Legacy, Summer 2012

Su m m er 2012
LEGACY
achie v emen t s in he a lth c a re, medic a l science a n d phil a n thro py
UH Harrington Discovery Institute
is Boldly Tra nsforming Medicine
from Thomas F. Zenty III, Chief Executive Officer, University Hospitals
H a r r i n g to n r eco r d - s etti n g $ 5 0 m i l l io n g ift p r o p e l s U n i v e r s it y H o s p it a l s
to a n e w ch a p te r i n it s hi s to r y
In this issue of Legacy magazine we give tribute to the
Connor Integrative Medicine Network. The systemwide
Harrington family for their generosity and dedication to
integrative medicine network, based at University Hospitals
University Hospitals. In February, Ron and Nancy Harrington,
Ahuja Medical Center, blends state-of-the-art medical care
their daughter Jill, and their son and daughter-in-law Ron
with innovative, evidence-based therapies.
and Lydia, made a $50 million gift to UH – the largest
contribution in UH’s nearly 150-year history. This is in
addition to the $22.6 million gift in 2008 to establish the
UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute – totaling an
astounding $72.6 million from the Harrington family.
Chris, who has been a member of University Hospitals Board
of Directors for more than a decade, credits integrative
medicine as the perfect intersection where traditional
medicine goes hand in glove with alternative treatments and
therapies that can improve a patient’s overall health. The
This record-breaking $50 million gift opens a new chapter
Connors’ passion for innovation is responsible for making
in the history of University Hospitals. It launches the University
unique therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, Reiki and
Hospitals Case Medical Center Harrington Discovery Institute,
yoga available to the Northeast Ohio community.
part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development,
an innovative approach to supporting physician-scientists
worldwide as they pursue medical breakthroughs. The
Harrington Project promises to dramatically change the
way drugs advance from discovery to commercialization,
resulting in advanced treatments and cures for patients. We
are grateful for the Harringtons’ generosity, vision and deep
commitment to making a difference in the advancement
of medicine and making a difference in our world.
The Harrington family set the tone for another extraordinary
year for Discover the Difference: The Campaign for University
Hospitals. More than 55,000 individuals, foundations and
corporations have shown their support. Thanks to the
Another feature in this issue is about hope, and how University
Hospitals Fertility Center gives couples something they
thought was impossible – a family of their own. The story
describes the Partnership for Families Foundation and
those donors who provide financial assistance for couples
undergoing a second round of in vitro fertilization, and for
patients facing infertility as a result of cancer treatment.
In the Philanthropic Spirit section of this issue, read about
our smallest premature baby who celebrated his 21st birthday
by asking that birthday donations be allocated for music
therapy at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Hospital.
exceptional generosity of all of our donors, we have surpassed
All of us are gratified by the spirit of giving exemplified in
$905 million toward our $1 billion goal.
these stories. All of our supporters’ gifts, from the largest to
Fostering innovation is a common thread for many of our
donors and is represented in the story about the gift of Sara
and Chris Connor. Sara’s background as an occupational
therapist coupled with her strong interest in complementary
therapies led the Connors to establish the Sara and Chris
the smallest, provide the opportunity for University Hospitals
to lead within our community and on the national stage and
enable us to live up to the importance of our mission –
To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.U H
u n i v ers i t y
hosp i tals
LEGACY
Volume20number01
Su mmer 2012
4
contents
8
10
14
16
20
Thomas F. Zenty III
Chief Executive Officer
University Hospitals
Achilles A. Demetriou, MD, PhD, FACS
Chief Operating Officer
University Hospitals
Fred C. Rothstein, MD
President
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Sherri L. Bishop, Esq.
Chief Development Officer
University Hospitals
Steven D. Standley
Chief Administrative Officer
University Hospitals
Judy Ernest
Managing Editor, Legacy Magazine
Jennifer Dixon, Sandy Erlanger,
Judy Ernest, Julie Evans, Catherine
Gabe, Erin Gay, Christopher Johnston,
Cassandra Kazanas, Jill Sell
Writers
Keith Berr, Brian Hemmis,
Gary Kozminski, Roger Mastroianni,
Dan Milner, Julie Pawlowski
Photographers
Department s
From the Chief
Executive Officer
Harrington record-setting $50 million gift propels University Hospitals to a
new chapter in its history
2
Highlights
8
Discover the Difference:
The Campaign for
University Hospitals
14 Advances
Parente-Smith Design Inc.
Design
20 The Philanthropic Spirit
Michele Brown, Donna Casey
Advisors
25
On the Web
UHhospitals.org/Legacy
Legacy is published by Marketing &
Communications, University Hospitals,
11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
44106-5000. Telephone: 216-767-8500.
Postmaster: Send address corrections
to the above address. Copyright 2012,
University Hospitals. All rights reserved.
Among the nation’s leading academic
medical centers, University Hospitals Case
Medical Center is the primary affiliate of
Case Western Reserve University School
of Medicine, a nationally recognized leader
in medical research and education.
L e g ac y
Reflections
Volunteers Play an Integral Role in the University Hospitals’ Experience
Fe at u res
4
UH Harrington Discovery Institute is
Boldly Transforming Medicine
When Ron and Nancy Harrington first
met at Rocky River High School, then
began dating their freshman year of college,
they fairly quickly started thinking about
getting married and raising a family. But
did the young couple ever entertain thoughts
of the family one day donating more than
$70 million to University Hospitals?
10 Making What Seems the Impossible
Possible For most couples, parenthood is a joyful
and exciting next step. But for those dealing
with infertility, parenthood seems a distant
and elusive hope.
16 Mind Body Spirit Sara and Chris Connor had decided that their
support for UH’s Discover the Difference:
The Campaign for University Hospitals would
be their biggest gift to date. But initially that’s where the couple’s shared vision stopped.
on the cover
The Harrington family: from right Ron and Nancy with their daughter, Jill (middle),
and son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Lydia/photo Keith Berr
M aga z i n e
Best in ohio
www.uhgiving.org Su mmer 2012
1
Highlights
UH Rainbow Babies & children’s Hospital
ranked among Top Children’s Hospitals in US
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital once
again ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation,
according to U.S.News & World Report’s annual rankings.
NEW CENTER FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT
& PRESERVATION
According to Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
predictions, the demand for
joint replacements will grow an
estimated 175 percent for total
hip replacements and six-fold
for total knee replacements
by 2030.
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital ranked in all 10
specialties for the second straight year and rankings improved
in six areas. Most notably, it is now among the nation’s top five
children’s hospitals in neonatology and pulmonology and
top 10 in orthopaedics. Its top-five
ranking for the care of newborns continues
for the fifth straight year.
The following is a list of the 10 specialties
and rankings: cancer (No. 12), cardiology
and heart surgery (No. 41), diabetes &
endocrinology (No. 11), gastroenterology
(No. 50), neonatology (No. 5), nephrology
(No.16), neurology & neurosurgery (No. 25), orthopaedics (No. 10),
pulmonology (No. 5), and urology (No. 26).
U.S.News & World Report ranks hospital specialties using
a three-part combination of reputation, outcomes and
care-related measures such as nursing care, advanced technology,
infection control and safety. Nearly 200 children’s hospitals
were asked to participate in the extensive survey.
The complete list of rankings is available at
usnews.com/childrenshospitals. The print edition will
be on newsstands in mid-August.
Find out more about UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Hospital’s award-winning care at RainbowBabies.org.
UH geauga medical center wins the beacon
award for critical care excellence
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at University Hospitals Geauga
Medical Center recently earned the silver Beacon Award for
Critical Care Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. As a recipient of this
honor, the ICU joins an elite community of adult, pediatric and progressive care units that demonstrate excellence in
clinical outcomes.
Beacon award winners embrace evidencebased standards in nursing staff recruitment and retention,
education, training and mentoring. Units that achieve this
three-year designation meet national criteria consistent with
Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.
