TODAY news - June 27, 2002

Thursday, June 27, 2002 TODAY

Loma Linda University Medical Center news

American Heart Association honors LLUMC transplant pioneer

Leonard L. Bailey, MD, professor of surgery, School of Medicine, chair of the department of surgery, LLUMC, and surgeon-in-chief for LLUCH, shares his appreciation for the gift of the statue “Tag! You’re It!” depicting kids playing without a care in the world.

Leonard L. Bailey, MD, of Loma Linda University Medical Center, received the appreciation and praise of children and adults alike on June 1 at the first Stars of the Heart celebrity gala benefitting the American Heart Association. Held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, families with children suffering from congenital heart defects and touched by Dr. Bailey's healing hands gathered to honor the lifetime dedication, heartfelt passion, and continued commitment of this caring surgeon.

Dr. Bailey developed his vision for infant heart transplantation during his residency program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, when he saw otherwise perfect babies dying from hypoplastic left heart syndrome. He performed more than 200 experimental transplantations in infant research animals to determine the feasibility of transplanation in the very young before his first human transplantation in October of 1984, when he transplanted a baboon heart into an infant known as "Baby Fae." A little more than a year later, he performed the first successful human-to-human heart transplantation in a 4-day-old baby. "Baby Moses," as he is called, was there to support Dr. Bailey at the Doubletree. He will turn 17 this November.

Now infant and pediatric heart transplantation is performed in more than 80 centers worldwide—many due to Dr. Bailey's pioneering work in the field.

Anees Razzouk, MD, professor and head of the division of cardiothoracic surgery, delivered a tribute to Dr. Bailey straight from the heart, honoring the pioneering spirit Dr. Bailey has shown.

"Nearly two decades ago, he [Dr. Bailey] caught the attention of the world when millions of wellwishers tuned in to hear the latest about a sweet little girl known as 'Baby Fae.'

"Yes, neonatal heart transplantation was a historical breakthrough, but it was also the fruition of years of intense laboratory research by this master surgeon motivated by his sincere conviction 'to make life happen' for those youngsters with defective hearts. When others in the field were absolutely certain that neonatal heart transplantation [would] not work, this dreamer said, 'It seems fair to dream of them growing up and realizing many of their own dreams.' It took more than a confident vision for this daring giant to transform a dream into a common day reality (what he now calls a 'piece of cake')! The amalgam of a pioneering spirit, a scientific mind, a surgical prowess, and a courageous soul was necessary to overcome insurmountable challenges. And so today the entire professional community holds this star performer in the utmost respect and esteem and fondly refers to him as the father of pediatric heart transplantation," said Dr. Razzouk.

Many more tributes were written to Dr. Bailey and placed in the gala program.

"We hope you will enjoy this wonderful evening and will join us in honoring Dr. Leonard L. Bailey, the world renowned children's heart transplant surgeon from Loma Linda University Medical Center," wrote Elray H. Konkel, president of the board for the Inland Empire Amercian Heart Association. "We are truly blessed to have him here tonight and to have such a fine facility located here."

"It is a special privilege and honor for me, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, the administrative teams, and the entire institutional family, to pay tribute to [Dr. Bailey]," wrote B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and CEO of Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center. "Your life and career of unique, original research and pioneering of successful clinical protocols are legendary. Thousands, including the fragile, vulnerable children with little or no hope for life, live and thrive today because you would not accept 'things as they always were.'"

"I have had the rare privilege of observing your research and your patient care activities as a member of the institution's administrative team for many years," wrote Brian S. Bull, MD, dean of the School of Medicine. "I have had the even greater privilege of working, as a fellow researcher, in an adjacent room in the animal surgery suite when you were in the process of developing those transplant surgical skills for which you are now appropriately world famous. You were always the gentleman scholar then; you remain so today."

