Winter 2012

INSPIRED TO GIVE . INSPIRED TO HEAL .

Sanford Health Foundation Sioux Falls Winter 2012

The Power of Radio

A treasured service

Hospice care offers support

End of year giving Gifts ensure continued growth

Ona, Mohlenhoff, cancer survivor, and Chris Carter, co-host of the 101.9 KTWB morning show

The power of radio

DJs broadcast live from the Castle of Care™ during the 2012 Results Radio Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon.

One of Ryan Kappenman’s first worries after he and his wife, Angi, learned their son, Nick, had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder was that Nick would probably lose his identifying fiery red hair. “Turns out losing his hair was the least of our worries,” Ryan said.

Doctors diagnosed Nick with Histiocytosis in June 2008 when he was just 3. The disease occurs when groups of good cells form lesions that eat through bone. It acts like cancer, and its treatment is similar—chemotherapy.

The Kappenman family is one of many who receive support from Children’s Miracle Network and Cure Kids Cancer at Sanford Children’s. Angi said Children’s Miracle Network came into their lives at a perfect time.

“Without them it was going to be very stressful for us,” she said. “We just didn’t know which way to turn or what to do.”

The Kappenmans show their gratitude by sharing their story during Backyard foundation.sanfordhealth.org foundation.sanfordhealth.org

Broadcasting’s 36-Hour Radiothon for Kids and the Results Radio Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon.

According to Amy Sumner, Program Director for Children’s Miracle Network and Cure Kids Cancer, the mission of radiothons is to raise funds and awareness for the programs.

In the course of 36 hours, the radiothons help tell incredible stories of the miracles that happen every day at Sanford Children’s.

“They’re very powerful, ” she said.

Radiothons have a long history at Sanford Children’s, dating back more than 15 years when the first one was hosted by KELO-AM in Sioux Falls. Since then, five radio broadcast companies have been added with more than $2,603,000 raised.

And all funds donated here, stay here.

“One of our hallmarks is that 100 percent of the money we raise here stays local to benefit sick and injured

children from our region,” Sumner said.

Funds have purchased life-saving medical equipment such as the Giraffe® OmniBeds® for the Boekelheide Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and ventilators; enhanced pediatric programs and services like Child Life; and directly assisted families with meals and other needs not covered by insurance, while their children are being treated.

“The funds we raise directly benefit Sanford Children’s Hospital, the region’s only Children’s Miracle Network hospital,” she said.

October marked the seventh year of Backyard Broadcasting’s, now Midwest Communications, radiothon that raises funds for Children’s Miracle Network.

Chris Carter, co-host on the 101.9 KTWB morning show, has hosted and donated to every radiothon since 2006. Carter said radio is a unique medium because it reaches thousands of people in the 50-mile radius of Sioux Falls for KTWB alone. It is

also a part of everyone’s lives whether they listen a portion of or all day, and listeners expect a routine of programs and information. So when the message is new, Carter said, people hear it.

“When it’s someone you’re used to listening to, it makes a bigger impact,” he said.

Personally, radiothons connect him to the community, expose his personal life to the listeners and inspire them to donate.

Professionally, radiothons tap into the relationship DJs have with their listeners.

“It’s when you can use that connection to step out of the comfort zone and tell them something they need to know,” Carter said. “The most rewarding part is when you ask them to call and then the phone rings. Hearing that phone ring is the most important and emotional part of radiothon.”

The sixth annual Results Radio Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon is scheduled for March 28-29.

Don Jacobs, General Manager at Results Radio Town Square Media, said one reason he agreed to collaborate with Cure Kids Cancer is because all funds raised in the radiothon support children and their families in this region.

people in sharing these stories,” he said.

Sumner said the power of radio has helped create tremendous growth in overall fundraising and it’s a powerful option to tell the story of the sick and injured children being cared for at Sanford Children’s.

And there’s no sign of slowing down.

Sumner said radiothons also happen annually in Watertown and Aberdeen.

The 13th annual Watertown Radio 36Hour Radiothon For Kids is scheduled for April, and the third annual Hub City Radio NVC Power of Hope Radiothon in Aberdeen is in September.

