41 minute read
LIFE
from 2.11.21
HEALTH | HEART MONTH
Grandview Cardiac Nurse Shares Her Experience as a Heart Patient
By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW
February is a time when the nation shines a light on heart disease awareness with National Heart Month.
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association, and the effects of COVID-19 will only drive that statistic higher.
According to a Jan. 27 release from the association, the cardiovascular health and mortality rates will likely be influenced by lifestyle changes linked to the pandemic – most notably unhealthy eating and drinking habits, as well as reduced exercise.
As both a cardiac patient and cardiac nurse at Grandview Medical Center, Kristina Bradley has seen and experienced firsthand what a diagnosis can do to a patient.
“I see patients get scared to do anything,” she said. “They don’t want to go out and live.
“To me, you’ve been given a second chance at life.”
Her response was to set a mission that she would volunteer her time to support not only cardiac research, but also awareness and her fellow cardiac patients.
Photo courtesy Kristina Bradley
Neglecting the Signs
Bradley grew up with a mother who worked in health care, which drew her to a career in nursing.
“I had just a few little heart issues when I was in high school, and that drew me to the (cardiac) part of nursing,” she said. “I just really like taking care of people, so it was a natural fit.”
Part of being a nurse is a tendency to downplay your own issues.
“You’re so used to taking care of people that you don’t want to be the one who is sick,” she said.
“It’s almost like you go into a state of denial.”
Such was the case when Bradley began experiencing chest pain off and on. She was nauseated the evening before her heart attack but played it off, as many would, by blaming it on something she ate.
“That morning at 2:30 a.m. I woke up really sick to my stomach,” she said.
When she went to the bathroom, she noticed she was experiencing abnormal sweating.
“My chest was hurting and my hands were tingling,” she said. “The pain started radiating to my jaw and it was one of those pains when you feel like you’re about to die.”
She knew at that point that something was truly wrong and it was time to go to the hospital.
When Bradley experienced this cardiac event, she was 38 years old, and the cause was surprising.
After tests were run and conclusions were made, Bradley was diagnosed with spontaneous coronary artery dissection. It isn’t a common diagnosis.
“With this particular type of heart attack, the cause of it is not known,” she said. “They are doing a whole lot of research into this at the Mayo Clinic.”
In essence, the walls of the artery begin to thin and split open.
“You don’t have the plaque build up that you would have in a typical heart patient,” she said.
There are a few potential causes for the condition, Bradley noted, which include stress and hormones, and the condition mainly affects women who are under the age of 55.
“They call this particular heart attack ‘a young person’s heart attack,’” she said. “People who do work out and do those things that we are supposed to do, this is the heart attack that they have.”
Bradley had three stents put in before her left main artery tore, resulting in four bypasses. She spent 24 days in the intensive care unit at Grandview and spent so much time lying in bed that she had to relearn how to walk, among other basic tasks.
American Heart Association’s Birmingham Heart Ball Set for March 11
Rather than hosting its traditional in-person gala, the American Heart Association has opted to introduce the Birmingham Heart Ball Digital Experience.
The event will take place at 6 p.m. March 11 and will be free to those who register at birminghamheartball.heart.org.
Serving as emcees for the program will be Sheri Falk and Guy Rawlings of WVTM-13.
In addition, this year’s Heart Ball honoree, Tim Vines, will be recognized. Vines is president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. He will be recognized along with his wife, Antoinette Vines, founder of Mercy Deliverance Ministries.
To date, the Birmingham Heart Ball has raised more than $17 million for local research, advocacy and community education efforts to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are the first and fourth leading causes of death in Alabama, respectively.
For more information, visit birminghamheartball.heart.org. As both a cardiac patient and cardiac nurse at Grandview Medical Center, Kristina Bradley, above, has seen and experienced firsthand what a diagnosis can do to a patient.
Life Must Go On
Bradley is highly involved with the Alabama chapter of the American Heart Association and the annual Birmingham Heart Walk.
Her driving force is her desire to show other cardiac patients that their diagnosis doesn’t mean the fun is over.
“This is not where your life ends,” she said. “Your life didn’t end because you had a heart attack or had bypass surgery. You should really start living at this point.