"On behalf of parents everywhere, physicians who have learned from your example, and myself, I would like to heartily thank you [Dr. Bailey] for your courageous and impassioned work to help infants born with heart disease," wrote Congressman Joe Baca. "Your vision in performing the first heart xenotransplant in the world has led to amazing innovations in treating what once were incurable heart diseases in infants. You deserve to feel a profound sense of accomplishment. For with every child that you have helped, you have not only saved a life, but you have brightened the lives of all those that child will ever touch. What a wonderful contribution to humanity!"

But of all the tributes, none could be more heartfelt than the presentation of a statue titled "Tag! You're It!" Cathy Grinnan, mother of Hannah, Dr. Bailey's 223rd heart transplant patient, presented the statue, representing the carefree spirit Dr. Bailey has bestowed upon so many children, on behalf of all the families his healing hands have helped.

Dr. Bailey graciously accepted the honor, but not without his characteristic humility that has become a trademark. Sharing the credit with his colleagues and the Loma Linda International Heart Institute, he thanked everyone for their generous support before following the entourage of transplant kids off stage to be with his wife, Nancy, and two sons, Brooks and Connor.

|Top|

Remembering Ruth Bailey

Ruth Elizabeth Bailey
Years of service at LLUMC:
2/27/78 to 11/24/01

June 13 was a special day because members of the Loma Linda University Medical Center family chose to remember one of their own that day. In memory of Ruth Elizabeth Bailey, LLUMC Home Care services revealed a special planter dedicated to Ms. Bailey's legacy of competent caring for all around her. The Western Red Bud tree in the middle of the Home Care Services courtyard will bloom with pink buds in the spring time, "a living plant that will grow and mature to provide shade and comfort," B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and CEO of Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, said during the services.

"What we celebrate today is the legacy of Ruth Bailey," Dr. Behrens continued. "A model of compassionate, competent care."

The event was a tribute to a friend well-loved and sorely missed.

Ms. Bailey worked for Loma Linda University Medical Center for nearly 24 years, starting as a respiratory therapist in 1978 for respiratory care. During her career of caring at Loma Linda she went on to work for respiratory home care and for Loma Linda Medical Supply. Ms. Bailey was a respiratory therapist dedicated to working her entire life. She asked God to help fulfill that wish. Even during her last year, with a body filled with cancer, she continued to care for her patients and work through her ordeal, until just before her death. Ms. Bailey died one month shy of her 70th birthday.

And while her death on November 25, 2001, is a painful reminder of the world we live in, her life is a joyous testament to the hope found in love. The hope she expressed on a daily basis.

B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and CEO of LLUAHSC, commends the legacy Ms. Bailey left behind, that of a caring, competent model for all to strive toward.

Undoubtedly Ms. Bailey was an excellent respiratory therapist, but she will forever be remembered as a loving person. Both patients and co-workers recall the special light Ms. Bailey shared with them all so unselfishly. Ms. Bailey was always quick with her smile and a kind word of encouragement to all she met.

The lives touched by Ms. Bailey are too numerous to record.

Ms. Bailey lived dedication. To her patients, to her co-workers, to her fellow humans, Ms. Bailey was ever dedicated. Mattie Wren, executive director of home care services, remembers this about her:

"When I first met Ruth she was working in Respiratory Home Care full time and caring for her husband who was very ill. Ruth was able to keep up with her work schedule and care for her patients no matter what was happening to her. I don't believe there were any patients who didn't love her. She had no interest in retiring—she loved her work and was here at work until a few days before she passed away, and I say 'Way to go Ruth!' because she did it her way.

"Ruth was someone who gave everyone hugs and encouragement. Ruth seemed to know when you were having a difficult day and would say 'I think you need a hug!!' She was a very special person and I miss her."

Truly, Ms. Bailey is missed by all. Brian Summerville, warehouse manager for Loma Linda Medical Supply, remembers her visits to brainstorm on equipment ideas for her patients. Her zest for life and her dedication to her patients would come out in these meetings.

"As warehouse manager, it's my job to get the most for the cost, but she wanted the Cadillac of medical equipment for her patients, and we would go around and around on what equipment to purchase."

