologies being made available.” The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center is the only one in the region to offer high-dose rate (HDR) therapy, which has been proven to provide a faster course of treatment while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. It also is the only facility in South Texas to offer the CyberKnife, which provides pain-free, nonsurgical outpatient radiation treatment of brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, pancreatic and prostate cancers that might be inoperable. But what sets the CHRISTUS Spohn cancer team apart is their commitment to healing patients in mind, body and spirit. Their patient-centered focus is at the heart of CHRISTUS Spohn’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. “We walk this journey with our patients and treat them as family,” Enright added. “There is not an average patient experience here. Each individual is special.” To learn more about the CHRISTUS Spohn cancer program, please visit www.christusspohn.org/ cancercenter.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Shantan Reddy meets with clinical pharmacists, Jason Mazour and Claude Holley.

About CHRISTUS Spohn Health System CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest charity care provider and not-for-profit health care system consisting of six hospital campuses: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked a leading health system in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including trauma, cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high-caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves. For additional information, visit www.christusspohn.org.

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

BUILDING CHARACTER AND HEART

The Texas Hurricanes Organization, a competitive youth basketball program, teaches basketball skills and fosters good sportsmanship through teamwork, self-discipline, self-confidence and respect. By: STEPHANIE KUSY Photos by: PAUL MARSHALL

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he lights shine brightly on the basketball court at the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Bend, though the sun has long since set outside. Head Coach Marcus Williams blows the whistle, and a team of high-school boys run toward the sidelines, sweat dripping down their faces. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” Williams tells them. Practice may be over, but the competitive training season has just begun. The Texas Hurricanes varsity traveling team looks to become the national champions for the third consecutive year of the All American Sports Basketball Tournament this summer. In a thriving baseball community, this may come as a surprise. Yet Williams and Assistant Coach Joe Early are quickly gaining respect and changing the landscape for young athletes focused on getting looks from college coaches. The history of the Texas Hurricanes Organization is one filled with blood, sweat, tears and a love for the game. The two coaches developed a friendship 27 years ago when Early attended King High School basketball games to watch Williams play. “I have so much respect for him,” Early said. “I couldn’t ask for a better friendship. We never argue. We have the same goals for these kids. We want the best for them.” In 2008, Williams and Early began volunteering their time to coach young players from various organizations in the Coastal Bend, developing their basketball skills with an emphasis on fitness and conditioning. “We work like Batman and Robin,” explained Early on how they collaborate. “We butt heads every now and then, but we want the same results. We are on the same page.”

With athletic children of their own, they quickly realized they needed a more organized plan to become a successful traveling team so their players could gain statewide and national exposure. “We are so far down South that college coaches don’t come down here to recruit,” Williams said. “That’s when we started trying to get on a bigger level so our kids can be seen.” The organization began traveling in 2013, taking a young highschool team across Texas to compete in several tournaments. In recent years, they have gone on to travel as far as New Orleans and Las Vegas. For many of these kids, it is their first time to travel out of the state or even step foot on an airplane. In 2015, the team went to Orlando, Fla., to compete in the Big Foot International Basketball tournament at which over 480 teams participated. They placed sixth in the division for 11th-graders. As an added bonus, to reward them for good grades earned during the school year, the coaches took the players to visit Universal Studios after the tournament. “Kids that aren’t as fortunate to travel – this is a chance for them to get to see things,” Williams said. “They will always carry that with them.” As the team finetuned their skills, colleges began to take notice. Last year, three seniors, including Williams’ son, were offered scholarships to play college basketball. “We are just trying to do

“

WE ARE JUST TRYING TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO MAKE THE FUTURE BRIGHTER FOR STUDENTS.”