“It’s important for me to let people see that, while you do need to eat healthy and exercise, you have to keep going, you can’t just stop enjoying life.”
That being said, Bradley also has seen the stress of the pandemic cause people to avoid the aspects of self-care that aren’t fun. But maintaining health remains essential.
“I just had a patient call who was having chest pain and she said she didn’t want to come in,” Bradley said. “COVID has really paralyzed people, to a point where they are not taking care of themselves like they should.”
She has seen patients gain weight because
Second Chance
St. Vincent’s Physicians, Surgeons Work Together to Give Triple-Bypass Patient a New Lease on Life
By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW
Local business owner Bobby Yeager was given a new lease on life in August.
After putting off a scheduled visit with his cardiologist, Dr. Michael Wilensky of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System, in March, he finally kept the appointment in August. What Wilensky found led to triplebypass surgery with cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Parvez Sultan.
“I have never experienced something so life altering,” Yeager said.
“If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I would go back and give everyone a hug and tell them how truly, truly thankful I am.”
According to Wilensky, a major struggle that has emerged during the pandemic has been a growing avoidance of appointments.
The Ascension family of hospitals and offices has made adjustments to ensure patients are safe while visiting for appointments and procedures. Yet, some patients are afraid to keep those necessary doctor visits.
“For some of our patients, we have seen that being afraid of COVID was more dangerous to them than coming in to address their heart situation,” Wilensky said.
Friends Nagged Him
Yeager admits he was quick to put off his annual appointment with Wilensky. It was the early days of lockdowns and he was far more worried about paying the rent and bills to sustain his businesses – Yeager’s Hair Studio and Spa in Hoover, and his food truck, G&R’s Smokehouse.
What led him to keep his appointment in August were friends and family.
Yeager has a history of heart disease.
“My grandfather died of a massive heart attack while routinely hoeing in the garden for a few days a week,” Yeager said.
“My uncle died of a heart attack due to stress. My father had a light stroke in his early 50s and died in August of 2014 from congestive heart failure at the age of 79.”
Yeager said he always has felt that he was in line for some form of heart complications, but it was never at the forefront of his mind.
Looking back, things could have been different for his grandfather, uncle and father if they had known the early signs and to take action, he said.
A few of Yeager’s close friends and clients encouraged him to keep his August appointment with Wilensky.
“One ophthalmologist client of mine, Dr. Greg Harrelson, walked in one day and visited with me. After he left, he came back and
Bobby Yeager said he always has felt that he was in line for some form of heart complications, but it was never at the forefront of his mind.
YEAGER
From page 10 he brought an envelope and said, ‘It’s not much, but Bobby, I really want you to keep that appointment on Monday.’ It shocked me because I had known him for 30 years and it hit me like a brick.”
Signs Were There
Yeager was experiencing symptoms of heart complications, though he found other excuses for his struggles.
“I was having to stop several times while cutting grass and rest and drink a little water,” he said. “I felt like I had tension in my back and in my shoulders, but no pain at all.” He chalked it up to having to cut grass on a hill; it was just more laboring than on a flat lawn.
According to Wilensky, Yeager’s risk factors alone were cause enough to put him through a stress test on a treadmill.