"She worked up to the very last. And she never complained," recalls Mr. Summerville. "It's hard without her. She was like our mom here at work." She would chide me for eating at Carl's Jr., Mr. Summerville says, but then she would bring me coupons for Carl's Jr. the next day. But despite their different perspectives, they were good friends. "That week of Thanksgiving, she gave me a hug and said she loved me."

The plaque honoring Ms. Bailey reads: This memorial dedicated in loving memory of Ruth Elizabeth Bailey, Beloved Respiratory Therapist.

After working with Ms. Bailey for more than 10 years, Mr. Summerville discovered her favorite colors, purple and pink. Thus the significance of the Western Red Bud.

Ophelia Brooks, a respiratory therapist who worked with Ms. Bailey for 11 years, remembers her caring disposition. "She wore her heart on her sleeve." Ms. Brooks enjoyed Ruth's 'rounds,' which consisted of passing out hugs to everyone every morning she came into the office. "She was definitely a caring person, and she was very good at the job," says Ms. Brooks. "I really feel she should be recognized for her expertise and hard work." Which went beyond the call of duty.

"She continued to work," says Ms. Brooks, "even after the cancer. But you could tell she was in pain sometimes. She was a trooper." When she started chemotherapy in November, Ms. Brooks offered to skip her vacation to help cover her shifts. Ms. Bailey just gave her a hug and told her to enjoy the vacation. "That was the last time I saw her," says Ms. Brooks.

Duane Gordon, director of Loma Linda Medical Supply and respiratory home care, met Ms. Bailey in June of 1995. "She was an incredibly selfless person," remembers Mr. Gordon. "My children called her grandmother. We really miss her. She was a counselor to many, including myself.

"Ruth and I had lunch two to three times a week like clockwork," says Mr. Gordon. Ms. Bailey was a vegetarian, and one of their favorite spots was the Dehli Palace with their buffet style lunch that fit both Mr. Gordon's and Ms. Bailey's menu preferences. As the cancer began to take its toll on Ms. Bailey and these lunch meetings began to falter, Mr. Gordon knew there was something wrong. But even though Ms. Bailey's body was wracked with cancer during her final year, she continued to care for patients.

Eileen Zorn, MS, RN, senior vice president of nursing, provides a profile of Ms. Bailey’s life and how it touched many others around her.

"She personified home-care services. She was respiratory home care. And she absolutely refused to retire." And because of that, as Mr. Gordon says, "People all over know her and love her."

Suzette Gregor, Ms. Bailey's daughter, lives in Seattle and was unable to attend. However, she wished to share a few words about her mother.

"Not too many times these days do we meet someone who loves what they do, believes in what they do, and who they work for. My mother truly had all three of these things through her life and career. More specifically at Loma Linda she was proud to be part of this organization and what it stands for. She loved having the opportunity to share her love of the Lord with her coworkers and her patients.

"My mother and I would speak several times a week. She would always have a story for me about how wonderful everyone there was to her. She loved to tell me how full her heart was when she had made a new friend that week (usually one of her patients) and how her heart would break when she lost one of her friends (again, usually one of her patients).

"Several times in the past I had asked my mom to move to the Northwest with me and my family. She would respond the same each time with, 'I love you all very much, but I would miss working with my other family, and besides, I hate rain.'

"You will never know how much you were each loved by my mom. Whether you worked with her or were lucky enough to be one of her patients, your friendship was appreciated by her and also by me and my family.

"I have many examples of her kindness, too many to list, I just know that I will miss her kind heart. I rest in the thought that we all will be together again one day. She lived, loved, and served and was a truly happy person. She will always be remembered by the lives she has touched."

|Top|

LLUMC volunteer continues legacy of service at 102

Ina Hall, who turned 102 on May 2, cuts the frayed edges off towels bound for the operating room.

By 11:00 a.m. on most Wednesdays, Ina Hall has folded more than 100 towels. Only an hour and a half into her weekly routine, she will finish nearly 300 towels before she leaves central services at Loma Linda University Medical Center a little before 2:00 p.m. The towels are earmarked to go to the operating room to be used during surgery. Undoubtedly an important function for this rather common item.

