Neuro/spine rehab center opens

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Dietitian specializes in oncology, p. 9

Dependent scholarships awarded, p. 4

Retirees enjoyvolunteering, p. 11

Employees complete fitness milestones, p. 10

Norton Neuroscience Institute has opened the region’s first rehabilitation center focused solely on treating patients with neurological and spine disorders. Norton Neurosciences & Spine Rehabilitation Center began accepting patients Sept. 7 at its location in the Norton Healthcare Pavilion.

The center provides rehabilitation services for patients managing various neurological and spine disorders, including stroke, brain tumors, spine injuries, diseases of the spine and movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. It features state-of-the-art technology and rehabilitation services provided by specialists trained in brain and spine disorders.

“Our program is unique for the region because we only treat patients with neurological and spine disorders,” said Mark Sheridan, director of the center. “By focusing on a specific group of patients, we can provide more specialized services and ensure all our patients are treated by therapists and clinicians with extensive experience in treating brain and spine disorders.”

Norton Neurosciences & Spine Rehabilitation Center provides patients with access to some of the most advanced and innovative technology available.

“Rehabilitation services are an important part of the integrated care we offer at Norton Neuroscience Institute,” said Christopher B. Shields, M.D., president of the institute. “Unique equipment and programs developed specifically for neurological and spine rehabilitation are essential to helping patients heal and progress through recovery.”

One piece of advanced technology available at the new center is the Lokomat machine. The only one of its kind in Kentucky – and one of only 40 in use nationwide – the Lokomat is a robotic gait device used to improve mobility in gait-impaired patients. It allows patients to stand and relearn to walk.

The region’s next generation of specialized physical therapists will be trained at the Norton Neurosciences & Spine Rehabilitation Center as it becomes home to Kentucky’s only neurologic physical therapy residency program. In conjunction with Bellarmine University, students will experience a combination of didactic classes, one-on-one supervision and mentoring, clinical rounds and independent study modules.

–Steven Jenkins and Cheryl Lockhart

Retirees enjoyvolunteering, p. 11

Mark Sheridan, left, and Terri Dugan, physical therapist assistant, check out the Lokomat machine in the new Norton Neurosciences & Spine Rehabilitation Center.

Photo by Nick Bonura

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Project Management Institute (PMI) named Norton Brownsboro Hospital as one of three finalists for its 2010 PMI Project of the Year. Janice Weaver, system associate vice president, Enterprise Program

Management Office, served as the program manager for the creation of the new hospital. The other finalists for the award are the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium and the National Ignition Facility.

Al Cornish, system vice president, education and development, Norton University, and chief learning officer, was elected to the Kentucky Council on Economic Education.

Danetta Willias, R.N., was honored Oct. 11 by the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology for being a nationally certified specialist in poison information for 20 consecutive years. Willias is a specialist with the Kentucky Regional Poison Control Center of Kosair Children’s Hospital.

The Marketing and Communications Department won nine Healthcare Advertising Awards. “Seeing Double” direct mail piece won a gold award. Norton Vascular Associates’ “physician referral program” and the system’s “Special Guest Guides” handbook received silver awards. “Get Healthy Recipes” cookbook won a bronze award. Merit awards were received for “The Cumberlands” special event collateral, “Get Healthy with Norton Healthcare” TV show, “Expectant Parents” calendars, NortonHealthcare.com website and Norton Neuroscience Institute’s stroke symptoms ink pen. The Marketing and Communications Department also won six Aster Awards. Sponsored by Marketing Healthcare Today magazine and Creative Images Inc., these awards recognize excellence in advertising/marketing. Silver Asters were awarded for the “Remarkable Moments” overall ad campaign, “Get Healthy” magazine, Norton University materials and “Windows: Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Faith, A Book of Devotions.” Bronze Asters were received for “Cart Wheels” magazine and “Norton Hospital Special Guest Guide.”

NEWS Briefs

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Come to upcoming Marshall Center classes

Parenting the Parent: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others

Caregivers run the risk of giving so much to everyone else that they forget to make their own health a priority. A class presented by the Marshall Women’s Health & Education Center at Norton Suburban Hospital, “Parenting the Parent: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others,” will address this issue. Peggy Heuser, R.N., owner of The Heuser Clinic, and Becky Beanblossom, owner of Home Instead Senior Care, will discuss the ways caregivers can keep themselves healthy despite busy schedules and often overwhelming responsibilities. The class will be presented Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Norton Medical Plaza III – Suburban, Classroom 1B. To register for this class, call 629-1234.

