Winter 2008 - Arkansas Children's Hospital

CONTENTSMichael JohnsonMichael Johnson, 18, a footballplayer for the Catholic HighRockets, executes a snapduring a 2007 game. Michaelwas treated at ArkansasChildren’s Hospital for a clubfoot just after birth.3 ACHJillian ChaneyJillian Chaney, seen here withACH Foundation representativeMelissa Pickens, recently donatedmore than $700 to thehospital. Jillian is currently apatient in the cancer clinic atACH.469145Miracle Ball 2007The 2008 Miracle Ball was asmashing success, raisingmore than $277,000 forArkansas Children’s Hospital.14Also In This Issue■ HOSPITAL & RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSBedside Medication VerificationInjury Prevention CenterPregnancy and SmokingAngela Green Investiture■ GIVING TO ACH HIGHLIGHTS10111315-18Karen and John FlakePhilanthropy Day HonoreesSara and Sam RichardsonAuxiliary GroupsARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITALBOARD OF DIRECTORSPat McClelland, ChairmanJudge Marion Humphrey, Vice ChairmanTom Baxter, SecretaryPaul R. Hart, TreasurerWhit Hall M.D., Chief of StaffHarry C. Erwin III, Past ChairmanJonathan Bates, M.D., President & CEOMary Aitken, M.D.John Bale, Jr.Ron ClarkDale CookHaskell DickinsonM. Edward DrillingSkip FrantzBryan HillJ. French HillDorsey JacksonRichard F. Jacobs, M.D.Michael JoshuaDiane MackeyRESEARCH INSTITUTERon Clark, ChairmanJonathan Bates, M.D.,Vice Chairman for Finance & Admin.Debra Fiser, M.D., Vice Chairman for ResearchRobert Porter, M.D., Secretary/TreasurerRichard F. Jacobs, M.D., PresidentKanwaljeet “Sunny” Anand,M.B.B.S., D.PhilM. Edward DrillingEllen GrayTommy HillmanACH FOUNDATIONJonathan Bates, M.D., ChairmanCharles B. Whiteside III, Vice ChairmanJohn E. Bel, PresidentPat AllenJohn Bale, Jr.Tom BaxterFrances BuchananWilliam ClarkJames CobbRobert G. CressHarry C. Erwin IIIRobin GeorgeBarbara HannaBill HannahAnne HickmanRay HobbsRoss HoneaDebbie JinesMark LarsenBarbara MooreBeverly MorrowSkip RutherfordMark SaviersKate SchafferPhilip SchmidtRobert L. ShultsBonnie Taylor, M.D.Everett Tucker IIIRick WatkinsCharles B. Whiteside IIII. Dodd Wilson, M.D.Roger Rank, Ph.D.Mark SaviersRobert ShultsRoss WhippleI. Dodd Wilson, M.D.Diane MackeyAlice MahonyMark McCaslinJim McClellandJeffrey NolanRobert Porter, M.D.Steven RansdellSara M. RichardsonVicki SaviersPhilip SchmidtWitt Stephens, Jr.Stephen L. Strange, Sr.Marianne ThompsonSue TrotterKim WilliamsTom WomackACHiever StaffEditor:Chris McCreightDesign:Lori Barlow, The Graphic Design Shop, Inc.Photographers:Kelley Cooper, ACH Foundation StaffContributors:Alyssa Anderson, Ginger Daril, John Gregan,Kila OwensTHE ACHIEVERis published by Arkansas Children HospitalFoundation for friends of ACH.800 Marshall St., Slot 661,Little Rock, AR 72202-3591(501) 364-1476 • FAX (501) 364-3644TDD (hearing imparired) 364-1184www.archildrens.org

HOSPITAL DEPARTMENTSMichael Johnson:Born with a Club Foot;Now Excelling on the Football Field■ Kila OwensWhat does 18-year-old Michael Johnson, of Little Rock, have incommon with Troy Aikman, world-famous quarterback of the DallasCowboys? It is more than a great passion for football. Both were bornwith a club foot, and both overcame the condition to excel on the footballfield.In 1989, Michael was born with a club foot, a common birth defect inwhich the foot is turned inward and down. His parents, Jeff andCorinne, were excited and happy to have a new baby but also worriedabout the future.“Even though the doctor assured us his club foot could be corrected,we were very concerned,” says Corinne. “We didn’t know what the treatmentwould be or what to expect.”Ten days after Michael was born, Dr. James Aronson*, an orthopedicsurgeon at ACH, put a cast on his leg for the first time. Dr. Aronsonput a new cast on Michael’s leg every 10 days for the next couple ofmonths, but it was not enough. Dr. Aronson informed the Johnsonfamily that surgery would be necessary to correct the problem.“Michael was one of the severe cases,” says Dr. Aronson. “His footwas almost twisted around backwards. We had to totally take the footapart and put it back the right way.”Michael was in a cast until a few days before his first birthday. Thesurgery and final cast were a success, so no other treatment was needed.“Because of the club foot, Michael has one foot that is three timessmaller than the other,” says Corinne. “So once Michael was out of hislast cast, we never thought about his foot – except when we had to buyshoes.”Michael began playing football at the age of 9. Like many kids hisage, he loved sports and had a competitive spirit. He was first placed inthe deep snapper position in the seventh grade, when a coach saw hispotential.Michael continued to improve his game through the years. He justcompleted his last season as first-string deep snapper for the Little RockCatholic High School Rockets.“I snap the ball, go down the field and try to tackle the punt returnerand bring him down,” Michael says.His parents never doubted his athletic ability, but Michael’s talentwent beyond their wildest dreams.“Did I ever think he’d be a football player? No, absolutely not,” Jeffsays. Corinne agrees. “I think it sort of surprised all of us,” she says.The Rockets’ head football coach, Scooter Register, is proud ofMichael’s hard work and drive.“He’s elevated his game probably to the highest level any high schoolplayer could,” Register says. “He’s one of the top-ranked high schooldeep snappers in the nation.”Michael has competed nationally in trials that are by invitation only. InJanuary, he went to Las Vegas to showcase his talent for 50 division onecollege coaches from across the country.Michael Johnson, who was treated immediately afterbirth for a club foot, has grown into an impressiveathlete, becoming one of the top-ranked deep snappersin the country.Michael’s future plans include heading to college in the fall,possibly to Ole Miss or the University of Arkansas. He hasnot decided yet what his major will be or if he will play collegefootball.Corinne is delighted to see her son’s success, which sheknows would not be possible without the work of Dr.Aronson and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.“We are so lucky that Little Rock is home to such a greatfacility,” she says. “Our experience with Arkansas Children’sHospital and its staff made it much easier for us to understandand know what to expect in Michael’s treatment. It wascomforting to be in such good hands.”*James Aronson, M.D., is chief of pediatric orthopedics atACH, director of the Laboratory for Limb RegenerationResearch at ACHRI and professor, department oforthopedics, UAMS College of Medicine.3

