See more at: http://www.etch.com/about_us/its_about_children.aspx

1. ChildrenÕs Hospital
2018 Clinch Ave. ¥ P.O. Box 15010
Knoxville, Tennessee 37901-5010
We always try to stay current with friends of the hospital.
If for any reason you should receive a duplicate issue,
please notify the hospital at (865) 541-8257.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
PERMIT 433
KNOXVILLE, TN
The holidays are just around the corner, and
many East Tennesseans are making gift lists and
planning family get-togethers. The ChildrenÕs
Hospital Auxiliary has an easy way to check
one important task off your holiday "to-do" list:
purchase the just-released 2004 ChildrenÕs
Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Greeting Card to
help the areaÕs children.
This is the 40th year the ChildrenÕs
Hospital Auxiliary has sold holiday cards to
benefit the hospital. Again this year artist and
Auxiliary member Jan Church has designed the
annual Christmas card. This yearÕs exclusive
holiday card is titled "Home for the Holidays."
The card features a festively decorated mantle,
tree and wreath that represent "home" and is
full of holiday delight.
Church began designing greeting cards
for ChildrenÕs Hospital in 1991 with her design
"Bears on Sleighs" when she was chosen from a
prospective artist search. After designing the
following yearÕs card, Church took a year off.
Because of the beautiful designs she paints and
the success of the card sales, Church was asked
to return and has donated the card design for
several years running.
Cards are $1 each; they can be purchased
in any quantity including boxed sets of 12 cards
for $12, and personalization is available on bulk
orders. The cards are suitable for business and
personal use.
Proceeds from the holiday cards will be
used to support a variety of the AuxiliaryÕs
programs at ChildrenÕs Hospital to help make
hospitalization more comfortable for the
children we serve.
For more information or to place an
order, send an e-mail request to
wharalson@etch.com or call the Volunteer
Services and Resources Department at
ChildrenÕs Hospital at (865) 541-8136.
by Amber Birdwell, student intern
Winter 2004Winter 2004
Holiday cards benefit children, spread seasonal cheerHoliday cards benefit children, spread seasonal cheer

2. Board of Directors
James S. Bush
Chairman
Robert Madigan, M.D.
Vice Chairman
Robert M. Goodfriend
Secretary/Treasurer
Michael Crabtree
Dawn Ford
Peyton Hairston
Jeffory Jennings, M.D.
Bob Koppel
Donald E. Larmee, M.D.
Dugan McLaughlin
Chris Miller, M.D.
Alvin Nance
Dennis Ragsdale
J. Finbarr Saunders, Jr.
William F. Searle III
Bill Terry, M.D.
Laurens Tullock
Danni Varlan
Medical Staff
Chris Miller, M.D.
Chief of Staff
Lewis Harris, M.D.
Vice Chief of Staff
David Nickels, M.D.
Secretary
Chiefs of Services
Lise Christensen, M.D.
Chief of Medicine
Cameron Sears, M.D.
Chief of Surgery
David Birdwell, M.D.
Chief of Pathology
Clifford J. Meservy, M.D.
Chief of Radiology
Mike Mysinger, D.D.S.
Chief of Dentistry
Mark Cramolini, M.D.
Chief of Anesthesiology
Administration
Bob Koppel
President
Paul Bates
Vice President for Human Resources
Joe Childs, M.D.
Vice President for Medical Services
Rudy McKinley
Vice President for Operations
Jim Pruitt
Vice President for Finance
Beckie Thomas, R.N.
Vice President for Patient Care
A quarterly publication of East Tennessee
Children’s Hospital, It’s About Children is
designed to inform the East Tennessee
community about the hospital and the
patients we serve. Children’s Hospital is a
private, independent, not-for-profit pediatric
medical center that has served the East
Tennessee region for more than 65 years
and is certified by the state of Tennessee as
a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.
Ellen Liston
Director of Community Relations
David Rule
Director of Development
Wendy Hames
Editor
Neil Crosby
Cover/Contributing Photographer
“Because Children are Special…”
...they deserve the best possible health care given in a
positive, child/family-centered atmosphere of friendliness,
cooperation, and support - regardless of race, religion,
or ability to pay.”
...their medical needs are closely related to their
emotional and informational needs; therefore, the total
child must be considered in treating any illness or injury.”
...their health care requires family involvement, special
understanding, special equipment, and specially trained
personnel who recognize that children are not miniature
adults.”
...their health care can best be provided by a facility
with a well-trained medical and hospital staff whose
only interests and concerns are with the total health and
well-being of infants, children, and adolescents.”
Statement of Philosophy
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
www.etch.com
The Bottom LineArtwork by some of Children’s Hospital’s special patients
2
Meg
Dustin
Hanna
3
Judy Caudill and Amy Steger
Volunteer Services and Resources Department
East Tennessee ChildrenÕs Hospital
Judy and Amy,
Tonight, after I got home from the Junior Volunteer Banquet, I was thinkingof some things, and I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunityto volunteer at the hospital for the past three years. It has been an amazingexperience, and I canÕt wait till next summer.
I could never, ever give back what the hospital has given me. The experience,the friendships, the good and hard times, just everything is more than I couldever imagine. The reason I started volunteering was so I could be in thehospital setting to see what it was like, to see if IÕd like it. Thanks to yourprogram, I know exactly what I want to do when I grow up. I donÕt have tosearch during college; I know.
Last spring I got to go upstairs to the NICU for a report I was doing for school.The only way I got up there was because I was a junior volunteer. IÕve alwaysliked little babies, and when I went into that unit, I knew. I knew I was goingto work there for the rest of my life (well, until retirement ...). ItÕs justsomething you can feel. The nurse said she knew in nursing school that theminute she went in there, it was for her. I know itÕs for me, too.
I have a quote I love that I want to share with you. ÒDonÕt ask yourself whatthe world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go anddo that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.ÓVolunteering at ChildrenÕs Hospital has made me come alive. Thank you somuch for what you do. You truly have changed my life. As I said, I couldnever give back to the hospital what itÕs given me.
Love, Lauren Baumgardner
Knoxville
On the cover: Jacob ÒJakeÓ Wallace is a cancer survivor. Read his story on pages 4-5.
Dear ChildrenÕs Hospital,
My family and I have been a part of ChildrenÕs
Hospital for about five years, visiting the facility quite
frequently concerning our children. It is a very warm and
inviting facility. The specialists, doctors, nurses and staff
open their hearts to all children who enter the hospital,
whether it be for a lengthy stay or just a check-up. They
make the children feel special and that they are important to
them.
The Web site shows that same caring environment on
its pages. It is a great and informative Web site. We visit it
often to get the latest updates on information like booster
seats and car seats. Keep up the good work!
Christina McCloud
Crossville
Dear ChildrenÕs Hospital,
My son, Chris, was born nine weeks early. He weighed in at just three
pounds, 13 ounces and spent the first of his life in a neonatal intensive
care unit. When Chris was finally able to come home from the hospital,
his doctors warned us that his premature birth would likely result in
developmental delays.