When Yeager struggled with that, it was time to put him through a
See YEAGER, page 12 5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)
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To: Renee From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: February
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the February 11, 2021 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
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We Are Thankful For Our Team And Their Commitment To Our Patients Compassionate Healthcare | No Appointment Needed
From page 11
body changes. Is that walk becoming a little From a medical professional’s perspective, communication between doctor and patient is more breathless or are you having to stop every so often? BRADLEY just as important when it comes to your health. “He wasn’t admitting at first to the nurse that nuclear stress test, in which a radioactive dye That communication begins with patients taking he was having very many symptoms,” Wilensky From page 10 is injected into a vein. That dye is then traced a close look at how they are truly feeling. said. “When I started talking to him, it became they aren’t involved in their typical as it makes its way through blood vessels to “We have to be in tune with our body,” clear that he was having symptoms that he was activities, but it isn’t that difficult to the heart, where scans create images of the Sultan said. “I’m a big believer in that.” not sharing with our nurse.” choose to be active. heart muscle. It starts with self-care, taking on those prac- It often takes asking the right questions for “Just take a walk, or even just do The images of Yeager’s heart showed sub- tices that are healthy for the body in the long Wilensky to get the information he’s looking for, some laps around your house,” she said. stantial coronary disease. run. because symptoms of heart disease can vary per- “You don’t have to be around people to “A lot of people get told they are a ticking son-by-person and tend to be a bit vague in their be able to stay fit.” time bomb when they really aren’t, but this manifestations. Some of Bradley’s favorite ways to gentleman was a ticking time bomb,” Wilensky It’s important to compare yourself to where stay healthy are simple. said. ‘I was having to stop several you were six months ago, or even a year ago. “I’m not supposed to do very much Wilensky and his team outfitted Yeager with times while cutting grass and “Are you able to do the same activities?” weightlifting,” she said. “When you’ve a temporary fix, a balloon pump to boost blood flow and stabilize him, and sent him to Sultan’s rest and drink a little water. Wilensky asked. “Are you more breathless when you do those activities? Are you having to stop had your chest cracked open you’re not supposed to lift too much.” team for surgery. I felt like I had tension in my the activity short? Does your chest get tight? Do Instead, she opts for cardio – playing Sultan said good communication between doctors, surgeons and hospital staff has always back and in my shoulders, but you feel pressure, squeezing or burning? Any of those things would be suspicious.” with the dog, taking walks with her family and just getting outside and been important, but it has been essential in no pain at all.’ Wilensky likes to make notes of what his moving around. combating pandemic risks. patients enjoy doing to stay active. “I have two boys that like to cook Sultan and Wilensky agree that Yeager For example, one of his patients enjoyed with me,” she said. “They will come up recovered beautifully. square dancing. Wilensky wrote it down and the with different things that they want to “At St. Vincent’s, we do that,” Sultan said. “Not smoking, diet and exercise are the three next time he saw the patient he asked if they try with me. That really helps, because I “I just did a surgery on one of Dr. Wilensky’s main things that are important to a cardiac sur- were experiencing a range of symptoms. They know I have to eat healthy for me, but patients the other day – a woman who had a geon that can keep you alive and maybe keep said no. Then, he asked if they were still square now I’m also having to watch out for mild cardiac event – and I called him right you alive longer,” Sultan said. dancing. them because I know its hereditary.” after and he came over to check on her and see He admits that it is something that can be “He said, ‘No, I was embarrassed. I’d have Her family supports her making how she was recovering.” forgotten during a pandemic, when people are to stop and sit down after one dance because I healthy choices. They don’t eat a lot of The level of communication – from the worried about other aspects of their health, kid’s was short of breath,’” Wilensky said. “If I didn’t fast food. When they do eat out, they nurses to the support staff and on to home care schooling and working virtually. among many ask that one question about square dancing, all I lean toward grilled chicken and salads. and physical therapists – didn’t go unnoticed other struggles. would have gotten is ‘fine.’” “You have to keep going,” Bradley by Yeager and his wife, and it dispelled fears Self-care doesn’t have to be a huge adjust- For Yeager, keeping that appointment and said, adding that it applies to COVIDthey had about the surgical and recovery pro- ment. There are little things you can begin to do talking with Wilensky was the key to surviving. 19 as well. You can follow health and cess every day that help you. Sultan suggests small “If you are having symptoms, you need to safety measures, but don’t let it stop “I just get so teared up,” Yeager said. “To things such as cutting out sodas or going out for come to the hospital,” Sultan said. “Call your you from living a healthy life. There are know that a doctor can give second chances to somebody. It’s a dedication that they have in doing that for everyone.” a walk. A daily walk can even become a family activity. As your routine continues, listen to how your doctor and tell them what is happening. Don’t ignore it, because it is very dangerous if you ignore the signs and symptoms of something.” Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones ways to safely maintain your health, she said.
