Its About Children - Issue 2, 2016 by East Tennessee Childrens Hospital

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Safe Sitter class for children ages 11 to 14

Shoney’s KidCare Photo ID program

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9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Children’s Hospital’s Koppel Plaza BuildingClass costs $25.Visit www.etch.com/healthykids to register. Learn correct babysitting techniques, emergency responses and how to use babysitting as a business.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Foothills Mall, Maryville [Aug. 6]

3 to 6 p.m. at The Grande Event Center at the Knoxville Expo Center as part of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett’s annual Back to School Bash [Aug. 8]It’s free.

Mark Your Calendar

2 It’s About Children, Issue 2 • 2016

You don’t have to register to attend. Th e event provides photo IDs of children so parents have information readily available for authorities if their child is reported missing. For more information, visit www.shoneysknox.com/kids.

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18 Meet Caryn Hawthorne

Look-alikes

Leadership change

Marvelous Madeline

Children’s Hospital introduced Caryn Hawthorne as its new vice president for fi nance and chief fi nancial offi cer.

Campbell and McClain Hardin are 8-year-old identical twins with the exact same optical issues in opposite eyes.

Children’s Hospital named neonatologist John Buchheit, M.D., its new chairman of the Board of Directors.

Madeline Guerra is a 9-year-old girl who is cared for by multiple pediatric subspecialists at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital for a rare condition.

It’s About Children is a publication of the Marketing Department at

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.Editor: Jessica Boyd

Designer: Deborah HostermanCover photo by Neil Crosby

Connect with us:www.etch.com/ItsAboutChildren

[email protected]

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CPR class for parents and teens age 14 and older

Safe Sitter class for children ages 11 to 14

MEDIC blood drive

Car seat inspections

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6 to 10 p.m.Children’s Hospital’s Koppel Plaza BuildingClass costs $25.Visit www.etch.com/healthykids to register. Learn CPR so you can respond to emergencies in your home.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Knoxville Police Department, 917 East Fifth Ave., KnoxvilleIt’s free.You don’t have to register to attend. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to make sure your car seat is used and installed correctly. For information on other car seat inspections in the region, visit www.sittingsafer.com.

3Donate at www.etch.com/giving

7 a.m. to 4 p.m.Children’s Hospital’s Koppel Plaza BuildingIt’s free.Call 865-541-8165 for more information. All blood used at Children’s Hospital is provided through MEDIC. One donation can help up to three people. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and have an ID.


Story by Jessica Boyd

MarvelousMadeline

“I like to dance,” 9-year-old Madeline Guerra said. “I’m a very good dancer, actually.”

Madeline, or Maddie as her family and friends call her, likes to sing, play “doctor”

and color, too. She’s active, outgoing and full of life, and despite a diagnosis that often leads

her to spend more time in the hospital than she’d like, she believes in herself.

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body,” she said. “The girls can be referred to our offi ce because of growth and thyroid issues.” Danielle explained further. “Turner Syndrome affects approximately one in every 2,000 female births worldwide,” she said. “Only about one percent of fetuses with Turner Syndrome survive to birth, and it accounts for approximately 10 percent ofmiscarriages.” Besides problems with the thyroid and growth, other symptoms for Turner Syndrome include narrow and high-arched palate, heart defects, webbed neck with excess skin and low hairline, broad chest, strabismus, swelling or puffi ness in the hands and feet, kidney issues, scoliosis and nonverbal learning disability. These issues mean Madeline has spent a signifi cant amount of time with various pediatric specialists at Children’s Hospital. “This is our life, and we embrace it,” Danielle said.

Within days of being released from the hospital, Madeline began her fi rst of many cardiology appointments with Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiologist Yvonne Bremer, M.D. Dr. Bremer diagnosed Madeline with multiple ventricular septal defects (VSDs), tachycardia, hypertension and a coarctation of her aorta, which is a critical congenital heart defect that required immediate heart surgery to repair. Dr. Bremer continues to follow Madeline to ensure proper control of her hypertension and to keep her heart as healthy as possible. “We have loved Dr. Bremer from day one,” Danielle said.