For the first year of his life, Chris appeared to be developing normally.
Then at around 18 months, he began falling behind. Chris was referred
to the East Tennessee ChildrenÕs Hospital Rehabilitation Center Ñ an
agency of the United Way of Greater Knoxville Ñ where he received
both speech and occupational therapy until his third birthday, when the
public school system took over.
Chris was eventually diagnosed with autism, but weÕre convinced that
early intervention and the therapy he received at the East Tennessee
ChildrenÕs Hospital Rehabilitation Center made a difference in his
prognosis.
Today, Chris is a bright, energetic, seven-year-old who loves reading,
playing video games and giving hugs. Chris still has a long road in
front of him, but weÕre glad that East Tennessee ChildrenÕs Hospital
Rehabilitation Center was there when he needed it.
Holly Pichiarella
Knoxville

3. 54
It was a cold, they were sure. But it
didnÕt go away, so they blamed it on
allergies. In September 2003, six-year-old
Jacob "Jake" Wallace couldnÕt shake the
symptoms, so his mother, Rhonda, took
him to the family pediatricianÕs office for
an examination.
Jake completed a course of antibiotics
prescribed by Dr. Stephanie Shults, the
family pediatrician. However, his
symptoms did not completely resolve.
In fact, within weeks, Jake had begun
snoring loudly and had even
experienced episodes of sleep apnea.
Rhonda contacted Dr. Donald Ellenburg,
JakeÕs pediatric allergist, thinking the
symptoms might be related to allergies,
and that his adenoids would probably
need to be taken out.
Dr. Ellenburg performed routine
head, neck and chest X-rays on Jake on
October 17, 2003. As expected, JakeÕs
adenoids were very enlarged and an
appointment was made with Dr. John
Little, pediatric ear, nose and throat
specialist (otolaryngologist) at ChildrenÕs
Hospital, to have them removed. In
addition, JakeÕs chest X-ray showed
apparent enlarged lymph nodes in the
center of his chest. He was referred to
ChildrenÕs Hospital for further
evaluation through a CT scan. This scan
confirmed the presence of a mass in his
chest.
On October 24, 2003, Dr. Little
removed JakeÕs tonsils and adenoids. As
a result of the CT scan and the enlarged
lymph nodes, Dr. Little sent the tonsil
and adenoid tissue for a frozen
pathology; the initial results for the
frozen section came back normal. Other
tissue was sent for further testing to
confirm this finding.
Jake was released from the hospital
the following day. Four days after
surgery, however, Jake became very ill.
He had a fever of 103 degrees and was
nauseated and confused. The Wallaces
returned to the ChildrenÕs Hospital
Emergency Department, and Dr. Little
admitted Jake to the hospital because of
the fever and vomiting. About this same
time, the final pathology from the earlier
tests returned, and Dr. Little told the
Wallaces that the results indicated Jake
had lymphoma.
A form of cancer, lymphoma is a
general term for a group of malignant
(cancer) disorders that affect the
lymphatic tissues. Found throughout the
body, lymphatic tissues make up the
various parts of the lymph system,
which plays an important role in the
bodyÕs defense against infection.
As a result of the diagnosis, Jake
became a patient of the ChildrenÕs
Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic
and Dr. Ray Pais, Director of
Hematology/Oncology. Jake began
chemotherapy on October 31, 2003. Dr.
Pais explained to the Wallaces that Jake
would be on 24 months of
chemotherapy: eight months of intensive
therapy and then 16 months of
maintenance.
During a portion of his treatment, the
family was required to bring Jake to the
hospital four days a week for treatment.
That meant the Wallace family was
driving 96 miles round trip to the
hospital from their home in LaFollette.
As a result of that drive and JakeÕs
frequent need for medical attention, the
Wallaces were only home for 10 days
during one six-week period.
Jake became a patient of ChildrenÕs
Hospital Home Health Care during a
portion of his therapy because his
treatment schedule was falling on the
weekend, and they would have to come
through the Emergency Department for
the treatments. Dr. Pais and the Wallace
family knew that Jake might
inadvertently be exposed to dangerous
germs in the Emergency Department.
Because JakeÕs immune system was
weakened by the cancer and the
chemotherapy, infections were very
hazardous for him, and it was important
to keep him away from any area that
could have an abundance of germs.
A Home Health Care nurse came to
the WallacesÕ home to administer
medications and chemotherapy
treatments. This meant Jake was able to
stay home more with his younger
brother Riley, who missed Jake whenever
he was at the hospital.
"Our family only has wonderful
things to say about the hospital, the
clinic and Home Health Care,Ó Rhonda
said. ÒWe are blessed that the hospital is
only a 96-mile round trip. If it werenÕt
for ChildrenÕs Hospital, we would be in
Memphis or farther away for treatment.
We have a two-year-old son who doesnÕt
understand why we have to stay away
for those days; he would be broken-
hearted if we had to stay away longer for
a trip across the state or even the
country."
Unfortunately, children with cancer
experience frequent hospitalizations as a
result of high fever, changes in their red
or white blood counts and infection.
Jake is no stranger to staying at
ChildrenÕs Hospital. "For a while we
were staying at the hospital for several
days every week," Rhonda said. "It was a
difficult time with Riley staying with his
grandparents and away from us and
from Jake."
During JakeÕs
initial hospitalization
the medical staff,
social workers and
child life specialist
talked with him
about losing his hair
due to the
chemotherapy
treatments. Jake
decided he didnÕt
want to lose his hair
because he didnÕt
like that his Dad had
thinning hair on the
top of his head. His
father, Andy,
decided to try to
help Jake with that
problem.
"One day while
we were at the
hospital, Andy
disappeared to the
ChildrenÕs Hospital Gift Shop, and when
he came back, he spent a long time in the
bathroom of JakeÕs room," Rhonda said.
"I remember thinking it was taking him a
long time, when he came out to reveal
that he had bought disposable razors
and shaved his entire head for Jake."
Jake really didnÕt like his Dad without
any hair but eventually thought it was
funny.
JakeÕs treatments lasted through the
holidays in 2003. During the familyÕs
experience with ChildrenÕs Hospital and
JakeÕs illness, their community, family
and church supported them mentally,
emotionally and financially. "We could
not have made it through some of those
days without our church and family,"
Rhonda said. "People were having
hotdog dinners, spaghetti dinners and
even blood drives for Jake throughout
this entire ordeal."
The Hematology/Oncology Clinic
environment was an eye-opening
experience, according to Rhonda. "Andy
and I were amazed at the number of
children who were being treated there
and even more astounded by the
growing number of new diagnoses that
were made. We realized that many other
families had been dealing with
chronically ill children and were not
receiving the continued support over the
long haul that we were experiencing." It
was this realization that led the Wallaces
to inquire about potential ways to help
some of those families. "We were glad to
discover the Adopt-A-Family program
was in place at ChildrenÕs," she said.