IN-HOME CARE
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Home Instead Senior Care
TO US, IT’S PERSONAL
Home Instead Senior Care is one of the oldest, continuously owned, non-medical home care providers in Birmingham. Since 1997 Home Instead has been providing in-home care that encourages and enables individuals to age-in-place. Home Instead’s trained and insured CAREGivers offer an array of services including meal preparation and assistance, housekeeping, laundry, personal care services (bathing, dressing, toileting), and daily companionship. Utilizing either the clients’ transportation or their own, our CAREGivers will shop, assist in physician appointments, therapy visits, or make the pharmacy run. The comfort of home can’t be beat. Home care services let people flourish in the everyday life they already know and love – while getting a little help to stay independent and mobile. Home Instead personalized care plans lift the caregiving burden from family members to keep those strong family bonds intact. “We were at a loss when we needed The comfort of home can’t be a caregiver for mom,” said Stacy. beat. Home care services let “Home instead has been great. They people flourish in the everyday were willing to start at our level of need for care. We love our caregiver life they already know and love and we have consistently had the same – while getting a little help to caregiver. This difficult stage of life has been made easier knowing we have stay independent and mobile. some backup and can reach our for Home Instead personalized care more help when the time comes.” Home Instead Senior Care plans lift the caregiving burden CAREGivers prepare meals for the clifrom family members to keep ent in accordance with a meal plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or those strong family bonds intact. nutritionist (e.g. low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan). “In addition, we monitor a client’s vital signs, assist with in-home therapy such as coughing/deep breathing techniques, and encourage routine activity and rest periods as determined by current medical status and/or limitations, said Burdette Payne, Service Inquiry Specialist. Not just seniors, younger individuals needing non-medical care or personal assistance prefer to remain at home as they convalesce from surgical or non-surgical procedures as well. Home has limited isolation issues than facilities, so families are able to interact with restrictions. With Covid-19 still an issue, families prefer to recover at home to prevent potential complications.
Take the stress out of caring for your loved ones, contact Burdette Payne at burdette. payne@homeinstead.com or call 205.822.1915. Home Instead staff is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and offers customized shifts to meet all needs, from 4-hours to 24-hours.
We’re by your side so your parents can stay at home.
Whether you are looking for someone to help an aging parent a few hours a week or need more comprehensive assistance, Home Instead can help.
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This Annieglass Gold Ruffle Heart bowl, 8 inches, $80, is lovely engraved or filled with Valentine’s candies. Handmade in the USA, this bowl is hand-painted with 24 karat gold, dishwasher safe and chip resistant. Bromberg’s, The Summit, 205-969-1776; Mountain Brook, 205871-3276.
LIFE be mine!
2021 VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
A wine coaster, $225, or seltzer holder, $285, is a great place for a bottle of wine at your quarantine Valentine’s Day. Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques, 205-918-0505. The Butterfly, featuring 18K gold with fancy yellow diamond wings of new life, $1,550. JB & CO, 205-478-0455. Sealed with a kiss! Fun lip guest towels. Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-6611.
Sweeten the day with cookies from Cookie Fix, starting at $2.40. Order now online at cookiefix.com Start your evening relaxing in a moisturizing bubble bath, $19, and later drift off to sleep with an eye refreshing silk eye mask, $48. Sweet dreams guaranteed! Marguerite’s Conciets, 205-879-2730. Custom Valentine’s boxes. Chocolate is good ... thoughtful and creative is better! Snoozy’s Kids, 205871-2662.
Be Mine
Fabulous inside or out, wonderful vintage garden swans, $895. Roman Brantley Art and Antiques, 205-460-1224.
A Sweetheart Steak for your Valentine. Boneless Ribeye butterflied into the shape of a heart. Piggly Wiggly, thepigbham.com. Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Baccarat Rouge 540 Fragrance, $65-875. Luminous and sophisticated, this poetic scent features a graphic and highly condensed signature. Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300. Say it with flowers, 48”x36” acrylic painting on canvas by Maya Eventov, in an Italian “Blue Lavo” custom frame, $3,990. Griffith Art Gallery, 205-985-7969.
Designed for serious chefs and professionals, the ThermoPop features big digits and a backlight for dark conditions. Molded-in seals and buttons make it splash-proof. Alabama Gaslight and Grill, 205870-4060.