Sleepless Nights? Benefits of Sleep & Ways to Improve Your ZZZs

Individuals who would like to improve the quality of their sleep will be interested in “Sleepless Nights? Benefits of Sleep & Ways to Improve Your ZZZs,” a class offered at the Marshall Center on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The benefits of sleep go beyond restoring the body’s energy level. Good sleep enables individuals to work productively, make sound judgments, avoid harm, recover from illness and interact effectively with other people. Common sleep disorders and treatment options will be covered. This class also will be held at Norton Medical Plaza III – Suburban, Classroom 1B. To register for this class, call 629-1234.

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Seasonal flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. In the United States, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu on average. Each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications, and about 36,000 people die from seasonal flu-related causes. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccination annually.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, experts expect H1N1, which caused so much illness last season, to spread again this season, along with other flu viruses. The 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine will protect against the H1N1 virus as well as two other flu viruses: an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus. The vaccine offers protection throughout the flu season.

Free all-in-one seasonal flu shots are available to all Norton Healthcare employees, volunteers and physicians. Vaccinations will be administered differently than in past years. There will be “flu shops” held at designated locations within each Norton Healthcare hospital and other employee work locations beginning Oct. 11 until Oct. 24. The hospital-based flu shops will operate in two-hour sessions three times each day, Monday through Friday. Also, a “roaming cart” will go throughout the facilities and will operate during a specific time period each day. Contact your facility’s Employee Health Services office for details regarding flu shop locations and times.

This flu season, Norton Healthcare is adopting a process recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that will require employees who choose not to

or are medically unable to get vaccinated to view a video and complete a feedback form. The video and feedback form can be found in the Learning Management System on Nsider. More details about this will be e-mailed to employees.

–Emily Lekites

Take these everyday actions to prevent the spread of germs

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

It’s flu shot time!

Lynn Morris, R.N., right, administers a flu shot to Al Cornish, system vice president, learning and organizational development, Norton University, and chief learning officer, in the downtown office of Employee Health Services.

Photo by Nick Bonura

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Employees’ dependents receive scholarships

Since 1996, Norton Healthcare has awarded college scholarships annually to dependents of its employees. This year, the $1,500 Dependent Child Scholarships were presented to 30 students.

“The Dependent Child Scholarship program assists our employees with the increasing cost of a college education for their dependents, and it encourages dependents to consider a career in health care,” said Debra Rayman, director, Workforce Development. “We hope these students will consider Norton Healthcare for employment when they complete their degrees and become second- or even third-generation Norton Healthcare employees.”

The scholarships are provided by the Norton Healthcare James R. Petersdorf Fund.

Student Parent Parent’s facilityTaylor Austin Karen Austin Kosair Children’s HospitalErin Bishop Maria Bishop Norton Brownsboro HospitalKatie Dermody Janie Dermody Kosair Children’s HospitalJanet Devasia Jain Devasia Norton Suburban HospitalLeeAnn Geraghty Deborah Geraghty Norton HospitalAlexandrea Greenwell Kim Greenwell-Miller Norton Physician ServicesKelsey Horton Kimberly Horton Norton Suburban HospitalMackenzie Horton Kimberly Horton Norton Suburban HospitalDonald J. Humphrey Donald R. Humphrey Norton Audubon HospitalAshley Jordan Constance Jordan Norton HospitalCali Keith Martha Keith Norton Suburban HospitalHannah Kendall Jennifer Denny SystemElizabeth Kleinhenz Mary Kleinhenz Norton Audubon HospitalRachael Lewis Edie Lewis Kosair Children’s HospitalLori Mattingly Paula Mattingly CPA LabLauren McDonogh Lesli McDonogh Norton HospitalKelsey Mitchen Charla Mitchen Norton HospitalJacob Moore Beverly Moore Norton Audubon HospitalJordan T. Nolley Lisa Nolley Norton Suburban HospitalPeter Ostling Ann Ostling Norton HospitalNicole Ray Shereese Ray Norton Brownsboro HospitalChelsea Ringenberg Karen Ringenberg Norton Brownsboro HospitalThomas Rose Kathi Rose Norton Brownsboro HospitalAshlie Rowland Tara Rowland Norton Suburban HospitalRebekah Stover Deborah Stover SystemAshley Swinney Douglas Swinney Norton HospitalJacqueline Wagner Laura Wagner Norton Audubon HospitalMegan White Denise White Kosair Children’s HospitalJoshua Wilson Kimberlyn Wilson Kosair Children’s Hospital

Emily Wright Ellen Wright Norton Suburban Hospital

2010 Dependent Child Scholarship recipients

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From left, Kim Tharp-Barrie, system vice president, Norton Healthcare Institute for Nursing and Workforce Development; scholarship recipient Janet Devasia, who works at Norton Brownsboro Hospital as a unit secretary; Janet’s mother, Jain Devasia, R.N., Norton Suburban Hospital; and Russell F. Cox, chief operating officer. Janet’s father, Devasia Devasia, is a radiologic technologist at Norton Brownsboro.