HOSPITAL NEWSStripes for SafetyProgram Making ThingsBetter for ACH Patients■ Kila OwensACH patients and caregivers are seeing stripes and spots!Stripes for Safety, a new bedside medication verification programat ACH, was recently launched throughout the hospital.The program uses barcodes (stripes) to double-check all medicationsbefore they go to a patient. Dr. Jerril Green*, associatehospital medical director at ACH, was a member of the medicationsafety committee that spearheaded the Stripes for Safety program.“Every bottle or every dose of medicine at ACH has a barcodeon it, and every patient has an armband with a barcode on it,”Dr. Green says. “The caregiver scans both the patient armbandand the medication. The scans link to the medication order in thecomputer system that will let the medical professional know ifthat medicine is right for that patient.”If the barcodes do not match, the medical professional is alertedto verify the medication. This process simply adds a “doublecheck”to all medication administration.The mobile computer carts that are used in this program weregiven an affectionate nickname: “cows” (computer on wheels).To make the system fun and exciting for patients, manycaregivers named and decorated their individual “cows” withblack spots and “eat more chicken” signs.“Because we have fun with the new program, a lot of patientsget a kick out it,” says Larry Kingrey, a respiratory therapist. “Ijoke with my patients that it’s time for their Wal-Mart scan.”Safety has always been a priority at ACH, but a few years ago,as part of an effort to continuously make things better and saferfor patients, a group of individuals from several hospital departmentscame together to do a top-to-bottom assessment of therisks and dangers present in the medication process at the hospital.After doing extensive research, the team began looking for atechnology solution to assist nurses and other caregivers withmedication administration.Two caregivers, dressed ascows to promote theStripes for Safety program,prepare to administermedication to a patientby first scanning thebarcode located on thechild’s armband, thenscanning the medication.This bedside medicationverification program is anew initiative at ACH.“In the late 1990s, the Institute of Medicine put out a report thatsaid somewhere between 44,000 and 98,000 people nationwide die ofmedical errors per year and a huge portion of those deaths wererelated to medication,” says Dr. Green. “So, if we can make hospitalssafer, we can actually save people’s lives.”Stripes for Safety was first used by respiratory therapists at ACH.A few months later, it was rolled out to two other units. After thesystem was determined to be a success, it was implemented in allunits of the hospital in three phases. The roll-out was complete inmid-December 2007.Because the program is so new, results are not yet compiled, butthe system eventually will monitor how often an incorrect medicationis scanned and denied. Appropriate adjustments can then be made toimprove the medication process.Dr. Green is excited about the new program, especially the impactit will have on patients. “This program is not just making things betterfor kids at ACH; it protects their lives by preventing the errorsthat could potentially kill them.”*Jerril W. Green, M.D., is associate hospital medical director at ACHand associate professor of pediatrics and critical care medicine,UAMS College of Medicine.4

PATIENTSJillian ChaneyChooses to Give to Othersin the Midst of Personal Tragedy■ Kila OwensJillian wants to take a dance class. Or an art class. Or play soccerwith kids her age. But she can’t because she might get sick.Jillian Faith Chaney, a 5-year-old from Mena, was diagnosed atthe age of 3 with aplastic anemia, a condition where bone marrowdoes not produce sufficient new cells to replenish blood cells. Aspart of her immune suppression treatment, she cannot be aroundher peers because for her, an infection, bacteria or even the commoncold could be deadly.In January 2006, 3-year-old Jillian fell and bumped her nose. Herparents, Sheli and Fred, initially thought her nose was broken.When they took her to the local hospital, doctors were more concernedthat the bleeding could not be controlled.Jillian was flown immediately to Little Rock on Angel One, theACH helicopter. Once at ACH, she underwent several tests formany blood-related diseases, including leukemia. As doctors narrowedthe results down, Sheli grew more concerned.After a month of outpatient tests, a clear diagnosis was finallymade – Jillian had aplastic anemia. Jillian and her family wereshocked and somewhat relieved at the diagnosis.“We were so incredibly relieved that her diagnosis was notleukemia,” Sheli says. “When we realized what aplastic anemia was,however, we were heartbroken. We realized, though, that it couldbe much worse.”Doctors began treatment immediately, which includedchemotherapy and immune suppression. Jillian’s diagnosis and subsequenttreatment impacted her entire family.“It has changed our life in many ways,” Sheli says. “First, in howwe go about our daily life. Every cough or sniffle causes us to fearfor her safety. It has also changed our attitude toward life. We donot take the little things for granted – running to the store formilk, playing catch, going to school. Every little thing is a celebration.”Her treatment continued through January 2007, when she wentinto remission. Jillian, Sheli, Fred and older brother David rejoiced.Finally, Jillian would get to do the things she always wanted to do.Her parents enrolled her immediately in dance class and happilycelebrated the end of Jillian’s sickness. In August, Jillian was readyto enter kindergarten at the local public school, when she and Shelimade a trip to ACH for a routine check-up.Jillian, who has been a patient at ACH since 2006,has remained positive and upbeat through tworounds of treatment for aplastic anemia.They received some very disappointing news.Jillian’s symptoms were back and she would need anotherround of treatment. She had a high-grade fever that lastedfive days. Her parents were worried, frightened and dealingwith a disappointed little girl.“We were absolutely devastated when we found out shehad relapsed,” Sheli says. “We were so sure she was going tobe okay after she went into remission. I just hurt for her somuch, knowing that she would miss out on so much. She hadbeen through enough.”After the initial disappointment, Jillian has remained strongand upbeat. She is still undergoing treatment at ACH twice aweek and is being home schooled by her mother, who isamazed that her little girl is able to stay so positive.“Jillian Faith is an amazing little girl, and she inspires us tobe better than what we are,” Sheli says. “Through all that shehas been through, she still thinks of others and always wantsto give.”Jillian and her mother recently presented ArkansasChildren’s Hospital with $731 to benefit patients and familieswho visit the cancer clinic at ACH.Jillian and David collected change from family, friends andothers in her community to help the families of other childrenwho visit the clinic. The money will go to a fund thathelps families pay for food, gas and other expenses.John Bel, president of the ACH Foundation, was delightedat the donation. “What a heartfelt gift,” he says. “We can alllearn a lesson from this 5-year-old girl who, in the midst of herown tragedy, continues to think of others.”5

HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH PROGRAMSOne area on which the Injury Prevention Center at ACH willfocus is car seat safety. Above, a certified child seat techniciandemonstrates the correct way to secure a car seat.The Injury Prevention Center will also focus on teachingchildren, teens and parents the importance of wearinghelmets and other protective devices.Injury Prevention Center at ACH Worksto Save the Lives of Arkansas Children■ Kila OwensWhen Dr. Mary Aitken* was a resident, she was working inthe neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital when a prematurebaby was brought in for treatment. After much medical interventionand many months of intensive care, the baby survived, and thestaff considered it a miracle.Several months later, Dr. Aitken learned that the baby had diedin a car crash. The fatal injuries to the child could have been prevented,if only she had been seated in an appropriate car seat.Dr. Aitken, medical director of the new Injury PreventionCenter at ACH, learned an important lesson when she heard of thebaby’s death. It was such a tragedy – an accident that could havebeen so easily avoided had killed the baby she and other medicalprofessionals had worked so hard to save.“It was upsetting because this child was a medical save, someonewho against all odds survived,” says Dr. Aitken. “The experiencegot me interested in the idea of prevention as an essential part ofhealthcare.”In Arkansas, fatal accidents for children ages 1-14 happen 20 to30 percent more often than is typical in the United States accordingto Natural Wonders: The State of Children’s Health in Arkansas, thefirst-ever comprehensive report of the overall health of children inthe state.Most injuries have preventable causes – they are not simply coincidenceor bad luck. Children are injured while riding in cars withoutproper restraints, operating ATVs that are not age-appropriateor without training or protective equipment like helmets or pads,and swimming without proper supervision.While not all accidents are preventable, most are, and the InjuryPrevention Center at ACH is trying to spread the word and savethe lives of Arkansas children.“For years now, we have recognized that Arkansas has a substantialproblem with injuries,” says Dr. Aitken. “Although we realize we havea big problem, we haven’t had a concentrated, coordinated approachto preventing these injuries. The center is going to provide that focusand the organized approach to help prevention.”The Injury Prevention Center, a three-year pilot project, is the firstdirect response to Natural Wonders. The mission of the center is toprovide the education and resources needed to prevent injuries.The first order of business for the center, which opened in early2008, is to analyze data to identify what injuries happen most often,why these injuries happen and where in the state these injuries occur.Staff members will then create a public awareness and educationcampaign based on the findings of the data analysis. Professionaleducation for medical students and residents at ACH is also importantso that these trainees will be aware of the injury problem andcan promote safety with their future patients.ACH currently promotes many injury prevention issues, includingcar seat safety, fire safety and ATV safety. The new Injury PreventionCenter will coordinate these activities, while also adding drowningprevention and motor vehicle safety for teens.In addition to educating the general public, the center will alsowork to ensure that public health leaders and policy makers are awareof the problem.“We want to make sure our leaders know what the current injurynumbers are and how measures that have been effective in otherstates might potentially improve those numbers,” says Richard Davis,associate director of the Injury Prevention Center.Continued on next page6

