Tell Us Why You`re #Thankful4Kids

Tell Us Why You're
#Thankful4Kids
4
New breakthroughs in medical technology
6
A home away from home
10 Fairytales that do come true
12
#Thankful4Kids
Is your glass half empty or half full?
You might be surprised at the response to that philosophical
question from many children and families at Our Lady
of the Lake Children’s Hospital who often find a home
away from home here — just when they need it the
most. When an unanticipated illness or injury brings
them to the hospital, somehow many find a way to see
the positive in their situations. Opportunity trumps
trouble and gratitude replaces grief.
In this issue of Wee Believe magazine, you will read
about families who see their glass as half full and more,
finding courage against all odds and inspiring others
with their positive outlooks.
At Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital,
we too are thankful:
•
for families who put their trust in our healing
ministry and care.
•
for those who return to offer random acts of
kindness long after they leave the hospital.
•
for the little things that make our hospital unlike
any place on earth.
•
for supporters like you who choose to give back
to our children’s hospital.
•
for children…because they remind us to be
ever grateful.
This time of year, when families gather to celebrate
holidays and count their blessings, what are you
thankful for? We invite you to share with us your
thoughts, insights and experiences on Facebook
and Twitter with #Thankful4Kids.
“To witness miracles unfold in your experience, count
your blessings and be thankful. Perceived small
blessings accumulate to be the most powerful.”
Anna Roberts,
2
Scoliosis Patient
Story, p. 4
— T.F. Hodge
peace prayer
of st. francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
4
New breakthroughs in
medical technology
6
A home away from home
9
Authors who create
for our cause
10
Fairytales that do come
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
true
— St. Francis of Assisi
our mission
12
#Thankful4Kids
15
A message from the
/CEO
Foundation President
16
Calendar of events
Inspired by the vision of St. Francis of Assisi and in
the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, we extend
the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to God’s people,
especially those most in need.
We call forth all who serve in this healthcare ministry,
to share their gifts and talents to create a Spirit of
Healing — with reverence and love for all of life,
with joyfulness of spirit, and with humility and justice
for all those entrusted to our care.
We are, with God’s help, a healing and spiritual
presence for each other and for the communities
we are privileged to serve.
On the cover:
Anna Roberts, 14 years old, Our Lady of the Lake
Children’s Hospital patient, with her mother Debbie
Cover Photography: Jeannie Frey Rhodes
All information provid
ed on diagnosis and the
rapy
reflects the care enviro
nment of Our Lady of
the
Lake Children’s Hospi
tal and related physic
ian
practices. It is not a sub
stitute for the professio
nal
judgment of a qualified
healthcare provider bas
ed
upon actual examinati
on of a patient’s condit
ion
and history. Therefore,
it should not be constr
ued
as medical advice for
any particular patient’s
condition, and may not
be altered in different
care environments.
Anna
Roberts
Even
though they were separated
Anna, adopted in 2000, is now a student
glance. The adolescent growth spurt tends
by 5,000 miles, the moment Debbie
at St. Michael the Archangel High School
to make the deformity progress and
Roberts saw Anna’s photo, it was love at
in Baton Rouge and an avid bowler. During
become more pronounced or noticeable,”
first sight. The tedious process she and
a shopping trip over the summer, Debbie
says Dr. Culotta.
her husband endured trying to adopt
noticed a strange hump in Anna’s back as
Anna from a Russian orphanage brought
she was changing clothes. Concerned,
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the
them in and out of foreign courtrooms.
Debbie brought Anna to an after-hours
spine. More common in girls than boys,
Unable to speak the language, Debbie
clinic and was informed that her daughter
the type of scoliosis Anna has, called
remembers the unsettling feeling of “not
has scoliosis.
idiopathic scoliosis, has no known cause
to trust my interpreter to explain what
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brad
scoliosis, doctors measure the spinal curve
was happening and handle things.”
Culotta takes care of hundreds of children
in degrees. Curvatures over 10 degrees
with scoliosis and says while pediatricians
are considered scoliosis. Dr. Culotta says
Those feelings resurfaced recently, as
regularly screen for the condition, it’s not
curves greater than 25 degrees in children
Debbie watched her now 14-year-old
unusual that the Roberts found out about
with growth remaining may benefit from
daughter being wheeled into surgery
Anna’s condition in this way. “Many
bracing, while surgery is reserved for
following a medical diagnosis that
adolescents with scoliosis may not have
curves over 45 or 50 degrees.
would require the skilled expertise
outward signs of the deformity on first
but may be hereditary. When diagnosing
knowing what was going on and having
of a p
pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
rved
’s abnormally cu
X-rays of Anna
ter
af
d
an
ft)
rgery (le
spine before su
ng
ni
te
gh
ai
str
th
wi
surgery (below)
in place
rods and screws
i am thankful ...
