Supporting Seton Medical Center Williamson, a member of the Seton Healthcare Family A newsletter for friends of the Seton Williamson Foundation Meet Our Child Life Specialist Seton in the Heart of Texas Mock Trauma Event Centenarian Leaves $350,000 to Seton Williamson Seton Circle Feature: Kids Are Different New Pediatric Unit Meets Growing Need for Growing Kids pgs . 2-3 pg . 3 pg . 4 pg . 5 On a typical day you might find Sophia Pelache, a friendly third grader with an endearing grin, swimming, playing in her playhouse, or happily tackling her homework. But on the morning of Tuesday, November 15, she was on her way to Seton Medical Center Williamson, where she would later be admitted as one of the first patients in the medical center’s new Pediatric Unit. Sophia had a severe case of gastroenteritis. When her symptoms became worse, her mom Jessica Pelache, a member of the Seton Women’s Development Board, brought Sophia to the Emergency Department. The eight-year-old had become severely dehydrated after persistent vomiting and was experiencing rigors or “shakes and shivers.” Read more on page 2 Kids Are Different New Pediatric Unit Meets Growing Need for Growing Kids setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Transcript
Supporting Seton Medical Center Williamson, a member of the Seton Healthcare FamilyA newsletter for friends of the Seton Williamson Foundation
SetonSetonSetonSetonSetonSetonSetonSeton in in in in the the the the the HeartHeartHeartHeartHeartHeartHeartHeart of of of of of Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas
On a typical day you might find Sophia Pelache, a friendly third grader with an endearing grin, swimming, playing in her playhouse, or happily tackling her homework. But on the morning of Tuesday, November 15, she was on her way to Seton Medical Center Williamson, where she would later be admitted as one of the first patients in the medical center’s new Pediatric Unit. Sophia had a severe case of gastroenteritis. When her symptoms became worse, her mom Jessica Pelache, a member of the Seton Women’s Development Board, brought Sophia to the Emergency Department. The eight-year-old had become severely dehydrated after persistent vomiting and was experiencing rigors or “shakes and shivers.”
Read more on page 2
Kids Are DifferentNew Pediatric Unit Meets Growing Need for Growing Kids
WinterWinter20112011
setonwilliamsonfdn.org
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Kids are Different (Continued from cover)
The Pelache family is especially grateful that Seton Medical Center Williamson has opened the Pediatric Unit where Sophia could receive the care she needed close to home. As a supporter of Seton Williamson Foundation, you have played an important role in the growth and success of the medical center, and we thank you for your generosity. It’s because of you that children have a new home for pediatric inpatient care in Williamson County. Please continue your support - find out how by turning to the back cover.
“When I first saw Sophia’s lab results, I was really concerned,” said Dr. Franchesca Estrada, a
pediatric hospitalist who now divides her time between Dell Children’s Medical Center and Seton
Medical Center Williamson’s Pediatric Unit, an affiliation with Dell Children’s. “She was a very
sick little girl. Dehydration had caused disturbing electrolyte levels and her kidneys were showing
signs of stress due to a loss of fluids.” Dr. Estrada explained to Sophia and her mom that she
would need to stay and receive IV fluids to treat her severe dehydration.
“It didn’t really occur to me that she would need to stay overnight in the hospital,” said Jessica.
“Rather than going to Dell Children’s, which truly is an amazing place, it was a relief for all of
us that she could stay close to home and receive the level of care she needed. It’s scary to see
your child so sick, but everyone here has been wonderful, from the emergency physicians to the
pediatricians and nurses. The dietician even brought Sophia a stuffed animal.”
What Types of Conditions Are Treated in the Pediatric Unit?Illnesses and injuries which are considered low acuity, or less complex, such as gastroenteritis,
croup, asthma, allergic reactions, pneumonia, fractures, fever and others, could typically be
treated at the Seton WIlliamson Pediatric Unit. While the Pediatric Unit is affiliated with Dell
Children’s, it does not provide the high level of pediatric care for complex conditions available at
that facility.