2 L E G A C Y
University Hospitals Case
Medical Center is ahead of
this trend, having recently opened the state-of-the-art Center
for Joint Replacement & Preservation. The center was
specially designed to accommodate the unique needs of
patients who undergo joint replacement and is expected to
provide care to more than 1,200 patients annually. Renowned
orthopaedic surgeon Matthew Kraay, MD, Director, Division
of Joint Reconstruction and Arthritis Surgery, UH Case Medical
Center and Professor, Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine, currently serves as director of the center.
He is Kingsbury G. Heiple, MD and Fred A. Lennon Chair
in Orthopaedics.
Matthew Kraay, MD
To schedule an appointment at the new center, call
216-844-7200.
expert UH care is now close to home
in Aurora
Residents of Portage County and surrounding communities
now have access to quality health care close to home at
the newly opened University Hospitals Aurora Health Center,
located in Barrington Town Center at 55 North Chillicothe
Road.
The health center offers family medicine, state-of-the-art
urgent care for adults and children, and advanced laboratory
and radiology services. Patient care at UH Aurora Health Center is coordinated with the expert care provided throughout the UH health system, including nearby UH Ahuja Medical Center.
Visit UHhospitals.org/Aurora for more information about the services and community events
available at the health center.
a
r
o
Aur
visit us online
Summer
2 011
Legacy magazine named best in ohio For Fourth consecutive year
Legacy magazine, the flagship publication of the Institutional Relations & Development Department
of University Hospitals, has been recognized for editorial excellence. The Summer 2011 issue was
named best institutional magazine in the state of Ohio by the Ohio Professional Writers (OPW)
Association. The award was presented at the OPW May annual meeting in Columbus.
LEGACY
achie vem
ents in h
e a lt h c a
re, medic
al
science a
nd phila
nth
ropy
To view current or archived issues of Legacy magazine online, visit UHhospitals.org/Legacy.
Keeping
the pro
mise
Curing Cancer Ev
Uh seidm
an
University Hospitals is only hospital in
ohio on “most ethical companies” list
University Hospitals has been recognized by the Ethisphere
Institute, the leading business ethics think-tank, as one
of the 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies. It is the only
hospital system in Ohio named to the list.
:
center
ery Day
Susan Juris appointed president of
university hospitals Ahuja Medical center
In January, Susan Juris was
named President of UH Ahuja
Medical Center. As president,
she is responsible for leading
the strategic direction and
growth of the medical center
in Beachwood, the first
new freestanding hospital in
Cuyahoga County in 30 years.
This is the first year on the list for the UH health system which has an expansive network of
hospitals, physicians, health
centers, outpatient surgery
centers, urgent care centers, cancer and pediatric specialty
centers, and rehabilitation facilities extending across
Northeast Ohio.
“UH’s leadership is committed to spreading the highest ethical
standards throughout the organization,” said Alfred Rankin,
UH’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and former chair
of the health system’s Audit and Compliance Committee. “I
have witnessed first-hand the development of a comprehensive
compliance program that has established excellent internal
controls and a culture of high ethical behavior which permeates
the entire organization,” he said.
cancer
Susan Juris
Since 1999, she has served
UH in a variety of leadership roles. Prior to her current
position, she was Vice President, Patient Access for
University Hospitals Physician Services. Throughout her
career, she has built strong relationships with employees,
physicians and the community to provide patients with
high-quality, compassionate care.
UH Seidman Cancer center is one of top cancer programs in the nation
For the 1.5 million people diagnosed with cancer each year, access to the most-advanced treatments is paramount. University Hospitals
Seidman Cancer Center stands ready to provide cancer patients with this caliber of treatments, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.
The freestanding cancer hospital was named on the Becker’s Hospital Review annual list of hospitals and health systems with
great oncology programs. The list recognizes 70 hospitals throughout the country that serve as leaders in cancer research,
prevention, treatment and education.
In formulating rankings, Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team analyzed data from prominent sources including U.S.News
& World Report, HealthGrades, Thomson Reuters, the National Cancer Institute, the American College of Surgeons and the
American Nurses Credentialing Center.
To find a UH Seidman Cancer Center location near you, visit UHSeidman.org.
UHhospitals.org /giving
su mmer 2012
3
Jonathan Stamler, MD
Thanks to the Harrington family’s $50 million
gift, Dr. Stamler and his team will elevate
the physician-scientist’s role in finding the
cures of tomorrow for the benefit of patients,
families, and communities worldwide.
4 L E G A C Y
visit us online
The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development
UH H a rrington D iscov e ry Instit ute is B oldly Tr ansfor ming
Medicine
Growing up in Oxford, England,
Jonathan Stamler, MD, never imagined
that he would end up in Cleveland
at University Hospitals Case Medical
Center. He had no idea that he would
meet a family from Hudson whose
generosity would fuel a $250 million
initiative that will dramatically change
how drugs advance from discovery
in laboratories to commercialization,
resulting in advanced treatments and
cures for patients.
Announced in February, this first-ofits-kind initiative, named The Harrington
Project for Discovery & Development,
is powered by a $50 million gift –
the largest single gift in UH’s history –
from the Harrington family. Ron and
Nancy Harrington, their daughter, Jill,
and son and daughter-in law, Ron
and Lydia, gave $22.6 million through
the foundation in 2008 to establish
the UH Harrington Heart & Vascular
Institute. With their current gift, the
Harrington family’s combined support
to UH amounts to an unprecedented
$72.6 million.
UHhospitals.org/giving The Harrington Project for Discovery
& Development includes a new drug
discovery and development initiative,
UH Harrington Discovery Institute,
headed by Dr. Stamler, and a new
mission-aligned, for-profit development
company, BioMotiv. Aligning the
entities at an academic medical center
is a first.
Energized by the opportunity at UH
to transform American medicine’s ability
to create novel drugs, Dr. Stamler
left a distinguished 16-year career in
cardiovascular research at Duke
University. He first achieved national
acclaim in 1996, when his lab discovered
that hemoglobin, the oxygen-transport
molecule in blood, also distributed
nitric oxide throughout the body. He
also discovered a fundamental way in
which nitric oxide changes proteins.
Those changes regulate the way cells
grow and divide, regulate blood flow
and oxygen delivery and the way the
body fights infection. His discoveries
opened the door for thousands of
researchers to advance their work in
the treatment of asthma, heart failure,
Su mmer 2012 5
The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development
A $250 Million Mission-Driven Initiative
Not-for-profit
•
•
•
(Bio u)
Develops the discoveries made
expeRienced
by Harrington Scholars as well new
leAdeRship
as others.
medicines
teAm
•
•
•
Builds a portfolio of high-value, earlystage development programs.
•
Attracts additional financial and
partners.
FundinGindustry
to
pARtneRship
•
AdvAnce
discoveRies
•
For ProFit
oppoRtunities
”We are very excited to support
University Hospitals in what we see
as a national model that will bring
new drugs to the market to help patients
with heart disease, cancer and other
health conditions,” said Ron, a
seasoned entrepreneur. “Our personal
experience with University Hospitals
and seeing first-hand how discovery
can advance patient care led us to be
part of this innovative project.”
The $250 million project features two
key components that bridge the gap
from discovery to commercialization.
The UH Harrington Discovery Institute
supports the creativity and passion
of physician-scientists. Each year, the
L E G A C Y
“This is an initiative that
immediately links a national
network of entrepreneurial
physician-scientists and their
discoveries to our region.”
Bob Keith and a management team in
place, has raised its initial funds and is
in the process of attracting additional
investors and evaluating programs with
an initial capital plan of $100 million.
In 2010, Dr. Stamler was recruited to
UH Case Medical Center and Case
Western Reserve University School of
Medicine. He holds the Robert S. &
Sylvia K. Reitman Distinguished Chair
in Cardiovascular Innovation.
The greatest challenge for physicianscientists, Dr. Stamler said, is the
frequent abandonment of early drug
research by venture capitalists and
biotech firms that believe the financial
risks outweigh the medical rewards.
As a result, the discoveries by physicianscientists often languish without
the substantial resources necessary
to develop new drugs.