“The impact is remarkable, and when I consider that these are just a fraction of the stories of hope and miracles that happen daily at Sanford Children’s, it’s even more amazing,” she said.

Nick Kappenman diagnosed with Histiocytosis

To support Children’s Miracle Network or Cure Kids Cancer, please use the enclosed envelope.

Craig Valandra and Deanna Flood listen as their son, Xavier, is interviewed on the radio during the Results Radio Radiothon.

“We look at this role with the Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon as a way to share the stories of these young kids and their families and what they’re going through with our listeners and the business community so they know how great the need is,” Jacobs said.

It’s also inspiring to everyone involved, from the radio staff and on-air DJs to the listeners who call in and donate.

“We all seem to grow in the feelings of hope for them, and we think we impact

Naysa Secsher is interviewed by Andy and (hidden) Mel from Hot 104.7, while her mom, Denise, and a friend listen. Also pictured, left to right, is Patty Dee and Ben Davis of Mix 97.3, Dan Collins from KIKN 100.5 and Crash & Jeff from B102.7. encourage 3

After meeting, touring each other’s facilities and having many conversations, Vander Woude asked Mettler to help create a premier pediatric cardiovascular surgery program at Sanford Children’s.

Mettler agreed, and Sanford Children’s administration initiated a professional service agreement.

Dr. Bret Mettler

Caring for children’s hearts Statistics show that each year in the United States, one percent of newborns enter the world with congenital heart disease. At Sanford, that equates to approximately 130 babies, most of whom must travel out of state for life saving surgical treatment.

One of Dr. John Vander Woude’s dreams was for those pediatric heart patients to be cared for right here at Sanford Children’s. Even though this beloved, longtime cardiovascular surgeon died in July, his vision for a Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery program is moving forward thanks to strong partnerships he formed more than two years ago.

Vander Woude met Dr. Bret Mettler, a specialist in surgical treatment of congenital heart disease in infants, children and adults, at a professional conference.

They shared an immediate connection, partly because Mettler’s roots are grounded in South Dakota. He grew up near Yankton and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of South Dakota and his medical degree at the Sanford University of South Dakota School of Medicine.

Mettler’s training and fellowships continued at the University of Texas, University of Michigan, Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School and University of Virginia. Currently, he is an assistant professor of pediatric cardiac surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. foundation.sanfordhealth.org

Have you considered a bequest to the Sanford Health Foundation?

Dr. Mettler has been flying to South Dakota regularly in preparation for program start up activities. During visits here, Mettler is teaching, training and taking meticulous steps to ensure the program will begin on solid footing.

Debra Leners, vice president for Women’s and Children’s Services at Sanford, said the medical staff is looking forward to working with Mettler when the program is up and running later in 2013.

“He’s an outstanding leader,” she said. “He has tremendous vision and an incredible sense of teamwork in the care of our families.”

In addition to Mettler’s expert guidance, the program will benefit from a partnership with Vanderbilt. Already, the Sanford and Vanderbilt teams have visited each other’s facilities. As the Pediatric Cardiovascular program is established here, the Sanford Children’s team will shadow and observe at Vanderbilt Medical Center and their team will visit Sanford Children’s to train and mentor in the proper post-operative care of these patients.

A bequest through your will or estate

“It’s a tremendous collaborative program where health care professionals will learn from each other as we create solid teamwork for our Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery program,” Leners said.

For more information,

plan to Sanford Health Foundation ensures your life’s work and personal values will be remembered as you wish them to be, leaving a legacy in health care that will impact countless lives for generations to come.

contact Chad Rohlfs, Marya McCrae, or Amy Bruns at (605) 328-5700 or visit Sanford.giftlegacy.com.

The Sanford Health Foundation established the Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Fund to help create and provide on-going support for this special program.

To make a gift to it, please use the enclosed envelope.

A treasured Hospice: service A treasured service

Joyce Nelson appreciates how hospice helped her and her husband prepare for his death.