Who is on the Pediatric Care Team?In affiliation with the experienced leaders of Dell Children’s, the Pediatric Unit is supported by
pediatric hospitalists -- pediatricians who care for hospitalized children, coordinate input from
the care team and share information with the family’s primary care physician. Pediatric hospitalist
Dr. Mark Shen serves as the new Medical Director of Pediatric Hospital Medicine. Experienced
pediatric acute care nurses and respiratory therapists, who also treat patients at Dell Children’s,
work in the unit. Children also have the support of a Dell Children’s Child Life Specialist (see
article page 3), an expert in child development who helps enhance children’s skills for coping in
the hospital environment. Dietitians, case managers, social workers, chaplains and others round
out the team.
How Does the Pediatric Unit Cater to Kids?The Seton Williamson Pediatric Unit is a space designed for families, offering a safe healing
environment where kids can be kids. The unit includes eight private rooms on the fifth floor
with comfortable sleeping options for parents, a playroom for patients to experience the healing
power of play, and cheerful colors and age-appropriate artwork which make the space feel kid
friendly.
“Pediatricians often say, ‘Children are not small adults,’” explained Dr. Estrada. “They, and their
families, need different types of support and services, and they can find that here. Like Sophia,
the Pediatric Unit at Seton Williamson is a place where children can recover beautifully.”
Eight-year-old Sophia Pelache was one of the first patients treated in the new pediatric unit.
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Laura Wilson
Meet Our
CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST
setonwilliamsonfdn.org 3
“As a core team member, Laura allows us to provide care that minimizes the stresses of the illness and maximizes the strength of the children and family.”
-- Dr. Mark Shen, Medical Director of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at SMCW
Laura Wilson always knew she wanted to work with kids. Her eyes
were opened to an exciting career path when a child life specialist
spoke during one of her college courses. The work of a child life
specialist brought together her love of children and interest in health
care in a very personal way.
“I had two open heart surgeries as a child, so I know firsthand what it
feels like to be sick and in the hospital,” said Laura. “There can be a lot
of fear and anxiety.”
A trip to the hospital can be upsetting for anyone, but children are
particularly vulnerable. To support the unique needs of children during
stressful situations, Seton Medical Center Williamson has hired Laura as
its new Child Life Specialist.
An experienced Emergency Room Child Life Specialist with Dell
Children’s Medical Center, Laura is an expert in child development and
uses her knowledge to help enhance children’s coping skills through
play, preparation, education and self-expression.
She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of
Science in Human Ecology and majored in Child and Family Studies. She
completed a 480-hour internship at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
and passed the Child Life Council Certification Exam in November 2009.
“When I work with children, one of my goals is to help them
understand and cope with the hospital environment on a
developmental level appropriate for each child,” said Laura. “Each
child is unique in how he or she responds to hospitalization, and it is
my job to assess the child’s specific needs and coping styles.
For example, if a child arrives at the Emergency Department and needs
an IV or stitches, Laura helps prepare him or her step by step for the
procedure
and how the
equipment will be used -- all on a level that the child understands.
Child Life Specialists can also offer diversions designed to help children
manage, such as bubbles, music, toys or a favorite video. Laura also
helps facilitate common coping techniques, including deep breathing,
counting, or squeezing a stress ball. Reducing stress and anxiety during
medical procedures not only helps children cope but also contributes to
the healing process.
Child Life Services is a key part of
the complement of pediatric care
now available with the opening
of the new Seton Medical Center
Williamson Pediatric Unit. Laura
will provide services to patients
in the Emergency Department
and those who are admitted. The
hospital’s new playroom, equipped
with a Wii game system, art easel,
infant play area and toys and
games, will be an area where
children can feel safe to express
their emotions.
“My Child Life philosophy is
centered around play as a healing and expressive outlet for children in
the hospital. Opportunities for children to direct their own play helps
them deal with difficult hospital experiences,” said Laura. “It’s a setting
where they are in control.”