The Adopt-A-Family Program
identifies families through the Social
Work Department and Home Health
Care that could most benefit from
additional assistance, especially during
the holiday season (for more information
on this program, see page 13). As families
are identified, the Community Relations
Department gets those families
ÒadoptedÓ by community organizations,
hospital departments and individuals.
Those groups then purchase gifts and/or
gift certificates for the family members.
"One thing we have learned is that
even though it may sound awful to have
a child endure cancer, it is really not just
about us, or about JakeÓ Andy said.
ÒIt is about watching God work through
those around us to provide physically,
emotionally and spiritually. Many times
we have been provided just exactly what
we needed at just the exact time by
someone elseÕs unseen hand."
The Wallaces have become
"advocates" for the hospital through
several events over the last year. In
March 2004, they traveled to West
Town Mall in Knoxville to tell their
story to the thousands of listeners of
the Star 102.1 Radiothon for ChildrenÕs
Hospital, and in June 2004 they shared
their story with the
viewers of the
ChildrenÕs Miracle
Network Telethon on
WBIR-TV 10. In
October 2004, the Wal-
Mart in La Follette
hosted a local telethon
for ChildrenÕs Hospital.
JakeÕs school, Valley
View Elementary, had
raised money to donate.
Jake and his teacher
presented the Wal-Mart
Telethon and ChildrenÕs
Hospital with a check
for $1,562 that the
children had raised.
The night before the
ChildrenÕs Miracle
Network telethon in
June, the Wallace family
again visited the
ChildrenÕs Hospital
emergency department, but this time
Jake wasnÕt the patient. Two-year-old
Riley had been excited by family
visitors at their house, fallen off their
home slide and broken his collar bone.
"Jake had needed to be isolated from
cousins, family and friends while his
immune system was low, so we hadnÕt
had company in eight months except
for each set of grandparents," Rhonda
explained. "I think Riley was more
excited about the visitors than Jake, and
I also think his excitement led to a lot of
playing that led to his injury."
( C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 1 5 )
JAKEJAKE
Jake and his parents, Rhonda and Andy, appeared with WBIR-TV 10’s Ted Hall
on the 2004 Children’s Miracle Network Telethon at Children’s Hospital.

4. The 20th annual Fantasy of Trees will
help you discover "Where Your Heart
Finds Christmas" this holiday season.
This heartwarming event is an annual
tradition that marks the beginning of the
holiday season in Knoxville. It will take
place at the Knoxville Convention Center
November 24-28. More than 300
designer-decorated items will reflect
Christmases past, present and future,
while entertainment, activities for
children and unique shops will bring the
magic of the holidays to life.
Enjoy wandering through the Fantasy
Forest while admiring beautifully
decorated trees, holiday accessories, room
scenes, fireplace mantles, swags, door
designs, table centerpieces, topiaries and
"Adopt-A-Trees" donated by local school
children. Visit the Gingerbread Village
where deliciously decorated gingerbread
houses created by area bakers, chefs and
children smell as good as they look.
Each day entertainers from throughout
East Tennessee will perform at the Fantasy
Theater. Singers, dancers and other
entertainers will help ring in the holiday
season by sharing their talents. While
enjoying the trees, decorations, activities
and entertainment, visitors also can shop
in the Holiday Marketplace. Shoppers
will find unique holiday items ranging
from childrenÕs gifts and toys to clothing
and accessories to holiday decorations.
A family-oriented event, the Fantasy
of Trees offers activities and fun for
children of all ages. For the youngest
guests, activities include many returning
favorites such as a beautiful 30-horse
carousel and visits with Santa. New
activities include Christmas Tree Jewel
Boxes (children can decorate tree-shaped
boxes); a Holiday Art Mosaic (little
artisans can help create a large mosaic by
designing their own squares); My Holiday
Apron (SantaÕs little helpers can decorate
their own apron); Picture Me Holiday
Necklace (children can design jewelry
with their picture on it); and more new
activities. New holiday boutiques have
been added for adults, making it easy to
shop for everyone on your Christmas list.
The 2004 Fantasy of Trees hopes to
capture the nostalgic feeling of
Christmases past each night by recreating
the old MillerÕs Department Store
Christmas tree lighting that was a
favorite Knoxville event in the 1960s.
New designer categories and
entertainment have also been added, and
the traditions that make the Fantasy of
Trees the premier holiday event in East
Tennessee each year are returning.
Fantasy visitors also will be able to
purchase a ticket for just $5 for their
chance to win a beautiful seven-foot tree
decorated by Target Stores of Knoxville.
Target will create a special theme for the
raffle tree, which will be surrounded by
childrenÕs toys, games and holiday
goodies. The lucky winner will take
home the tree and everything that
surrounds it. Tickets will be on sale at the
Fantasy through Sunday, November 28,
at 4 p.m., and the winner will be chosen
immediately after the ticket selling ends.
Since 1985, ChildrenÕs Hospital has
received overwhelming community
support for its annual Fantasy of Trees.
Again this year, hundreds of businesses
and individuals have participated in the
Sponsor Program, which is invaluable to
the success of each yearÕs show. Special
events at the Fantasy of Trees include:
Opening Night Gala
Tuesday, November 23, 7-11 p.m.
Dance the night away at the seasonÕs first
and most festive party! Enjoy cocktails,
an evening buffet, a private preview and
sale of designer trees and holiday
accessories and shopping in the Holiday
Marketplace. Festive attire is requested at
this black-tie-optional event. Tickets are
$150 per person and must be purchased
in advance. Call (865) 541-8136 for ticket
information and availability. The gala is
sponsored by Metron North America,
with promotional support from CityView
Magazine.
Babes in Toyland Parade
Wednesday, November 24, 7 p.m.
DonÕt miss the first and only indoor
Christmas parade of the season as kids
from area child care centers show off
their colorful costumes while parading to
the sounds of a real marching band. The
paradeÕs grand finale features Santa
Claus and indoor "fireworks" provided
by Pyroshows, Inc. The parade is
broadcast live on WVLT-TV Volunteer
News at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by
Dollywood.
Call Home Free on Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 25
Visitors to the Fantasy of Trees can talk
by phone with Grandma or another
special relative on this holiday,
compliments of Sprint.
SantaÕs Senior Stroll
Friday, November 26, 9-10 a.m.
Seniors and walkers of all ages can enjoy
a one-mile walk through the splendor
and sparkle of this yearÕs Fantasy of
Trees. Tables will be set up at the end of
the walk with information on health
topics of interest to seniors. Best of all,
seniors 55 and over get a half-price
admission of $4 to enjoy all of the
Fantasy of Trees when they arrive during
SantaÕs Senior Stroll; this discount cannot
be combined with any other discounts.