And just as these towels are more than they seem, so is Ms. Hall. She retired 40 years ago, and turned 102 on May 2.

Ms. Hall has been at it since the early 1990s, when she first began volunteering at the hospital.
"I came here at the age of 81," remarks Ms. Hall. "And I figure you don't get jobs at that time, and since I could still hear and see and everything, I decided to volunteer."

Practical words from a practical woman. Ms. Hall spent her career in her native country of Nicaraugua, caring for the sick and injured as a practical nurse.

"The secret is to have the towel that the nurse will use be easy to unfold," explains Ms. Hall. And so she folds one more towel in the manner taught her 10 years ago.

The towels Ms. Hall folds are sterilized, wrapped, and sent to the OR.

"I used to wrap them," says Ms. Hall as she clips a few stray fringes off a towel. "But these days they must think I'm too old, so I just fold."

Sitting at the table with her hair cap and colorful lab coat, wearing her pink glasses, Ms. Hall enjoys her time at the hospital, and the hospital is a better place for it.

"The folks treat me well [at the hospital]," says Ms. Hall. "I enjoy spending time with the folks [at the hospital]. I always in my life believe in living in peace." Where better to live in peace than a hospital she figures.

Ms. Hall appreciates yellow roses, as yellow is her favorite color, though "I don't even know why," she laughs.

"At home I read and sometimes I crotchet. And I sleep," she chuckles.

And her weekly Wednesday visits to volunteer at the hospital continue, even at the age of 102.

|Top|

LLUMC celebrates national nurse week with seminar

Participants of the seminar take part in a group project to build interaction.

The Society of Pediatric Nurses hosted a seminar on Friday, May 10, to cap off national nurses week.

"Pediatrics and Family-Centered Care" was the topic for the continuing education meeting. Family-centered care is a system-wide approach to pediatric care based on the assumption that the family is a child's primary source of streng

h and support.

Danilyn M. Angeles, PhD, RN, clinical director of translational research, LLUMC, presented "Family-Centered Care in the NICU."

Following Dr. Angeles, was Joyce Volsch, MS, RN, administrative director of nursing, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. Ms. Volsch spoke on "Pediatrics and Family-Centered Care."

After the presentations, a parent panel, led by parent Patricia Woods, discussed families and family-centered care.

National nurses week was held May 6 to 12 this year.
The seminar was sponsored by the Inland Empire Chapter of the Society of Pediatric Nurses and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.

|Top|

Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational raises $100,000 for proton research

Ken Venturi demonstrates a swing at the golf clinic provided to participants of the Proton Charity Invitational prior to the tournament.

The battle against cancer and other diseases treatable by protons continues to push forward thanks to the research dollars provided by the 12th Annual Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational. The large success of the tournament, which raised $100,000 this year, comes from the support of participants, sponsors, and the hosts. Ken Venturi, sports golf analyst and announcer for CBS television, and professional golfer John Cook bring their expertise and their cheer to the tournament.

Individual golfers paid $500 and sponsors paid anywhere from $500 to $15,000 to participate in the invitational. All proceeds from the invitational support cancer research that impacts patient treatments with proton radiation therapy. Loma Linda investigators are also researching non-cancer applications for proton therapy.

"This funding has been going into an endowment fund," says James M. Slater, MD, FACR, chair, department of radiation medicine, and invitational chair. "It will then be transferred to a chair which will support research for proton by an individual that will be named to accept that [position]. And his task will be to do major research and keep this program going."

The Loma Linda University Ken Venturi Chair for Proton Therapy Cancer Research now totals $2 million. This fund holds all invitational proceeds, as well as individual and corporate contributions.

"Your involvement has improved proton radiation for more than 7,000 patients who have already been treated, and will yield even greater help for those yet to come. Our patients and my colleagues join me in thanking you for your continued support," says Dr. Slater.

The Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational drew 124 players to The Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage.

Invitational host Ken Venturi and invitational advisor John Cook presented a golf clinic before the tournament. During the tournament the two stopped to have a photograph taken with each golfer.
Mr. Venturi has been involved with the invitational since it began in 1991.