By the NumbersThe Seton Williamson Pediatric Unit helps to fill a community need for pediatric hospital care
Pediatric nurse Kara Moellenberg is one of many nurses from Dell Children's Medical Center who staff the unit.
be used all on a level that the child understands.
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On May 24, the Seton Circle granted $10,250 to Seton Medical Center Williamson
for the purchase of a stereotactic breast biopsy table to support the hospital’s new
Breast Cancer Initiative. Seton Circle members celebrated their second successful
fundraising year with a check presentation and baseball-themed event.
Festivities included live entertainment by Roland Waits, a Chicago-style build-your-
own hotdog bar with Vienna Beef hotdogs, and a shaved ice station from The
Chocolate Cup. The evening ended with three lucky winners leaving with Round
Rock Express tickets courtesy of Gregg Miller, vice president, business development
with Round Rock Express.
Seton Circle Members Raise $10,250 for Breast Cancer Initiative
“We are thrilled to support our hospital with this gift which goes toward specialized medical equipment that will help provide us–mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and neighbors–with the best possible care through advanced, early cancer detection techniques,” said Seton Circle Co-Chair Nancy Crouse.
Seton Circle Co-Chairs Craig McCurdy and Nancy Crouse
Jim Schwertner, Chairman, Seton Williamson Foundation Board
of Trustees; Nancy Crouse, Seton Circle Co-Chair; Michelle Robertson, COO, SMCW
Dr. Brian Aldred, wife Laura, and daughters Emma and Chloe
Join Us!The Seton Circle is a networking group for those who share an interest in
Seton Medical Center Williamson and want to provide philanthropic support
for its mission in Williamson County. With an annual membership gift of
$250 per person or $500 per couple, members meet quarterly to socialize
and learn more about innovative programs and the power of collective
philanthropy at Seton Williamson. Upcoming events include the Seton Circle
Christmas Party on December 18, and the Seton Northshore Circle Meeting
on January 11. Contact Taylor Fry at [email protected] or 512-324-4061 to
learn how you can become part of this fun and dedicated group.
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setonwilliamsonfdn.org 5
Centenarian from Temple Leaves $350,000 to Seton WilliamsonMock Trauma Event
Showcases Life-Saving Clinical ExpertiseThis summer, a 25-year-old male who suffered a brain injury as a result of a
motorcycle crash arrived at Seton Medical Center Williamson via helicopter. He
was met by a six-member trauma team and a group of captivated onlookers.
In this case, the trauma patient was actually a mannequin, and the onlookers
were elected officials, media representatives and hospital supporters invited to
witness a mock trauma response. The event provided guests with a rare, behind-
the-scenes look at the newly designated Level II trauma center and the trauma
team in action.
Seton Medical Center Williamson was certified as a Level II trauma center in June
by the American College of Surgeons and the State of Texas. It is the first and
only hospital in the region designated for this advanced level of care. As part of
the designation process, Seton Williamson has been delivering Level II trauma
care since last year by enhancing its medical technology and bringing in expertly
trained staff.
“This achievement means that Seton
Williamson has all of the facilities and
resources for handling trauma needs
around the clock,” said Dr. Neel Ware,
medical director for the trauma center.
“Time is of the essence, so having
comprehensive trauma services close
to home is of critical importance for
patient care.”
The Level II designation was made
possible because of significant
investments to enhance trauma
care. As a supporter
of Seton Williamson
Foundation, you have
played a key role in
bringing the best in trauma
care to the people of
Williamson County. Thank
you for all you do – our
patients and their families are
counting on your continued
support!
When 99-year-old Dr. Lillian Marak Herbelin
McKibben set out to learn more about the Seton
Healthcare Family, she went straight to the top and
contacted Charles Barnett, Seton president and CEO.
That conversation led to Lillian’s first meeting with
Donna Budak, executive director, Seton Williamson
Foundation. Donna was intrigued by Lillian’s stories.
This self-proclaimed “Yellow Dog Democrat” had
shaken the hands of every Democratic president from
Roosevelt to Clinton and had worked in civil service
for more than 30 years.