“...that God brought Anna into our lives
and that we were led to Dr. Culotta
so he can fix what is going on with
her. He is making her life better.”
— Debbie Roberts
4
To donate, visit
ololchildrens.org
Anna’s spine was twisted and curved at a
unprecedented, pin point accuracy as
when she came out. I can’t think of a
75 degree angle which, if untreated, would
he places titanium screws in narrow
doctor or facility I would trust more.”
likely worsen over time and into adulthood,
corridors of the spine that serve as
As for Anna’s future bowling games
affecting not only Anna’s physical appearance
anchor points.
(she’s already received a college
but possibly her heart and lungs. Anna is
scholarship for bowling), Dr. Culotta
one of the first children to benefit from
The screws are then connected to rods
says with a smile, she will be “good
new state-of-the-art technology now in
in Anna’s spine to improve the curve and
as she ever was ... maybe even better.” place at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s
better balance the spine.
Hospital, one of only a few medical facilities
in the southeastern U.S. using this new
approach to help children with scoliosis.
Once out of surgery, Anna’s spine will
heal or fuse in the newly balanced, straighter
alignment. The spinal hardware — the
Called a “spine navigation system,”
rods and screws — serve as an internal
Dr. Culotta likens the high-tech piece of
brace while healing and fusion occur.
equipment to “a GPS system on your car
This type of bracing is not visible from
that shows you the road map of where
the outside unlike the bulky braces many
you are headed.” Prior to the addition
remember from years ago. This new support
...generous donors from across the
of this system, doctors had to take
for Anna’s spine will remain in place for
state whose philanthropic gifts made
numerous two dimensional X-rays during
the rest of Anna’s life, hidden from sight.
funding for the new spine navigation
system possible.
surgery to guide them as they worked on
a child’s spine, which is surrounded by a
While improving surgical results for kids
complex network of nerve endings and
is the goal, Dr. Culotta says, “the spine
blood vessels. As Dr. Culotta puts it, “in
navigation system allows use of traditional
pediatric spine surgery, when working
2-D X-ray to be minimized during surgery,
in a small area so sensitive and critical,
thus potentially decreasing overall
every millimeter counts.”
radiation exposure.”
The new spine navigation system works
Debbie likes the idea as well, saying
from one low-dose radiation Computerized
Tomography (CT) scan taken prior to
we are thankful for…
“anything we can save her from will
be wonderful.”
surgery that creates a three dimensional
view of the spine. A high-tech computer
Remembering the same concerns she
in the spine navigation system remembers
experienced during Anna’s adoption 14
and plots a map, which then guides
years ago, Debbie says of the surgery,
Dr. Culotta during surgery with
Pediatric Orthopedist
Dr. Brad Culotta using
the new
spine navigation system
during Anna's surger
y.
“I had to trust that she would be better
we are thankful for…
...special little touches that make our hospital unique, like the towels you will find
in every room of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Created by Polish
native, 22-year-old Maya Meissner, the towels are shaped into animals — frogs,
pigs, monkeys, swans — to delight children during their hospital stay just when
they need a little extra cheer. “I love nothing more than to make people smile
and hope that these animals will bring joy to all of our patients.”
— Maya Meissner
ember, Maya
e Lake team m
g
Our Lady of th
al shape - a fro
im
an
e
r favorit
Meissner, and he
5
The Garcia
Family
When
With no doctor on board, and after attempts
them. They were greeted at Our Lady
to control his oxygen and blood sugar
of the Lake Children’s Hospital by a team
New York and eventually Spain, they were
levels failed, Mikel was in serious condition.
of doctors and nurses and the Virgin Mary,
looking forward to a family vacation that
Uncontrolled seizures can be life-threatening.
in the form of the statue that graces the
the Garcia family boarded
a plane this summer in Mexico bound for
would be one for the memory books. At
The plane the Garcias were traveling on
hospital’s entrance. “At first I wondered
30,000 feet just outside of Houston, they
was forced to make an emergency landing
why a Saint would be in a U.S. hospital,”
got their wish, although it wasn’t the
in Baton Rouge.