Life began with a complicated delivery, explained her mother Danielle. After many failed attempts, Madeline was born by emergency caesarian section as a last resort due to shoulder dystocia. Both parents were overjoyed to be united with their daughter for the fi rst time but were immediately worried about the severe swelling in Madeline’s hands and feet. The medical staff explained that Madeline’s swelling and other distinct features likely meant that she had a condition called Turner Syndrome. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital pediatric endocrinologist Elizabeth Wirthwein, M.D., explained the condition. “Turner Syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a female is missing one of her X chromosomes in all or most of the cells in her

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Madeline plays her ukulele.

Madeline plays “doctor” with her doll Alexis.

“Many of Maddie’s doctors are our

friends.”– Danielle Guerra

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Madeline plays “doctor” with her doll Alexis.

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As an infant, Madeline was referred to pediatric otolaryngologist John Little, M.D., for chronic ear and sinus infections. Madeline received tympanostomy tubes to help prevent fl uid gathering behind her eardrums. When she was 2 years old, Dr. Little successfully removed a destructive growth called a cholesteatoma in her left ear. At 6 years old, Madeline was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea due to obstruction, so Dr. Little performed a tonsillectomy and partial adenoidectomy to help her to breathe better at night.

At age 1, Madeline’s growth slowed to almost a complete stop. The Guerras turned to Children’s Hospital pediatric endocrinology, where she now sees Dr. Wirthwein to help in her growth and development. She receives growth hormone treatment by nightly

injections to ensure proper bone growth and health, and she takes thyroid medication to help with her hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid hormone levels are too low. Madeline will probably always be an endocrinology patient. “When she stops growing, she’ll stop taking the hormone injections,” Dr. Wirthwein said. “Our goal is to help our patients with Turner Syndrome reach at least fi ve feet tall with growth hormone treatment.” Through it all, the Guerras try to keep a positive attitude. “We are very thankful for the staff at Children’s Hospital for helping to make every clinic and lab appointment as stress free as possible,” Danielle said. “We have made a lot of friends here, and we rest easier knowing that we have such an excellent pediatrician and thorough pediatric specialists on our team.”

It’s About Children, Issue 2 • 2016

Madeline visits with pediatric cardiologist

Yvonne Bremer, M.D.

Madeline shortly after she was born.

Eight years later, Madeline stands a little over 4 feet tall and spends her days as normally as she can for such an extraordinary girl. She follows a special diet that makes her feel better and lessens the effects of her autoimmune disorders and peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain in her hands and feet. She suffers from multiple musculoskeletal issues, including scoliosis and intersection syndrome, and has a slipped vertebrae. She struggles with allergies, skin conditions and a defi ciency within her immune system resulting in a heightened susceptibility to infectious diseases. She has nonverbal learning disability, which requires her to process everything through verbalization and causes her to struggle


with focus and anxiety, yet she has an amazing memory. Despite living with all of these symptoms of her diagnosis, none of this affects Madeline’s infectious personality. “She’s outgoing and sweet all at the same time,” Dr. Wirthwein said. “She’s outspoken for her age and not shy at all.” Danielle praises her daughter for her positivity through it all. “Madeline embraces this life with such exuberant zeal,” she said. “She has the most amazing outlook on life. Every day, she wants to conquer the world.” She is always kind and encouraging to her family and friends. Danielle said, “She’s the brave one.”

Madeline getting stickers in the G.I. for Kids o� ce in Children’s

Hospital’s Medical O� ce Building.

Madeline and pediatric orthopedist Robert Madigan, M.D.

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Madeline and her cat Lola.