"This has been a very special place for me to come here. And I take my hat off to the entire staff at Morningside, it doesn't get any better than this," said Mr. Venturi at the awards luncheon after the tournament. "I think that, as I said before, no one will remember you for what you take from this world but only what you leave behind, and I think the greatest reward is to be remembered. As I learned from Byron Nelson many years ago and passed it on from there down to John and then John has been doing the same thing. When I asked Byron Nelson how could I ever repay him, he said 'Only be good to the game, and give back.' And Loma Linda is a place I'll ever give back."

John Cook takes a few last swings to close the clinic before taking photos with participants.

Mr. Venturi retired from CBS Sports on June 2, at the Kemper Insurance Open in Potomac, Maryland, after 35 years in the broadcast booth. He turned 71 on May 15.

"Dr. Slater, Jerry, Gus, and all who contribute so much; because without you, this could never have happened. And I'm sure that the greatest reward is ahead. So may God bless you, and God bless America," Mr. Venturi said in closing.

Mr. Venturi is the longest-serving golf analyst on television and an acknowledged master of his craft. In 2000, Mr. Venturi had what he calls the "crowning achievement" of his career. He was captain of the US team that reclaimed the President's Cup, doing so with the largest margin of victory in international team competition since 1967.

Mr. Venturi also recently completed treatment for prostate cancer at the Proton Treatment Center.

In appreciation for Mr. Venturi's continuing commitment to the Proton Treatment Center, he was presented with a gift of Waterford crystal.

"Ken Venturi has become profoundly identified with the Proton Charity Invitational. Of course, he has been the only host the tournament has ever had," says Dr. Slater. "But more than that, he has brought to each event his deep caring for those in need. He answered our call for help in 1991, when the first Proton Charity Invitational was held, and he has done so ever since. To all that he now adds the perspective of one who is himself a prostate cancer survivor; in 2001 he completed the same proton treatment regiment that so many others have received as a result of his work on behalf of Loma Linda. We are grateful for the help so many have given us, but it is fair to say that we have a special affection for Ken Venturi, a former US Open champion who has been our champion in more ways than one."

Mr. Cook has been invitational advisor since 1992. He was also honored with a gift of Waterford crystal during the awards luncheon.

"John Cook deserves a special note of thanks," Dr. Slater says. "He is a compassionate person who has supported us steadfastly. He brings a light touch to every tournament. We all thank him for his continued loyalty and superb contributions to the invitational."

Since becoming a professional golfer in 1979, Mr. Cook has won 10 PGA tournaments, including the 1998 Byron Nelson Classic, which he won just one day before joining Mr. Venturi at the Proton Charity Invitational. He has also won two international titles and was a member of the World Cup team in 1983 and the Ryder Cup team in 1993. His masterpiece as a PGA Tour professional occurred in 1996 at the St. Jude Classic. He tied the all-time PGA Tour record for 54 holes (189, 24 under par). He shot a final round of 69 to fall only one stroke shy of the all-time 72-hole record set by Ben Hogan in 1945 and equalled by Mike Souchak in 1955. In addition, Mr. Cook won his second Bob Hope Classic in 1997 by shooting 62 and 63 on the weekend, matching the PGA Tour record for the final two rounds (125).

On Sunday, the major invitational sponsors were once again invited to participate in a sponsor recognition tournament which serves as a warm-up to the Proton Charity Invitational. More than 80 people participated.

This year, the sponsors' recognition tournament was held at the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta.

The invitational continues to be held at The Club at Morningside, the first Jack Nicklaus "signature" course in the desert. It is known for its reputation as being one of the desert's elite courses.

Morningside is an exclusive, private country club which hosts only two charity tournaments every year. The Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational is fortunate to be one of the two.

"The Proton Charity Invitational's success during the past 12 years would not have been possible without the partnership of Morningside, Ken Venturi, and John Cook. We are also grateful for the long-term commitment of our sponsors whose partnerships are also vital to the endowment's growth," says David Colwell, CFRE, director of development for LLUMC and invitational executive committee member.