As a devout Catholic, Lillian had always felt a strong
connection to Seton even though she resided
in Temple. She wanted to learn more about St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Daughters of Charity and
their work in Central Texas. Donna visited Lillian
again and corresponded with her until she passed
away a few months after her 100th birthday.
Lillian was honored throughout her life for her
contributions to the community and philanthropic
endeavors focused on health care and education.
In her death, she honored the Seton Williamson
Foundation with an amazing gift of $350,000.
Lillian’s thoughtful gift reflects her desire for Seton’s
mission to continue. If you would like to learn more
about including the Seton Williamson Foundation
in your will, contact the foundation office at
(512) 324-4090 or online www.swflegacy.org.
trauma
Michelle Robertson, SMCW COO, fields
questions from media. The event received
extensive news coverage in Williamson
and Travis counties.
SMCW trauma team members and EMS responders demonstrate how they work together during the mock trauma event.
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Cattleman Mary & Troy Rodriguez
Cowboy Mason Health, LLC
Ranch Hand Alpha Painting & Decorating Co., Ltd.Debbie & Mick BrethowerCapitol Anesthesiology AssociationSchwertner Farms / Schwertner State BankEmergency Service Partners, L.P.
Wrangler Austin Radiological AssociationAustin Regional ClinicCapital Surgeons Group / Southwest Bariatric Surgeons GroupCardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, P.AHarden’s Family of CompaniesReitPath PathologySierra Microwave TechnologyTexas A&M Health Science Center Foundation
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Event Sponsors
Roper Aero Centex Barho / Hays / Kiltz / KrenekBBVA Compass BankChampion Site Prep / Ramming Paving CompanyMelissa & Mark Dietz / Betty LordExtraco Banks Marsha & Bryan FarneyFenter / Sherman / Stewart / WarringtonFirst Texas Bank GeorgetownFirst Texas Bank Round Rock / Leffingwell & Associates, P.C.Gantt / Schmitt / Steger / StephensShana & Dan GattisJ.P. Concrete / Jill & Paul MarshallKaren Kahan & MariBen RamseyIndependent Bank – Round Rock / GeorgetownLittle River Healthcare System / Standards Home HealthLone Star Circle of CareMedtronicNyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships Plains Capital BankPosey Law Firm, P.C.Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit UnionSuzy & Jeff RuskDr. Belinda Schwertner & Representative Dr. Charles SchwertnerCraig Staebel, M.D., P.A.University Federal Credit UnionWells Fargo
Seton in the Heart of TexasSeton Women’s Development Board Celebrates Successful Event
The Seton Women’s Development Board hosted its fifth
fundraising event, Seton in the Heart of Texas, on November
12, and collected more than $388,000 in sponsorships and
contributions to support building and equipment needs at
Seton Medical Center Williamson. Nearly 375 guests spent a
fun-filled evening at the beautiful and historic Schwertner
Ranch Event Center where they enjoyed a gourmet spread,
lively auctions and musical entertainment by People’s
Choice. Seton Williamson
Foundation extends its sincere
appreciation to Event Co-Chairs
Laura Aldred and Jill Marshall,
President Mary Rodriguez and
the event committee for their
boundless creativity, enthusiasm
and hard work which made the
event such a smashing success.
Seton SupporterAbbott VascularAcadian Ambulance ServiceCrave CateringNancy Crouse & Craig McCurdyLillibridge, Inc.Mercedes Benz of GeorgetownQuenan’s JewelersRound Rock Premium OutletsSodexo Healthcare ServicesSchwertner Ranch Event Center
Martha Grandin, Nancy Maxwell, Kellie Schindel, Holly Coe and Jennifer Foster
Martha Grandin, Nancy Maxwell, Kellie Schindel,Holly Coe and Jennifer
by People’s
Mary and Troy Rodriguez and Janet Hewlett
Mary and Troy Rodriguez and Janet Hewlett
Event Chairs Laura Aldred and Jill Marshall
setonwilliamsonfdn.org 7
Yes!