SantaÕs Senior Stroll is sponsored by
Baptist Senior Health Centers and
Knoxville Coca-Cola.
Teddy Bear Brunch
Friday, November 26, 11 a.m.
Treat your little ones to a special party at
the Teddy Bear Brunch. Children are
invited to bring their teddy bears and
enjoy a variety of childrenÕs activities and
76
entertainment, including a "beary" special
meal and holiday goodies. Tickets are $25
per person and include free admission to
the Fantasy of Trees. Tickets must be
purchased in advance. Call (865) 541-8136
for ticket information and availability.
The Teddy Bear Brunch is sponsored by
BellSouth, Comcast and MINT Magazine.
The Fantasy of Trees is more than just
a special holiday event for many East
Tennesseans; all proceeds from each
yearÕs show benefit Children's Hospital.
This yearÕs event will benefit the hospitalÕs
Open Door Endowment Fund that
ensures Children's Hospital can continue
to provide health care to all children,
regardless of their parentsÕ ability to pay
the medical bill. The Fantasy has raised
more than $3.3 million for Children's
Hospital since its inception in 1985.
This spectacular holiday event would
not be possible without the more than
116,000 volunteer hours that make the
Fantasy of Trees a reality year after year.
Children's Hospital would like to thank
everyone involved in making this event a
success, ensuring Children's Hospital can
continue to provide the best in pediatric
health care to all of East Tennessee's children.
For more information about the 2004
Fantasy of Trees, visit our web site at
www.etch.com/fantasy.cfm.
by Kathryn DeNovo
student intern
2004 Fantasy of Trees
Show Times
Wednesday, November 24
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, November 25
Thanksgiving Day
3 to 9 p.m.
Friday, November 26
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 27
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, November 28
Noon to 6 p.m.
2004 Fantasy of Trees Major Event Sponsors:
Celebrating
20 Years of the
November 24-28
Co-chair Becky Vanzant, assistant co-chair Linda
Redmond and co-chair Karen Waldbauer

5. 9
Alfred P. Kennedy Jr., M.D.
B.A. (natural science) Ð Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., 1986
M.D. Ð Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, 1990
Internship and Residency Ð Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa., 1990-95
Fellowship (pediatric surgery) Ð ChildrenÕs Mercy Hospital at the University of Missouri, Kansas City,
1995-97
Fellowship (clinical pediatric urology) Ð Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Del., 2002
Family Ð Wife, Lisa; son, Parker (age 2); twin daughters, Alexis and Amber (age 1)
Personal interest Ð playing piano
A chance to practice pediatric surgery at a freestanding childrenÕs hospital along with a teaching
appointment at a university were significant factors for drawing ChildrenÕs HospitalÕs newest
pediatric surgeon to our medical center.
Alfred P. Kennedy Jr., M.D., joined the East Tennessee Pediatric Surgery Group, P.L.L.C., at
ChildrenÕs Hospital in July to help serve the surgical needs of this regionÕs children. Dr. Kennedy
joined pediatric surgeons Alan E. Anderson, M.D., and Gus Papadakis, M.D., in the surgical group.
Dr. Kennedy said he is looking forward to the chance to teach general surgical residents at the
University of Tennessee while also practicing at ChildrenÕs. Further, the East Tennessee region is
similar to the area in central Pennsylvania where he grew up, adding another important factor into his
decision to relocate here.
First interested in general surgery while in medical school, Dr. Kennedy was encouraged by a
mentor to consider pediatric surgery. During his residency at Geisinger Health System in
Pennsylvania, he traveled to the University of Missouri, Kansas City, to complete a rotation in
pediatric surgery.
"I really enjoyed it and fit in well with the staff at UMKC," he said. He later completed his
fellowship in pediatric surgery at the same hospital.
As a pediatric surgeon, Dr. Kennedy is most interested in minimally invasive surgeries and
pediatric urological surgeries. "Minimally invasive surgery is a newer procedure in pediatrics. It helps
kids to get better quicker with less pain," he said. "It utilizes a smaller incision and the organs are not
exposed to an open-air environment as with traditional surgery with a larger incision. This means
there is less in the body that has to heal, and the patient gets better more quickly."
Technology has changed the face of pediatric surgery in significant ways in recent years. "The
industry has developed more pediatric-sized instrumentation," Dr. Kennedy explained. "We can offer
much more now than even 10 years ago to our patients because of this. Industry had focused first on
adult-sized instrumentation," which isnÕt always adaptable to use with younger, smaller patients.
With the newer technology, surgeries to treat such common problems as appendicitis and hernias are
easier on the patients.
"Kids are not small adults," he continued. "They have different physiology even with the same
medical condition. In addition, their psychosocial needs are different; youÕre dealing with the whole
family, not just the patient, when the patient is a child, and it can be a difficult situation for everyone."
At Children's Hospital, the full complement of pediatric specialists ensures Dr. Kennedy can work
with a variety of other specialists to solve complicated medical cases. "ItÕs one of the reasons I wanted
to practice here," he added.
Dr. Kennedy said that in addition to appendix removals and hernia repairs, he often treats patients
with "lumps and bumps" that need to be removed when they cannot be diagnosed with certainty by
the patientsÕ primary care physicians.
More complicated cases include children with various congenital anomalies and obstructions of the
gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Kennedy also is especially interested in urological surgical cases, such as
undescended testicles, hydroceles, incontinence, bladder reflux, circumcision and kidney obstructions
and tumors.
"We can do so much more now because of the latest technology" that is available to care for
patients, Dr. Kennedy said. "Most of the surgeons in our group are recently trained, and we can offer
the latest surgical techniques to the East Tennessee community."
In conjunction with his colleagues at East Tennessee Pediatric Surgery Group, P.L.L.C., Dr. Kennedy
will help to provide the best in pediatric surgical services to the children of this region.
Pediatric surgeon joins hospital staff
8
Physician fulfills lifelong mission
Kevin C. Brinkmann, M.D.
B.A. (biology) Ð University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 1993
M.D. Ð UT, Memphis, 1997
Internship and Residency Ð UT, Memphis, 1998-2001
Fellowship (pediatric critical care) Ð UT, Memphis, 2001-04
Family Ð Wife, Jennifer; expecting a baby daughter in January 2005; two Shetland sheepdogs
Personal interest Ð golf, listening to music, camping and hiking
A native of the Chattanooga area, pediatric critical care specialist Kevin Brinkmann, M.D., has
returned to East Tennessee to fulfill a mission he has held throughout his life Ð to take care of children.
After spending a decade in Memphis, Dr. Brinkman relocated to Knoxville in July to provide care to
critically ill patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at ChildrenÕs Hospital. He joins pediatric
critical care specialists Joe Childs, M.D., and Matthew Hill, M.D., in the PICU.
"As a pediatric critical care specialist, I am able to satisfy my interest for using the latest technology
to take care of children and help them get back on their feet toward recovery," Dr. Brinkmann said. "I
cannot think of anything better to do with my life than to work to save a childÕs life or help a child
toward recovery."
