We salute those who - New Orleans City Business

PROFESSIONALLillian StieglerPosition: professor, Southeastern Louisiana University Department ofCommunication Sciences and DisordersAge: 50Family: husband, Bernard; sons, Ben, 28, Joey, 25, Daniel, 22Education: bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology, NichollsState University; master’s degree in communication disorders, LouisianaState University Medical Center; Ph.D., speech language pathology, LSULillian Stiegler recalled a recent conversation with a motherwho has brought her autistic child to SoutheasternLouisiana University’s Department of CommunicationSciences and Disorders for 12 years.“She said, ‘I remember that first day when we talked, I feltlike you gave me my son back,’” said Stiegler, a professor andspecialist in autism spectrum disorders.After pondering the comment, Stiegler came to understandthe mother was talking about the hope she found fromthe consultation. Stiegler was able to point out the boy’spotential to lead a fulfilling life in spite of his diagnosis.The boy has developed into a person with a terrific senseof humor with a group of friends and a keen interest in girlsand movies, she said. Stories such as this are, for Stiegler,“the best part of the job.”One of the worst parts is her frustration at the pull ofunfounded “miracle cures” — from removing mercury fromthe bloodstream to hyperbaric oxygen chambers — on desperateparents, as well as the belief that autism is caused byimmunization.In 2004, the producers of the Lifetime Television movieLillian Stiegler reads with Jack Dahl, 3, at Southeastern Louisiana University’s speech-language-hearing clinic.“Miracle Run,” which was filmed in New Orleans and basedon a true story about a single mother of autistic twin boys,tapped Stiegler’s expertise. Her first look at the script toldher she had her work cut out for her. For instance, the writershad a scene with the young children comforting theirmother when she was crying.“That’s not what you would expect a child with autism todo — certainly not a young child,” Stiegler said. “Very often,they have a lot of difficulty reading other people’s emotions.”Stiegler recruited parents to help with the project, andthey were able to add valuable insight to improve the script.•— Sonya Stinsonphoto by Shannon DieciduePROFESSIONALDebraThibodeauxPosition: radiation therapy department office manager, WestJefferson Medical CenterAge: 35Family: daughter, Darion, 11Education: John Ehret High SchoolThe images of the June flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa,looked all too familiar to Debra Thibodeaux.“It looked like Katrina all over again,” she said. “We knewexactly what those people were going through and what theywere in need of. I figured we had to find a way to help.”So the radiation therapy department office manager at WestJefferson Medical Center spearheaded efforts throughout themedical complex to help an Iowa hospital recover from thedevastation caused by the flooding. As a result, West Jeff raisedmore than $1,000 and sent 50 boxes of supplies and personalcare items to help employees at Mercy Medical Center.“It was one of the most gratifying things I have ever donesince I have been at West Jeff,” she said. “It’s rewardingbecause of what we went through with displacement afterKatrina and knowing how people helped us, so it was onlyright that we give something back.”Thibodeaux is no stranger to organizing fundraisers. Shesupervises 13 employees and is responsible for organizingevents for the department and its patients, includingAmerican Cancer Society events such as the West BankRelay for Life and an open house for West Jefferson’sCyberKnife Center.She also serves as a member of the hospital’s Pink TeaCommittee. Each October, the hospital honors breast cancersurvivors at a special event. Last year, the event was a luncheonwhere pink tea was served. In addition to the meal, eachguest received a bag filled with goodies and had a chance towin door prizes. Thibodeaux helped plan the event, stuffedgift bags, garnered donations and served lunch.“I interact with many patients undergoing cancer treatmentand their families and know firsthand the challengesinvolved, so you have to have an upbeat attitude and be committedto this department and patients,” she said. “Thesepatients come to you six to eight weeks at a time and becomepart of your family, and you have to treat them that way.”•— Tommy Santoraphoto by Frank Aymami34 Health Care Heroes