Families of some newborn babies at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital will be going home with more than just a bundle of joy.  They will also leave with something that could save their baby’s life.

            Children’s & Women’s will now give Infant CPR training kits to families of at-risk newborns from the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.  The CPR kits were provided by the American Heart Association with support from Wells Fargo.

            “Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a skill all parents should know, but especially parents who have babies in our NICU,” Lanetta Dowell, RN, parent educator in the USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital NICU, said.  “These CPR kits will help reinforce the classes that we teach to the parents of our highest risk babies.”  

            Around 1,000 babies are admitted annually to the Children’s & Women’s NICU (pronounced NICK-you) and the hospital teaches more than 100 Infant CPR classes to around 700 parents of at-risk newborns.  The training kits will allow parents and caregivers to practice CPR techniques in the event their baby stops breathing.

             “It’s vital that parents know CPR, and now parents will also be able to teach CPR techniques to their family, friends and caregivers,” Owen Bailey, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital administrator, said.  “We appreciate the support of the American Heart Association and Wells Fargo.  There can be no greater gift than one that can help save a life.”

            Each kit comes with a Mini Baby CPR Learning Manikin, which can be inflated to practice CPR.  In addition, the kit includes an instructional DVD, reminder cards, directions and cleansing wipes.

“The American Heart Association is so grateful for Wells Fargo’s support of the AHA’s CPR Anytime Program,” Christina Quick, Alabama Gulf Coast regional director for the American Heart Association, said.  “The Infant CPR Kits were developed to increase Infant CPR knowledge among the public, especially new mothers.  For every kit, an estimated 2.5 people are trained – thus, saving more lives and increasing awareness of life-saving skills.”

            “Wells Fargo is proud to partner with the American Heart Association to bring life-saving training to new mothers in Mobile,” Chuck Harmon, Wells Fargo Business Banking area manager, said.  “We hope to continue to grow upon this success of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital’s care of infants and new mothers for years to come.”

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is among fewer than ten freestanding hospitals in the country dedicated specifically to the health care needs of children and women, offering Mobile’s only neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, pediatric oncology and sickle cell outpatient center and high-risk obstetrical care.  With more than 2,800 births annually, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is the area’s leader in deliveries.  For more information about USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, please visit www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh or call (251) 415-1000.

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke, America’s number one and three killers, by teaming with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases.  To learn more or to get involved, call 800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any AHA office. 

CAPTION: Lanetta Dowell, NICU parent educator, demonstrates one of the Infant CPR kits presented to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital.  Back row from left are, Owen Bailey, hospital administrator; Christina Quick, American Heart Association; Ricky Mathews, Press-Register publisher; and Chuck Harmon, Wells Fargo. 

Pictures from Radiothon Day 1: CLICK HERE

 cody Cody Harris from CMT's Sweet Home Alabama speaks to Mary and Mason on his experience at the USA Children's and Women's Hospital.

 Deandra Mrs. Deandra Chapman talks about her daughter Starla who was diagnosed in the Fall of 2011 w/acute Myeloma Leukemia which went into remission after the first round of chemo. Starla and her family will represent the CWH and the Ronald McDonald House by "Flipping the Switch" at our first ever "Lights of Love" event.

 karen Karen was only 6 years old when she was run over by a school bus. She spent many months in what is now CWH. Her experience there made her realize that she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up. Karen in now the nurse manager in the PICU, where she spent much time as a child.

 deedee Mother of former Patient AJ McCarron who when he was 5 was involved in a serious Jet Ski accident. He was treated at CWH and the McCarron family is truly grateful to the hospital for the excellent care given to AJ. AJ is currently the starting QB for the Crimson Tide

 hannah Hannah is having chemo for her brain tumor on Wednesday, so she can be home for Thanksgiving.  She says she is blessed to have the doctors and nurses at USA Children's & Women's Hospital! 

 CMN Brenna & Blakely

 CMN Taylor Davis.mp3

 CMN Mom & Triplets

 CMN Shauna & Scot

 CMN Veronica Hudson

Jalaysha Carter, a 5-year-old girl from Mobile who is winning her battle with cancer, has been chosen to represent the state of Alabama for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Champions program in 2011.

Jalaysha has been treated at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital for ganglioneuroblastoma, a type of cancer. She was selected and is being honored because of her courage in overcoming her illness.