HOSPITAL NEWSECMO Program at ACH Recognized InternationallyECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a cardiorespiratorysupport system that can be used in critical care situationswhen a patient’s heart or lungs are failing with such severity that typicalintensive care support is not adequate to keep the patient alive.ECMO essentially provides long-term heart/lung bypass, taking thework off the heart and lungs.Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s ECMO program recently receivedthe Excellence in Life Support Award from the Extracorporeal LifeSupport Organization (ELSO). ELSO is an international organizationof centers that offer ECMO.The ECMO program at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is one ofthe busier programs in the United States, supporting approximately40-50 patients yearly and operating a mobile ECMO unit, one ofonly three mobile systems in the country. Mobile ECMO systemsallow the transport of critically ill patients, either by air or ground,while the patient is on ECMO bypass. The ECMO program at ACHbegan in 1989 and is one of the oldest programs in the nation.Arkansas Children’s Hospital was presented the Excellence inLife Support Award for its exceptional commitment to providinga quality ECMO program, staff training, continuing educationand ongoing clinical research.“This award is a tremendous honor and reflects many years ofhard work by a very large number of people. Our ECMO teamcontinually strives to better serve the needs of the most criticallyill infants and children across our state and region,” says Dr.Richard T. Fiser*, co-medical director of the ECMO program atACH. “The strength of our program would not be possible withoutthe broad, on-going support we receive from the hospital.”*Richard T. Fiser, M.D., FAAP, is co-medical director of the ECMOprogram at ACH and associate professor of pediatrics, UAMSCollege of Medicine.INJURY PREVENTION CENTERContinued from page 6The community outreach department at ACH has been educatingpeople about injury prevention techniques, such as seat belt andcar seat safety, for years, and will continue to be a partner to thecenter.One issue staff members know will be an ongoing challenge isgetting parents and children to buckle their seat belts while in a car.In Arkansas, a child dies every 2.5 days from injuries sustained in amotor vehicle crash, making it the leading cause of unintentionalinjury death among children, with infrequent car seat and seat beltuse a strong factor.To boost and sustain the safety initiatives promoted by the center,staff members will attempt to generate community-level supportfor many programs, including teen driving and helmet use.“One of our goals is to provide a concentrated injury preventionapproach so that people will hear about it again and again –because they need to,” says Dr. Aitken.Dr. Aitken, a pediatrician, and Davis, a former law enforcementofficer, think their backgrounds will help with their activities at theInjury Prevention Center.“As a law enforcement officer, Richard was at the scene of manycar and ATV crashes involving young children,” Dr. Aitken says.“As a pediatrician, I see the consequences of these crashes in thechildren’s injuries. Our backgrounds help us understand exactlywhat we are dealing with when it comes to injury prevention.”Davis agrees. “I noticed when I was in law enforcement that somany accidents are preventable. It made me shake my head andwonder, ‘Why didn’t they take a few seconds to buckle up? Or puton a helmet?’ Some of these accidents are so easily prevented if wecan just get people to take simple steps.”For more information on the Injury Prevention Center, contact(501) 364-3400.*Mary Aitken, M.D., M.P.H., is medical director of the InjuryPrevention Center, staff physician at ACH and associate professor,department of pediatrics, UAMS College of Medicine.Unintentional Injury Death Rate,Children 0-19 Years, 1990-2004Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. (2005) [cited2007 Feb 7]. Available from URL: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqarsIn Arkansas, injury death rates are well above the nationalaverage. For children aged 0-19 years, unintentional injuryhappens 84 percent more often than across the nation. Theseare the dramatic numbers the Injury Prevention Center is tryingto reverse.7

HOSPITAL NEWSACH Among “100 Best Companies to Work For”FORTUNE announced in late January that Arkansas Children’sHospital has been ranked 76th on the 11th annual “100 BestCompanies to Work For” list.“Arkansas Children’s Hospital is honored to be ranked amongFORTUNE’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ survey,” says Dr.Jonathan Bates, ACH president and CEO. “Our employees takemuch pride in providing care, love and hope to our kids here atACH. Their survey responses, which comprised the largest portionof the survey, is what matters most, and they feel that ACH is a veryrewarding place to work.”In addition, Arkansas Children’s Hospital was recognized underthe category “unusual perks” for offering a pre-kindergarten fitnessprogram by trained staff, and the hospital ranked number one in theonsite child care category having the least expensive, average monthlyrates.A driving factor for the list this year was that the chosen companiesall excel in creating jobs. The 100 companies on the 2008 listadded 67,000 employees to their payrolls in the past year and employa total of nearly 1.6 million employees; up 16 percent from the numberemployed by companies comprising last year’s list.To pick the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” FORTUNEworks with the Great Place to Work Institute, a global research andconsulting firm with offices in 30 countries, to conduct the mostextensive employee survey in corporate America. Of some 1,500firms that were contacted, 406 companies participated in this year’ssurvey. Nearly 100,000 employees at those companies responded toa 57-question survey created by the Great Place to Work Institute.Most of the company’s score (two-thirds) is based on the results ofthe survey, which is sent to a minimum of 400 randomly selectedemployees from each company.The survey asks questions related to employee attitudes about themanagement credibility, job satisfaction and camaraderie. The otherthird of the scoring is based on the company’s responses to theInstitute’s Culture Audit, which includes detailed questions about payand benefit programs and a series of open-ended questions abouthiring practices, methods of internal communications, training,recognition programs and diversity efforts.“The FORTUNE ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ rankingachieved by Arkansas Children’s Hospital, we hope, will help usattract more physicians, nurses and other quality staff to our hospital,”says Bates. “We believe one of the positives for Arkansas is thatthis recognition will help other companies recruit outstandingemployees to their business and our state.”The full list of the top 100 and related stories appear in theFebruary 4 issue of FORTUNE and at www.fortune.com.NEWLY ELECTED —ACH Foundation BoardStephen L. Strange, Sr.President,American ManagementCorporationConwayACH Foundation BoardDebbie JinesDental Consultant,Dental Provider Representative,Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue ShieldLittle RockACH Foundation BoardBill HannahPresident & CEO,Nabholz Construction Corp.ConwayACH BoardMary Aitken, M.D., M.P.H.Injury Prevention CenterMedical Director, ACHstaff physician and UAMSCollege of MedicineAssociate ProfessorLittle RockACH ResearchInstitute BoardRoss WhippleChairman,Summit BankArkadelphia8