B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and chief executive officer of Loma Linda University Medical Center, shared her appreciation to the participants during the awards luncheon.

"I thought about the wonderful ways in which our lives intersect in partnership," says Dr. Behrens. "It began in the mind of Jim Slater as a way to transform the care of patients who have cancer. It matured with partnership with scientists and colleagues with the institution. And now in wonderful ways as you each have chosen to be a partner in this venture."

"Patients are impacted by what you do," emphasizes Dr. Beherens. "Proton treatment continues to be transformed. It will need partnership on into the future. And so I thank you Mr. Venturi, for choosing to be a part of this. I thank you all for being participants and I wish you God's blessing as you continue in your work."

|Top|

Proton advisory council spring meeting shows progress

The Loma Linda University Proton Treatment Center International Advisory Council showed signs of strong progress at the spring meeting held May 20 and 21. Updates on proton patient alumni reunions and a check presentation during the meeting lead the way in promoting and advocating proton therapy.

J. Lynn Martell, DMin, vice president for advancement, Loma Linda University Medical Center, reported on three alumni reunions held in Texas during April. The groups are actively looking for ways to advance proton therapy.

A report on the May 5 alumni meeting in Seattle revealed some of that progress. Jerry Klein, PhD, announced the establishment of the James M. Slater Chair for Proton Therapy Research at the Seattle meeting. The fund will go towards creating a position to help forward proton therapy research.

S. William Linko, a former proton patient and a member of the Brotherhood of the Balloon (BOB), presented a check on behalf of his son, Will, and daughter, Nancy, for $5,000 to the Proton Treatment Center and BOB founder Robert Marckini to start a website for the brotherhood. The website <www.protonbob.com> is planned to be up and running by the end of June.

|Top|

Congressman seeks solutions on behalf of LLUMC patient

Congressman Baca listens as Traci McCombs (right) tells about the hardships faced by her son Acar’re Randolph, who has systemic mastocytosis. Ms. McCombs mother, Brenda Jackson, was there to support her daughter.

The case of Acar're Randolph, a 5-year-old boy with the rare disease, systemic mastocytosis, has found some federal backing as Congressman Joe Baca took the initiative to search for solutions to the boy's family's financial problems. On May 31 Congressman Baca brought in 9 different state agencies to discuss the possible avenues available to Acar're and his mother, Traci McCombs.

Diagnosed with the immune defeciency disease when he was only four months old, Acar're's primary care physician, Terry W. Chin, MD, PhD, FCAAI, associate professor of pediatrics at Loma Linda University Medical Center, is hopeful the boy will outgrow most of the potentially deadly symptoms after puberty.

"These cells are very senstitive to a lot of different trauma and can respond with allergic-type reactions," says Dr. Chin. "For Acar're, we're looking for some significant decrease in symptoms with the hormonal changes associated with puberty."

The disease causes thousands of tiny benign tumors to grow in the skin, bones, and gastrointestinal system. They can be set off by something as common as sunlight or tapwater.

The expenses incurred by such ramifications was the catalyst that brought the support meeting together. A year ago Ms. McCombs was under court order to eliminate her $2,000 debt or lose Acar're to foster care. With the help of friends and her mother, Brenda Jackson, she was able to do so, but the nearly $3,000 in monthly bills for purifed water, organic foods, and medications has left Acar're's state much the same.

Dr. Chin points out several areas that need addressing for Acar're to receive the necessary care. He recommends psychiatric counseling to help the boy deal with why he can't participate in activities that his peers do. A nebulizer breathing machine is needed, says Dr. Chin, to help cleanse the air Acar're breathes while he sleeps. There is a crucial need for special transportation with adequate shielding from the sun's rays and room enough for medical equipment. He has also recommended prescription medications not approved specifically for mastocytosis, even though they help with its symptoms.