It’s About Children, Issue 2 • 2016

Madeline is treated by the following pediatric subspecialties at East

Tennessee Children’s Hospital:• Pediatric allergy and immunology

• Pediatric anesthesia• Pediatric cardiology

• Pediatric endocrinology• Pediatric gastroenterology

• Pediatric orthopedics• Pediatric otolaryngology


Pediatric endocrinology at Children’s Hospital

The Pediatric Endocrinology Department at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital treats children with growth, puberty, diabetes or other hormone and gland disorders. The endocrine glands release hormones into your child’s bloodstream that make him or

her grow and change.

The most common problems pediatric endocrinologists treat are:

• Diabetes• Growth problems

• Early or delayed puberty• Enlarged thyroid gland

• Issues with the pituitary or adrenal glands• Ovarian and testicular dysfunction

• Low blood sugar

Children’s Hospital has fi ve pediatric endocrinologists on staff. They are Ruby Joshi Batajoo, M.D.; James Kerrigan, M.D.; David Nickels, M.D.; Carmen Tapiador, M.D.; and Elizabeth Wirthwein, M.D.

Photo courtesy of Ramsey Garza

McClain, left, and Campbell are identical twins with the exact same optical issues in opposite eyes.


by Cassidy Duckett Britt

Eight-year-old McClain Hardin can see leaves on trees now. When she’s swimming, she can see the wall at the end of the lane. “When she got her glasses, she said, ‘Mommy, you have eyebrows!’ She could never see them before,” her mother Jasmine Hardin said.

Look-alikes


Both McClain and her identical twin, Campbell, have a high hyperopic prescription, meaning they suffer from extreme farsightedness, and strabismus, a condition that prevents their eyes from focusing on the same point. “They are mirror-image twins,” Jasmine said. “Their prescriptions are exact opposite.” The second-graders’ strabismus is the result of excessive focusing effort because of the degree of farsightedness, causing the appearance of the eye to look away from center, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital pediatric ophthalmologist Gary Gitschlag, M.D., explained.

Initial examination While they are twins, their condition did not present itself in the same way for each girl. It started with Campbell in what seemed to be an almost overnight development, Jasmine explained. “When Campbell was 2 years old, I came home from work one day, and she literally had an eye turning in,” Jasmine said. Her eye problem was so pronounced, it shocked her mother. “It really scared me,” Jasmine said. Jasmine and her husband Scott immediately took Campbell to her pediatrician. The Hardins were concerned something could be wrong neurologically, but fi rst, they were referred to Dr. Gitschlag. Dr. Gitschlag assured the Hardins that Campbell’s issue was a visual one. He explained that Campbell is so farsighted that the excess work it takes her eye to focus causes it to turn. The condition is not muscular, so surgery, eye exercises or training would be ineffective. McClain’s story and her symptoms are different. “In preschool at 4 years old, her teacher told me that at storytime she would come into her lap to see the book,” Jasmine said. Concerned for her other daughter, Jasmine asked Dr. Gitschlag about the issue, and he determined McClain had the same condition as her sister but in the other eye.

Twin treatment The Hardins began working with various forms of treatment. Dr. Gitschlag fi t both girls in glasses immediately and currently requires them to wear patches after school and on the weekends to strengthen the vision in their weaker eyes. “The fi rst decade of life is a super important time for development of the eyes, so we’re doing as much as we can to strengthen them now,” Jasmine said. “We are seeing improvement, and they’ve improved in reading the eye chart.” Because they were young when their conditions were confi rmed, the girls could not be tested with eye charts that required reading. Children’s Hospital had other

Nearsighted vs. farsightedNearsightedness, known as myopia, is when the eye cannot see far away because the eyeball is relatively too long. Farsightedness, also known as

hyperopia, is when the eyeball is relatively too short. The eyes will

work more to see up close.


options. “There was a stuffed bunny that lit up and played the drums, so that the child could focus on it,” Jasmine explained. “They were so creative with their patients.” Through wearing glasses throughout the day and using their eye patches after school and on weekends, the twins’ condition is improving, making a huge difference in their reading skills at school. Dr. Gitschlag estimated three percent of the population suffers from strabismus, and early diagnosis is extremely important in the success of the treatment. He explained the Hardins are doing well because of how early their strabismus was detected. “If this is caught under the age of 10, it can be corrected,” he said. “However, if it goes untreated, strabismus can permanently damage the child’s vision.”