In the ChildrenÕs Hospital PICU, Dr. Brinkmann and his colleagues treat children with a wide
variety of very serious medical conditions. Among the more common conditions are: respiratory
distress, near-drownings, seizure disorders, complications of diabetes, severe asthma attacks and
severe infections. In addition, children admitted to the PICU may have metabolic disorders, liver
failure or heart failure. They also may have been injured in accidents, and Dr. Brinkmann notes that
two things parents can do to help prevent head injuries are insist their children wear helmets while
riding a bicycle and use their seatbelts while riding in passenger vehicles.
The ChildrenÕs PICU also treats children recovering after some major surgeries, such as scoliosis
repair, neurosurgical surgeries (especially after tumors are removed), and lung or heart surgery. These
children may recover for just a few hours or even a few days in the PICU before being moved to a
regular patient room.
Whatever the childÕs need for intensive care, medical advances are improving treatment options
and patient outcomes. "We have better strategies for day-to-day supportive care," Dr. Brinkmann said.
"We also have better mechanical ventilators. The high-frequency oscillatory ventilator is a lifesaver for
many kids with severe lung disease or acute respiratory distress syndrome, where the breathing sacs
fill with protein and fluid."
Staff in the PICU recently used a new therapy for the first time at ChildrenÕs. CRRT, or continuous
renal replacement therapy, is similar to dialysis to support a child with kidney failure or metabolic
problems. "There are exciting technologies weÕre just now getting to use with kids," Dr. Brinkmann
said.
But even as technology improves, other challenges remain. "Helping families understand their
childÕs illness and how to cope, and providing support to them, are challenges," Dr. Brinkmann said.
"ItÕs very important that a family understands whatÕs going on, and thatÕs part of my job Ð not just
treating the child. Parents are a part of their childÕs recovery. Their voice and calming behaviors can be
better than the medication for some children. "I canÕt imagine, not yet being a parent, what some of
these parents are going through," said Dr. Brinkmann, whose first child -- a girl -- is due to be born in
early 2005. "Becoming a father will help me to be a better doctor."
Dr. Brinkmann praised his colleagues, Drs. Childs and Hill, as well as the PICU nurses, Respiratory
Care staff and other patient care support staff. "It would be an understatement to call them well
trained and highly motivated," he said. "I couldnÕt do my job or provide such a high level of care
without them."
Dr. Brinkmann arrived at ChildrenÕs Hospital at an exciting time. The PICU is one of the
departments that will grow significantly through the hospitalÕs current expansion project. The unit will
not only add beds but also will be able to offer individual rooms to most patients. These
improvements will ensure greater comfort and privacy for a larger number of critically ill patients
receiving care each day at our pediatric medical center.
Subspecialist Profiles

6. Children’sNews...
The corner of Clinch Avenue and
20th Street has had a major makeover
in the past two years. What was once a
parking lot has been transformed into a
seven-story addition to ChildrenÕs
Hospital. The new space will allow the
hospital to offer 95 private patient rooms
with full baths and increase its number of
beds from 122 to 152.
Departments that will be expanded
include the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit,
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Emergency
Department, the inpatient medical/
surgical units, Radiology, Neurology/
Sleep Lab, Food and Nutrition Services,
and others. Construction of the tower is
nearing completion, and several floors in
the tower are now open.
HereÕs a look at recent changes to the
ChildrenÕs Hospital campus:
¥ The Emergency Department opened
its new space in mid-October.
¥ The new areas of second, third and
fourth floors are set to open in November.
¥ The fifth floor addition was
scheduled for completion in November,
while the sixth floor addition is to be
completed in December.
¥ The new kitchen and dining facilities
will be completed in January.
In conjunction with the construction
project, ChildrenÕs Hospital is also
updating several services to ensure
patients and their families have the most
comfortable stay possible.
For many years the hospital has
provided a video cart, which offered
patients a selection of VHS movies. The
video cart is being eliminated, and a
closed-circuit digital television system is
being installed, purchased with a $75,000
contribution from the ChildrenÕs Hospital
Auxiliary. This is the AuxiliaryÕs largest
single contribution ever made to
ChildrenÕs Hospital. The new system will
allow patients to choose from a wide
range of cable channels and movies right
in their room. The system also will include
several channels for patient education.
With the hospitalÕs growth has come
the need for an updated telephone system.
Effective in October, all patient rooms are
now called by dialing (865) 246-7 and the
patient room number.
In other construction news:
In 2003 the ChildrenÕs West Surgery
Center and the ChildrenÕs Hospital
Rehabilitation Center moved into new
facilities at Pellissippi Parkway and
Westland Drive. Recently the Tennessee
Chapter of the American Society of
Interior Designers and the International
Interior Design Association honored the
interior designers who designed these
two facilitiesÕ interior spaces. Susan
Ballard and Rebecca Tinsley of Corporate
Interiors, Inc., won a Silver Award for the
interior design they created at the
ChildrenÕs West Surgery Center and a
Bronze Award for their interior design of
the Rehabilitation Center.
by Kathryn DeNovo, student intern
Building Blocks
1110
Beckie Thomas to retire
After 27 years of service to ChildrenÕs
Hospital, Beckie Thomas, R.N., Vice
President of Patient Care Services, will
retire January 1, 2005. Thomas began
her career at ChildrenÕs Hospital on
February 13, 1978, as the Assistant
Director of Nursing. She also served
as Director of Nursing and Assistant
Administrator before becoming Vice
President in 1982.
ThomasÕ many responsibilities at
Children's Hospital have included the
supervision of all the medical centerÕs
nursing units (Emergency
Department, Neonatal and Pediatric
Intensive Care Units, outpatient
clinics, inpatient services and surgery), as
well as the hospitalÕs Rehabilitation
Center and the departments of Quality
Management, Social Work, Child Life,
Pastoral Care, Infection Control and
Home Health Care.
Her responsibilities as Vice President
of Patient Care Services also include the
management of the budget and financial
viability of these many clinical areas,
which has taken on added emphasis with
each passing year. When Thomas joined
ChildrenÕs HospitalÕs senior management
22 years ago, patients made just over
26,700 visits to the hospital annually,
while patients made more than 136,000
visits to the hospital in the 2003/04 fiscal
year. This phenomenal growth has
presented financial challenges, related
both to the growing number of patients
and to the increasing size of the hospitalÕs
staff to serve those patients.
ChildrenÕs has had significant
improvements to the staff, programs and
services for patients while Thomas worked
here. The Child Life department was
created more than 20 years ago. More
recently, Child-Family Centered Care and
Service Excellence, two initiatives that
shape the hospitalÕs policies, programs
and the staffÕs daily activities were
implemented to ensure patients receive
the best care and service in a setting that
encourages family involvement.