Baiju Shah, President and CEO
of BioEnterprise, believes this
game-changing project elevates
Greater Cleveland’s position at the
vanguard of biotechnology.
•
– Baiju Shah
high blood pressure, cancer and other
diseases.
6 Cures that Change
the Course of Medicine
For-profit development company
Annual Harrington Scholar-Innovator
AnnuAl
Renowned
competition awards up to 10 individuals
AdvisoRy
scholARs
with
grants
up
to
$200,000
supporting
BoARd
competition
early stage development of a new therapy.
•
The Harrington Distinguished Scholar
program recruits accomplished
medical innovators to become
part
of the physician staff at UH nAtionAl
Case
expeRt
Not-For-ProFit
Center.
GuidAnce Medical
innovAtion
netwoRk
•
The Innovation Support Center
provides the resources to accelerate
research toward commercialization.
•
Development Company
s
s
harrington discovery institute
The Harrington family gift was announced
by UH CEO Thomas Zenty (right) on February
28 at Severance Hall. From left: Ron and
Lydia, Jill, Nancy and Ron.
institute will name up to 10 of the
nation’s most promising physicianscientists as Harrington ScholarInnovators. It will provide them up
to $200,000 each over two years,
as well as professional mentoring
and other services to advance their
research. Some will work at their
university or hospital, while others
will be recruited to UH Case Medical
Center. In addition, The Harrington
Distinguished Scholar program will
recruit accomplished medical innovators
to become part of the physician
staff at UH Case Medical Center,
enhancing the campus’s reputation
as an incubator for innovation.
The second component of the
Harrington Project for Discovery &
Development is a for-profit company,
BioMotiv, that will develop the
discoveries made by Harrington
Scholars as well as other physicianscientists. The company, with CEO
BioMotiv will build a portfolio of high
value, early-stage drug development
projects and will leverage the extensive
insights and networks of national
scientific and commercial advisory
boards. It will advance programs to a
stage of clinical development that
will attract additional financial and
industry partners.
This initiative will have a strong impact
on the economic development of the
Greater Cleveland area. Baiju Shah,
President and CEO of BioEnterprise,
a nonprofit organization focused on
growing the health care and bioscience
industry throughout Northeast Ohio,
believes this game-changing project
elevates Cleveland’s position at the
vanguard of biotechnology. “This is
an initiative that immediately links a
national network of entrepreneurial
physician-scientists and their discoveries
to our region,” he said.
This bold new pathway for physicianscientists who are inspired by their
patients to discover and create novel
therapies is the ultimate win-win
situation.U H
To learn how to support this project,
visit UHHarringtonDiscoveryInstitute.org.
visit us online
Harringtons Believe Giving is a Family Matter
When Ron and Nancy Harrington first met at
Rocky River High School, then began dating
their freshman year of college, they fairly quickly
started thinking about getting married and raising
a family. But did the young couple ever entertain
thoughts of the family one day donating more
than $70 million to University Hospitals?
It takes a minute for them to stop laughing
before Ron says, “Never. Not in our wildest
dreams!”
This summer, the Harringtons will celebrate
their 70th birthdays together, and then their
49th wedding anniversary in September.
The first half of their marriage went well. By the
time they were in their 40s, their children, Jill
and Ron, were in college, and Ron, a diehard
entrepreneur, decided to sell his first business. To
keep busy into their retirement, they contemplated
buying something a little easier to run, like a
bookstore. But the second half of their marriage
was about to take a dramatic turn.
The Harrington family,
from left: Ron and Nancy
Harrington with their
daughter Jill (in between)
and their daughter-in-law
Lydia and son Ron.
“One day, Ron came home and told me he found
a business we were going to buy,” Nancy recalled.
“When he said, ‘They sell ostomy supplies,’ I asked,
‘What the heck are ostomy supplies?’ Ron said, ‘I
don’t know, but we’re going to figure it out.’”
In August of 1990, the Harringtons purchased
Edgepark Medical Supplies in Twinsburg, and
UHhospitals.org/giving figure it out they did. They turned the small, but
successful, company into a leading mail-order
provider of medical supplies before selling it in
2010.
Fortunately for University Hospitals and other
organizations in Northeast Ohio, the Harringtons
possess a combination of entrepreneurial acumen
and altruism that have led to exceptional philanthropy.
Each year, the Harrington family contributes to
numerous local and national causes.
In 2008, the Harringtons gave $22.6 million to
establish the UH Harrington Heart & Vascular
Institute. This year, they more than tripled that
amount with their record-setting additional
$50 million gift to launch the UH Harrington
Discovery Institute. According to Ron, the family
is excited by the tremendous opportunity for
economic development and the creation of lifesaving medicines this initiative will generate.
“We all have to be in agreement for anything
that we do,” Nancy said of the family’s philanthropic
endeavors. “This one was relatively easy.”
Still, where does generosity of such magnitude
originate?
“We are very fortunate, and we believe it’s
important to help other people,” Ron concluded.
“That’s just something inherent in our family.”
Su mmer 2012 7
UPDATE
University Hospitals is on course this year to receive a record-setting level of philanthropic
support from friends and benefactors. To date, the health system has received $86 million
in support of Discover the Difference: The Campaign for University Hospitals. This
impressive mid-year total exceeds the health system’s philanthropy goal for the entire
year and brings the total amount raised for the campaign to more than $905 million.
Sue Peplowski
Jean Schroeder
Sue Peplowski
UH physicians and
employees have also
provided an unprecedented
level of support through
their participation in
the Discover the
Difference Physician &
Employee Campaign,
the first in the health
system’s history. The
effort is yielding impressive
results and helping to
Human Resources manager Sue Peplowski is one of UH’s generous employee donors. Sue joined
the health system in 2005 after successfully being treated by UH physicians for kidney cancer,
which was discovered by chance during a preoperative ultrasound Sue underwent in preparation
for an unrelated procedure. “She saved my life,” Sue said of the ultrasound technician who
identified the mass, which had completely engulfed her kidney but had not yet metastasized.
Sue recalls leaving UH with her daughter following surgery to remove the tumor and saying,
“This is a special place. I need to work here.” Within weeks, she joined the HR team and has been
working to make a difference in the lives of UH employees ever since. “I love the people here.
They’re the heart and soul of the organization,” Sue said. “It’s my job to take care of them so
they can take care of our patients.” Sue gives back to UH in another way, too: by providing
financial support to the health system. “UH has given me my career, my life,” Sue said. “It’s very
natural for me to give back.”
build a culture of
philanthropy throughout
the organization.
8 L E G A C Y
Jean Schroeder
Jean Schroeder has been a grateful UH patient for nearly two decades. Eighteen years ago, the
Cleveland native and classical music enthusiast was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a disorder
of the thyroid that can lead to visual impairment and even blindness, among a number of other
complications. As part of her treatment, Jean was referred to Dr. David Bardenstein, Director of
Ocular Oncology Service at UH Case Medical Center and Professor at Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine, who told her she would need a series of surgeries to halt and reverse the effects
of the disease. “Dr. Bardenstein was very patient, very kind,” Jean recalled. “He understood my
great fear.” Jean eventually underwent five corrective surgeries. Today, her eyes are healthy and
visit us online
This landmark moment in the history of Discover the Difference affords the opportunity
to reflect on the great generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and organizations
who have given so generously to the campaign. UH began the year by celebrating the
exceptional generosity of the Harrington family, whose transformational gift of $50 million
was used to fund the University Hospitals Harrington Discovery Institute.
Stacey and Howard “Hoby” Hanna IV
she remains extraordinarily grateful for the care she received. Jean is currently working with UH
to establish a named fund to honor and advance Dr. Bardenstein’s work. Jean said, “I hope my gift
will help other patients receive an early diagnosis and treatment that doesn’t involve surgery.”