Gunn Dermatology HA Lip Plump improves overall lip condition while hydrating and plumping the appearance of the lips. It also visibly enhances rosiness and smooths fine lines. Gunn Dermatology, 205-415-7536. Stunning 2.59ctw matched pair of old European cut diamond earrings in a 1950s white gold setting. Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 205-251-3381.
She will have sweet dreams in this adorable 100% cotton night shirt, $29, designed by a Huntsville artist and printed in Birmingham. Alabama Goods, alabamagoods. com.
peepers by peeperspecs Focus Eyeware filter 40% of harmful blue light emitted from digital devices and offer UV400 protection. Many stylish designs available for kids and adults. Clotheshorse, 205-823-9144. Phillip Gavriel sterling silver amethyst ring. Southeastern Jewelers, 205-980-9030. Signature hand poured candles come in three sizes: small, $25; medium, $50; and large, $60. With a Valentine’s Day special, buy one and get one half off. Smart Skin, 205-968-1301.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Shop local!!
Beaded bracelets from Love Is Project, recently featured on Shark Tank. The company, founded to promote and share love, works with artisans in 10 countries and provides jobs and new opportunities to 2,000 female artisans around the globe. Smith’s Variety, 205-871-0841.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, DMK yellow gold, ruby and diamond earrings and ring. Levy’s at Gus Mayer, The Summit, 205-870-9477 The latest print from Mint is available in a variety of styles, from duffle bags to backpacks. Don’t forget to personalize it with a name or monogram. Once Upon A Time, Crestline, 205-870-7772; Homewood, 205-870-7776.
A very special giftset that includes Elvis and his favorite fan, Barbie! Barbie doll is dressed as an adoring fan of Elvis during the 1950s, $90. Mary Charles Doll House, 205-8705544.
Show your love with these uniquely shaped heart candle holders, $5. Attic Antiques, 205-991-6887. Hot pink beaded clutch, $62.95, is great with any outfit. Available in several colors. Second Hand Rose, 205-970-7997.
Wonderful vintage set of eight Sterling Silver Goblets, $995. Tricia’s Treasures, 205-871-9779. Beautiful 1.15ctw baguette and round diamond three stone ring, $4,799. Shay’s Jewelers, 205-9785880. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @henhouseantiques
English Village 1900 Cahaba Road • 918.0505 www.henhouseantiques.com
To: From: SHE ALREADY THINKS YOU'RE FUNNYLibby and Laura Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: Feb. NOW SHOW HER YOU'RE BRILLIANT This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the FEb. 11, 2021 issue.
French Graffiti Valentine Linen, $14.99. Mountain Brook Olive, 205-703-9003.
If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention.
One Office Park circle, Suite 201 MOuntain BrOOk, al 35223
Rehab Reality...
by Judy Butler
Alcohol Is Not Your Friend
Imagine waking up in the morning and reaching for a drink and I don’t mean water, juice or coffee. Surprise that many people, if not most of those, who have come to Bayshore Retreat this is what they did and also one of the eye opening experiences that told them that they needed help. They are amazed at how much better they look and feel after being at Bayshore and breaking the habit of that first drink. Each expressed that they didn’t realize how much alcohol had affected them phycally. So the question is “what is excessive drinking?”. This can be binge drinking and/or heavy drinking. Binge drinking for women it is defined as 4 or more drinks during a single occasion and for men, 5 or more during a single occasion. Heavy drinking is defined as 8 or more per week for women and 15 or more per week for men. Not only does alcohol consumption take away hours of life with blackouts and memory loss, but also the unseen damages such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and list goes on. Maybe it’s time to take a selfassessment of your alcohol use or that of someone you love. If what began with a glass of wine at dinner has turned into much more it’s possible alcohol has taken control of you rather than you controlling it. We prove everyday that life can be better without alcohol. Before going to one of the big box drug rehabs with vending machines, cafeteria food and twelve step meetings consider the difference. Our “treatment home” is different and can make a difference.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama recently announced an investment of $1.05 million in Alabama-based breast cancer research.