Mikel Garcia, age 8, began to experience
The Garcias, who speak little English,
and because of our religion, that was
found themselves riding in an ambulance
very comforting to us.”
seizures while in flight. A seizure is abnormal
through an unfamiliar city with police
brain activity which, in this case, was
cars and customs agents in tow. Their
With little more than the clothes on
accompanied by abnormal body movements.
luggage had gone on to Spain without
their backs and one very sick child, the
i am thankful for ...
“...God bringing us here. The attention and
compassionate treatment we received
made us feel like not just a number.
Our whole family was taken care of.”
— Mara Garcia
6
remembers Mikel’s mother Mara Garcia,
“then they told me this is a Catholic hospital
outcome they had anticipated.
Garcias were admitted to the hospital.
where he could fall. Then call for help
Doctors then began a series of tests while
so emergency responders can administer
the nursing staff gathered clothing for
the proper medications. While waiting,
the family, located the family’s luggage
don’t put anything in his mouth. Children
and had it rerouted to the hospital.
will not swallow their tongues as many
i am thankful for ...
“...the inspiration I receive from these
people believe.”
children and their families who love
With the seizures under control, Mikel,
their children so much they would do
who suffers from cerebral palsy, began
The Garcias say they are grateful for
anything it takes to make them better.”
to develop a fever and pneumonia. Dr.
a hospital that became a home away
— Dr. Angela Byrd
yrd
Angela Byrd is a hospitalist at Our Lady
from home for their family when they
of the Lake Children’s Hospital, a pediatrician
needed it the most.
who sees only patients in the hospital.
She says tests revealed Mikel was inhaling
food into his lungs every time he ate and
that “he was aspirating everything of every
consistency so it wasn’t safe for him to
eat anything by mouth.”
Mikel would need a special tube called a
gastrostomy or G-Tube placed in his stomach
so he could receive the nourishment he
needs without making him sick.
After a week’s stay, Mikel continued to
improve and was cleared for release. The
Garcias boarded a plane back to Mexico
where Mikel’s gastroenterologist was
waiting to take over his care.
For any parent whose child begins to
have a seizure, Dr. Byrd advises, “Make
sure your child is in a safe environment,
meaning not in or near water or in a place
Tell us why you're
#Thankful4Kids
Mik
ike
kel Garcia at O
ur Lady of the La
ke
Children’s Hosp
ital (left) and wi
th his
mother, Mara,
in their native
country
of Mexico
7
... continued
While
the Garcias' story is unusual
in that they came to Our Lady of the Lake
Brendan Bowie
at a checkup with
Dr. Upp
facility that could treat him best, Our
Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. The
Children’s Hospital from another country,
transport team consists of pediatric critical
monitor Brendan for internal bleeding in
the fact that children come from out of
care nurses and respiratory therapists
a modern Pediatric ICU at Our Lady of the
state to Baton Rouge for care is not.
directed by a pediatric critical care physician
Lake Children’s Hospital, complications
on staff at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s
from removing the spleen can be avoided.”
In 2014, families from 41 states called
Hospital at all times.
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
Brendan spent one day in the Pediatric
home for a time when their children became
Because Brendan has special needs, his
ICU and then one more day in a regular
ill or injured. Sometimes those children
mother, Gwen, was comforted by the team’s
hospital room to make sure he was out
of the woods.
were traveling through the state visiting
expertise during the two-hour ambulance
relatives, other times they were delivered
ride. She recalls, “They arrived on the scene
here by the Transport Team at Our Lady
and immediately took control. I was so
While the Bowies did not have to travel
of the Lake Children’s Hospital for care
thankful. They were all extremely professional
far to return to their home in Baton
not available in other communities.
and competent and put me and Brendan
Rouge, Gwen finds it ironic that while
at ease. I felt like the team treated him
out of town on vacation, the hospital
Brendan Bowie, age 12, was injured in an ATV
with respect and addressed him and talked
from their own hometown ended up
accident outside of Natchez, Mississippi
to him like he should be talked to.”
coming to their rescue.
showed a lacerated spleen, mother Gwen
Pediatric surgeon Dr. Robert Upp was
Gwen says she is thankful for the “caring
says she was relieved when the team at
on call and waiting for Brendan to arrive.
and competent team at Our Lady of the
the local Natchez hospital called upon
Dr. Upp explains, “Until just recently, we
Lake Children’s Hospital” who took care
Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital
might have operated on the spleen and
of what she is most grateful for – her
Transport Team to bring Brendan to the
removed it. But, with the ability now to
beautiful son. while on a family vacation. When x-rays
we are thankful for…
...volunteers like Cherie Frey (pictured far left). Although her
daughter Camille passed away from brain cancer in 2011,
Cherie returns monthly to the hospital that helped care
for her child to host “paint parties” — sharing her and her
daughter Camille’s passion for art and creating one of kind
8
memories for our hospitalized children and their families.