Another major achievement was the
growth and relocation of ChildrenÕs
Home Health Care and the Children's
Hospital Rehabilitation Center into larger,
improved locations. Currently, all nursing
departments are being expanded and
renovated as part of the hospitalÕs
ongoing expansion project on our main
campus. As the hospitalÕs services have
grown, Thomas has worked tirelessly to
ensure that our patientsÕ diverse health
care needs are met and the clinical staff
has the best working conditions and
benefits available.
While ThomasÕs contributions to the
hospital have been many, she is quick to
give the credit to others. "The quality
people I work with are innovators and
go-getters Ð that truly has been the
greatest aspect of Children's Hospital,"
she said. "The hospital has had the ability
to attract the best people, and without
that ability, nothing would happen. The
recruitment of so many pediatric
subspecialists to the hospital in recent
years also has brought a significant new
dimension to the services we can offer.
"I have been so fortunate in this part of
my career to work in a place where the
priorities are children and their families
and the quality of care provided," she
added. "The nurses, physicians, other staff
members, the members of the board,
Administration, everyone has a great
working relationship where the center of
care truly is the patients."
She also notes the importance of the
hospitalÕs relationship with the
community: "Our involvement with the
community stands out with the way the
hospital is viewed in such a positive light
Ð it is because of the quality of care we
provide."
ThomasÕs achievements and hard
work have not gone unnoticed by the
hospital or the medical community.
Thomas was awarded the Meritorious
Service Award for Executive Staff on
October 1 at the 66th annual meeting
of the Tennessee Hospital Association.
In addition to this award, the
Nursing Administration Suite in
Koppel Plaza will be named in her
honor. The Rebecca C. Thomas Suite
is a testament to her years of
dedication, caring and hard work.
Bob Koppel, President of ChildrenÕs
Hospital, said Thomas will be greatly
missed. "Beckie has served in senior
management positions for almost three
decades, during which time she has
embodied what it means to be a leader, an
administrator, a community servant and a
health care advocate," Koppel said. "She
has consistently been involved in area
and state organizations that support
Children's Hospital, the hospital industry
and the children we serve.
"Children's Hospital has been fortunate
to have a person like Beckie Thomas as
part of its management team, and the loss
of her presence will be sorely felt when
she retires," Koppel continued. "She has
( CONTINUED BOTTOM OF NEXT PAGE)
Laura Barnes named vice president of patient care services
Laura Barnes, R.N., M.S.N.,
C.N.A.A.,B.C., currently the Nursing
Director of Critical Care Services at
Children's Hospital, will become Vice
President of Patient Care Services effective
January 2, 2005.
Barnes brings 30 years of work
experience at ChildrenÕs Hospital and an
abundance of management experience to
her new position. Hired by ChildrenÕs as
a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staff nurse
in April 1974, Barnes has served as a
Head Nurse, the Assistant Director of
Nursing Services, Child Life Coordinator,
Director of ChildrenÕs Home Health Care,
Director of Child Health Education, and,
most recently, as Nursing Director of
Critical Care Services. She holds a
masterÕs degree in nursing from the
University of Tennessee.
"[Retiring Vice President] Beckie
Thomas has been a tremendous asset to
Children's Hospital for nearly three
decades," Barnes said. "I am honored to
be following in her footsteps and look
forward to continuing the initiatives she
was so instrumental in developing and
supporting, such as Service Excellence
and Child-Family Centered Care."
Bob Koppel, President of Children's
Hospital, said as he considered the type of
person to be ThomasÕ successor, "I wanted
to make sure Children's Hospital would
continue to have someone who would
provide effective leadership to our
organization and enthusiastically be
supportive of our
Mission and Goals.
"We were
fortunate to
already have such
a person in our
organization," he
added. "Laura is
well known
throughout our
organization and
the nursing profession as a mission-
driven leader. She has been instrumental
in developing and overseeing a variety of
new programs and improvements at
Children's Hospital and was an ideal
choice to fill the Vice President position."
by Rupal Mehta, publications specialist
Beckie Thomas
Laura Barnes
( B E C K I E T H O M A S C O N T I N U E D )
been an outstanding employee and
resource to our medical center, to the
health care profession and to the East
Tennessee community."
A retirement reception will take place
December 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the hospital
to honor ThomasÕ many years of
dedication and efforts to provide the best
possible care for our patients.
Thomas graduated from St. MaryÕs
Memorial School of Nursing, and she is
licensed as a Registered Nurse in
Tennessee. She is active in the Tennessee
Board of Nurse Executives, where she
formerly served as secretary and treasurer
at the state level. She is also a member of
the American Organization of Nurse
Executives. She was past vice president
and president of the Knoxville chapter of
Executive Women International, and she
is a member and former chair of the
United Way Allocation Panel.
by Rupal Mehta, publications specialist
Beckie Thomas, retiring Children's Hospital Vice President for
Patient Care Services, was honored recently by THA for her
many years of service to the health care field. Among the
Children's Hospital staff attending the event were (left to
right) Rudy McKinley, Vice President for Operations; Paul
Bates, Vice President for Human Resources; and Jim Pruitt,
Vice President for Finance.

7. 1312
Estate Planning...
Your lawyer, the Òhead coachÓ of your estate planning team
Include
Children’s Hospital
in your estate plans.
Join the ABC Club.
For more information,
call (865) 541-8441.
Please send the free brochure titled ÒPersonal Records.Ó
Name______________________________ Address__________________________________________
City___________________________ State_______ Zip_____________ Phone#(______)___________
r Please call me at the above phone number for a free confidential consultation concerning planned giving.
r Please send me more information about deferred giving.
r I have already included ChildrenÕs Hospital in my estate plan in the following way:
__________________________________________________________________________
r Please send me information about the ABC Club.
ChildrenÕs Hospital Development Office (865) 541-8441
Why should I get a lawyer?
CanÕt I just get a "will kit" or
some software for my computer?
The 10th Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States reads:
"The powers not delegated to the United
States by the Constitution, nor prohibited
by it to the states, are reserved to the
states respectively, or to the people."
Among the powers held by each state
are the establishing of its own set of laws.
Though there may be some similarities in
the laws of each state, there are many
differences. Tennessee law contains three
different "titles" relating to wills and
estates, which contain 17 separate
chapters containing 15 different parts and
more than 300 subparts. If you find this
confusing, imagine trying to put together
a "will kit" or a software package that
would be accurate for all 50 states.
Imagine dealing with a software
program with all of those intricate
differences and how confusing that could
be. The opportunities for error are
enormous, especially when you consider
the number of changes that can be made
by 50 state legislatures each year.
Whether you are wealthy or of modest
means, there is simply no substitute for
your lawyerÕs knowledge of the laws of
your state when drawing up your will.
Think for a moment about some of the
things your lawyer can do for you:
¥ Guide you as you select a guardian
for your minor children;
¥ Help you reach as many of your
in estate law and many other important
matters.