“We’re all very proud of Jalaysha and happy that she has been recognized as a state champion,” Owen Bailey, administrator of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, said at a news conference held at the Sam’s Club store at Springdale Mall. “We’re grateful for our relationship with Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, which are strong supporters of our hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions program.”

When she was 2, Jalaysha was diagnosed with an unusual type of ganglioneuroblastoma. In most cases, neuroblastoma pushes the body’s central organs out of the way as it forms. In Jalaysha’s case, the cancer grafted itself onto her liver, her kidney and her aorta. She underwent three complex surgeries - each more than seven hours long - to remove the operable portions of the tumors. Because of its location, the remaining tumor on her aorta cannot be removed and must be monitored closely throughout her life. Jalaysha also bravely endured difficult chemotherapy treatments that spanned two years.

“For them to honor and select ‘Lay Lay’ to represent the state of Alabama - out of all those children, they chose her - we're just so happy and excited about that,” her grandmother, Cynthia Spencer, said at the news conference.

The Champions program brings together children from across the United States that have tackled severe medical challenges. They represent the 17 million children that are treated at 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. Through the Champions program, they will support fundraising campaigns for USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital throughout the year. In October, they will visit Washington, D.C. and Walt Disney World to inspire others to support children’s hospitals.

In Washington, Jalaysha and the other Champions will visit the White House and Capitol Hill, where they will meet with Alabama representatives to share their stories. Following their trip to the nation’s capitol, the Champions and their families take part in Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ annual Celebration event in Orlando, Fla. Celebration unites hospitals, sponsors and celebrities to celebrate achievements, share best practices and honor the children who benefit from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ fundraising efforts.

MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTY OPTIMIST CLUBS JOIN USA CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL FOR “STRIKE OUT CHILDHOOD CANCER NIGHT” AT HANK AARON STADIUM

MOBILE– USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the Optimist Clubs of Mobile and Baldwin counties are teaming up on Friday, Aug. 12 for “Strike Out Childhood Cancer Night” at Hank Aaron Stadium, when the Mobile BayBears host the Mississippi Braves at 7:05 p.m., with a huge fireworks show to follow the game.

Advance voucher tickets are $8, with $3 from every voucher sale going to support USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital.  To purchase vouchers, please contact Beth Mattei in the hospital’s Development Office at 415-1288 or bmattei@usouthal.edu.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is a leader in treating children’s cancer.  The hospital’s USS Hope treatment center is a cheerful, submarine-themed room designed for children undergoing treatment for cancer, sickle cell disease and other transfusion therapies.  As a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, the world’s largest childhood cancer research organization, USA's pediatric oncologists have access to the latest and most effective cancer treatment protocols for children. 

For more information about USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, please visit www.usahealthsystem.com and click on Children’s & Women’s Hospital or call (251) 415-1000. 

Pediatric patients at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital look especially forward to Thursdays. That’s when the hospital’s weekly “Pet Therapy” program pays a visit.

Each Thursday afternoon, specially trained dogs go room-to-room to see the youngsters and brighten their day. However, with the number of hospitalized children increasing, there’s a need for more dogs to join the Pet Therapy program at Children’s & Women’s.

“Pet therapy is a winning program for patients and their families, our staff and volunteers, and the community as a whole,” Belinda Baggett, director of volunteer services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, said. The program is operated through the hospital’s Volunteer Services department.

Dogs and their handlers must be screened by the hospital and meet the requirements set by the Delta Society, a human-services organization dedicated to improving people's health and well-being through positive interactions with animals. Presently, the hospital’s auxiliary is offering two scholarships for training. This will cover the text manual, registration with the Delta Society and testing fees. For more information, call 666-6589 or 602-1612.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is among fewer than ten freestanding hospitals in the country dedicated specifically to the health care needs of children and women, offering Mobile’s only neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, pediatric oncology and sickle cell outpatient center and high-risk obstetrical care. With more than 2,800 births annually, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is the area’s leader in deliveries.

A major expansion that will nearly double the size of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is scheduled to be completed in 2013, recognizing the community’s validation of the hospital’s quality of care and the hospital’s opportunity to continue to meet the needs of a varied and growing population.

For more information about USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, please visit www.southalabama.edu/usacwh or call (251) 415-1000.

ARLENE MITCHELL GIVES $1.7 MILLION TO USA CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM

University of South Alabama trustee and philanthropist Arlene Mitchell has given $1.7 million to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital for a new daVinci robotic surgery system, which will enable the hospital to become the first in Alabama to perform pediatric surgery using the surgical robot.