This donation brings the organization’s total contributions over 25 years to nearly $11 million.
Matching its 2019 investment, the organization will support 14 research projects throughout the state, including studies at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, Cerflux, Mitchell Cancer Institute at University of South Alabama, Tuskegee University and Southern Research.
“Despite COVID-19, individuals and companies throughout the state stepped up for breast cancer research,” said Beth Bradner Davis, executive director of the BCRFA. “Our staff and board are truly thrilled to match last year’s investment, allowing us to support critical projects which will change therapies and treatments for breast cancer patients here in Alabama and around the world. Unfortunately, diagnoses don’t stop during a pandemic. This investment will ensure that research won’t either.”
Funding was raised in 2020 by corporate sponsorships; special events; individual donations; grants from local, state and federal funders; and sales of the Breast Cancer Research specialty license plate.
The BCRFA invests in projects in developing stages, providing seed money to attract grant funding. From there, many projects go on to win national grants from the National Institute of Health and others.
“The support of organizations like the BCRFA is crucial to our work at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Dr. Barry P. Sleckman, director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Developing projects often have an undeniable positive impact for research in the field of breast cancer. Each discovery brings us closer to a cure – and the BCRFA is helping get us there.”
Efforts that helped fund this year’s donation included community events throughout the state, grant awards and corporate partnerships. Sponsors included Renasant Bank, Tameron Automotive, Wind Creek Wetumpka, ARC Realty, the Thompson Family Foundation, Sirote & Permutt, the Alabama Power Foundation, the Hill Crest Foundation, the Robert M. Meyer Foundation, Bank of America/ Merrill, the Caring Foundation/Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life Foundation, Thrivent Financial, Spectrum Reach, iHeart Media, UAB Benevolent Fund, Vulcan Materials Company and others.
About half of the total $1,050,000 donation was raised through sales of the BCRFA specialty car tag. Available at DMVs across the state, nearly 14,000 vehicles in Alabama sport the Breast Cancer Research tag. All of the money BCRFA receives from tag sales are invested in research.
The 2020 award recipients are: • Randall Davis, MD; Suzanne Lapi, Ph.D.; Erica Stringer-Reasor, MD – “Advancing the Prognostic, Immunotherapeutic, and Imaging Potential of FCRL6 in Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Mick Edmonds, Ph.D. – “A Novel SRC Inhibitor for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Xu Feng, Ph.D.; Douglas Hurst, Ph.D. – “RANK Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer Development” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Selvarangan Ponnazhagan, Ph.D. – “Combinatorial Genetic Immunotherapy and RANKL Antagonism for Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Troy Randall, Ph.D.; Erica Stringer-Reasor, MD; Ahmed Elkhanany, MD - “Identifying NeoAntigen-Reactive T Cells in Breast Cancer Using Organoid Cultures” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Rajeev S. Samant, Ph.D.; David A. Schneider, Ph.D. – “Unraveling a Novel Vulnerability of Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Nan Cher (Flo) Yeo, Ph.D. – “Understanding WRN-Dependent Pathways to Regulate Genome Stability in TNBC” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Corinne Augelli-Szafran, Ph.D.; Omar Moukha Chafiq, Ph.D.; Rebecca Boohaker, Ph.D. – “Development of Novel Clofarabine Analogs for Breast Cancer Therapy,” the BCRFA Impact Award (Southern Research) • Karim Budhwani, Ph.D., DLA – “Personalized Oncology Efficacy Test,” BCRFA Innovation Award (CerFlux) • Natalie Gassman, Ph.D.; Michelle Schuler, Ph.D.; Marie Miguad, Ph.D. – “Targeted Nanoparticle Delivery to Reduce STAT3 and Improve Cell Killing in Triple Negative Breast Cancer” (Mitchell Cancer Institute at the University of South Alabama) • Nancy Merner, Ph.D.; Erica Stringer-Reasor, MD – “Breaking Research Participation Barriers in Alabama – An African American Breast Cancer Genetics Study” (Auburn University and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB • Nancy Merner, Ph.D.; Clayton Yates, Ph.D. – “The Identification of Genetic Risk Factors Associated with Hereditary African American Breast Cancer” (Auburn University and Tuskegee University) • Jingjing Qian, Ph.D. –“Reducing Breast Cancer Risk in Alabama – The Role of Medications” (Auburn University) • Robert Sobol, Ph.D. –“Exploiting a Novel, Live-Cell, RealTime Poly-ADP-Ribose Probe for Discovery of PARG Inhibitors” (Mitchell Cancer Institute at the University of South Alabama)
Photo courtesy BCRF
Baret and Rènee Steed show off the Breast Cancer Research Foundation specialty license plates sold last year to raise money for cancer research projects. Funding was also raised in 2020 by corporate sponsorships; special events; individual donations; and grants from local, state and federal funders.