Organization (if applicable)
Email
Phone
Address
Name
$1,500 $1,000 $500 $250 $100 Other $____________
Please make checks payable to Seton Williamson Foundation.
Credit Card:
Visa MC DiscoverAMEX
Card Number Exp
Name
Signature
You may also give online at setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Cut here.I want to support building and equipment needs at Seton Medical Center Williamson.
In 2008, Seton Medical Center Williamson opened to serve residents
in Williamson County and surrounding areas. Three years later – and
thanks to your generous philanthropic support – the medical center
continues to grow and expand its healthcare programs and services.
Seton Williamson offers advanced healthcare services and has recruited
highly trained medical professionals who are using the most advanced
technology, all to better serve patients. In the Seton tradition, every
patient who walks thought the doors of Seton Medical Center
Williamson, regardless of their ability to pay for services, will be
treated with the highest quality, person-centered care.
Your donations are making a huge impact on the lives of people who
live in and around Williamson County. We ask that you please continue
your support to help ensure future success.
Please use the form below to send in your donation or turn to the back
of this newsletter for more ways you can show your support. Thanks
for all you do!
Jim and Patti Schwertner
and Patti Schwertner
Matt and Mandy Holley, Tamara and
Bryan Daniel, Shana and Dan Gattis
Tommy Cowan and Marybeth Thompson
Jim and Patti Schwertner
Tommy Cowan and Marybeth Thompson
of this newsletter for more ways you can show your support. Thanks
for all you do!
Matt and Mandy Holley, Tamara and
Bryan Daniel, Shana and Dan Gattis
ENJOY fun events while supporting Seton Medical Center Williamson.
All events take place at the hospital.
•SetonCircleChristmaspartyonDecember18
•SetonNorthshoreCircleMeetingonJanuary11
•SetonCirclePresentationinFebruary
•SetonNorthshoreCircleMeetinginMarch
•SetonWilliamsonFoundationCelebrationinMay
GIVE a safe online donation at setonwilliamsonfdn.org or mail a donation in the attached envelope.
PLAN for the future and make a lasting gift by including Seton Williamson Foundation in your
will. For more information, call Tim Aronson at (512) 324-4093 or visit setonwilliamsonfdn.org.
VOLUNTEER your time – our patients and staff need you and appreciate your help!
Call (512) 324-4298.
You can ensure good health for your friends and neighbors in Williamson County! For more information
about how you can support the good work at Seton Medical Center Williamson, call (512) 324-4090 or
visit setonwilliamsonfdn.org.
201 Seton ParkwayRound Rock, TX 78665P 512.324.4090 F 512.324.4657setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Change Service Requested
Philanthropy makes the difference between a good hospital and a great one.
We need you!
Seton Medical Center Williamson(512) 324-4000
www.seton.net/williamson
Board of TrusteesJim Schwertner, Chairman
Charles Avery, III, Vice ChairmanDavid Hays, Secretary
Ty BarhoNancy CrouseBryan FarneyDan Gattis, Jr.Keith HickmanRandy Howry
John KiltzFrank Krenek
Frank LeffingwellBetty LordDon MartinSteve Peña
Laura RobinsonTroy Rodriguez
Jeff RuskBonnie Sells
David Singleton
Ex-Officio MembersCharles J. Barnett, FACHEDonna Budak, FAHP, CFRE
Chad Dieterichs, MDKenneth L. Gladish, PhD
Mark Hazelwood
Community Volunteer Leadership
Mary RodriguezSeton Women’s Development Board
Nancy CrouseCraig McCurdy
Seton Circle
On the cover: Sophia Pelache
Beacon is published twice each year for donors and friends of Seton Medical Center Williamson. It is a publication of the Seton Williamson Foundation, Donna Budak, executive director.
The newsletter is compiled by the production team of Bianca Bellavia, Adrienne Leyva, Melissa Gable, Alison Plueckhahn and various staff photographers.
Your feedback and suggestions are welcome at [email protected]. For more information about support provided by the Seton Williamson Foundation, visit setonwilliamsonfdn.org.