In a land not so far away,
Beautiful queens put on crowns, sashes and lots of hair spray.
In Baton Rouge to see who would be crowned the fairest of them all,
Miss USA contestants were invited to a very special Coronation Ball.
At Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, patients new and old were waiting,
The minute they met the other, there was no need for translating.
Something magical began to appearSmiles, laughter, and new friendships so dear.
Hand in hand, new acquaintances were made,
Treasured bonds no one could trade.
While the contestants taught the kids how to pose for the camera,
The children in turn showed the contestants real glamour.
10
Tell us why you're
#Thankful4Kids
As the children created crowns, capes and banners,
It became apparent STRENGTH and courage are what really matters.
Beauty is more than skin deep and in the eyes of the beholder,
Clear for all to see at this event in both younger and older.
The beauty you saw in the room on this day,
Lives deep in hearts and was unmistakably on display.
Thank you to our visitors, who brought our children such joy,
Miss USA 2013, Eri
n Brady, with Our
Lady
of the Lake Children
's Hospital patient
We only hope you received as much in return from each and every little girl and boy.
The End...
. . . or should we say,
Until we meet again?
a
Allyson Rowe, helping
Miss Washington 2014,
s wand
ces
prin
her
ke
ma
t
ien
children’s hospital pat
Former neurosurge
ry patient, Sianna
Paddie,
with Miss New Ha
mpshire 2014, Bridg
et Brunet
Of all the things we can be thankful for,
kids are often at the top of the list. Share your thankful stories by using
#Thankful4Kids on Facebook or on Twitter @TheLakeHealth.
Zariah “Baby Z” Gradney, 2 years old
“After Zariah became critically ill and spent 222 days in the Pediatric ICU, I’m
thankful for our Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital family whose gifts
of quality healthcare, encouragement, love and prayers have helped our
daughter grow and thrive through her recovery journey. Zariah is a happy,
active, determined and loving little girl who believes she can do anything
because our Children’s Hospital family never stopped believing in her and
the miracles to come.” — From the heart of a thankful mommy, Charlene
Julia Songy, 10 years old
“Julia was treated for an autoimmune platelet disorder at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s
Hospital for over three years. After careful consideration, prayer and research, Julia
underwent a splenectomy in 2013. Since her surgery, she has been able to resume all
activities she was restricted from previously. The worries of her always living at risk
of injury have disappeared. From the beginning Julia always loved being at the Children’s
Hospital. It may sound strange for a child to love a hospital, but she always looked
forward to seeing her ‘friends’. The fact that God is so present everywhere you look
is a comforting feeling and reassuring in such difficult times. The Songy family is
truly thankful for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital!”
— Eternally Grateful and Blessed, the Songy Family (Gary, Erin, Emily, Julia and Trey)
To donate, visit
ololchildrens.org
Authors
cause
for our
who create
Our
Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
is blessed to be the beneficiary of many creative
authors who write books not only to nurture the
imaginations of children but to raise money for
lifesaving care for kids.
The following authors have written books and are
donating proceeds back to the hospital that is keeping
kids healthy and families whole.
Adventures of Ai
— Craig T. Bouchard
Check out Our Lady of the Lake
Children's Hospital’s newest digital
Cotton Feels Rotten
fundraiser, The Adventures of Ai app,
— Teri Hackett D’Armond
for both Android and Apple devices.
Cotton learns an important lesson from
Participate in the World Charity Cup by
his wise vet, Dr. Bark, about the healing
playing the game through December 31,
power that exists when we take time
Proceeds from Angels in Training: Twin
2014 under "Global" (not USA) to help
to appreciate the simple joys in life.
Angel School go to Our Lady of the Lake
raise funds for the Children's Hospital.
“Paws to live” and read this delightful
Foundation to support cancer care for
Angeltale Adventures
— Arlene Hebert
The more points you earn, the more
book to benefit Our Lady of the Lake
kids and the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at
money raised for our kids!
Children’s Hospital.