Everywhere throughout
the community, individuals
and organizations have
pledged their support to
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
For nearly a quarter of a century, the leaders and employees of Howard Hanna Real Estate
Services have organized the Choo Choo Chow Chow fundraising campaign to benefit a number
of local children’s hospitals, including University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
Through catered events, wine tastings, golf outings and more, Choo Choo Chow Chow has
raised more than $6.5 million for children’s health care, more than $1 million of which has been
provided to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. The extraordinary grassroots effort is led
by Howard W. “Hoby” Hanna IV, President of Howard Hanna Ohio, and his wife, Stacey. Beyond
their sustained support of the event, the couple serve as volunteer leaders on the UH Rainbow
Babies & Children’s National Leadership Council. Stacey is a trustee of the Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Foundation. “The Hanna family’s enduring support of pediatric medicine in our region has generated
valuable support for the patients of Rainbow,” said Patricia DePompei, Interim President,
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital. “Thanks to
the generosity of the Hanna family and the entire Howard Hanna team, the physicians and staff
of Rainbow have been able to develop a Pediatric Palliative Care Program which helps patients,
parents and families cope with the myriad physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs
that come into play when a child has a life-shortening illness.”U H
UHhospitals.org/giving the historic Discover the
Difference campaign.
Grateful patients and their
families, local business
leaders and benefactors of
all ages and a wide range
of economic means have
made gifts large and small
to advance the campaign.
Every gift, regardless of
size, will make a difference
in the lives of patients,
their families and the entire
Northeast Ohio community.
Su mmer 2012 9
Making what seems the Impossible possible
For most couples,
parenthood is a joyful
and exciting next step.
But for those dealing
with infertility,
parenthood seems a
distant and elusive hope.
10 L E G A C Y
visit us online
Kat h y
R i s m an
Pav il ion
|
U H
Ahu j a
M e d ic a l
C e n t e r
That’s when James Goldfarb, MD, MBA, world-renowned fertility
expert and Medical Director of the University Hospitals Fertility
Center and his team enter. Together, Dr. Goldfarb and the prospective
parents work together to make the impossible happen.
Think of it as an emotional roller-coaster
ride filled with anticipation, ups, downs,
fear and wild elation. His passengers say
Dr. Goldfarb is along with them for every
twist and turn. He becomes a part of their
family. Patients describe him as caring,
compassionate, down-to-earth, having a
keen intellect and a brilliant scientific mind.
Dr. Goldfarb first started helping couples
have a family nearly 30 years ago when
reproductive endocrinology was in its infancy.
His pioneering accomplishments lent credibility
to the burgeoning field. Dr. Goldfarb
and his team performed the first in vitro
fertilization (IVF) birth in Ohio (1983) and
were the first in the world to have an
IVF baby born to a surrogate mother (1986)
which made the cover of Life magazine.
James Goldfarb, MD, MBA, Medical Director of University Hospitals Fertility Center and
Clinical Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Today, he works with James Liu, MD,
Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics
& Gynecology at University Hospitals
MacDonald Women’s Hospital, the only
dedicated women’s hospital in the state
of Ohio. Dr. Goldfarb leads a team of
40, including registered nurses, clinicians,
fertility specialists, medical assistants and
lab technicians. They all share his passion
for helping couples who need assisted
reproductive technologies. The regional
program’s hub is housed in the Kathy Risman
Pavilion at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical
Center in Beachwood. Satellite programs
are offered at UH MacDonald Women’s
Hospital in Cleveland and in Twinsburg at
the Towne Center, 8900 Darrow Road. A new
UH Fertility Center will open in the fall in
Westlake just across from Crocker Park.
“He was a partner in the whole process.
It felt like he was our backup. He was easy
to trust and his experience is something
to rely on.”
– Sharon Jermany-Wing
UHhospitals.org/giving SU mmer 2012
11
“I have everything I could have wanted – and more.”– Sharon Jermany-Wing
Dr. Goldfarb’s neat, orderly office
includes the historic Life magazine cover
and a sign: “There will be no crisis today,
my schedule is full.” Even miracles can
be stressful. “When it works, it’s wonderful,”
he said. “But no one understands how
stressful fertility issues are for doctor and
patient, including the men.”
“You plan for the worst-case scenario
and hope for the best possible outcome,”
explained first-time new mother Sharon
Jermany-Wing, whose twins, Ethan
Alexander Jermany Wing and Ella Lillian
Jermany Wing were born in March. Two
years ago Sharon and her husband,
Bret, tried IVF. “I was told I was too high
risk,” said Sharon who has multiple
sclerosis. “I never thought I’d be sitting
here looking at my babies.”
The couple had nearly given up,
emotionally and financially, until they
met Dr. Goldfarb. In vitro fertilization
is costly and few patients’ insurance
covers IVF. The couple, however, qualified
for a grant through the Partnership
for Families program at UH (see related
story on Page 13).
“With Dr. Goldfarb, it was smooth sailing,”
said Sharon, cuddling a cooing Ella.
This time the IVF worked immediately.
“Dr. Goldfarb was a partner in the
whole process. It felt like he was our
backup. He was easy to trust and his
experience is something to rely on.”
At the long-awaited ultrasound, they
got their first glimpse of their future.
“The babies are fine,” the ultrasound
technician said, emphasizing the pluralness
of it all.
“I thought my husband would pass
out right there,” Sharon said. She was
overjoyed. “I have everything I could
have wanted – and more,” she said.
12 L E G A C Y
Twins Ethan and Ella Jermany Wing with their parents Bret Wing and Sharon Jermany-Wing.
Still, IVF accounts for less than half of
the cases seen by Dr. Goldfarb and his
team. The UH Fertility Center offers help
for all fertility issues: endometriosis,
inducing ovulation, tubal sterilization
reversal, sperm banking, genetic testing
and psychological counseling throughout.
Male fertility issues are also treated
and may include referrals to urologists
who work in tandem with the UH Fertility
Center. The state-of-the-art facilities
offer comforting surroundings. Even
the waiting rooms have the patients
in mind: separate waiting rooms allow
women dealing with fertility issues their
own space so they aren’t sitting next
to those who are pregnant. A one-stop
shop, all nonsurgical infertility procedures,
including in vitro fertilization and
intrauterine inseminations are done
at the center’s offices.
Educating patients and other medical
personnel about new technologies is
critical. Fertility preservation, for instance,
should be offered to all women facing
cancer treatment, said Dr. Goldfarb.
Egg banking allows an option for
women who might want children after
cancer treatments.
The UH Fertility Center works closely
with cancer patients at UH Seidman
Cancer Center, particularly the Angie
Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer
Institute at UH Rainbow Babies &
Children’s Hospital. UH will soon be part
of the National Oncofertility Consortium,
whose major research focuses on
freezing ovarian tissue. This procedure
makes it possible for young cancer
patients whose ovaries might be
visit us online
Kat h y
R i s m an
Pav il ion
|
U H
Ahu j a
M e d ic a l
C e n t e r
The UH Fertility Center team (from left): Bryan Hecht, MD;
Brooke Rossi, MD; James Goldfarb, MD; James Liu, MD,
(Chairman of the Department of Reproductive Biology,
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine); Barry
Peskin, MD; and William Hurd, MD.
destroyed by cancer treatments to
have a child of their own in the future
following life-saving cancer treatment.
Reproductive technology also now
allows pre-implantation genetic testing
for diseases that could be passed
along to children. Tests on IVF embryos
can now identify the embryos without
genetic problems, which decrease
pregnancy terminations and babies
with genetic abnormalities.
Infertility problems are increasing. “The
only reason we are seeing more infertility
today is because of the delay in child
bearing,” Dr. Goldfarb said. “What
might have been a mild issue when
a woman was 29 or 30 years old can
greatly impact 40-year-olds.”
miracles and mystery amid the science.
The babies are living proof. “I have the
best job in the world,” he says, just like
a proud father. U H
For more information about the
UH Fertility Center, call 216-285-5028
or visit UHhospitals.org/Fertility.
But, today, people are more willing to
talk about fertility problems. At the
same time, reproductive endocrinology
is a rapidly increasing medical specialty.
Dr. Goldfarb has witnessed it all: the
A Second Chance
Cathy Kilbane remembers the seemingly endless waiting to
see if in vitro fertilization (IVF) worked for her.