RESEARCHStrengthening the Case AgainstPregnancyandSmoking■ John GreganEach year in the United States, an estimated 36,000 infants areborn with a heart defect. During the first year of life, approximatelyone in four of these infants requires invasive medical and/or surgicaltreatment, and one in eight will die.Maternal smoking is known to increase the risk of prematurity,low birth weight and cleft palate in babies. At the ArkansasChildren’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Dr. Sadia Malik, apediatric cardiologist and public health specialist, is investigating theassociation between congenital heart defects and maternal smokingand/or exposure to passive smoking.Under a two-year grant from the National Institute of ChildHealth and Human Development (NICHD), Dr. Malik is examiningnicotine levels in the hair of 50 mothers of infants with congenitalheart defects and 50 mothers of infants with no birth defects. “Theheart forms in the first trimester, and mothers may be smoking orexposed to cigarette smoke before they know they’re pregnant,” saysDr. Malik.The goal of the study is to measure nicotine exposures duringearly stages of pregnancy and the formation and development ofthe embryo that may be associated with adverse outcomes such asheart defects.To measure exposure to nicotine during the period correspondingto the first trimester of pregnancy, participants in Dr. Malik’s studyare providing 10 centimeters of hair after their infants are born. Incollaboration with researchers in California and New Zealand, hairsamples are analyzed in such a way as to determine the exact timingof exposure to nicotine. The hair shaft provides a “journal” of nicotineexposure during pregnancy. If hair nicotine levels correspondingto key periods of heart development are higher in mothers ofinfants with congenital heart disease, this will provide evidence thattobacco exposure may be causally related to congenital heart disease.The majority of congenital heart defects require only a visit to thepediatric cardiologist for diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogramand medication; however, some heart defects require multiple surgeriesand may result in lifelong limitations in daily activities or even indeath. Heart defects range from simple problems, such as “holes”between the chambers of the heart, to severe malformations, such asvery small heart chambers or valves.“I want to help find a cure for the cause of these heart problemsso other families don’t have to go through what we’re goingBettye Flowers, RN, collects a hair sample from a non-smokingmother of a child with a heart defect participating in astudy at Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute.through,” says Amanda, a non-smoking mother of a child with a heartdefect participating in Dr. Malik’s study. Getting her hair clipped forthe study, Amanda adds, “I want to get the word out about what causesthese problems.”It is important that physicians and patients are aware of all thedetrimental effects of maternal smoking on the developing fetus sowomen can make informed lifestyle decisions prior to becoming pregnant.Twenty-eight percent of Arkansas women smoke, and 20 percentcontinue to smoke during pregnancy. Nationally, 25 percent ofwomen smoke, and 12 percent continue while pregnant. The results ofDr. Malik’s study may provide evidence that will compel some womento stop smoking during their reproductive years.“Both active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke has a longlegacy of association with harmful health events. Although many ofthese effects have been proven in the person who smokes, identifyingthe many harmful effects of environmental tobacco exposure on thefetus, newborn and children continues to challenge researchers,” saysACHRI president Dr. Richard Jacobs*. “Our research group atACHRI, with Dr. Sadia Malik’s leadership, is investigating the potentiallink between environmental tobacco exposure and congenital heartdisease. We are very excited about this project and its potential toadvance our understanding of this important potential association.”This study complements Dr. Malik’s other research funded by theArkansas Biosciences Institute, the major research component of theTobacco Settlement Proceeds Act of 2000. She also receives fundingfrom the American Heart Association’s Heartland Affiliate BeginningGrant-in-Aid Program, which promotes the independent status ofpromising new scientists in research related to cardiovascular functionand disease.*Sadia Malik, M.D., M.P.H., is a pediatric cardiologist at ACH andassistant professor of pediatrics, UAMS College of Medicine*Richard F. Jacobs, M.D., FAAP, is president of ACHRI, professor ofpediatrics and chairman of the department of pediatrics, UAMSCollege of Medicine.9

DONORSKaren and John FlakeSupporting ACH’s Mission in Northwest Arkansas■ Alyssa AndersonK aren and John Flake may live in Little Rock, but theyhave a sincere interest in what happens in the northwest partof the state. John’s business, Flake & Kelley, has an office innorthwest Arkansas, but more importantly, the Flakes’ threegrandchildren, 4-year-old Celeste, 3-year-old Allison and 1-yearold Colin, live with their parents in Fayetteville. That is why, inSeptember 2006, Karen and John decided to make a $1 milliongift to Arkansas Children’s Hospital to help initiate the hospital’sgrowth in that part of the state.“We feel that Children’s Hospital is a world-class facility,”John says, “and if you look at other world-class facilities, forexample the Mayo Clinic, you don’t just have to go toRochester, Minn., to be treated by a Mayo Clinic specialist. Youcan go to other parts of the country where you are getting thesame quality care. In Arkansas, I think Children’s Hospital certainlyhas a mission, and I think that as the hospital is able toexpand and keep that quality it now offers, it’s incumbent uponus as citizens of the state to support and help it do so.”Raised in Little Rock,Karen and John both“What’s moreremember ArkansasChildren’s Hospital growingup, and they areimportamt in lifeamazed at its growth overthan our children the years.“It was always a hospitalyou noticed, maybe justand grandchildren?because it was there whenyou were driving downtown,”Karen says. “ButThey are our future.what has really changed, asI think we have a people will tell you, is thereputation of the hospital.responsibility to make It’s phenomenal.”The Flakes know verypersonally about the worldclasscare that Arkansassure that the future isChildren’s Hospital provides.Last year, theyproperly cared for.”brought their middlegrandchild, Allison, to— John FlakeThe Flakes’ grandchildren (from left): Allison, Colin and Celeste.The children live in Fayetteville with their parents, Jessica andMatthew Dearnley.ACH when she became severely dehydrated from a stomach bug,and in December, their youngest grandchild, Colin, had a hemangiomaremoved at the hospital.One of their daughters, Rebecca, volunteered at Children’sHospital as a high school student and even thought she wanted tobecome a pediatrician one day. She now is a candidate for a Ph.D.in clinical psychology at the University of Kentucky, and althoughit’s not pediatrics, Karen and John really believe volunteering atACH helped set the path for Rebecca’s career.Karen and John say their dream is that one day ArkansasChildren’s Hospital will build a tertiary care facility in northwestArkansas so that the two-and-a-half- to three-hour drive forfamilies traveling to Little Rock could be eliminated. They hopeothers will join them in this effort.“What’s more important in life than our children and grandchildren?They are our future. I think we have a responsibility tomake sure that the future is properly cared for,” John says.Karen adds, “If this state is going to have quality of life for allits people, it certainly starts with the young ones.”10