Sights set For now, the girls will continue to visit Dr. Gitschlag for regular follow-up appointments, and he expects their eye issues to improve between ages 10 to 14 years as it does in most patients. While these identical twins have the same diagnosis, the girls have separate interests. McClain enjoys ballet, the color pink, rhinestones and sequins, while Campbell is quieter and a little bit more of a tomboy. Despite their varied interests, the girls remain best friends. Now, they may have their sights set on big plans. “When she was graduating from preschool, McClain said she wanted to be a mermaid,” Jasmine said. “Campbell told the audience she wanted to be a children’s eye doctor, so she could help others who had problems like hers.”

Campbell, left, and McClain with their older sister Kahli Hardin.


Pediatric ophthalmologyat Children’s Hospital

Pediatric ophthalmologist Gary Gitschlag, M.D., examines McClain’s eye.

Most children are seen for the fi rst time for an eye exam around 3 years old if no prior issues have been detected. Early detection is important for all optical issues. If a child experiences any sudden and unexplained vision issues or if there is a family history of eye problems, parents should ask to be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. Children’s Hospital’s pediatric ophthalmology provides optical treatment that is just for children. Our pediatric specialists provide a variety of services including general eye care, eye exams, prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, diagnosis and treatments of eye infections, infl ammation or other problems as well as surgery for eye issues like cataracts or misalignment.

Because brain cells that control vision continue to develop throughout the fi rst decade of a child’s life, there are often illnesses seen only in children. Some of these issues may occur in adults, too, but affect children differently. Pediatric ophthalmologists have received the comprehensive training needed to recognize and manage eye disorders and diseases in children from birth to adolescence. Children aren’t just little adults because they are still growing, so they need to be treated by specialists who are experts on children’s health. Children’s Hospital has two pediatric ophthalmologists on staff, Gary Gitschlag, M.D., and Allyson Schmitt, M.D.



Meet Caryn Hawthorne

Leadership change

In May, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital welcomed Caryn Hawthorne as its new vice president for fi nance and chief fi nancial offi cer. Hawthorne is excited about her opportunity to join the hospital in serving the children of the East Tennessee region. Her awareness of the excellent care available at Children’s Hospital started many years ago when her special needs brother received treatment for a complex condition. Years later, she and her husband chose Children’s Hospital

In July, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital neonatologist John Q. Buchheit will transition from his position as Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) medical director so he can focus on another role – chairman of the Children’s Hospital Board of Directors. Dr. Buchheit said he is excited for the opportunity and believes it’s a privilege to represent Children’s Hospital in the community. “I’m passionate about what we do here,” he said. “What sets us apart from all the hospitals in the region is the focus on kids. We have such an amazing energy at Children’s Hospital that comes from having so many volunteers, staff and physicians committed to the common goal of making children’s lives better. Taking that message into our community is exciting to me.” Dr. Buchheit believes having a physician in this leadership position with the Board of Directors will provide a different perspective. He said, “Children’s Hospital is so patient- and family-oriented, and this is another opportunity to display that.” Children’s Hospital President and CEO Keith Goodwin said, “Dr. Buchheit’s passion for children, his expertise as a neonatologist and his relationship with both hospital staff and the medical staff gives him a unique perspective that will be invaluable as we proceed into the future.” He has served on the Board of Directors for eight years. Previously, Dr. Buchheit served as Children’s Hospital Chief of

News


when their daughter was facing some health challenges. “I have a special place in my heart for Children’s Hospital,” she said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the extraordinary care, love and attention provided by their physicians and staff.“ Children’s Hospital President and CEO Keith Goodwin said, “Caryn brings a unique set of experiences and expertise that will be essential to Children’s Hospital as we move forward. Her understanding of the state’s Medicaid program, her experience with multiple institutions as chief financial officer and her experiences working with large physician practices will help us be the very best we can be for our patients, their families and our community.” Hawthorne will oversee the Financial Services department. Prior to her arrival at Children’s Hospital, Hawthorne served as vice president of regional provider services at TeamHealth in Knoxville. She has been working

