Giving Well - Fall 2013 - (Page 7)

Ruth Bosshardt, child life specialist, T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital Half marathon participant Ruth Bosshardt runs because she loves her job, her patients and giving back to her community hospital. She says she is excited to be a part of the Children’s ER Miracle Team. “I love my job as a child life specialist in the ER, helping to reduce anxiety and make a positive experience for our patients and families,” Ruth says. “I am passionate about the care we provide to our patients and families. “Each day I come to work, I have the privilege of meeting children that must be brave in the midst of challenging circumstances. Watching these brave little ones inspires me to face challenges in the same way,” she continues. “Running a half marathon is a challenge, but I know that I am running for a great cause—I am running for those little heroes and their families. I am running so that we will be able to continue to provide the excellent, compassionate, competent care that these kids deserve.” Rachel Price, former patient 5K participant Rachel Price runs because Children’s Hospital is her second family. Price was rarely sick, but in August 2011 she knew things weren’t right. Rachel had persistent symptoms of super-dry skin and hair loss and really didn’t feel like herself. A biopsy was done and the pathology report indicated that she had lymphoma. Despite the news, Rachel refused to slow down. Through weekly chemotherapy treatments, Rachel continued playing basketball, volleyball and cheering. She has even played with a feeding tube in place. “I have always been very active; I play many sports,” Rachel says. “The Miracle Team events are perfect for me because I can help raise money and awareness for Children’s Hospital Foundation by being active and inspiring others to be active.” Now cancer-free, Rachel says she is thankful for all the nurses, physicians and staff at Children’s Hospital. “It becomes a second home to most children while they are in treatment for their diagnoses,” Rachel says. “The Children’s Hospital was not just a hospital for my parents and I. It was a second home and a second family.” MONEY WELL SPENT For more information about Children’s Hospital Foundation and where donated funds go, please visit erlangerfoundations.org/projects. Claudia Pullen, mother of former patient 5K participant Claudia Pullen runs because she is grateful. In November 2012, the Pullen family was full of hope, promise and expectations for the newest member of their family, Connor. After a smooth cesarean delivery, the obstetrician presented Claudia and Bill with their new son. But 15 minutes later, everything changed. A nurse came in and informed them that Connor was showing signs of lack of oxygen and had been rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he received several treatments and underwent several procedures. The feeling of helplessness at that moment was overwhelming for the Pullen family and the terror of losing Connor became very real. The saga continued over several days, but through it all, the Pullens say they were amazed at how the staff at Children’s Hospital took their work personally, striving to give the best possible patient care in a stressful environment. Connor would spend a total of 45 days in the NICU and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. “No child should ever have to go through any part of this,” Claudia says. “But there is no doubt in our minds of the amazing care that Connor received … and how blessed we are that he is a thriving, normal baby now. “Without the efforts of everyone at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy having our family together, and we are eternally grateful.” 1 RUN for a great cause. Learn more at miracleteam.org 7 http://www.erlangerfoundations.org/projects http://www.miracleteam.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Giving Well - Fall 2013

Giving Well - Fall 2013
Contents
3 ways to connect with us
Courageous Cowgirl
Run for a great cause

Giving Well - Fall 2013