“It’s a hormonally augmented emotional roller-coaster,” said
Cathy, Chair of the Partnership for Families Leadership Council,
University Hospitals board member and mother of two young
girls. “There’s a feeling of utter powerlessness and if it doesn’t
work you feel your body has failed you. Meanwhile, your
peers are having healthy babies.”
James Goldfarb, MD, MBA, Medical Director of University
Hospitals Fertility Center and Clinical Professor at Case Western
Reserve University School of Medicine, said IVF is “like a roll
of the dice.” It can be a costly one – $12,000 for every IVF
try. Families yearn for a baby at almost any price: homes are
mortgaged, savings emptied, money borrowed. It’s difficult to
let go when that next time might just be the right time.”
And if it’s not? “The level of disappointment is profound,”
Cathy said. “Failure. Despair. Hopelessness. It takes a lot to
step up and try again.”
While IVF has made many couples parents, it can often take
several tries for a successful pregnancy. For many, that’s
when the monetary hurdle dashes once-in-a-lifetime hopes
for completing their family.
The Partnership for Families program at UH Fertility Center
provides a second chance for couples undergoing IVF. The
program helps those who paid for a first IVF cycle, but lack the
UHhospitals.org/giving financial means to pay for a subsequent round. Candidates
must meet financial and other criteria. The program also
provides funding for cancer patients who need fertility-sparing
treatments before undergoing cancer therapy. And it also pays
for those needing pre-implantation genetic testing.
“This is the most satisfying thing I do for patients,” said Dr.
Goldfarb, who is the co-founder of the Partnership with Nancy
Lerner Fisher. “People are so grateful to those who donate.
I’m the one they thank, but I’m only the messenger.”
Sarah Michener Rayburn tried IVF over a dozen times before
she saw the heartbeat on the ultrasound and had her baby.
Then again, with the help of Dr. Goldfarb, twins followed.
Today she has three young adults carving out their futures.
Sarah knows she’s lucky to have been able to try again and
again. Many can’t.
“This may be a couple’s one and only chance and I’m living
proof that one more chance can do it,” said Sarah whose very
generous gifts to the Partnership for Families program have
made it possible for numerous couples to have a chance at
what is most important to them – a family.
To support the work of the UH Fertility Center, call 216-844-0443
or use the envelope inserted in this issue and mark it Fertility
or visit UHhospitals.org/Fertility2012.
Su mmer 2012
13
UH Harrington Heart & Vascular
Institute Launches Alternative to
Intensive Surgery
The aorta is a gatekeeper to good
health. The body’s largest artery, the
aorta transports oxygenated blood from
the heart to the head, arms, hands,
chest, legs and feet.
Damage to the aorta such as aneurysms,
arterial penetrating ulcers, intramural
hematomas and dissections can be
life-threatening, and traditional treatments
for these conditions often involve major
surgery requiring an incision to the
chest and abdomen.
University Hospitals
Harrington Heart
& Vascular Institute
now offers an
alternative to such
intensive surgery
called thoracic
endovascular
aortic repair (TEVAR).
TEVAR is a
procedure in which
a stent graft is
directed to the site of an aortic impairment
by way of a catheter introduced through
a small incision in the groin. The stent
graft provides a reinforced channel for
the blood to flow through, reducing
pressure on the damaged area of the
artery and helping to prevent a rupture.
Vikram Kashyap, MD
A minimally invasive technique, TEVAR
is safe for many patients too frail or ill
to undergo conventional open-aortic
surgery. Benefits of TEVAR include
shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery.
Vikram Kashyap, MD, Co-Director,
UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute
and Chief of the Division of Vascular
Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at
UH Case Medical Center, and Professor,
Case Western Reserve University School
of Medicine, leads the team.
Visit UHhospitals.org/heart or call
1-866-UH4-CARE to find out more
about TEVAR.
14 L E G A C Y
UH
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Hospital Receives Health Care
Innovation Award
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies
& Children’s Hospital received a
$12.7 million Health Care Innovation
Award in May from the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Innovation
(CMMI) to fund a project that aims to
enhance the well-being of children and
reduce health care costs by improving
care coordination.
“Where Dreams Come True” designed
by Hector Vega, a gift of Iris and
Mort November in celebration of the
life of Debra Ann November, welcomes
visitors to UH Rainbow Babies &
Children’s Hospital.
The project, which calls for the
implementation of a Physician Extension
Team (PET), will transform the way
children with a history of frequent
emergency room visits, complex medical
conditions or behavioral health challenges
receive care. Specifically, the PET care
model will provide:
Practice-tailored Facilitation – presents
customized education and training
in quality improvement initiatives to
primary care offices
Telehealth – offers 24/7 access to
nurses and physicians who can supply
medical advice and referrals
Support Services – assists primary care
physicians in providing their patients
with medical evaluations, home-based
assessments, and mental health support
to promote optimal use of social services
Creating a PET is expected to result in
better pediatric health care, fewer avoidable
ER visits and hospitalizations, and lower
costs – with a projected savings of more
than $13 million over three years.
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
received the highest amount and is
among 26 other preliminary awardees
selected to receive a federal Health Care
Innovation Award from a pool of more
than 3,000 applicants.
visit us online
H
Stem Cells Show Effectiveness
in the Treatment of Stress
Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (UI), or
the unintentional loss of urine during
physical activity, affects approximately
40 percent of women in the U.S. But,
UI is not something women have to
accept. Thanks to new research at
University Hospitals Urology Institute
at UH Case
Medical Center,
a minimally
invasive treatNew Treatment for Skin
ment for UI is
Lymphoma Gives Hope
becoming more
effective than
University Hospitals continues to lay
ever before.
the groundwork for advances in the
treatment of chronic skin lymphoma.
UH physicianIn a first-of-its-kind study, clinical researchers
scientists are
from UH Seidman Cancer Center and
focusing on
Firouz Daneshgari, MD
Case Western Reserve University
injecting stem
School of Medicine established that
cells and other biological agents around
O6-benzylguanine, a topical chemotherapy,
the problem area to repair and restore
is successful in treating cutaneous T-Cell
tissue function. This state-of-the-art
procedure could offer new hope to those lymphoma, a type of cancer found in
the immune system.
who are not candidates for traditional
surgical interventions, which often include
women diagnosed with UI in their
50s and 60s. Firouz Daneshgari, MD,
FACS, Director, UH Urology Institute and
Chairman of the Department of Urology
at UH Case Medical Center and Case
Western Reserve University School of
Medicine, is leading the study.
For more information about the innovative
work under way at UH Urology Institute,
visit UHhospitals.org/uro or call
1-866-UH4-CARE.
The study, which was funded in part with a
grant from the National Cancer Institute
to Case Western Reserve University,
demonstrates that O6-benzylguanine
enhances the efficacy of carmustine,
a medication used to slow the growth
of cancer cells. In addition, adding
O6-benzylguanine to carmustine makes
it less toxic to skin, allowing the patient
to receive more treatments. Kevin
Cooper, MD, Chairman of the Department
of Dermatology at UH Case Medical
Center and Case Western Reserve
University School of Medicine, was senior
author of the study.
To make an
appointment with the Department of Dermatology, call 1-866-UH4-CARE or visit UHhospitals.org/
DermLegacy2012.
UH Seidman Cancer Center Offers
Novel Procedure for Advanced
Gynecologic Cancers
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer
Center recently launched one of the only
dedicated programs to treat advanced
abdominal and gynecologic cancers
using Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal
Chemotherapy (HIPEC).
HIPEC is a novel therapy used in combination
with surgery. After the surgeon removes
the tumor, a chemotherapy agent is
heated and circulated throughout the
abdominal cavity to destroy any remaining
cancer cells.
Used for years for colon and appendiceal
cancers and mesothelioma, HIPEC helps
treat cancers not responsive to radiation
therapy or intravenous chemotherapy.