DONORSPhilanthropy OrganizationHonors Two ACH SupportersFrances Buchanan and Glazer’s Distributors of Arkansas were recentlyhonored for their outstanding philanthropic achievements at the NationalPhilanthropy Day luncheon, presented by the Association of FundraisingProfessionals – Arkansas chapter.Both were nominated by the ACH Foundation for the many ways theyhelp the hospital raise much-needed funds for children.Buchanan, a member of the Auxiliary since the 1990s, was namedOutstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. As a member of the ACH FoundationBoard of Directors since 1994, she helped lead the hospital through a successful$30 million campaign from 2001-2004 and also co-conceived of andchaired the first Miracle Ball for ACH, held in 2006.In addition to Buchanan’s tremendous commitment as a volunteer atACH, she has also been a consistent donor. For the past three years, she andher husband, Sam, have been members of Children’s Circle of Care, a societythat honors individuals and family foundations who give $10,000 or morea year to their local children’s hospitals.Buchanan’s commitment to children is personal. After a long battle withkidney disease, her daughter, Katie, required a kidney transplant in 1985, andBuchanan selflessly donated one of her own kidneys. At the AFP luncheon,she talked about the ordeal and the people she saw every day – nurses, parents,housekeepers, volunteers – who helped others by giving time or talents.“I thought, ‘How could we not help, too?,’” Buchanan said at the event.“Not participating has never been an option for my family, and asking othersto join our efforts comes in the most natural and heartfelt ways.”According to John Bel, president of the ACH Foundation, Buchanan is astrong advocate for children and for Arkansas Children’s Hospital.At the event, Richard Levi commemorates the occasion with hisfamily, (from left) son Michael, wife Debi and son Lance.Frances Buchanan celebrates her OutstandingVolunteer Fundraiser award with husband, Sam.“Frances Buchanan believes strongly in the mission ofthe hospital and works tirelessly on its behalf to createawareness and raise needed funds for support,” says Bel.“She is such a valuable person to our mission. We lookforward to her leadership for many years to come.”The state’s largest liquor wholesaler, Glazer’sDistributors of Arkansas, was named OutstandingPhilanthropic Organization. Glazer’s has been in businessin Arkansas since 1944, during which time the companyhas helped many non-profit organizations, includingACH.Glazer’s provides beverages for numerous ACH benefits,including the Miracle Ball. The company is alsoinvolved in many other non-profit events throughout thecommunity and the state, working more than 150 differentcharity events in the last year.“Glazer’s is a wonderful partner to Arkansas Children’sHospital,” says Jennifer Selig, senior development officerin the ACH Foundation. “They have contributed to somany of our events and have helped take them to thenext level. Their partnership is truly amazing and verymuch appreciated. Glazer’s is a wonderful communitypartner and friend.”Richard Levi, Glazer’s district state president, says helpingthe community has always been important to the family-ownedbusiness.“We have been committed for many years to the conceptof investing in the communities where we live bysupporting charities and causes,” says Levi. “By making adifference in our communities, we are making an investmentin our collective futures. By assisting ArkansasChildren’s Hospital, we can use our corporate resourcesto assist children and their families at their time of direneed. It is a privilege to be able to give.”11

DONORSBernard SharpProud to Support ACH in HisLifetime and through His WillBernard Sharp and his late wife, Doris.■ Alyssa AndersonWhen Bernard Sharp learned he would eitherneed to make a charitable donation with some of theincome he had earned through good stock investmentsor give it to the government, the choice for himwas simple: support the three organizations dearest tohis heart – the Lions Club, his church and ArkansasChildren’s Hospital.Sharp and his late wife of 57 years, Doris, neverhad children, but Sharp has several family memberswith connections to ACH.“The Children’s Hospital has been one of myfavorites because I had a little cousin who was treatedfor lymphoma there,” he says. “Actually I have twocousins and a niece who’ve been patients, and I’ve gota cousin who’s a doctor over there.”Recently, Sharp visited Arkansas Children’sHospital for a “Day in Residence” with the transportdepartment. He saw the hospital’s two helicopters andsays he got a lot of good information about their airspeed, range, etc. The visitwas particularly interestingfor Sharp because heknows a thing or two aboutaviation himself.Sharp, now 90 yearsold, was a World War IIbomber pilot and servedoverseas for 43 months. Hestill wears the watch thatwas issued to him by themilitary in March 1942.“I got shot in the arm,Bernard Sharpand the band helped hold ittogether,” he says. “You can see where it’s bent, but itstill works – keeps perfect time!”Even at 90, Sharp remains very active. He paints, loves to work in his yardand travels all over the world.“I’ve been to 118 countries so far,” Sharp says. “I love to collect woodcarvings from all of the countries I’ve visited. I like beautiful things and reallyappreciate all the wood pieces I’ve collected over the years.”Sharp has been a Lions Club member for more than 40 years. His localclub is 90 years old – the oldest in Lions Clubs International. He has been amember of his church, South Highland Baptist, for 80 years and has taught amen’s bible class for the last 56 years. The business he started back in 1950,Capital Glass, is still being run by the son of the employee Sharp turned itover to when he retired.Being able to support Arkansas Children’s Hospital in his lifetime is somethingSharp is very proud of. He also is in the process of revamping his willand says he “just finished writing ACH right at the top.”“I’ve been fortunate in business, fortunate in investments,” Sharp says. “Wealways lived a very quiet life – not extravagant. I’m glad to give. I thinkArkansas Children’s Hospital is one of the best organizations in the state.”Giving a Gift of Stock to ACHThe IRS still offers a notable tax break for charitable stock gifts. You maydeduct the full, fair market value of appreciated stocks you give to ACH andalso avoid capital gains liability on the transfer.There are two easy, convenient methods of transferring your stock whilemaking sure you receive the full tax benefits of the gift: make an electronictransfer from your broker to ours; or if you hold the shares yourself, mail themunendorsed, and in a separate envelope, mail a signed stock power for eachstock certificate.Important: Do not sell the stock first! Even though you intend to donatethe proceeds as a gift, the IRS will impose capital gains tax on your sale,wiping out the benefits of this arrangement.Contact Mary Starr Ross for details at (501) 364-5308 orrossms@archildrens.org, or visit us online at www.archildrens.org/giftplanning.12

DONORSSara and Sam Richardson:ACH Donors, Volunteers and Grateful Grandparents■ Alyssa AndersonFor Sara and Sam Richardson, ofEl Dorado and Little Rock, the tiesto Arkansas Children’s Hospital aremany. Sara has been a member ofthe ACH Foundation board ofdirectors since 1999, Sara and Samhave been members of theChildren’s Circle of Care for 10years, and two of their grandchildren,Tad and Sara Marie, have beenpatients at the hospital.Sam says the couple’s interest inACH all boils down to their love forchildren. “I think anyone who supportsArkansas Children’s Hospital Sara and Sam Richardsondoes so because they want to helpchildren – to see them laugh andplay and grow up to be healthy adults,” he says.Sara describes her experience serving on the Foundationboard as personally rewarding. “So many times, I run into peoplewho tell me, ‘We went to Children’s Hospital and our experiencewas wonderful.’ It makes me feel that we have contributed tosomething really worthwhile,” Sara says. “We never thought wemight need ACH when we started supporting it, but ACH wascertainly there for us when we did.”The Richardsons’ personal experience with Arkansas Children’sHospital began in 1999 with their grandson, Tad, whose familylives in Texas. At Sara and Sam’s recommendation, Tad’s parents,Felicia and John, brought their son to see Dr. Eldon Schulz* foran evaluation and diagnosis. Although Dr. Schulz would not putan official label on Tad’s condition, he did tell the family that Tadhad some form of autism.Because the family lives out-of-state, Tad has not continuedtreatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, but the Richardsonssay his parents still communicate with Dr. Schulz on an “as-needed”basis.“They look to him for support, even though Tad hasn’t beenback to the hospital for several years,” Sara says. “They know theycan call or e-mail him anytime and he will respond.”Three years ago, Tad’s younger sister, Sara Marie, also becamea patient at ACH, but under very different circumstances. It wasaround Christmas, and Sara Marie, who was 3 years old at thetime, had not been feeling well for several days.“Her parents took her to her doctor in Ft. Worth, not thinkingit was anything serious, andthey found that her bloodsugar was dangerously high,”Sara says. “The doctor toldthem that Sara Marie was criticallyill and that they had toget her to a hospital within sixhours. Because of their previousexperience with Children’sand our involvement, theyknew they wanted to go toACH.”Sara Marie and her familyimmediately flew to LittleRock. Sara Marie spent severalhours in the emergency roomat ACH, where she was diagnosedwith Type I diabetes andwas then transferred to thepediatric intensive care unit.The family spent a week atACH learning how to manage the disease and care for Sara Marie.The Richardsons’ personal experiences with the hospital makethem even happier to be financial supporters of ACH. Since 1998,they have been members of the Children’s Circle of Care, a givingsociety in the United States and Canada that honors individualsand family foundations who give $10,000 or more a year to theirlocal children’s hospitals. Every year, a different city hosts aLeadership Conference and Gala, which brings together Circle ofCare members from across the continent. Conference attendees aretreated to an insiders’ look at the exciting work being done bypediatric hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada as well asworld-class entertainment.“One year, our own Dr. Jim Aronson was one of the speakers atthe conference on his ground- breaking work in orthopedic surgeryusing the Illizarov (bone-lengthening) method, and we wereso proud of him,” Sara says.Sam says the word “fantastic” really sums up the couple’s overallfeelings about the work being done Arkansas Children’sHospital.“It is truly a place of care, love and hope,” he says, “and theoverall growth since we’ve been involved is just unbelievable. We’reproud to be supporters.”*Eldon Schulz, M.D., is medical director of the DennisDevelopmental Center, chief of developmental/behavioral andrehab pediatrics, and professor of pediatrics and physical medicineand rehabilitation, UAMS College of Medicine.13