Bluff Park Resident Named New Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Association’s Alabama Chapter
to Alzheimer’s was a strong component offers informative programs and in her desire to join the association in numerous online resources at www.alz. fighting the disease and inspires her org, and it offers 24/7 support via the work every day. organization’s helpline at 800-272-3900. “My grandfather had dementia
The Alabama Chapter of the and my great uncle passed from Alzheimer’s Association recently named Alzheimer’s,” Miller said. “Because Jessica Miller its new executive director. we lived in rural Alabama, we were
“I am thrilled unaware of the resources available to step into this to us at the time. I am determined to new leadership ensure others in our state are fully position with supported as we fight for an ultimate the Alabama cure.” Chapter of the There are more than 5 million Alzheimer’s Americans living with Alzheimer’s Association,” disease, the association reports, said Miller, of including 96,000 Alabamians. Bluff Park. “The For both those battling the disease collective work and their loved ones, the nonprofit and passion of Jessica Miller the volunteers and staff is inspiring. Together, we will continue to work as hard as we can each and every day to fulfill the vision of the organization – a world without Alzheimer’s disease.”
Miller joined the Alzheimer’s Association in 2018 as the Alabama chapter’s development director, a position in which she oversaw the chapter’s fundraising and special events.
She brings extensive experience in media relations and integrated sales to her new role, according to a statement from the association, including previously serving as senior integrated marketing specialist at Summit Media and account executive at Cumulus Radio and WBRC Fox 6.
Miller said her personal connection
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A dream came true recently for Lucy Ricketts, a 2004 Altamont graduate who completed a three-day winning streak on the popular gameshow Jeopardy.
Her final winnings totaled $79,499, but the memory of the experience was the real prize, she said.
Ricketts, a Mountain Brook native, attended her last two years of high school at The Altamont School before going on to the University of Alabama and Savannah College of Art and Design. She also lived in Atlanta before calling Los Angeles home the past few years.
Being a Southerner in Los Angeles gave Ricketts the geographic diversity that made her stand out in the crowd.
“My origin story on Jeopardy was necessarily complicated by the fact that, due to COVID, they were taking many more contestants from California,” Ricketts said.
Show producers had three Southern cities to pick from to say as Ricketts’ hometown because she has lived in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Atlanta. They ultimately chose Atlanta, which Ricketts’ requested because her family lives there.
To get to that point, Ricketts had to take an online Jeopardy test, which she did one day this past summer on a whim.
“I was notified that I passed into the second round of testing, which involved taking yet another test with a group of people over Zoom. I scored high enough to proceed to a third round of testing, which was a ‘live’ game-play round with other contestants,” she said.
After this round, the producers interviewed each potential contestant. After the interview, Ricketts was told she was in the contestant lottery for the next 18 months. She was surprised to receive a call about two weeks later from a producer. The show was taped at the end of November and aired Jan. 12.
Her taping was the first day Ken Jennings, the famous Jeopardy champion, hosted and was the first day for the staff to be back in the studio after the death of Alex Trebek.
“That was an honor, but also (an) emotionally fraught experience,” Ricketts said.
While the Jeopardy experience was full of great memories, Ricketts said her favorite part was “the way it felt to be up there, on stage, in the middle of competition.”
“For someone who loves trivia that much, this is the moment you’ve worked for. To be doing the thing that you do best, on the biggest stage and everything forced into a flash of thought and movement is a thrill I don’t think I could get anywhere else,” Ricketts said.