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.
www.adventuresofai.com
www.cottondogcompany.com
www.angeltaleadventures.com
“Children who are read to during infancy and preschool years have better language skills when they start school and are more
interested in reading. In addition, parents who spend time reading to their children create nurturing relationships, which is
important for a child’s cognitive, language and social-emotional development.”
— American Academy of Pediatrics
To donate, visit
ololchildrens.org
9
Hannah Englert, 9 years old
“We are thankful for a faith-based children’s hospital that provides so many
different pediatric specialties. Our faith is what brought us through so many
difficult days and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital not only respected
that faith, but lived it as well! Hannah is doing very well. Seventeen months
ago we were discussing the potential need for a heart transplant. Miraculously,
Hannah’s heart is doing very well and instead of discussing a heart transplant,
we are discussing 4th grade homework and extracurricular activities. God is
great and so is the cardiologist, Dr. Les Hixon!” — Jason and Denyse Englert
Andrea Stoltz, 18 years old
“I am extremely thankful for the pediatric care we received at Our Lady
of the Lake Children’s Hospital that no one in our hometown was able
to provide us. When I think of the tremendous amount of support we
were given, it makes me want to cry. At the age of 10, my daughter,
Andrea was diagnosed with California Encephalitis and spent multiple
weeks in the hospital. Now, eight years later with a full scholarship
to LSU she’s happy and healthy and we have Our Lady of the Lake
Children’s Hospital to thank for it.” — Gina Stoltz, Mother
Ruby Allen, 4 years old
“I am thankful for the Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital
staff. From the very first moment Ruby was wheeled into that
Pediatric ICU with a life-threatening bacterial infection she
was treated as a top priority. I was always well informed of
the situation, the treatments, and anything else to do with her
care. No question was ever left unanswered. Every doctor and
every nurse showed genuine concern and determination that
Ruby would recover. My family and I will forever and ever be
thankful for each and every one that cared for her. They are
truly God's hands on earth.” — Sarah Allen, Mother
And kids share too!
Jacob Aucoin, 8 years old & Joshua Aucoin, 6 years old
Hospitalized for gastrointestinal illnesses
“I am thankful for my child life specialist who was always there to
help me every time I had something done, she would be there. I am
also thankful because even though I was at the hospital I still got
presents from Santa Claus.” — Jacob Aucoin
“I am thankful that Annie came to visit me in the
hospital and brought me a present.” — Joshua Aucoin
13
YOUR DESTINATION
PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY CARE.
NOW WITH MORE THAN 60 PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS IN OVER 20 SUBSPECIALTIES,
WE ARE HERE WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS THAT NEXT LEVEL OF MEDICAL EXPERTISE.
ADOLESCENT MEDICINE
Karen Simpson, MD
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT
PSYCHIATRY
John deBack, Jr., MD
Joseph Grizzaffi, MD
Warren Trask, MD
Melissa Watson, MD
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY &
IMMUNOLOGY
PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY
MEDICINE
PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY
Richard Lasseigne, MD
Tara Ryan, MD
Ashley Saucier, MD
Neel Shah, MD
Brian Stout, MD
Chris Woodward, MD
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY
James Gardner, MD
Chantal Lutfallah, MD
Sandhya Mani, MD
Theron McCormick, MD
PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY
PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIOLOGY
J. Brannon Alberty, MD
Ghanim Aljomah, MD
Patrice Tyson, MD
Tiffany Bourgeois, MD
Abe Reddy, MD
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
Michael Brumund, MD
Michael Crapanzano, MD
Wesley Davis, MD
Lauren Haddad, MD
R. Lester Hixon, MD
PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE
Brian Binck, MD
Jeffrey DeMare, MD
Kelechi Iheagwara, MD
Firdous Laique, MD
Stephen Papizan, MD
PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL
MEDICINE
Steven Felix, MD
Eric Weil, MD
PEDIATRIC GENETICS
Duane Superneau, MD
PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/
ONCOLOGY
L. Vandy Black, MD
Catherine H. Boston, MD
Jeffrey Deyo, MD, PhD
Sheila L. Moore, MD
PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL
MEDICINE
Lynzie Boudreaux, MD
Angela Byrd, MD
Natalie Evans, MD
Erin Hauck, MD
Shaun Kemmerly, MD
Emily Richard, MD
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS
DISEASE
Michael Bolton, MD
Karen Williams, MD
Scott Williams, MD
Charlotte A. Hollman, MD
Lalania K. Schexnayder, MD
PEDIATRIC
NEUROSURGERY
Allen S. Joseph, MD
Scott Soleau, MD
PEDIATRIC
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Andrew Black, MD
Bradley Black, MD
Candace Collins, MD
Pamela Williams, MD
PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS
Brad Culotta, MD
Michael A. Frierson, MD
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
Rafael Cilloniz, MD
Thomas Horsman, MD
PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY
Allison M. Vitter, MD
PEDIATRIC SURGERY
Faith Hansbrough, MD
John B. Lopoo, Jr., MD
J. Robert Upp, Jr., MD
James H. Wood, MD
Gracias!