HOSPITAL NEWSDr. Angela Green receives the Boyd Family EndowedChair medallion from Dr. Jerril Green, her husband,and Dr. Claudia Barone.Dr. Angela Green shares a smile with (from left) Dr. JonathanBates, president and CEO of ACH, Christie Berner, and Dr.Bonnie Gance-Cleveland, previous holder of the Boyd FamilyEndowed Chair.Green Honored with Boyd Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric NursingIn December, Angela Green, Ph.D., A.P.N., was awarded thehighest honor possible in academia when she was installed as thesecond holder of the Boyd Family Endowed Chair in PediatricNursing. The chair is one of two chairs and a program endowmentmade possible by a $3 million estate gift to Arkansas Children’sHospital Foundation by the John Boyd family of Fountain Hill,Ark.Green, the director of nursing research at ACH, coordinates andpromotes all nursing research education, which includes consultingand teaching classes. She focuses her own research on pediatriccardiology, specifically quality of life after a heart transplant.“I am excited about and grateful for this opportunity to servethe children and families who come to us for care,” says Green.“Whether it is through conducting research, applying research findingsto practice, or mentoring colleagues and students, my goal isto work as part of the larger team to make sure we are providingcare, love and hope as we deliver exceptional evidence-based care.”At the ceremony, Green’s colleagues praised her positive attributes.“Dr. Green is a gifted nurse, teacher and scholar,” said Dr.Claudia Barone, dean of the UAMS College of Nursing. “Shebrings to this chair a wealth of knowledge and a very deep commitmentto nursing.”According to Christie Berner, senior nursing officer at ArkansasChildren’s Hospital, the Boyd Family Endowed Chair is importantto ACH.“The ultimate goal of the Boyd Family Endowed Chair is to positivelyimpact the quality of nursing care delivery by strengtheningevidence-based practice and integrating nursing research throughoutthe organization,” Berner says. “I am confident that the nursingresearch program will flourish with Dr. Green’s leadership.”The endowed chair in nursing, when it was created in 2004, wasthe first in Arkansas and it continues to be one of very few pediatricnursing chairs in the country.Tributes Offer Alternativeto Traditional GiftsMemorial and tribute gifts are a way to honor the memoryof a loved one or cherished friend, to recognize specialoccasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, or simply tosend best wishes, all while helping patients at ACH.If you would like to make a memorial or tribute gift toArkansas Children’s Hospital, complete the form in theenclosed envelope or mail to Arkansas Children's HospitalFoundation, Box 2222, Little Rock, AR 72203. Your gift willprovide hope and healing to our most precious resource –our children.14

AUXILIARY GROUPSSanta left the reindeer at home for his recent trip to ArkansasChildren’s Hospital. Instead, jolly ol’ St. Nick chose to arrive ona fire truck.Members of the Little Rock Fire Department served a breakfast ofpancakes, fruit, bacon and eggs to all attendees.Breakfast with SantaBrings Delight to Children and ParentsIn December, Santa visited the Arkansas Children’s Hospital campus,but Rudolph, Blitzen and Donner were nowhere in sight. Santaarrived on a fire truck, courtesy of the Little Rock Fire Department.The second annual Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by AmericanManagement Corporation and presented by Committee for the Future,was held in Children’s Hall the first weekend of December. More than500 people attended the event, which raised $13,000.Attendees were treated to a pancake breakfast, prepared and servedby members of the Little Rock Fire Department. Children madecrafts, called the North Pole, wrote letters to Santa and took pictureswith the man of the hour, jolly ol’ St. Nick.For more information about Committee for the Future, an organizationof young professionals and community leaders in the centralArkansas area who support ACH, call Heather Cass at (501) 364-7231.At the second annual Breakfast with Santa, presentedby Committee for the Future, childrencalled the North Pole, wrote letters to Santa andcreated holiday crafts.15

AUXILIARY GROUPSMiracle BallOn a mild winter evening in December, 400 friends andsupporters of Arkansas Children’s Hospital gathered to celebratemiraculous health care. The 2007 Miracle Ball was held inChildren’s Hall on the ACH campus, a rather ordinary lookingmeeting space that, with hard work and imagination, was turnedinto a place of elegance for the special evening.The second annual black-tie event was a great success, thanks,in large measure, to the extraordinary efforts and leadership ofthe event chairs, Cindy and Chip Murphy. Miracle Ball nettedmore than $277,000, which is $100,000 more than last year’s inauguralevent. All funds raised will benefit children served by thechild maltreatment work of Dr. Jerry Jones and his staff.To begin the program, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebewelcomed attendees and thanked them for their volunteerism andgenerosity. Auxiliary member Frances Buchanan announced thatthe Stella Boyle Smith Trust had agreed to meet a challenge presentedby the Auxiliary. This year, the Trust will donate $55,000 toArkansas Children’s Hospital, which will be matched by theAuxiliary. The Trust will also provide gifts of $25,000 each yearfor 2008 and 2009 for a total commitment of $105,000, eachpenny of which will be matched by the Auxiliary, for a total donationof $210,000. Like the proceeds from Miracle Ball, this moneywill benefit children who have been physically or sexually abused.Miracle Ball included both a silent auction, which raised$55,007, and a live auction, which raised $97,200. Cindy Murphyserved as live auction chair, and Tiffany and Daniel Robinsonserved as silent auction chairs.The success of Miracle Ball can also be attributed to the eventsponsors, including Auxiliary partners The Murphy Group andthe Stella Boyle Smith Trust. Presenting sponsors were AmericanAirlines and Mary Healey’s Fine Jewelry, and the premier sponsorof the evening was Glazer’s Distributors of Arkansas. Miracle Ballis a joint project of the ACH Auxiliary and the ACH Foundation.Arrangements were made by Robin Rhoades, director of auxiliaryservices.The third annual Miracle Ball will be held Saturday, Dec. 13,2008. For more information about the event, contact the ACHFoundation at (501) 364-1491.Cindy and Chip Murphy, 2007 Miracle Ball chairs, took thestage to thank attendees for supporting Arkansas Children’sHospital.Many silent and liveauction items were upfor grabs, including aonce-in-a-lifetime opportunityfor guests to takean aerial tour of LittleRock in an Angel Onehelicopter and attend adinner party with 30guests at the home ofCindy and Chip Murphy.Master of ceremoniesCraig O’Neill wore anAngel One flight suitwhile the item was auctioned.This package wasso popular, it actuallysold twice.16