She also is grateful to be a part of the tight-knit Jeopardy community of
contestants and producers.
“That is the part I wasn’t expecting and have found the most joy in experiencing,” Ricketts said.
Her favorite question was the “Final Jeopardy” question on her first day. The category was “Famous Animals” and the clue was, “When she first came to the world’s attention in 1957, she was dubbed ‘Muttnik’ by U.S. journalists.”
The answer she correctly gave was “Laika,” the Soviet dog who became one of the first animals in space.
“Since I was a kid, I’ve had a horror/fascination with the animals sent up in early rocket tests and I can rattle off a list of names from dogs to squirrel monkeys, but Laika has always stood out to me as especially heartbreaking. There’s also a well-known Oregon animation studio by the same name which, as an illustrator, I’m very familiar with, and that helped it really stick,” Ricketts said.
If you have ever been interested in trying out for a show such as Jeopardy, Ricketts said she would heartily encourage it.
“There’s no other experience like it. I would also add that it helps to have as broad a knowledge base as possible; listen to everything, read whatever is in front of you. There’s information to be picked up all over the place and doing so and weaving the connections together in your own brain is key to success in trivia,” Ricketts said.
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Although she’s on the West Coast now, Ricketts has fond memories of her time at Altamont and appreciates the guidance and involvement of her teachers.
“My favorite part of my time at Altamont would have to be the positive relationships with all of my teachers, who were always able to bring out the best in me as a student and didn’t give up on encouraging and supporting me.
“High school is a tough time. My teachers at Altamont helped keep me going forward and developing that love of learning along the way, which is still so important to my life today,” Ricketts said.
Above, Alissa Long, in front, with Magic Moments representatives, from left, Jane Huston Crommelin, Sandy Naramore, Kaitlin Candelaria, Courtney Carson, Tyler Vallier, Rob Howland and Robin Kidd. Below right, Liberty Park Middle School students.
Magic Moment
Liberty Park Middle Schoolers Surprise Children’s of Alabama Patient
On Feb. 3, students at Liberty Park Middle School hosted their second of three Magic Moments reveals.
Students and faculty gathered at a social distance in front of the school to present 12-year-old Alissa Long with her favorite thing – dolls.
Born at only 23 weeks, Long is “truly a miracle,” according to her mom, LaTonya.
She spent the first year of her life at Children’s of Alabama, where doctors did not expect her to survive, but to their surprise, Long made so much progress she got to go home. However a few days later, she had to return to the hospital for another seven months.
While Long still faces very serious medical conditions as a result of her premature birth, she is living at home with her family and attending school. She loves fashion and playing.
At the Feb. 3 presentation, students presented her with Ashton Drake dolls.
“My daughter loves clothes and the lifelike silicone dolls. She treats them like they are her own kids!” LaTonya Long said.
In addition to the dolls and their stroller, highchair and other accessories, Long received clothes, shoes, a hover board and more presents.
Magic Moments is the only wish-granting organization devoted exclusively to children ages 4-18 in the state of Alabama diagnosed with chronic life-threatening illnesses.
Send Valentine’s Day Cards to Patients at Children’s of Alabama
Show some love to the patients at Children’s of Alabama this Valentine’s Day by sending a free greeting card through the hospital’s website.
Now through Feb. 14, visit give. childrensal.org/VDay to select one of the three card designs. The cards will be printed and distributed by hospital staff to patients throughout the hospital on Valentine’s Day.
“When children are in the hospital, a simple gesture like a Valentine’s Day card can really lift their spirits,” said Mindy Wald, manager of events.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, staff is unable to accept in-person gift donations for patients at the hospital. It also cannot accept food/candy, stuffed animals, toys that depict violence, religious items, crocheted/knit items, used or homemade items on behalf of patients.
“Online shopping is a great way to support our patients any time of the year because the gifts can be shipped directly to the hospital,” Wald said.
The hospital’s online registry features perfect gifts for boys and girls of all ages. Go to myregistry.com and search for Children’s of Alabama.
For more information about donating to patients at Children’s of Alabama, visit ChildrensAL.org/Foundation.
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