In most languages,
“thank you” is a powerful short word or
smile of a recuperating child and the hug
from a parent is often their greatest reward.
phrase with great meaning, yet across
the world, it isn’t used as frequently as
We are grateful for the physicians and
it should be.
team members referenced in these stories
who have answered the calling. Their work
i am thankful for…
Thanks and gratitude are the focus of
is making a significant difference in the
this issue of Wee Believe–something we
lives of families throughout Louisiana
Adalyn “Addie” Oliphant,
reflect on this time of year when the
and beyond.
2 years old
winter holidays bring families together.
Our patients and their families express
Thank you as well, if you too choose
gratitude every day to the physicians and
to be part of this healthcare ministry by
team members who help their children
offering your time, talent and treasure.
heal. Like Ashley Oliphant (featured to
Whether it’s an hour spent volunteering
the right) who struggles to find words
in the hospital sharing a unique gift or
to thank those who ultimately cured
talent, or putting a check in the envelope
her daughter of cancer.
provided here to fund lifesaving care
When the Franciscan Missionaries of
children we treat.
for all children, you bless us and the
Our Lady, an order of religious women,
came to Louisiana over 100 years ago,
It is because of hard work and sacrifices
they felt called to “… extend the healing
of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our
ministry of Jesus Christ to God’s people,
Lady that we are able to enjoy these
especially those most in need.” We often
unique and special relationships today.
think of those “most in need” as those
who live in poverty, but this also refers
Thank you to the families who have
to any family in need of medical attention,
entrusted their children to our care.
especially a family with a child suffering
Thank you to everyone who carries out
from some inexplicable malady. Our
God’s work on a daily basis at Our Lady
mission boldly states, “We call forth all
of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Thank
who serve in this healthcare ministry,
you, Lord, for making all of this possible.
to share their gifts and talents to create
a Spirit of Healing.”
Our physicians and team members will
tell you they didn’t choose this profession
for praise and adulation but that the
John Paul Funes
Our Lady of the Lake Foundation
“To be honest, there are not enough
words to say all I’m thankful for. If I had
to sum it up in a few, I’d say I’m thankful
for the wonderful doctors that diagnosed,
operated, treated and ultimately cured
my baby girl of cancer. I’m thankful
for the heart of the nurses, they go
above and beyond. I’m thankful for the
compassion and the spirit of the Our
Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
community that have made us feel like
part of their family. Today Addie is doing
great. She finished chemo in May and on
June 2 her CT scan was all clear.”
hley Olipha
— Ashley
Oliphant,, Mother
Our Lady of the Lake Foundation
5000 Hennessy Blvd.
P.O. Box 84357
Baton Rouge, LA 70884
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Baton Rouge, LA
Permit No. 753
Address Service Requested
Events
• Barnes & Noble Book Drive – November 1 - December 31
(Barnes & Noble Citiplace)
• Kendra Gives Back benefiting Our Lady of the Lake
Children’s Hospital (Kendra Scott) – December 2
• Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade – December 13
(Downtown Baton Rouge) – www.christmasinbr.com
• Dance Marathon at LSU – February 27 - 28
(John M. Parker Coliseum)
For more information on Ou
r Lady of the Lake
Children’s Hospital or Wee Beli
eve please contact:
Melissa Lewis Anderson
Director of Community Rel
ations
and Business Development
Our Lady of the Lake Childre
n’s Hospital
P.O. Box 84357
Baton Rouge, LA 70884
Phone (225) 765-5016
Fax (225) 765-6480
[email protected]
Wee Believe is published by Ou
r Lady
of the Lake Foundation Copyrig
ht 2014/2015
Our Lady of the Lake Hospita
l, Inc.
• Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital
Radiothon (Broadcast by 96.1 the River,
1150AM WJBO, 102.5 WFMF) – March 12 - 13
For more information, go to
ololchildrens.org or call (225) 765-5951
To donate, visit ololchildrens.org
'Like' Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital on Facebook!
FOU-544(11/14)BRP