UH Seidman Cancer Center is one
of the few institutions in the nation
now using HIPEC to treat gynecologic
cancers, including new and recurrent
ovarian cancer and high-risk endometrial
cancers. Several
innovative clinical
trials using HIPEC
will start at UH
Seidman Cancer
Center this year
led by Robert
DeBernardo,
MD, gynecologic
oncologist at
UH Case Medical
Center and
Robert DeBernardo, MD
Assistant
Professor at Case Western Reserve
University School of Medicine.
For more information on this novel
therapy, visit UHSeidman.org/HIPEC or
call 1-866-UH4-CARE.
Kevin Cooper, MD
UHhospitals.org/giving Su mmer 2012 15
U n i v e r s i t y
H o s p i t a l s
C o n n o r
I n t e g r a t i v e
M e d i c i n e
n e t w o r k
MindBod
“Integrative medicine is about
embracing optimal health. It means experiencing well-being regardless
of whether a disease is present. The holistic approach blends traditional medicine, including pharmaceuticals and surgery, with evidence-based therapies.”
– Francoise Adan, MD, Medical Director, Connor Integrative Medicine Network
16 L E G A C Y
visit us online
Acupun cture
coa chin g
dySpirit
In teg rative psy ch iatry
Ma ssa g e
Meditation a n d g u id ed im a g ery
Mu sic thera py
Reflex olog y
Reiki
Ta i chi
For Carlee Seelbach, a UH executive assistant,
2011 was a rough year. Carlee battled persistent,
debilitating sciatic pain, monthly headaches,
year-round allergies and digestive problems. In
addition, Carlee’s infected tonsils and several
wisdom teeth were removed.
“I wanted to start 2012 fresh. I wanted it to be
a good year,” said Carlee.
Although content with the quality medical care
provided by her physicians, Carlee wanted to
become more active in her own health care. She also wanted to explore
options to help her resume and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Francoise Adan, MD
Carlee sought help from
the Sara and Chris Connor
Integrative Medicine Network,
which debuted in the fall of
2011. The systemwide
initiative, based at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, offers programs, workshops and services to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients, the
community and UH employees.
Th era peutic Yog a
The network was established by a $1 million
gift from Sara and Christopher Connor. Chris
is Chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams
Company in Cleveland.
“Integrative medicine is about embracing optimal
health,” said Francoise Adan, MD, Medical
Director, Connor Integrative Medicine Network
and Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve
University School of Medicine. “It means
experiencing well-being regardless of whether a
disease is present. The holistic approach blends
traditional medicine, including pharmaceuticals
and surgery, with evidence-based therapies. Integrative
medicine is for everyone from athletes training
for a marathon to someone taking his or her last
breath in peace.”
Carlee had attended several of Dr. Adan’s
meditation sessions to learn coping skills and to
alleviate her insomnia. This year she also tried
acupuncture. Acupuncture practitioners gently
insert very thin needles into specific body points
to balance energy to achieve better health,
relieve pain and achieve inner peace. Carlee met
with licensed acupuncturist Anisha Durve for
a 90-minute introductory session.
“I give clients a very personalized treatment plan
within a suggested time frame and an idea of
UHhospitals.org/giving SU mmer 2012 17
U n i v e r s i t y
H o s p i t a l s
C o n n o r
I n t e g r a t i v e
“Initially,
I treat specific symptoms.
M e d i c i n e
n e t w o r k
from left: Dawn Miller, Salene Sanderson
and Erin Roush
But my goal with my clients is
to achieve long-term health.”
– Anisha Durve
what results they may see,”said Anisha.
“Initially, I treat specific symptoms. But
my goal with my clients is to achieve
long-term health.”
Carlee’s following visits were held in
a private room, often enhanced with
aromatherapy and soft music. Needles
were placed in her back, legs and top
of her head while she relaxed on a
comfortable table for about 20 to 30
minutes.
“It is not painful at all. It feels like a
fingertip tapping on your skin,” said
Carlee. “The thought that my symptoms
are improving after all these years is just
wonderful.”
Currently about 70 to 80 percent of
Anisha’s patients are women. She expects
more men as greater knowledge and
acceptance of integrative medicine
increases. Patients now see Anisha for
women’s health (PMS, menopause,
infertility and post-menopausal concerns)
and emotional disorders (post-traumatic
distress, depression, insomnia and other
issues).
Others seek help for pain management
(back, hip, knee, neck/shoulder and
migraine headaches) and digestive
problems. Acupressure, a noninvasive
technique, is also offered. Connor
Integrative Medicine Network services
include:
To Amy Patterson, RN, Liver Transplant
Coordinator at UH Case Medical Center,
the network has meant finding a yoga
class and instructor, Dawn Miller, that
are “right” for her. Amy attends a
weekly class to find relief from back
pain and stress.
•Acupuncture
•Coaching
•Integrative psychiatry
•Massage
•Meditation and guided imagery
•Music therapy
•Reflexology
•Reiki
•Tai Chi
•Therapeutic yoga
Rev. Ann Marie Winters first sought
help at UH for her clinical depression.
Although Ann Marie was already
practicing meditation, she felt the personal
and enhanced meditation therapy she
received with Dr. Adan to be of greater
benefit.
“Everyone can benefit from Integrative
Medicine,” said Dr. Adan, “including
patients undergoing chemotherapy
who are given chair massages to reduce
anxiety.”
“Dr. Adan is very spiritual and creative,
and I have always believed in the mind,
body and spirit idea. She gave me
additional tools to use in my work as
a teacher. She developed a woman’s
leadership exercise to strengthen my
leadership ability. Mentally, I am so
Upcoming seminars at UH Ahuja Medical Center include:
Thursday, August 9 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm | “Enlightened Communications”
Get your message across and experience truly being heard.
Thursday, September 13 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm | “Immunity to Change”
Learn why your old habits keep pulling you back and make changes that stick!
The fee is $35 per class. For a complete list of workshops and classes,
visit UHhospitals.org/MindBody2012.
18 L E G A C Y
visit us online
Sara and Chris Connor
much more clear-headed than I was
in the past,” said Ann Marie, who also
receives the network’s therapeutic
massages, calling them both physically
and mentally relaxing.
“By taking a different, positive approach
to integrative medicine, UH has positioned
itself to become a national leader in this
area,” said Dr. Adan. “We are partners
with our physicians and offer therapies
which patients have asked about or
requested. The network is doing even
better than expected, especially for an
initiative that is less than a year old. We
don’t need expensive equipment or a
large space. Many of the techniques can
be used in any UH facility, even bedside.”
Dr. Adan said the network is “an easy
fit” with UH’s mission – To Heal. To
Teach. To Discover. She called support
for the initiative “contagious” and that
the “passion, excitement and feeling of
responsibility” for its success in helping
patients permeates the UH community. U H
To make an appointment with the
Connor Integrative Medicine Network,
visit UHhospitals.org/MindBody2012 or
call 1-866-UH4-CARE. The website
lists classes and retreats.
A couple’s shared vision
Sara and Chris Connor had decided that their support for UH’s Discover
the Difference: The Campaign for University Hospitals would be their biggest
gift to date. But initially that’s where the couple’s shared vision stopped.
Chris was thinking bricks and mortar, new wings for buildings and the
Connor name over a door. Sara is an occupational therapist by training,
Reiki master and promoter of ancient healing therapies. She saw the
opportunity to directly help UH patients, employees and community members
searching for additional healing and relaxation methods.
“Sara gets the lion’s share of credit for our supporting the Connor Integrative
Medicine Network,” said Chris, Chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams
Company. “Once I learned of the potential of Sara’s idea and saw the
interest and support of so many UH leaders, I came around full swing to
line up with my life partner’s request.”
Chris, who has had successful acupuncture treatments to his elbow, said
the network was quickly up and running. The timing was perfect, according
to Chris, who said Americans are beginning to have more curiosity and
respect for ancient healing techniques. He believes the initiative will attract
professionals and patients from all over the world who seek integrative
medicine.