Staff from 2009 to 2010. After graduating from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the University of Tennessee at Memphis, he completed his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in neonatology at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Dr. Buchheit has practiced at Children’s Hospital for 21 years and has been mentored by neonatologist Stephen Prinz, M.D., who is responsible for advancing neonatology at Children’s Hospital for many years. Dr. Buchheit has had the opportunity to see the hospital grow and change. “Clearly the size of our organization has grown dramatically, both our physical presence with the new building just off Cumberland Avenue and the number of the amazing people who choose to work here,” he said. “I think we have also grown in our ability to find new ways to improve the care we provide for children and their families. We have learned that it’s not enough to choose the right medication to treat a condition. We recognize the importance of looking at the child’s entire environment to help them have the best possible outcome.” Dr. Buchheit credits technology as the biggest change he’s seen in his time at the hospital. “Utilizing new technology has helped us to improve outcomes for many children as well as the quality and safety of the care we deliver,” he said. “Our next challenge is to figure out how to take technology out into the community to impact the overall health of kids throughout our region.” Children’s Hospital is a meaningful place to Dr. Buchheit, who is the father of two children. “Having a place

in health care since 1982. Previously she served as vice president of finance for Provision Health Partners; as the chief financial officer of Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and of the Baptist Health System of East Tennessee; and as a practice leader for Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain, PC’s Healthcare Consulting Division. Hawthorne said she looks forward to starting her new role. “Being part of this leadership team is exciting to me,” she said. “Children’s Hospital is growing and changing, and I’m honored to be part of it.” Caryn’s husband Michael Hawthorne is a clinical psychologist who specializes in therapy with children and adolescents. The Hawthornes have lived in Knoxville for more than 25 years. Their daughter Claire is a senior at Tennessee Technological University pursuing a degree in accounting.

that a sick or injured child can go to receive outstanding health care 365 days a year is wonderful,” he said. “As a parent, you don’t want your child to need such a place, but it is a great source of comfort to know that it is there and available anytime you need it.” Neonatologist Denny Nalle, M.D., will become the new NICU Medical Director at Children’s Hospital.

Your Dollars at Work

On April 19, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Scripps Networks Interactive came together with a big announcement. Scripps donated $10 million to Children’s Hospital’s expansion, the largest corporate gift in the hospital’s 78-year history. Th e announcement was made during a special reception and naming ceremony for Children’s Hospital’s 245,000 square-foot expansion project. Th e new building will be named Scripps Networks Tower. Children’s Hospital President and CEO Keith Goodwin thanked Scripps Networks Interactive for the generous gift and explained how it will benefi t children in the region, where Scripps Networks Interactive is headquartered. “We currently have an under-sized NICU and surgery suites and no space in which to grow new programs and services,” said Goodwin. “Th is gift and new building will give us the opportunity to build state-of-the-art operating rooms, anticipating emerging technology, as well as providing an even better experience for our patients and families.” Ceremony guests were treated to a visit from HGTV’s “Listed Sisters,” twins Alana and Lex LeBlanc, Nashville-based real estate and renovation professionals. A tour of the construction project was provided aft er the reception and check presentation. Th e Scripps Networks Tower is scheduled for completion this fall. It includes:• A new neonatal intensive care unit with 44 private rooms. • A new inpatient/outpatient surgery center. • A new multi-specialty outpatient clinic space.• A family lounge and resource center overlooking a rooft op garden. • Light-fi lled pedestrian walkways. • Two levels of parking.