Representatives from California Children's Services, the Children's Fund, Arrowhead Credit Union, San Bernardino County Housing Authority, Child Advocates, Children's Network, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and Assemblyman John Longville listened to Ms. McCombs and Ms. Jackson describe Acar'res situation. The group brainstormed ideas of possible solutions, including the possbility of procurring an SUV for the transportation needs, spearheaded by Charlie Gabriel, vice president and branch manager of Arrowhead Credit Union. Enrique Acuna, Assemblymember Longville's field representative, offered assistance as a liason between some of the agencies that have been unresponsive.

Part of the problem is the rarity of Acar're's disease. It is estimated that only 20,000 people worldwide have mastocytosis.There are no policies, protocol, or guidelines for state agencies to refer to regarding his case. His rare situation has left many of their hands tied by beureaucratic phrasing.
Jessie Valenzuela, congressional assistant to Congressman Baca, facilitated the collaboration among agencies to try to establish some precedents for Acar're and others with the disease.

Acar're's case seems to be more severe and senstive to things even other mastocytosis patients are usually not.

"His form is unusual because these cells appear to be sensitive to even sunlight," says Dr. Chin. "In Acar're's case, he's had two episodes of anaphylaxis," a severe allergic reaction that can cause shock, unconsciousness, or death.

|Top|

Ritchie Mansion to house cancer patients

Ritchie Mansion at Loma Linda University Medical Center offers people with cancer a safe and comfortable place to call “home” during their treatments at Loma Linda. The construction project is well underway since the old exterior has been stripped away. This photo, taken during the middle of June, shows the new framework of the seven efficiency units that will eventually be Ritchie Mansion. The next step for the project is roofing.

People with cancer and their families from around the world come every day for care at Loma Linda University Medical Center. In addition to traditional methods of treatment, Loma Linda offers state-of-the-art proton therapy at the Proton Treatment Center, the first hospital-based facility of its kind in the world. Proton therapy targets radiaion precisely at the tumor, reducing the negative side effects of other forms of treatment.

Since treatments are on an outpatient basis for up to eight weeks, patients and their families have to find temporary housing in the Loma Linda area. Finding reasonably priced accommodations near the Medical Center often places a severe strain on the already difficult family situation. Recognizing this need, the Federal government has issued a grant to initiate a cancer patient housing project.

Ritchie Mansion is the cornerstone of this project. Construction is expected to be finished and patients able to move in by early 2003.

The mansion is purchased, but funds are still needed for its renovation. Those who wish to support this endeavor may inquire at the Medical Center's office of advancement on how to "buy a brick" through the end of July by calling (909) 558-4778. For more information on the mansion itself, please contact Judy Chatigny, administrative director for the Loma Linda University Cancer Institute, at (909) 558-3390.

|Top|

LLUMC pediatric cardiologist contributes to book on congenital heart defects

Ranae Larsen, MD, chief of pediatric cardiology at LLUMC, contributed to the book Children’s Congenital Heart Defects, published by Three Rivers Press in November, 2001.

The book begins with a foreward by Sylvester Stallone. It covers a topic tougher than Rambo or Rocky: congenital heart defects in kids. And in the middle of it all can be found the words of Ranae Larsen, MD, chief of pediatric cardiology at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Dr. Larsen contributed to the book Children’s Congenital Heart Defects, written by Gerri Freid Kramer and Shari Maurer. Dr. Larsen lent her expertise in pediatric cardiology and helped provide extensive information for the seventh chapter of the book, “Life After Surgery.”

“It answers a lot of practical questions that doctors may not think of,” says Dr. Larsen of the book. Questions like whether or not parents need to inform schools of their child’s heart repair, if he or she can play contact sports, what works and what doesn’t to minimize scarring, how to help children deal with having a scar, when a fever should raise concern, and what to expect from yearly visits to the doctor for CHD kids.

The authors contacted Dr. Larsen about the idea for the book four years ago. Now that it is out, she finds it useful as a resource for patients and their families, as well as referring pediatricians.

The book may be found at <www.randomhouse.com>.

|Top| [June 27, 2002 TODAY]

[News and media page]