Chris has held numerous positions with UH including chair of the UH Board
where he continues to serve as a director. When Chris first became involved
with UH, he spent time walking the halls of the oldest parts of the hospital
in University Circle. A history buff, Chris enjoyed reading the bronze
plaques on the walls, learning about the people and institutions that have
contributed to UH’s great reputation. He was impressed to read that UH
and The Sherwin-Williams Company were both established in 1866.
“Things of quality endure,” said Chris. “I just feel like I am in the right
place and have never regretted any decision to support UH in any way.”
To support the work of Connor Integrative Medicine Network, use the
envelope in this issue or visit UHhospitals.org/ConnorLegacy2012.
UHhospitals.org /giving
Su mmer 2012 19
P hilanthropicS pirit
the
UH Friends Enjoy Winter Respite
in Florida
Nearly 500 snowbirds and Florida residents
flocked to University Hospitals’ seventh-annual
outreach events.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida
The coast-to-coast series, held in Naples and West
Palm Beach in February, highlighted new discoveries
and treatments at UH Seidman Cancer Center.
Friends and benefactors were inspired by keynote
speaker Kenneth Cooke, MD, Director of the
Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant Center within
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Hospital Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult
Cancer Institute and Associate Professor, Case
Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Internationally known for his expertise in stem
cell transplantation, he described his team’s and
colleagues’ latest medical advances that are
“Curing Cancer Every Day.”
In March, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s
Circle of Friends hosted two evenings to remember,
first at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club and then
at the home of Madeleine Parker in Palm Beach.
Guests enjoyed wine tasting, cocktails, cuisine,
entertainment and a silent auction. Sharon
Hallberg and Karen Kriss were co-chairs and
Char and Chuck Fowler were honorary chairs
in Naples, which was the first fundraiser for the
Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer
Institute at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Hospital. Larry Sherman was honorary chair in
Palm Beach. Funds raised in Palm Beach allow
the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation to
support people and programs in alignment with
the UH mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.
Please save the week of February 17, 2013, for
the next UH visit to Florida. Details to come.
20 L E G A C Y
visit us online
the
P hilanthropic S pirit
“ T H is was a co m m u nit y
e ffo r t to h e lp o u r m ost
v u ln e r abl e fa m ili e s . ”
– Beth Curtiss
Past President of the Rainbow Babies &
Children’s Foundation
PNC-sponsored ride the rainbow
raises record $1.14 Million
More than 1,000 supporters set a course for
adventure and attended the fifth biennial Ride
the Rainbow Gala, presented by PNC, on Saturday,
April 21 at the Cleveland Jet Center at the
Cuyahoga County Airport. The sold-out crowd
raised more than $1.1 million to benefit UH
Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
Themed “Around the World in Eighty Days,” the
fun-filled evening featured international cuisine,
exotic entertainment and a spirited live auction
with exclusive items including a MercedesBenz Germany Getaway, South African safari
and “Top Gun” day aboard a Marchetti SF260
Fighter with a trained pilot.
The eclectic entertainment echoed the world
party theme and kept guests amused throughout
the evening. Performers included dancers
representing India, China, Africa, Latin America
and the Middle East. International cuisine
complemented the entertainment, with foods
from the Middle East, Japan, Africa, South
America and the United States.
“This was a community effort to help our most
vulnerable families,” said Beth Curtiss, Past
President of the Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Foundation. “Proceeds allow Rainbow to attract
the best and brightest clinicians and provide the
most leading-edge programs and family-centered
care for our patients and their families.”
UHhospitals.org/giving PNC Regional President Paul Clark and his wife, Jill
Loyal and enthusiastic committee members
worked together to plan a memorable evening,
including co-chairs Laurel Conrad, Julie Cristal
and Stacey Hanna. Connie and Jim Brown and
family, along with Kenn Ricci and Pamela Vas,
served as honorary co-chairs. On the night
before Ride the Rainbow, generous sponsors of
$10,000 or more were invited to an intimate
pre-party at the Ricci-Vas home featuring special
guest Emeril Lagasse. Corporate Committee co-chairs
were PNC’s Paul Clark and The Kennedy Group’s
Michael Kennedy.
Presenting and early sponsor PNC and Signature
sponsor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
helped make the evening possible. PNC’s initial
and ongoing support of Ride the Rainbow since
its inception in 2004 has helped to build and
attract other high-level sponsors to the event,
including “Fly Us to the Moon” sponsors Connie
and Jim Brown; “Platinum Jet” sponsors Char
and Chuck Fowler, Joan and Leonard Horvitz,
Erica Hartman-Horvitz with Richard Horvitz,
Danielle and Michael Weiner. “Gold Yacht”
sponsors included Arras Group, Consolidated
Graphics Group Inc., Forest City Enterprises,
Gilbane Building Company, Penske Cleveland
and Ricci Family Foundation.
Ride the Rainbow is the premier fundraising
event orchestrated by the Rainbow Babies &
Children’s Foundation benefiting UH Rainbow
Babies & Children’s Hospital.
SU mmer 2012
21
the
P hilanthropic S pirit
Thomas Sferra, MD, Named Inaugural
RossKamm Chair in Pediatric Gastroenterology
Children of all ages treated at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital for digestive problems are benefiting from the generous philanthropy of Cleveland’s Rosskamm family.
Betty Rosskamm and her family have contributed $1.5 million to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital to create and endow the Martin
and Betty Rosskamm Chair in Pediatric
Gastroenterology. The chair is in memory
of Betty’s late husband, Martin, and in
honor of Fred Rothstein, MD, President of
UH Case Medical Center.
from left: Thomas Sferra, MD,
Betty Rosskamm, Jackie and Fred
Rothstein, MD
The inaugural holder of the Rosskamm Chair, Thomas Sferra, MD, is Chief of the Division
of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Hospital and Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University School
of Medicine. His appointment was celebrated on April 4, what would have
been Martin’s 97th birthday. Dr. Rothstein, a pediatric gastroenterologist,
is Betty’s son-in-law. Dr. Sferra, a native of Youngstown, came to UH earlier this year from the
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. A clinician,
educator and researcher, Dr. Sferra has published widely and serves on
numerous national professional committees. The Rosskamms created Jo-Ann Stores Inc., the nation’s leading specialty
retailer of fabrics and one of the largest crafts retailers. The company’s
humble beginning was a small fabric store on Superior Avenue in East
Cleveland that was started in 1943 by Betty’s parents, Hilda and Berthold
Reich, and the Rohr Bach-Zimmerman family, all immigrants who fled
Germany to escape Nazi persecution.
“My husband used to say, ‘Only in America,’ and we feel fortunate to be
able to give back to our community in this way,” Betty said. “But this chair,
first and foremost, is intended to do something important for UH Rainbow
Babies & Children’s Hospital and the children and families it serves.”
22 L E G A C Y
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the
P hilanthropic S pirit
FOUNDATION HONORS UH, DONALD HRICIK, MD, WITH
GIFT TO CREATE ENDOWED MASTER CLINICIAN
from left: Richard Walsh, MD, Donald
Hricik, MD, and Diane Wish, President of
the Rosenberg Renal Foundation
Donald Hricik, MD, now can add “Master Clinician” to his
long list of accomplishments. Well known for his excellence in clinical care and dedication to
research as Division Chief of Nephrology and Hypertension at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Dr. Hricik recently was named Centers for Dialysis
Care’s (CDC) Leonard C.
Rosenberg Renal Research Foundation
Master Clinician in Nephrology at UH.
The honor was established with a gift
of $1.25 million from CDC’s Leonard C.
Rosenberg Renal Research Foundation.
CDC is an independent, regional, notfor-profit provider of dialysis services. research aimed at improving the outcomes
of patients with kidney disease, including
those with end-stage kidney disease requiring
dialysis or kidney transplantation,” said
Dr. Hricik. “The award strengthens the
long-standing bond between my division and the CDC and will go a long way
toward achieving our common goal of
optimizing the prevention and treatment
of chronic kidney disease.”