In the future, the new building will also house an expanded state-of-the-art pediatric simulation center to be named in honor of Scripps Networks Interactive. Th is simulation center will allow health care providers to train for emergencies on a variety of child-sized medical mannequins. “Helping the communities where we live and work be vibrant and safe is central to everything we do,” said Ken Lowe, Chairman, President and CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive. “Strong communities have a direct impact on the quality of life for all of us, as well as for the families who love our brands. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has been instrumental in the well-being of so many families’ lives here in our headquarters location of Knoxville, and this new partnership will help secure its success for people across the region.”

New expansion named Scripps Networks Tower


From left, Alana LeBlanc of HGTV’s “Listed Sisters,” President and CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive Ken Lowe, Children’s Hospital Board of Directors Chair Dee Haslam, Lex LeBlanc of HGTV’s “Listed Sisters” and Children’s Hospital President and CEO Keith Goodwin.


Visit www.etch.com/about/expansion to learn more about the Scripps

Networks Tower at Children’s Hospital.

Your Dollars at Work

Mirror Ball sponsor• Smoky Mountain Opry

Star sponsors• Enrichment Federal Credit Union• West Chevrolet

Perfect Partners sponsors• Accenture• DeRoyal • Pilot Flying J• TeamHealth

Great Groups• Clayton Homes• Lincoln Memorial University • Phillips & Jordan

Rockin’ Rooms sponsor• Johnson & Galyon Construction• Th e Wakefi eld Corporation


Visit www.etch.com/dwtksto relive the excitement of this year’s

Dancing with the Knoxville Stars.

Dancing for a cause

2016’s Star 102.1’s Dancing with the Knoxville Stars featured 10 local celebrities dancing their way to support Children’s Hospital. Hosted at Th e Grande Event Center at the Knoxville Expo Center, this year’s record-setting event raised more than $161,000 to benefi t Children’s Hospital. Th e celebrities were paired with professional dance partners from local studio Dance Tonight. Knoxville Ice Bears president, general manager and co-owner Mike Murray and his professional dance partner Rachel Henriquez performed a James Bond-inspired tango to secure fi rst place in the best dance category. Philanthropist, contractor and interior designer Cindi DeBusk, who danced with professional dance partner Jeremy Norris, claimed the top fundraising prize, raising more than $61,000. Th anks to this year’s dancers for their time and eff orts and to the generous donors like you who supported them. Proceeds from the 2016 Star 102.1’s Dancing with the Knoxville Stars will the purchase bedside monitors for use in the Surgery department. Th is state-of-the-art technology will ensure nursing staff can quickly assess a child’s vital signs at the bedside.

Mike Murray and his professional dance partner Rachel Henriquez won fi rst place in the best dance category.

Star 102.1’s Marc and Kim congratulate Cindi DeBusk and her professional dance partner Jeremy Norris for being named top fundraiser.

Fun-filled fundraising

For the Kids at UTK was back again in 2016, this year raising more than $63,000 for the Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. The 12-hour event, themed “Under the Sea,” took place at Brehm Arena at the University of Tennessee, and more than 600 UT students participated. Students collected pledges throughout the semester to support them as they danced all night for the cause. This year, 30 Children’s Hospital patient families joined the event for the Heroes’ Walk and had the opportunity to participate in a “pie-in-the-face” contest with the Children’s Hospital clinic staff. UT students and patients also played games and completed arts and crafts projects during the late-night celebration.


Nothing puts a smile on aNothing puts a smile on a child’s face quicker than getting a gift— child’s face quicker than getting a gift

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Let AJ know he can count on you.www.etch/FLETCH

Meet AJ.He’s five years old.He loves to sing.He has cancer.

Help kids like AJfight childhood cancer.Join the FLETCH (Friends Love East Tennessee Children’s Hospital) Club for $18/month.

Diagnosis - Low Grade Glioma

He loves to sing.He has cancer.

Help kids like AJfight childhood cancer.Join the FLETCH (Friends Love East Tennessee Children’s Hospital) Club for $18/month.

Diagnosis - Low Grade Glioma

Its About Children - Issue 2, 2016 by East Tennessee Childrens Hospital

Health & Medicine

Transcript of Its About Children - Issue 2, 2016 by East Tennessee Childrens Hospital