what we can to make the future brighter for students,” Williams said. Five seniors this year hope to receive either an academic or an athletic scholarship to attend college. When the traveling season ends after summer, the two coaches shift their focus to coaching youth as young as 6 in basketball and football at the Boys & Girls Club and the YWCA. “When Southside schools play against the Northside schools, it’s very lopsided,” Williams said. “It’s not due to the fact that those kids aren’t athletes. It’s just that they haven’t been taught.” Their organization strives to teach great basketball skills and foster good sportsmanship through teamwork, self-discipline and responsible citizenship. “It is not just about basketball; it’s about respect,” Williams said. “It is about being in shape. It is about getting good grades. Hard work pays off, and there’s a reason why we have seen success.” Success never comes without its challenges, though. For one, the organization struggles to find open gyms for kids to practice. According to both coaches, a big need exists for a sports complex in the area so kids can use it whenever they want to play basketball or workout instead of having to go to a gym. Tragedy also struck this tightly knit organization when one of the player’s parents passed away from canI N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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cer. Williams and Early are currently applying for a 501(c) (3) status in hopes to raise funds and eventually create a sports complex in honor of the late father. “He meant so much to us,” Williams said. “That’s a way we could honor him. He loved sports so much, and he has three sons himself.” But the Texas Hurricanes Organization pushes on. Through extensive fundraising, they are adding a varsity girls traveling team named the Texas Dream to compete across the nation this summer alongside the varsity boys traveling team. Both coaches have fulltime day jobs and dedicate their evenings and weekends to helping kids succeed in sports and stay fit. The organization prides itself on being a humble group that consists of loyal student athletes, coaches and parents, and that supports developing the next generation of leaders. “We love what we do,” Early said. “Over the years, God gave me the gift to build a successful organization. With Williams’ gift of coaching, my gift of organizing and the support of our sponsors, we can do a lot of things.”

More information about the organization and upcoming basketball camps can be found at www.leaguelineup.com/txhurricanes.

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TAKE THAT STEP FORWARD The new Gulf Coast Humane Society Wallflower Project helps shy and special-needs dogs blossom. By: KAITLIN CALK

timidly watching the social interactions going on all around them. While “wallflowers” would dearly like to join in on the fun that their peers are having, they tend to be too timid to take that step forward. This kind of shy behavior can also manifest in dogs: They will shrink back into the corner of their kennel or be standoffish when meeting new people. This often prevents these dogs from being adopted. These wallflower dogs simply need a little extra time and encouragement in order to shine, and that is just one of the things that the Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) is gearing its new project toward. The GCHS Wallflower Project is designed in part to help animals that may be shy or scared, or just need help building confidence and trust in humans so that they have a higher chance of getting adopted. The wallflower room is small and quiet with up to only eight dogs at a time, allowing GCHS staff and volunteers to provide the wallflowers with quality socialization and love.

Lola is one of the biggest projects within the Wallflower Project, and she is also one of the sweetest. She was abandoned on the GCHS property inside a box that was tied together with rope. When she was pulled out of the box, it was discovered that she had a severe medical issue that required several surgeries to be corrected. Because of her necessary extended stay in the GCHS clinic area, Lola becomes nervous in unfamiliar surroundings. She has been at GCHS for more than three years, and her timid nature prevents potential adopters from seeing her wonderful personality. Thanks to the special attention given to her because of the Wallflower Project, her confidence has reached new levels, and she is getting more attention from adopters. Another function of the Wallflower Project is to provide specialized care to dogs who are disabled or have specific medical needs that other areas of the shelter do not have time to address. Troy is one of these dogs. He was paralyzed at a young age in a previous home following an accident in 2009, and was returned to GCHS shortly

afterward. Before the LOLA IS A MEMBER implementation of OF THE GCHS this project, Troy got WALLFLOWER PROJECT AND IS as much exercise and AVAILABLE FOR attention as staff and ADOPTION OR volunteers could proFOSTER. vide, but he needed more. The Wallflower Project has allowed him to get a ton of exercise and love, and he even had a surprise 12th birthday party on May 23! This wonderful event brought in countless donations such as toys, food and treats. It was truly amazing to see how happy all of the wallflower dogs were during Troy’s birthday party. Every one of these normally shy dogs was excited to meet new people and dogs, and to eat a dog-friendly Pupcake made by Pupcakes by Priscilla. Not only are the staff and volunteers of GCHS ecstatic to see all of the donations, they are also excited to see that the GCHS Wallflower Project is doing exactly what it is supposed to do: getting these wallflowers to take that step toward living a happy life.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society is the largest no-kill animal shelter in South Texas. We are located at 3118 Cabaniss Parkway, and you can contact us at 361-225-0845.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GULF COAST HUMANE SOCIETY