Dr. Hricik also is Medical Director of the
Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program
at UH. A Professor of Medicine at Case
Western Reserve University School of
Medicine, Dr. Hricik recently wrote a novel,
Racing to Pittsburgh, a family saga and
medical drama involving transplantation
and academic medicine.
“This generous award from the CDC and
the Rosenberg Foundation will support
Lung Cancer Specialist Appointed
as Gries Endowed Director
A national leader in developing new treatments for lung cancer,
Afshin Dowlati, MD, was appointed inaugural holder of the Lucile
and Robert H. Gries Endowed Director, Center for Cancer Drug
Development at the UH Seidman Cancer Center. A dedication
event was held on April 16 in the Barbara Ruhlman Conference Center.
The endowed directorship was established through a $1.5 million
gift from Bob and Sally Gries. Bob, a retired Shaker Heights
venture capitalist and former minority owner of the Cleveland
Browns, has served on the University Hospitals Case Medical
Center Board of Directors since 1976. Sally is founder of Gries
Financial LLC and a member of the Diamond Advisory Group at
UH, through which she helps others meet their philanthropic and
financial goals. They both are highly involved in several volunteer
leadership councils at University Hospitals, helping advance the
compassionate care that their family has trusted for generations.
“Our parents received their cancer care at University Hospitals,”
said Bob. “Sally and I are honored to be part of a future cure for
lung cancer by supporting Dr. Dowlati’s inspiring work.”
Dr. Dowlati’s groundbreaking research includes identifying the
biomarker STAT3’s involvement in lung cancer, introducing the
possibility of new targeted therapies. With a focus on Phase I
drug development, he has overseen numerous studies in which
successes in the laboratory are helping to improve survival rates
in patients. Dr. Dowlati is the Rosalie and Morton A. Cohen Chair
in Oncology and serves as Disease Team Leader – Lung Cancer &
Thoracic Scientific Team at UH Seidman Cancer Center. He is an Associate
Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
UHhospitals.org/giving Afshin Dowlati, MD (center) with Bob and Sally Gries
“ S ally and i a r e hono r e d
to b e pa r t of a f u t u r e
c u r e fo r l u ng canc e r b y
s u ppo r ting D r . D owlati ’ s
inspi r ing wo r k . ”
– Bob Gries
Su mmer 2012 23
the
from left: Maria Bahr,
Brian and Steve Znidarsic
P hilanthropic S pirit
Birthday Boy gives Back to Rainbow
Brian Znidarsic celebrated his 21st birthday like many young adults, with a big surprise party surrounded by family and friends. But unlike his peers, Brian’s guest list of more than 100 people included many of the doctors and nurses who helped deliver him. Born at just 22 ½ weeks gestation, Brian was the youngest premature infant known to have survived when
he was delivered at University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital in 1991. His twin sister, Megan, did not survive.
For his birthday, Brian did not want presents for himself. Instead, he asked partygoers to donate any gifts to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital,
where Brian beat incredible odds and survived life-threatening complications resulting from his
premature birth. “We never gave up on Brian,” said Maria Bahr, Brian’s mother.
Doctors and nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Hospital worked around the clock to save the tiny newborn clinging to life support. Brian’s
lungs were underdeveloped and he suffered a severe bleed in the right side of his brain. Small
enough to fit in the palm of his father’s hand, at two weeks, Brian’s weight dipped below
12 ounces as he struggled with numerous health threats. It would be several weeks before
Brian’s parents would get to hold their son. To connect with their baby and ease his suffering,
Maria placed a cassette player in Brian’s incubator and played Disney lullabies. When the music
stopped, she or the nurses would flip the tape and start again. This early exposure to music may
be the reason why Brian plays guitar and writes music and lyrics, said Maria. It also may explain
why he asked that his birthday donations, which totaled more than $1,100, be allocated for
music therapy at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
“I want to go to different hospitals and play my guitar for the kids,” said Brian, who is interested
in a career in music therapy.
He recently toured the renovated Quentin & Elisabeth Alexander Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and was humbled to see the tiny infants in their
incubators. “There is always a special place in my heart for the doctors and nurses at Rainbow,”
said Brian, who receives a phone call every Christmas Day from Brian Timms, MD, now living in
Australia, who provided Brian with vital life support despite a dire prognosis. “Rainbow saved
my life,” he said.
$1 Million Gift from The Althans Foundation Establishes New
Chair in Pediatric Ophthalmology
A generous $1 million gift from the Althans Foundation, along with a matching grant of $500,000 from the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation, will
establish and endow the William R. and Margaret E. Althans Chair in Pediatric Ophthalmology. The Althans Chair will support clinical study, development of new treatments for eye diseases in infants and children, and training for pediatric ophthalmologists.
Since 2003, the Althans Foundation has supported vision care and literacy programs in the Cleveland area. The foundation is named after Margaret and William Althans, who volunteered and supported causes that addressed
literacy and vision. Margaret, a weekly volunteer at the Cleveland Sight Center for
nearly 25 years, passed away in 2002 at age 85. William died in 1992.
Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation has awarded 11 matching grants of
$500,000 each to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, or more than $5 million.
24 L E G A C Y
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Volunteers Play an Integral Role in the
University Hospitals Experience
Fred Rothstein, MD
President, University Hospitals Case Medical Center
University Hospitals owes much of its history and early
success to volunteers. What would become University
Hospitals Case Medical Center originated with a
volunteer group, the Ladies Aid Society of the Old
Stone Church which operated a “Home for the Friendless”
to assist refugees displaced by the Civil War. Seeing a
need for a permanent hospital to care for Cleveland’s
poor, a group of civic leaders and Old Stone Church
parishioners formed the Cleveland City Hospital Society
in 1866. That same year, they opened the society’s first
hospital, Wilson Street Hospital. Volunteers offered
care and comfort to our first patients. In 1888, when
the name was changed to Lakeside Hospital (later called
University Hospitals of Cleveland), a voluntary Board
of Managers – mostly women – oversaw its daily operation
and management in conjunction with a full-time matron
and staff.
More than a century later, volunteers continue to serve
at the heart of UH. Our volunteers serve in many areas
from the bedside to our gift shops and as members of
our Leadership Councils. Winston Churchill once said,
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by
what we give.” This eloquent observation perfectly
describes the role of our Leadership Council members,
who give of themselves in so many ways. The payoffs
of their selflessness are many – for them personally and
professionally and, most of all, for the patients who
choose UH for their care.
UH’s Leadership Council concept and design was developed
with community involvement in mind. What began as
the National Cancer Leadership Council and the Rainbow
National Leadership Council in 2006, is now a collection
of 18 UH Leadership Councils comprised of more than
800 volunteer leaders. (See chart below.)
Margaret Mead, an American cultural anthropologist and
writer, famously said, “Never doubt that a small group
of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Our past and
future successes are due in large part to the drive, enthusiasm
and active participation of our countless volunteers. It’s
through this ongoing commitment that UH continues
to grow and is ranked among the top health systems in
the country. On behalf of the UH family, I acknowledge
the commitment of all of our volunteers and am grateful
to them for making a difference in the lives of those
we serve each day.U H
Members of the adjacent
UH Ahuja Medical Center Leadership Council | UH Digestive Health & Surgical Innovation Leadership Council | UH Ear, Nose &
volunteer organizations serve
Throat Leadership Council | UH Family Medicine Advisory Committee | UH Geauga Medical Center Leadership Council |
as ambassadors and informed
UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute Leadership Council | UH MacDonald Women’s Health Leadership Council |
advocates, strategic advisors
UH National Art Leadership Council | UH Neurological Institute Leadership Council | UH Department of Orthopaedics Leadership
and resources for connections
Council | Partnership for Families Advisory Board | UH Department of Psychiatry Advisory Committee | Rainbow Babies &
and philanthropic support for
University Hospitals.
Children’s Foundation* | UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital National Leadership Council | UH Seidman Cancer Leadership
Council | St. John Medical Center Leadership Council | UH Urology Institute Leadership Council | UH Vision Council
*supporting organization of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
UHhospitals.org/giving Legac y m aga z i n e
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