2007Miss Arkansas Katie Bailey shows off a pair of diamondearrings to Benni Fambrough at the Miracle Ball. The5.59 carat earrings, donated by Mary Healey’s FineJewelry, were sold during the live auction.Auxiliary members, including immediate past president SueCooper, president-elect Debbie Jines, current president Dale Cookand Barbara Swesey, enjoy the elegant evening.Robert Cress, Foundation board member, and hiswife, Lee, past president of the ACH Auxiliary, danceto the music of the evening.Special ThanksAuxiliary PartnersPresenting SponsorsReveling in the success of Miracle Ball were Dr. Richard Jacobsand wife, Penni, and current Committee for the Future presidentSteven Ransdell with wife, Katie.Premier Sponsor17

AUXILIARY GROUPSCircle of FriendsRoundupCircle of Friends events heldOctober-December 2007Special Events■ Arkansas River Valley, Breakfast with Santa, $9,000■ Faulkner County, Breakfast with Santa, $5,000■ Greene County, Breakfast with Santa, $3,300■ Harrison Regional, Breakfast with Santa, $2,160■ Jefferson County, annual holiday auction with Pine BluffBoard of Realtors, $7,910■ Jefferson County, Breakfast with Santa, $690■ Jonesboro, Bowl-a-Ween, $750■ Magnolia, Steak Dinner at Mule’s Cantina, $2,175■ Magnolia, Breakfast with Santa, $2,413■ Northwest Arkansas, Halloween Express promotion,$2,143Phone PhrenzyPhone Phrenzy volunteers gather for an evening of food, funand phoning on behalf of the patients at Arkansas Children’sHospital. All callers are encouraged to contact only friendsand family – no cold calling is allowed.■ Garland County, $4,300■ Lawrence County, $8,000Kampaign for KidsKampaign for Kids is a community corporate campaign.■ Garland County, $20,000■ Greene County, $10,000■ Jonesboro, $25,295A large group of Circle of Friends members and L.A. Darlingemployees gathered for the L.A. Darling check presentation to theGreene County chapter of Circle of Friends.Special Circle of Friends DonationThe L.A. Darling Gondola Division, located in Corning, recently presentedmore than $13,000 to the Greene County chapter of Circle ofFriends. This gift was one of the largest single gifts to any chapter inCircle of Friends history.The money was raised through the recycling of several pieces ofold equipment and scrap metal at L.A. Darling.New ChapterTexarkana now has a thriving new chapter. Members are currentlymaking plans for their first fundraising and educational event in thespring.Circle of Friends Wants You!Circle of Friends members work to promote children’s healththrough education, advocacy and fundraising for Arkansas Children’sHospital, the state’s only pediatric medical facility.Would you like to join this dynamic group of volunteers who workaround our state to make children’s lives better? Circle of Friends has13 chapters throughout Arkansas. If you are interested in joining agroup, please contact the ACH Foundation at (501) 364-1476 orachfdn@archildrens.org.Kids Caring for KidsThrough the Kids Caring for Kids program, students participatein fundraising events that combine learning math,spelling and reading along with the value of helping others.Other activities include trike-, bike- or walk-a-thons or multischoolchallenge events.■ Garland County, Light Up a Life cardstock campaign atLake Hamilton Primary School, $8,400Members of the Jefferson County Circle of Friends chapter posewith Santa after their very successful Breakfast with Santa event.18

COMMUNITY EVENTSBrings Music to theHospital, Toys to PatientsSandy Burrows (standing), with the hospital’s volunteerservices department, interviewed with B98.5 radio DJs(from left) Kevin Miller, Lisa Fischer and Jeff Matthewsduring Festival of Stars at ACH.In December, more than 44 groups of performers brightenedthe days of patients, families and staff at ACH. Singers, musiciansand choirs filled the ACH lobby with the sounds of the season.The volunteer services department at ACH set aside two daysduring the month for individuals and groups to bring holiday toydonations to the hospital. A large storage space and extra volunteerswere provided to help with the unloading and storing ofthousands of gifts for the good boys and girls at the hospital.B98.5 radio, the Champions for Children Radiothon partner,broadcast live from the ACH lobby during the Festival of Stars toydrop-off days. In addition to thousands of toys, the hospitalreceived $5,338 in cash donations.During theFestival of Starsradio broadcastat ACH, ayoung visitordonated moneyto help providegifts for childrenwho werepatients in thehospital duringthe holidays.Ken Duke with Arkansas Children’sHospital Ambassador Shelby Clinton.Shelby, who has been treated at ACH forcancer, attended the Ken Duke CharityClassic reception with his family to sharethe story of their ACH experience. For thefirst time, Shelby, 11, told his own story,rather than his parents doing it, andreceived a standing ovation for his efforts.PGA Golfer and FormerACH Patient Hosts TournamentA host of PGA golfer Ken Duke’s friends and fans joined him at MaumelleCountry Club in late October for a reception party and auction to kick off the KenDuke Charity Classic. More than 16 teams participated in the charity golf outingthe next day.The event benefited Henderson State University, where Duke attended andplayed golf, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he was a patient as a teen.The event resulted in a contribution of more than $50,000 to be split evenlybetween the two institutions.Duke was diagnosed with scoliosis in 1982 and had to wear a back brace 23hours a day. Two years later, the condition was much worse and Duke underwentsurgery to attach a 16-inch metal rod to his spine to facilitate straightening thecurve. Upon release from his doctor, Duke returned to his high school golf team,where even with a back brace he won honors. In 1987, he won the Arkansas HighSchool Overall Golf Tournament.Duke turned professional in 1994 after a successful college golf career and currentlyplays on the PGA Tour.19

CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORKMiracle Tree Project PutsWal-Mart and Sam’s Clubover the $1 Million MarkThis light icon is an exampleof the Miracle Tree icons soldby Sam’s Club #8266 in memoryof Brandon Camden. Asassociates sold the lights, theydecorated their tree with theicons. The club raised morethan $1,000, bringing its2007 total to more than$25,000.Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associatesall over Arkansas and parts ofTexas and Louisiana raised money forArkansas Children’s Hospital with theMiracle Tree project from December1-24.Associates sold paper tree lighticons for $1 or more to customers andco-workers Each store’s goal was tosell a paper light for every real light ontheir in-store Miracle Tree. When allthe paper lights were sold for each tree,the tree was lit.“The Miracle Tree project was atremendous success for Wal-Mart andSam’s Club year-end Children’s MiracleNetwork fundraising efforts,” saysJennifer Selig, the Children’s MiracleNetwork director at the ACHFoundation. “Because of the associates’dedication and the support of the customers,Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club raisedmore than $1,061,000 for ArkansasChildren’s Hospital in 2007.”The family of Brandon Camden poses in front of theMiracle Tree at Sam’s Club #8266 in North LittleRock. Brandon passed away in November after a longbattle with cancer. Brandon’s step-mother is an associateat the Sam’s Club in North Little Rock, and all of thatclub’s December Children’s Miracle Network fundraisingefforts were in memory of Brandon.Log A Load for Kids Event is Biggest EverThe Central Arkansas Log A Load chapter held its annual event inlate October. The event, which raised $140,000, was the largest Log ALoad event in Arkansas. The highlight was the auction of 10 loads oflogs, which brought in more than $40,000.“We are very fortunate that we have the support of the landownerswho donate their timber to help the kids,” says Bobby Taylor, a longstandingmember of the Central Arkansas chapter. “Their supportplays a big part in our continued success in fundraising for ACH.”Log A Load is a national giving program that brings together loggersand other people involved in forestry products businesses to raisefunds for local children’s hospitals associated with Children’s MiracleNetwork.In 2007, Log A Load completed their funding of a $1 million pledgeto support the imaging/MRI program at ACH.Loads of logs, the signature auction item at Log ALoad for Kids events, are lined up for inspection bybidders outside the Sheridan Community Center.20

CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORKCMN:Event Round-UpAce Hardware Corporation in Maumelle held its bi-annual sale inOctober and raised $8,761. The sale featured discontinued merchandiseavailable for Ace employees to purchase. The proceeds from thesale brought the Ace fundraising total for 2007 to $22,217.In January, Arkansas Federal Credit Union leaders presenteda $90,000 check to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.From left: John Bel, president of the ACH Foundation;Melissa Pickens, community development coordinator forthe ACH Foundation; Larry Biernacki, AFCU presidentand CEO; Gloriane Kabat, director of Child Life at ACH;and Jerry E. Spratt, AFCU board chairman. Photo byLarry PenningtonChild Life DepartmentBenefits From DonationIn January, Credit Unions for Kids Day was held on the ACHcampus. In 2007, Credit Union for Kids members raised more than$122,000 for the Child Life and Education department at ACH.Gloriane Kabat, director of Child Life and Education, spoke aboutthe donation and how it will impact the lives of patients. At the event,awards were given to the top-fundraising credit unions and attendeesheard from the parent of an ACH patient.One-year-old BradonBradley, who spent severalmonths in the ACHneonatal intensive careunit after birth, grabbedthe microphone from hisfather, Donny, during apresentation at CreditUnions for Kids Day.Donny Bradley wasspeaking about his family’sexperiences at ACH.Arkansas Federal Credit Union (AFCU) recently donated$90,000 to the Child Life and Education department atArkansas Children’s Hospital. AFCU members and employeesraised $45,000 of the funds in various ways, includingpayroll deductions, a golf tournament, a two-week longsilent auction and several other events. AFCU’s board ofdirectors voted to match the amount raised by employeesand members, bringing the total to $90,000.The Child Life and Education department at ACHaddresses the emotional, social, educational and recreationalneeds of hospitalized children. Members of the Child Lifestaff use developmentally appropriate activities to minimizestress and anxiety for patients.AFCU supports the hospital through Credit Unions forKids, a Children’s Miracle Network program. Since 1998,Arkansas Federal has contributed more than $340,000 toACH.Great Plains Coca-Cola recently presented a check for $9,350 onbehalf of Wal-Mart to benefit ACH through Children’s MiracleNetwork. The money was raised through a Wal-Mart and Coca-Colapromotion. Many Wal-Mart locations in northwest Arkansas participated,including stores #144, #359 and #2745 in Fayetteville; #5260,#001 and #3479 in Rogers; #100 and #2741 in Bentonville; #054and #2742 in Springdale; #004 in Siloam Springs; and #373 inHuntsville.Phi Mu - Epsilon Lambda members attended Phi Mu Day atACH in November. Fundraising ideas and ACH patient stories wereshared, along with a learning session and detailed tour of the ACHPULSE (Pediatric Understanding and Learning through SimulationEducation) Center.RE/MAX of Conway held its 4th annual For the Children Tour ofHomes in December. The event featured tours of homes in theConway area, all decked out for the holidays. The event raised $1,000.21

GIVINGThanks to You!Air Transport International held its annual employee golf tournamentin Little Rock this fall and donated more than $6,000.In September, the ArkansasPontiac Car Associationheld its annual “Wheelin’ &Healin’ 2007” car show heldat Park on the River inMaumelle. More than 131Pontiacs were on display andin competition for prizes.The $8,500 raised at theevent was donated to the clinical nutrition department at ACH.The Arkansas StateHorse Show donated$5,000 to ACH from itsannual show held inLittle Rock. Kim DuPas(center), ACHFoundation communitydevelopment coordinator,accepted the donationfrom StephanieHopkins (left) and BabsBelew (right).The Arkansas Valley Mustang Club raised $1,500 from its annualcar show.The ArkansasWildlife OfficersAssociation donated$7,500 to benefit thechild life and educationprogram. Themoney was raisedthrough magazine adsales. Todd Smith andNikia Pratt presented the gift to Kim DuPas (center).The Associated Builders and Contractors of Little Rock donated$2,500 from its annual fish fry and auction.The first annual Berryville Tour of Homes included ninebeautifully decorated homes open for public viewing inearly December. The new fundraiser, spearheaded by StateRepresentative Bryan King and his wife, Lydia, had recordcrowds and raised $4,000 for ACH. Pictured are Tom andJudy Riddle, the owners of one of the homes on the tour.In October, the Local 0035 Firefighters from NorthLittle Rock donated $1,523 to ACH from their June fishingtournament.The 2007 Arkansas Children’s Hospital Gala of Hope inCorning was held in mid-December. The formal eventfeatured dinner, entertainment and a live auction andresulted in a contribution of more than $5,200.The Mid-South Viper Club donated $4,000 to ACHfrom its annual Christmas party.The Mooney Hill House of Horror opened for businessin mid-October and remained open through Halloweenweekend in Gassville. The house spooked people of allages and netted a profit of $7,000.The Old Town Cruisers of Van Buren donated $6,000from their 16th annual car show.22

GIVINGThe following individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations held fundraisingevents or made special gifts to benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital during the lastquarter. The time, talents and true acts of generosity from these special people helpus in our mission to provide care, love and hope to patients and families.Proposals in the Heights recently donated more than$1,400 to ACH. The money was raised through a promotionalsales period at the Little Rock bridal boutique. DawneVandiver and Shannon Aston, sisters and owners of the boutique,presented the check to ACH.Transamerica Worksite Marketing, an ACH corporate partner,recently donated $3,000 to help fund cancer research at ArkansasChildren’s Hospital. Executive Nancy Clark made the donation onbehalf of the hundreds of employees housed at the company’soffice in Little Rock.2007 Holiday Cards Were a HitThis past holiday season, thousands of people openedtheir mailboxes to find cards featuring the artwork ofACH patients. They received such a card because afriend, loved one or business they knew opened theirhearts and wallets in support of the 2007 Holiday CardProject, presented by the ACH Auxiliary and chaired byLisa Kirkpatrick.Six child-designedcards and a card byfeatured artist LesWaite were availablefor purchase, alongwith other holidayitems, including gifttags, photo cards, tributecards and, for thefirst time, a limitededitionornament. Theornament was a hotitem, selling morethan 88 units. The Auxiliary plans to sell anotherlimited-edition ornament next year.The Holiday Card Project had its most successfulyear ever, with sales totaling more than $82,000.In November, these young artists were honored ata reception and presented with framed pieces oftheir art.Soon, the Auxiliarywill be accepting artfor 2008 holiday cards.Encourage all of thebudding young artistsyou know who havebeen ACH patients tosubmit a piece ofholiday art for theproject. For informationon how toparticipate, contactRobin Rhoades at(501) 364-1491.23

Celebrating Miracles at the 2007 Miracle BallFrom left, Nancy Stephens; Jim McClelland, Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation boardmember; Pat McClelland, Arkansas Children's Hospital board chairman; and Judy Tenenbaumcelebrated miracles at the 2007 Miracle Ball.In December, the 2007 Miracle Ball raised more than $277,000 for Arkansas Children'sHospital. The evening of dinner and dancing was a great success, raising $100,000 more thanlast year.Save the date for the 2008 Miracle Ball! The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, onthe ACH campus.Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation800 Marshall Street/Slot 661Little Rock, AR 72202-3591Address Service RequestedNonprofitOrganizationU.S. POSTAGEPAIDLittle Rock, ARPermit No. 1441If you receive more than one copy of The ACHiever,please pass the extras along to a friend.Please write to us if you wish to have your name removed fromthe list to receive the ACHiever magazine from the ArkansasChildren’s Hospital Foundation in the future. ArkansasChildren’s Hospital Foundation, ACHiever magazine,800 Marshall St., Slot 661, Little Rock, AR 72202.