WHEN ONE HEARS THE WORD, “WALLFLOWER,” THE MIND MAY IMMEDIATELY PICTURE PEOPLE STANDING WITH THEIR BACKS AGAINST THE WALL AT A SCHOOL DANCE,

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

POSITIVE MALE INFLUENCE

CASA of the Coastal Bend talks to three experienced male volunteers about their experiences with the program and the children they’ve served. By: SAMANTHA KOEPP-STEMPLINGER

- K.C. Kimbrough, who was sworn in as a CASA on Sept. 30, 2013, and has worked three cases, serving a total of four children - Ron Pinaire, who was sworn in as a CASA on Oct. 10, 2014, and has worked two cases, serving a total of two children - Thom Walker, who was sworn in as a CASA on June 24, 2004, and has worked 17 cases, serving a total of 44 children Q: Why did you feel compelled to become a CASA? Kimbrough: After researching many of the various opportunities, I felt CASA would be the best fit for me. I feel that if I can help a child through difficult times in their lives, that maybe they will have better opportunities. Pinaire: I directed the Boy Scout program in one of the local troops, and after I ended up with some medical problems and couldn’t go on any of the high adventure and backpacking, I was looking for something else to do, and a billboard for CASA caught my eye. Walker: I had volunteered to inspect CASA’s old building on Tancahua, so that’s how I knew Page (CASA executive director). I started recruiting other people for CASA, so I got Page to come out and talk to the Kiwanis group on the Island, and during her presentation, she said, “I’ve been trying to get this guy to volunteer for three years, but he’s too busy.” So after that, I agreed to do the pre-training interview. I think what actually finally made me swear in and do it is that was an exceptional training class. Q: What has been most rewarding thus far with being a CASA? Pinaire: Helping my autistic child so that he can go outside and go to dinner with me and not be afraid of everything that is going on around him. We got him in a place where he is not threatened all the

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

time, and that is really rewarding for me. It is just amazing to me he’s gone from feeling very threatened by small things and becoming violent about it to now putting together 3-D puzzles and helping another child in the foster home with their homework. Q: Why do you feel it is important for men to be CASAs? Kimbrough: It is important to allow a child to see men that can be trusted and that have found a purpose. Each of us [has] been blessed by reaching adulthood – some with scars and a bit of baggage, but each with something to give back.

yourself, and if you’ll just do that, then everything else just takes care of itself.

Q: What advice do you have for those interested in becoming a CASA? Walker: So you pick up something after every case, and if you do it long enough, it kind of dawns on you that now you have valuable skills. I try to tell every new CASA to forget about your feelings. Yes, you’re going to sometimes be happy and sometimes you’re going to be devastated, but this is not about you. It’s about what happens to that child if you don’t do it. That’s what you have to keep asking

CASA of the Coastal Bend trains volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children who have been abused or neglected and are in the foster care system. The next training begins on July 13. For more information about CASA or to sign up for training, contact Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger at samantha@coastalbendcasa.org or call 361-884-2272.

To read the entire interview, visit www.casaofthecoastalbend.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASA

MERRIAM-WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY defines the word, “father,” as “a male parent; a man who is thought of as being like a father; a person who was in someone’s family in past times.” While the role of a father or a father figure can be fulfilled by various people in one’s life, what remains the same in all families is how a positive male relationship can significantly influence a child’s life. When a parent or guardian is unable to provide for a child’s basic needs and the child is removed from the home, a judge will appoint a court-appointed special advocate, or a CASA, to advocate for the child’s best interests. These volunteers are often the only positive adult relationships these children have had, which is crucial during the standard 12 to 18 months (sometimes longer) a child stays in CPS custody. Many of these children have never had a positive or stable male influence. Three male volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Coastal Bend have offered to share their experiences with the program and the children they have served:

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