Joyce Nelson met her husband, Dr. V. Ronald Nelson, at Augustana College in 1967. He was a longtime teacher of physics and aeronautics while Joyce taught nursing in the same building.

“We’d pass each other in the hallway and exchange comments about the weather, Augie activities and curricular issues,” she said.

In October of 1975, a friendship sparked one evening when both were working late and V.R. asked Joyce if he could get her a sandwich. “Thus began, over time, a wonderful relationship and we became best friends,” Joyce said.

Joyce had to say goodbye to her best friend and husband in April of this year when V.R. died. Her eyes tear up when she remembers their last days together, spent in their home, with the support of Sanford Hospice and close family members.

Joyce said Sanford Hospice eased her sense of fear and self-doubt while reassuring her of their final decisions. “To say hospice

was a gift is almost belittling, because it’s more than that,” Joyce said. “It’s a treasure.”

The final moments together culminated a fulfilling relationship.

V.R. and Joyce married in 1976. They thrived in their academic careers and eventually retired to enjoy three decades traveling and spending time with family.

In 1996, V.R. was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. It was an addition to other health problems, such as episodes of gastric bleeding and occasional tremors. Two years ago, they moved out of their five-bedroom home to a townhouse in a senior community.

“It became increasingly more difficult for him to get around, and he was experiencing a general decline in mobility, loss of appetite and weight, frequent falls and heart problems,” Joyce said.

A visit to V.R.’s doctor in early April was accompanied with a request for an advanced directive. The process helped them focus upon and reanalyze their end-of-life wishes. V.R. wanted to know

that he was right with God, that his life had made a difference, that he wouldn’t die alone and that he would be remembered with dignity and respect. Sanford Hospice helped ensure those latter goals were met.

Choosing Sanford Hospice was reassuring for both of them, Joyce said. “We agreed it was going to be OK. There was a kind of peace that came to him.”

Sanford Hospice consists of speciallytrained nurses, pastoral care, clinical pharmacists, palliative care and social workers. This team is available at any time to assist patients and families with pain management, spiritual and social support and bereavement counseling.

For more information about establishing an endowment fund to support Sanford Hospice, please contact Chad Rohlfs, Marya McCrae or Amy Bruns at (605) 328-5700.

To make a gift to Sanford Hospice please use the enclosed envelope. encourage 5

Donors help launch research database

Mark your calendar Children’s Miracle Network and Keloland TV are partnering to present a prime time special on

Lexi Valentine

April 18 starting at 7 p.m.

diagnosed with Hyper-IgD Syndrome

This hour-long broadcast will share inspiring stories of children in the region who received hope, health and healing at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

“I want to be able to help other kids like me,” said Lexi Valentine, 10, snuggling with a stuffed toy in a Sanford Health doctor’s office.

Lexi has spent plenty of time in hospitals and exam rooms. Those visits started as an infant after showing perplexing signs of a health problem. She would often get sick with fever and immune problems, reacting with inflammation, rashes and sores to exposure to everyday things.

She was diagnosed in August 2011 with a genetic disorder called Hyper-IgD Syndrome (HIDS) that regularly causes unexplained pain, fever, fatigue and inflammation.

The diagnosis led the Valentine family to enroll Lexi in a new registry for rare diseases called the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS).

Established by a grant from the Sanford Health Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund, this national disease registry is an innovative way to help accelerate research nationally, to find cures and treatments. It’s free-of-charge to participants and individuals whose conditions are yet to be diagnosed. foundation.sanfordhealth.org

CoRDS collects and stores basic contact and clinical information on individuals of any age who have been diagnosed with a rare disease. To date, there are 516 total participants from across the country.

KELOLAND

TELEVISION

Liz Donohue, CoRDS Director, said the program was created by Dr. David Pearce, Vice President of Research at Sanford Health, in July 2010 as a resource for researchers and physicians. It also provides scientists a way to contact individuals interested in participating in research studies or clinical trials.

Donohue said support from the Foundation has a tremendous impact on the project by providing more personnel and expanding the project locally and nationally.

Gifts to the Unrestricted Fund are used wherever the need is the greatest at Sanford Health. They help create and continue new programs, expand services and purchase equipment.