Just as each state has different laws,
each family has different priorities for
handling all of the assets they accumulate
during a lifetime. Your situation is
important; it requires and deserves the
individual attention you can only get
from your lawyer. You and your family
deserve the peace of mind that comes
from having a properly drawn will.
For a copy of our free planning
booklet, "Personal Records," send your
name and address to us via the reply
form below. Or you may email David
Rule, Director of Development, at
dsrule@etch.com or Teresa Goddard,
CFRE, Senior Development Officer,
at tgoddard@etch.com, or call them
at (865) 541-8441.
objectives as possible with a minimum of
taxes and other headaches;
¥ Present alternative plans for you to
consider and explain the benefits and the
drawbacks of each;
¥ Advise you if your situation calls for
the expertise of other professionals such
as CPAs, Trust Officers or CLUs;
¥ Guide you in selecting a personal
representative to carry out your wishes
through your will;
¥ Make certain your will is properly
signed and witnessed;
¥ Help you take special circumstances
of all types into account;
¥ Advise you about the benefits and
drawbacks of holding property in joint
names;
¥ Advise you about charities you may
wish to assist through your will; and,
¥ Guide you about upcoming changes
Every day at ChildrenÕs Hospital,
social workers and Home Health Care
and Rehabilitation staff members see
families who cannot afford to provide
presents for their children during the
holidays.
Several years ago, these hospital
employees decided to make those
familiesÕ needs a priority during the
holidays. Coordinated by the staff in
the Community Relations Department,
the hospital chooses about 30 families
to assist each year.
Families are elected through specific
criteria, must be current patient families
and will only receive help for one
holiday season to ensure that as many
families as possible are assisted.
Family names are never given to the
public. Community groups, businesses,
organizations, individuals and families
"adopting" these families are provided
with a list of the familyÕs needs, such as
childrenÕs ages, gender, needs and likes
or dislikes. Groups may also purchase
food or gifts for the family home.
Some groups also donate gift
certificates to local retail, discount and
grocery stores so families can purchase
specific gifts or meet personal needs.
This also offers the parents a chance to
purchase special items for their children
and be more involved in their familyÕs
holiday celebration.
Because the number of families has
grown from 20 to 30 over the last five
years, ChildrenÕs Hospital continues to
need more groups to adopt families
during the holiday season. If you are
interested in participating in the Adopt-
A-Family program or for more
information, call the Community
Relations Department at (865) 541-8276.
by Janya Marshall,
Associate Director for Public Relations
Adopt-A-Family program brightens patients’ holidays
When the ChildrenÕs Hospital Auxiliary
was created in 1964, the groupÕs goal was
simply to make the stay of the hospitalÕs
young patients and their families as
comfortable as possible.
As the Auxiliary celebrated its 40th
anniversary in September, few could have
foreseen the impact this group would make
on ChildrenÕs in terms of its volunteer and
fund-raising efforts to support much-
needed equipment and programs.
The Auxiliary hosted its fall meeting and
anniversary celebration September 21 at the
hospital, with many longtime members in
attendance.
Elizabeth Thomas, Director of Volunteer
Services and Resources for ChildrenÕs
Hospital, remembers the events behind the
AuxiliaryÕs founding. "In 1964, Anne
Ragsdale Regas founded the Auxiliary with
a purpose of making the stay of our
patients and their families a little better and
more comfortable. Anne, whose son Dennis
had been a patient at ChildrenÕs, enlisted
the help of friends and neighbors to begin
the Auxiliary and served as the groupÕs first
president."
On September 15, 1964, the first
ChildrenÕs Hospital Auxiliary meeting
minutes were recorded.
Another founding member, Evelyn
Pollard, still volunteers at ChildrenÕs
Hospital today and fondly remembers the
AuxiliaryÕs first days: "With no money and
lots of elbow grease, we cleaned out a closet
and stocked it with toys for the patients."
Pollard also recalls the groupÕs first fund-
raising effort, the holiday greeting card sale.
"We had to hand deliver all the cards
ourselves; it gave us a good opportunity to
become better known in the community,"
she said.
In 1970, the Auxiliary had the
opportunity to fulfill its dream of opening a
gift shop when the new hospital building
opened on Clinch Avenue.
"During the move, we had to [help] roll
patients down the street to the new
location. We moved everything by hand,"
Pollard said. "And the new gift shop was
really exciting. If we had a $100 day, it was
a great day. I am amazed how much we sell
there now."
Today, the annual holiday greeting card
sale continues to be the groupÕs most
popular fund-raising activity, and
additional efforts include annual plant sales
and other events that raise funds to support
the AuxiliaryÕs services for patients and
families. This yearÕs greeting card currently
is available for purchase (see page 16 for
more information about the card).
The Auxiliary, ever eager to make a
childÕs stay at ChildrenÕs Hospital more
comfortable, is making exciting plans to
adapt and expand its services as the
hospital completes its move into the new
patient tower this fall and renovates
existing areas of the hospital during 2005.
"Keeping up with patientsÕ and familiesÕ
needs and embracing new programs to
make their hospital stays as comfortable as
possible is the AuxiliaryÕs daily goal,"
president Nancy Mason said.
by Rupal Mehta, publications specialist
Auxiliary celebrates 40 years of giving
DatestoRememberUpcoming events to benefit
ChildrenÕs Hospital
January
WATE-TV Mini-Telethon for Camp
Cure (Diabetes Camp)
January 9
JamminÕ in Your Jammies
January 28-30
February
University of Tennessee Dance
Marathon
February 4 & 5
March
Star 102.1 Radiothon
March 3 & 4
Cutest Little Baby Face Contest
March 5-6 and 18-19
TKÕs Breakfast
March 12
For more information about any of
these events, call (865) 541-8441 or
visit our Web site at www.etch.com
and click on "Coming Attractions."
Nine of the AuxiliaryÕs
past presidents joined
current president Nancy
Mason and hospital
president Bob Koppel for
a group photo during
the AuxiliaryÕs 40th
anniversary celebration.
Pictured are (left to
right) Nancy Tipton,
Jane Walker, Nancy
Flynn, Wanda
Haralson, Evelyn
Pollard, Koppel, Anne
Palmer, Peg Parker,
Mason, Zurma (Hemry)
Caldwell and Carole Lebert.

8. becomes particularly problematic during
the age bracket of six weeks to four
months, an age period that coincides
with the peak incidence of Shaken Baby
Syndrome.
Infants cry to communicate their
needs: they are hungry, need to burp, are
uncomfortable or are tired. Sometimes
there is no reasonable explanation for a
babyÕs cries, and it is easy for caregivers
to become frustrated because they canÕt
seem to comfort the crying child.
Unfortunately, shaking a crying baby has
the desired effect: although at first the
baby cries more out of fear, it eventually
stops crying as the brain is damaged.
Q : How can Shaken Baby Syndrome be
prevented?