The hospital is already using the newly acquired system for gynecologic procedures. The robot is part of the daVinci Si (pronounced ‘ess-eye’) Surgical System, which also includes a daVinci simulator to train USA’s physicians, medical residents and community physicians. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital will be one of the first such hospitals in the nation to have the daVinci simulator.

“Arlene Mitchell and her family continue to touch the lives of countless citizens through their generous support of education, health care, and a wide range of community needs,” said USA President Gordon Moulton. “The University of South Alabama is grateful that Mrs. Mitchell’s gift of this robotic surgery system will better equip USA to enable women and children in the Gulf Coast area to live longer, healthier lives.”

“When I first saw a demonstration of the new robotic surgery machine, I was touched by how many children and women it would help in our community, whether for cancer treatment or other types of surgeries,” said Mrs. Arlene Mitchell. “I really feel good about this project, because I believe that when it comes to health care, the people of the Mobile area deserve the very best.”

“We are very excited to bring this ultimate state-of-the-art surgical technology to our patients,” Dr. Becky DeVillier, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital administrator, said. “The fact that the daVinci Si Surgical System was provided to us as a gift from Arlene Mitchell is also extremely touching and inspiring.”

USA pediatric surgeon Dr. Daniel Beals, who has experience with previous daVinci models, is eager to bring this updated, minimally invasive option to children’s procedures at Children’s & Women’s. “The daVinci Si is tailor-made for movements in smaller spaces with delicate control,” Beals said. “It’s as if the surgeon’s hands are one-and-a-half inches long, so it’s ideal when your patient is much smaller than the typical adult.” The hospital will perform its first pediatric surgery with the daVinci Si later this spring.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is already performing gynecologic procedures with the daVinci Si. The first surgery took place last month with Dr. Michael Finan, chief of gynecologic oncology services at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, at the controls. Finan has performed more than 350 daVinci surgeries in his career.

“It can’t be overstated how the daVinci has changed many complex surgeries for the better,” Finan said. “With the improved precision, dexterity and control of the daVinci Si here at Children’s & Women’s, the minimally invasive procedure is more attractive than ever for the patient and the surgeon.”

When appropriate for the patient, the minimally invasive procedure results in a far smaller incision and a faster recovery time. The daVinci Si has miniaturized instruments mounted on three separate robotic arms, with a fourth arm containing a high-definition 3-D camera to guide the surgeon through the procedure. The surgeon controls the arms simultaneously while seated at a nearby console, viewing a monitor that literally takes the surgeon inside the patient with a detailed, 3-D view sharper than the human eye.

The first daVinci patient at Children’s & Women’s was Rochelle Jerkins, a 29-year-old Point Clear resident who suffered from cervical complications. Treatment called for a complete hysterectomy, but she preferred a minimally invasive approach. Therefore, robotic surgery was recommended and took place Feb. 2.

“The next day I was up and around, walking the floor. Some people thought I was a visitor, not a patient,” Jerkins said. While full recovery from a conventional hysterectomy is often several months, Jerkins was able to return to work in just four weeks. “I can’t believe that I have just these five little incisions, and I can hardly even see them,” Jerkins said. “I’m very, very happy I did it.”

The gift is part of the “Campaign for USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital” that was launched this fall with a concurrent announcement of a $72 million major expansion of the hospital. With a goal of $10.6 million in private fundraising to enhance the hospital’s programs and services, the campaign has already netted $3 million in just over three months.

“The Mitchell family has a great love for the University of South Alabama and its health outreach,” Dr. Joseph F. Busta Jr., USA vice president for development and alumni relations, said. “We are humbled by her showing of generosity, and we have patients and physicians who likewise are filled with gratitude.”

Including previous support from Mrs. Mitchell, her late husband, Mayer, and his brother, Abraham, the Mitchell family has contributed $41 million to the University. This includes a gift of $22 million to support USA's cancer research institute, which is providing state-of-the-art care to people of the Gulf Coast region. USA's trustees named the Mitchell Cancer Institute in the family's honor in 2006.

The Mitchell family’s philanthropy reaches all aspects of the University of South Alabama campus. USA's Mitchell College of Business and Mitchell Center sports arena also bear the family name as testaments to their previous generosity.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is among fewer than ten freestanding hospitals in the country dedicated specifically to the health care needs of children and women, offering Mobile’s only neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, pediatric oncology and sickle cell outpatient center and high-risk obstetrical care. With more than 2,800 births annually, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is the area’s leader in deliveries.

