Volume 23 // Issue 8August 28, 2020

TheBulletin

The physicians of MercyOne Katzmann Breast Care recently unveiled a wall of artwork, showcasing forms of self-expression created by patients during their personal breast cancer journeys.

“It is important to recognize the whole person and their individual journey, not just the disease. We are delighted to be able to dedicate this wall to the therapeutic works of art from patients in hopes of inspiring and encouraging others,” said Dr. Susan Beck.

Each piece of art displayed tells a special story. For example, when April Katz came to MercyOne Katzmann Breast Care, she had recently moved to Ames. Katz had joined Iowa State University as a professor of art and

Patient artwork inspires, helps healingvisual culture, and finding great medical care was important. Just two years after a diagnosis and treatment of Stage 2 breast cancer, Katz needed follow-up care and testing to check for recurrences and treat any lingering treatment effects. The relationships fostered at MercyOne extended beyond Katz’s health care to a personal relationship — and an artistic connection — with Dr. Beck.

Two pieces of Katz’s art can be found on display today at MercyOne Katzmann Breast Care. Katz created the works after her breast cancer diagnosis, and are influenced by her study of its possible causes and treatments.

Hanging directly to the left of Katz’s prints is a large quilt — a gift from another patient of Dr. Beck, and a friend to all the staff at Katzmann. The quilt features a beautiful pink ribbon pattern with DNA strands as part of the full design. “This quilt was a very special gift from a patient when she came in earlier this year for a re-check,” shared Dr. Beck. “Creating the quilt was therapeutic, and helped her through some hard times.”

Mandie Finley also contributed her artwork as a gift to her surgeon, Dr. Tiffany Torstenson. Finley had enjoyed art as a teen, but set aside her creative passion as an adult. That changed when she was diagnosed

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Volume 23 // Issue 8August 28, 2020

Central Iowa1111 6th Ave., Des Moines

MercyOne.org/desmoines

TheBulletin

Team Engagement

Allison (Ali) Rix, RN, is MercyOne Central Iowa’s newest recipient of The DAISY Award®, and was surprised at a ceremony held earlier this month. Rix works in the Coronary Medical Intensive Care Unit (CMICU) at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. She was nominated by a patient in recognition of the outstanding, compassionate and personalized care Rix provided to the patient and his family.

The nomination read in part, “Every time (Ali) was on duty, I felt safe, cared for and loved. Ali went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable at all times. Not only did Ali take care of my needs, but my family’s, as well. Ali answered all their questions thoroughly, and if she did not know the answer, she went to find the answers for us. She was such a difference maker in my recovery, and she didn’t have to be. She chose to be.”

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award® is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. MercyOne Central Iowa implemented The DAISY Award® program in April 2017 to honor our nurses, who consistently provide compassionate and remarkable care while demonstrating clinical excellence. Winners are presented with a certificate, pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled, “A Healer’s Touch.” Additionally, everyone in the honoree’s unit is treated to cinnamon rolls.

Find out more or submit a nomination at MercyOne.org/daisy.

Rix honored with The DAISY Award®

with aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer at age 46.

“When I was faced with the possibility of my own mortality, I decided I wanted to do something just for myself,” said Finley. That focus on self-care and a return to art led to her giving her doctor an original painting, now on display at MercyOne Katzmann Breast Care. The words featured on the canvas represent the personalized care Finley feels Dr. Torstenson provides to each patient she serves.

“When I gave it to Dr. Torstenson after my surgery, she told me it was just beautiful,” said Finley. “I’m so honored to see it on display for everyone!”

Consumer Experience

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DID YOU KNOW?You can earn dollars for syncing your fitness tracker to the CHI Wellness Program. To earn the $30, you must reach at least 7,000 steps 20 days in a calendar month. Taking the stairs is a great way to boost your total number of steps every day.

“Exercise is good medicine! It’s the closest thing we have to being a perfect medicine to help remedy chronic diseases and slow down the aging process. It also boosts our emotional well-being, improves our sleep, prevents cancer, prevents heart disease, prevents strokes, prevents dementia, and brings joy into our lives. Here’s a secret – you can even do it on company time! When you are at work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stair climbing is one of the best ways to give your heart, lungs, legs and brain a boost of goodness. It’s your choice – choose the stairs!”

-Dr. Richard Deming, medical director, MercyOne Des Moines Cancer Center

To learn more and sign up, visit the CHI Wellness Program’s website. As a reminder, the last day to earn dollars is Sept. 30, 2020.