’s
June 9, 2017
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Support Group to Hold First Meeting
SCKMC Team Exceeds Relay Goal
Victory in the Valley is a non-profit cancer support organization formed in Wichita in 1983. Today, Victory in the Valley has over a dozen support groups ranging from general cancer support to specific health issues such as childhood cancers and brain tumors. The newest chapter of Victory in the Valley is the South Central Kansas Cancer Support Group. The chapter was founded by several of SCKMC’s Auxiliary members, who themselves are cancer survivors. “The reason for this group beginning is Janet Emmerson, our ring leader. She said she had a calling for it. She just felt the need and had gone to some of the support groups (in Wichita),” said Sara Ward, one of the group’s organizers. The local chapter’s first meeting will be held on Monday, June 19th at 2:00 p.m. in the hospital’s Outpatient Services Building located at 6403 Patterson Parkway in Arkansas City. “The first meeting is more or less just to get to know people. It’s for any cancer, not just breast cancer, and for men and women. If the caregivers, family, whoever it has touched want to come, they can also come,” said JoAnn Baker. Victory in the Valley’s mission is to encourage cancer patients and families on their journey by offering hope. That mission is carried through the local group’s efforts. “Support is the most important, but it also is to show that there are many survivors. It’s not all doom and gloom,” Ward said. One of the main means of support the group offers is being a resource to those with questions. “The ones that have cancer, or are going through treatments, may have questions that they are not sure about. Some of us that’s been through it, we can help them through some of it,” Baker said. The support group will meet monthly and plans to feature a variety of uplifting speakers and educational presentations. But Ward acknowledged that the focus will be tailored towards the needs of the members. “Everything is geared towards you and what your needs are. (Victory in the Valley) can share all kinds of things with you that you haven’t even thought of. Nobody feels the same, we have to keep that in mind. Even if we have suffered with cancer in the same area, it’s not the same. We don’t have the same story as a new person going through it. It’s very emotional,” Ward said. For more information on Victory in the Valley support groups and programs visit http://www.victoryinthevalley.org.
The SCKMC Relay for Life team completed the 2017 fundraising campaign on Wednesday, June 7th by donating $624 during “bank night”. Those funds, combined with the hospital’s original pledge, pushes the team over their $1,000 goal. “The staff really stepped up this year for the American Cancer Society,” said Clayton Pappan, SCKMC’s Director of Marketing and Captain of the hospital’s Relay team. “Although we have always been a corporate sponsor of Relay, it had been several years since the hospital had an actual fundraising team in place. Through the team’s efforts and the generous donations from all staff, we were able to reach our goal. This gives us some good momentum and something to build on for next year,” Pappan said. This year’s Relay for Life event will be held tonight from 6:00 p.m. to midnight at the Agri-Business building, 712 W. Washington. The SCKMC team will be taking turns walking for one-hour shifts throughout the event. Relay for Life is open to the general public and includes a variety of activities for all ages.
June Employee of the Month Congratulations Terri Sutton, CRNA, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for June. Terri was nominated by a patient for her kind and helpful nature while caring for patients within the surgery department. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation by hospital COO John Jones and will also have a special parking spot reserved for her throughout the month. Great job Terri!
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The FDA has approved the first generic versions of Straterra (atomoxetine). This drug is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. Several manufacturers have gained FDA approval to market atomoxetine in many different strengths. Generic drugs have the same high quality and strength as the brand name drugs. With this approval patients using this medication will have more options to treat their condition.
“When it comes to my health, I want someone specially trained to care for women.”
Dr. Perry Lin, OB/GYN • Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Women’s Health • High Risk Pregnancy • Laparoscopic Surgery Dr. Lin is expanding his practice and is now accepting new patients through SCK Clinic at 515 N. Summit in downtown Ark City. A referral is not needed with most insurances. Call 442-4850 to schedule your appointment today.
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500
6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
For your family’s healthcare, you want excellence. You want experienced doctors, dedicated nurses, up-to-date facilities and advanced technology. You’ll find them all here. Because we know your family’s healthcare, has to be the best.
Specialty Clinic 6403 Patterson Parkway, Ark City (620) 441-5711
515 N. Summit, Ark City (620) 442-4850