14 15
Shaken Baby Syndrome is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States.
While the consequences of SBS can be fatal, they are 100 percent preventable.
Joe Childs, M.D., Medical Director of
the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at
ChildrenÕs Hospital, answers parentsÕ
questions about Shaken Baby Syndrome
and offers advice on how to prepare a
plan that will reduce a childÕs risk of
Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Q : What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
A : Shaken Baby Syndrome is the term
used to describe the group of signs and
symptoms caused by someone
vigorously shaking an infant or small
child, which causes brain damage. In
some cases, the shaking is accompanied
by the final impact of the babyÕs head
against a bed, chair or other surface. The
degree of brain damage depends on the
amount and duration of the shaking and
the forces involved in the impact of the
head.
Q : Why is shaking a baby so dangerous?
A : When someone forcefully shakes a
baby, the childÕs head rotates
uncontrollably because infantsÕ neck
Shaken Baby Syndrome
A : The most important thing to know
about handling a crying child is: what
will you do when you become
frustrated? And you will become
frustrated Ð all parents do. It is important
to realize just saying "donÕt shake a baby"
is not enough. A plan of action or
suggestions to deal with the situation
must be prepared. Finding ways to
alleviate your stress at these critical
moments will significantly reduce the
risk to the child.
If a baby in your care wonÕt stop
crying, try the following:
¥ Make sure the babyÕs basic needs are
met (For example, is the baby tired or
hungry?).
¥ Check for signs of illness, like fever or
swollen gums.
¥ Rock or walk with the baby.
¥ Sing or talk to the baby.
¥ Offer the baby a pacifier or a noisy toy.
¥ Take the baby for a ride in a stroller
or in the car in his or her car seat.
¥ Swaddle the baby snugly in a blanket.
¥ Turn on the stereo, run the vacuum
cleaner or run water in the tub
(babies like rhythmic noise).
¥ Hold the baby close against your
body and breathe calmly and slowly.
¥ Call a friend or relative for support or
to take care of the baby while you
take a break.
¥ If nothing else works, put the baby
in the crib on his or her back and
muscles are not developed enough to
provide support for the head. The violent
movement moves the infantÕs brain back
and forth within the skull, rupturing
blood vessels and nerves throughout the
brain and tearing the brain tissue. The
brain strikes the inside of the skull,
causing bruising and bleeding to the
brain. The damage is even greater when
the shaking ends with an impact, because
the forces of acceleration and deceleration
associated with an impact are strong.
After the shaking, the swelling in the
brain can cause enormous pressure
within the skull, compressing blood
vessels and increasing overall injury to its
delicate structure.
Q : What is the outcome or prognosis of
SBS victims?
A :About 20 percent of all SBS cases are
fatal in the first few days after injury. In
some studies of SBS, the death rate is
almost half of all babies involved.
Children who survive may suffer partial
or total blindness, hearing loss, seizures,
developmental delays, speech and
learning difficulties, severe mental
retardation or paralysis. In milder cases,
the baby may appear normal
immediately after the shaking but may
eventually develop one or more of these
problems.
Q : Can tossing or rough play cause SBS?
A : No. Parents need to be assured that
playing with children in an age-
appropriate way will not cause the
injuries associated with SBS. There is
slight danger in tossing a baby in the air,
but it is from the possibility of dropping
the child. Even then, most children do
not suffer life-threatening injuries from
short falls. Riding in a backpack while the
parent jogs or rides a bike will not cause
SBS-type injuries.
Q : Why is crying the most common
trigger for shaking?
A : Normally, an infant will spend two to
three hours each day crying; 20-30
percent of infants exceed that amount of
time, sometimes substantially. Crying
Dr. Joe Childs
walk away. Check on the baby every
10 minutes.
If you are a parent, there are things
you should do to protect your child from
being harmed by someone else. Make
sure that anyone who helps care for your
child, including your spouse, the childÕs
grandparents, siblings, child care
providers and others, know the dangers
of shaking a baby. Parents need to let
those caring for their child know that it is
OK to call for help when needed. You
also should be cautious to only leave
your child in the care of people who you
know you can trust. Many of the SBS
cases seen involve children who were
left with male caretakers with minimal
investment in the childÕs well-being,
such as a casual or new boyfriend of the
mother.
Parents should also be aware the use
of alcohol or drugs increases a personÕs
chances of a violent or out-of-control
reaction such as shaking. Do not use or
allow others to use these substances
when around your baby.
Remember that a crying baby is not a
reflection on your care. It is OK to let an
infant cry if you have tried numerous
things to quiet him or her. If you are
concerned about a babyÕs crying, contact
your childÕs health care provider.
For more information, visit our web
site at www.etch.com/sbs.cfm.
treatment, but we choose to drive to
ChildrenÕs Hospital because Jake trusts
the staff, and so do we," Rhonda said.
Jake enjoys telling everyone about his
experience at ChildrenÕs. "He came to
the hospital for a bone scan, and the
young man in the Radiology Department
gave Jake a copy of the ÔpictureÕ of his
bones," Rhonda said. "On the first
Ôshow-and-tellÕ at school, Jake took it to
show everyone, and it hangs in his room
during Halloween as his very own
skeleton."
"We would not have survived without
ChildrenÕs Hospital," Rhonda said. "With
their special care of JakeÕs medical needs,
we were able to just be a family and
found the blessings necessary to live
day-by-day with our faith. ChildrenÕs
staff provided us with that opportunity
during the most difficult time of our
sonÕs life."
During the University of Tennessee
versus University of Florida football
game this fall, Jake and his family were
watching the game on television. One of
the commercials featured Lance
Armstrong and his bravery throughout
his battle with cancer. The commercial
showed Armstrong stating, "I am a cancer
survivor." Jake looked at his mother and
boldly stated, "Hey, Mom,
I am a cancer survivor, too." He went on
to ask, "Mom, you want to know why?
Because that is what God wanted me to be!"
"According to our faith, God does not
say all things that work for His plan are
going to be easy or are going to be
something that we understand. However,
even in these circumstances, we are seeing
that God is working in our lives and in
JakeÕs life like never before," Rhonda said.
by Janya Marshall, Associate Director for
Public Relations
JAKE ( C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 5 )
Andy and Rhonda brought Riley to
ChildrenÕs that evening and then came
back to share JakeÕs story less than 24
hours later. "We know that our children
will be taken care of in the best possible
manner at ChildrenÕs Hospital," Rhonda
said. "Whether it is for a major illness or
a childhood injury, we wonÕt take our
children to any other place. The staff
provides the best care for the medical
and emotional needs of the entire
family."
Jake continues his chemotherapy
treatment at home and as a ChildrenÕs
Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic
patient. He visits every 28 days for IV
chemotherapy, every two weeks for lab
work, and once a month for respiratory
treatments. The plan is to continue
treatments until November 2005.
"We actually have the opportunity to
visit a facility closer to home for JakeÕs