To support CoRDS or the Unrestricted Fund, please use the enclosed envelope.

Liberty from Flandreau is battling cancer

Celebrating nurses The Year of the Nurse

Who’s your guardian angel?

All Sanford Health employees and volunteers are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in a patient’s hospital experience. But sometimes, just one of these people can make all the difference.

The Sanford Health Foundation is launching a new program called Guardian Angel, which allows patients and families to thank a Sanford Health doctor, nurse, staff member or volunteer who had made their hospital experiences special.

A donation of $100 or more to the Guardian Angel program, in his or her name, recognizes exceptional

care or service, and those honored at this level receive a beautiful angel pin to wear proudly.

Gifts to the program support the Unrestricted Fund which helps enhance patient experiences in the future. This important fund expands other programs and services, provides advanced training for medical staff and purchases state-of-the-art equipment.

To recognize your Guardian Angel, please use the enclosed envelope, call the Sanford Health Foundation at (605) 328-5700 or visit sanfordhealthfoundation.org.

The gift of giving There’s no better way to give and receive than to make a gift that helps others at this time of year.

Your gift to the Sanford Health Foundation will help your friends and family across the region by providing life-saving equipment, expanding programs and services, supporting staff education and ensuring cutting-edge research continues. To make a gift, please use the enclosed envelope.

A gift to the Nursing Excellence Fund is the perfect opportunity to thank and honor the special nurses in your life. Gifts made in honor of a specific nurse, a group or all who have answered the call to the profession are equally meaningful.

How you can help A Nursing Excellence Fund has been created in each Sanford region to support continuing education, training, and advanced certifications for all Sanford nurses through tuition assistance, scholarships and expanded access to educational opportunities.

Opportunities to Give You may contribute to the Nursing Excellence Fund directly, or set up your own named scholarship endowment fund. Please visit foundation.sanfordhealth.org, use the envelope inserted into this newsletter or call Marya McCrae or Amy Bruns at (605) 328-5700 to discuss scholarship options.

Thank you for your support!

encourage 7

Sanford Health Foundation 1305 W. 18th Street PO Box 5039 Sioux Falls, SD 57177-5039

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

(605) 328-5700 foundation.sanfordhealth.org

SANFORD

Calendar of events

Calendar of Events January 18-21

February 26

Elegant Xpressions Prom Xtravaganza

IHOP National Pancake Day at local participating IHOP locations

Watertown Radio Radiothon for Kids

March 28-29

Let’s Dance!

A trunk show of the region’s best looks for prom goers.

February 4-10 Elegant Xpressions Bridal Xtravaganza

A trunk show of the region’s best looks for bridal parties.

February 8-10 Winterfest of Wheels at Sioux Falls Convention Center

A premier car show benefitting Cure Kids Cancer.

March 16 Fashionista Miracles and Chocolate Event at Sioux Falls Convention Center

An evening of fashion, chocolate and foundation.sanfordhealth.org fun hosted

by Stewart School and benefitting Children’s Miracle Network.

Enjoy a free short stack in exchange for a donation to Children’s Miracle Network.

6th Annual Results Radio Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon Broadcast live each day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mix 97.3, Hot 104.7, B102.7, KIKN 100.5, Easy & Fun 100.1, KXRB 1000-AM and KSOO 1140-AM from Sanford Children’s Hospital.

April Children’s Miracle Network Prime Time Special

An hour-long collection of the most inspiring stories of children from our region broadcast on KelolandTV will benefit Children’s Miracle Network and Cure Kids Cancer.

April

Sharing inspiring stories of local children helped by Children’s Miracle Network and Sanford Children’s and broadcast on KDLO, KS93 and KSDR-AM.

Dance Marathons at regional colleges will benefit Children’s Miracle Network

Dakota Wesleyan University Tiger - Thon February 9, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

USD Dance Marathon March 23-24, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

SDSU State-A-Thon April 6, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Augustana College Dance Marathon April 13, noon to 10 p.m.

Thank you.

Programs featured in this publication benefit from the support of readers like you.