A major expansion that will nearly double the size of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is scheduled to be completed in 2013, recognizing the community’s validation of the hospital’s quality of care and the hospital’s opportunity to continue to meet the needs of a varied and growing population.

Owen Bailey comes to Children’s & Women’s from Infirmary Health System in Mobile, where he was executive vice president for community and governmental affairs. Prior to that, he served 14 years as president and chief executive officer of Thomas Hospital in Fairhope.

“Owen Bailey has an outstanding track record in hospital leadership and he is also highly regarded for his wide range of community involvement,” Stan Hammack, vice president for health systems at USA, said. “We think he is the perfect choice to lead USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital.”

“I’m very excited to be joining USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Over the years, I’ve had many friends who benefited from the unique services that only Children’s & Women’s provides to our community. I’m especially impressed with the friendliness, expertise and commitment the employees have to the hospital’s mission of exceptional patient care. With the hospital’s ongoing expansion, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is moving into a new era, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

Hammack said Bailey was the clear choice from an impressive field of candidates to replace Dr. Becky DeVillier, who is retiring next month after ten years as the hospital’s administrator. “Becky has been a tireless advocate for patient care and for improving the health care experience of patients and their families,” Hammack said. “She has presided over a remarkable rebirth of Children’s & Women’s and the entire community is indebted to her.”

Bailey has received numerous awards in the health care industry and in the community, including the 2001 “Up and Comer” Award from the national magazine Modern Healthcare. Other honors include the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year and the Regent’s Award from the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Duncan Turnbull Award for Community Service from the Eastern Shore Ministerial Association, the Sam Walton Business Leader Award from the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, and the Dr. L.E. Rockwell Memorial Meritorious Service Award from the Fairhope Rotary Club.

Bailey is chairman of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council and chairman of the Mobile Area Education Foundation board of directors. He is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives, has served on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama board of directors, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce board, and as chairman of the Southwest Council for the Alabama Hospital Association. He serves on several area boards including the University of Mobile, Baldwin County United, Forward Mobile, the Business Council of Alabama, and the Auburn Alumni Band. He is actively involved with First Baptist Church of Fairhope where he serves as a deacon and in Youth Sunday School. He and his wife, Genie, have four children.

A native of Mobile, Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree in health administration from Auburn University, where he served as drum major of the marching band, and a master’s in health administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is among fewer than ten freestanding hospitals in the country dedicated specifically to the health care needs of children and women, offering Mobile’s only neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, pediatric oncology and sickle cell outpatient center and high-risk obstetrical care. With more than 2,800 births annually, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is the area’s leader in deliveries.

A major, ongoing expansion that will nearly double the size of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is scheduled to be completed in 2013, recognizing the community’s validation of the hospital’s quality of care and the hospital’s opportunity to continue to meet the needs of a varied and growing population.

FREE BUTTERMILK PANCAKES ON MARCH 1 AT IHOP
National Pancake Day Celebration To Benefit Local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital

WHAT: In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This year, IHOP is hoping to stack up more donations than ever before, with a goal to raise $2.3 million, for a total of more than $7.65 million six years with its National Pancake Day fundraising effort. To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.
WHY: For every delicious short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are invited to make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. Donations made at IHOPs in the Mobile, AL-Pensacola, AL area will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ programs at University of South Alabama Children's & Women's Hospital.
WHEN: TUESDAY, March 1, 2011, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
WHERE: Participating IHOP restaurants nationwide.

National Pancake Day Fun Facts:
• IHOP served four million free pancakes on National Pancake Day 2010 and pancake lovers donated more than $2.1 million to children’s charities, far exceeding the fundraising goal.
• All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day 2010 would have created a stack more than 31.5 miles high.
• Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $5.35 million and given away more than 10.1 million pancakes to support charities in the communities in which it operates.
• National Pancake Day 2010 was IHOP’s largest one-day event in the company’s 52-year history.

ABOUT IHOP

For 52 years, the IHOP family restaurant chain has served its world famous pancakes and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items that are loved by people of all ages. IHOP offers its guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. The first IHOP opened in Toluca Lake, Calif. in 1958, and as of June 30, 2010, there were 1,476 IHOPs in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).