Photo by Jamie Rhodes

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COURSE of the Month

Getting Started as a New LeaderThis course will provide new leaders with the knowledge and

skills they need to get results more quickly in a new leadership role. Participants will learn how to focus their time and efforts on tasks that are most important to the organization’s success and discover an approach that will accelerate their ability to achieve results through others. They will practice using three “leadership accelerators” (be authentic, bring out the best in people and be receptive to feedback) to accomplish organizational business strategies. The next session of “Getting Started as a New Leader” will be offered Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m., at 224 E. Broadway, Suite 115, Classroom 1.

Register for this course on Nsider under “Learning.” For more information,

contact Norton University at 629-7349 or nortonuniversity@nortonhealthcare.org.

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Pass the cash … for a vital cause

Photo by Jonathan Roberts

Physical therapist Zorré “Z” Kimura, director of Rehabilitation Services at Norton Audubon Hospital, wasn’t sure what to think when WAVE 3 news anchor Dawne Gee and a cameraman showed up at the hospital, asking to see him. He soon learned that Greg Middleton, diagnostic imaging associate in Radiology, had submitted Kimura’s name for Gee’s “Pass the Cash” segment.

Each week Gee gives $300 to someone with the stipulation that he or she must pass it along to a person who needs it. Middleton wanted Kimura to have the cash to use for the care of his daughter, Samantha, 17, who was diagnosed with atypical anemia in April. Samantha needed a bone marrow transplant and didn’t match with her sister or anyone in the National Bone Marrow Registry. She has since undergone a successful alternative treatment and is back in school, but many people with leukemia and lymphoma depend on the donor program. Kimura said he would use the cash from WAVE 3 to help cover the cost of adding people to the registry. For information about registering as a bone marrow donor, contact Barbara Nolan at bnolan@nmdp.org or (888) 862-7769, ext. 7085.

From left, Zorré “Z” Kimura, Dawne Gee and Greg Middleton.

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The enthusiasm was contagious as approximately 15 Norton Healthcare employees gathered in a conference room for a bimonthly meeting of the Competent Communicators, Norton Healthcare’s chapter of Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters’ mission is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which each member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. This was evident at the Sept. 7 meeting, during which three people presented five- to seven-minute speeches and four gave impromptu “table topic” talks of one to two minutes. Each presenter received a warm response from the audience and constructive criticism from the evaluators.

Club president Therese Sirles, R.N., director, Children’s Hospital Foundation Office of Child Advocacy of Kosair Children’s Hospital, is delighted with the progress the group has made since it formed in July 2009.

“It’s going really well,” Sirles said. “When I first joined there were only about six of us, and we have steadily increased to about 25 members and continue to grow. We’ve become a supportive, cohesive group.”

Sirles said she and many of the other members joined Toastmasters because they felt that they needed to perfect their speaking skills in order to advance in their careers.

“I went from being a bedside nurse to a role where I have to do public speaking,” Sirles said of taking on her current position. “I was very fearful of how I presented in public.”

Sirles said being in the group has helped her tremendously.

“Public speaking is such a hard skill to master,” Sirles said. “Toastmasters provides a ‘safe’ venue to practice those skills.”

The club meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Norton Healthcare Pavilion, fifth-floor conference room 1. Membership is open to all Norton Healthcare employees, and Norton Healthcare pays a portion of the membership fees. For more information, visit http://nsider/Facilities/NortonHealthcare/toastmasters or e-mail cherie.gaither@nortonhealthcare.org.

–Cheryl Lockhart

Toastmasters enhances communication skills

Norton Healthcare’s physicians take pride in providing the most positive experience possible for patients and guests. Those whose quarterly patient satisfaction scores place them in the top 10 percent of all physicians, grouped by specialty, within the national Press Ganey database become members of Norton Healthcare’s exclusive 90th Percentile Physician Club.

That kind of achievement takes leadership, teamwork and a strong commitment to excellence. Norton Healthcare salutes these exemplary physicians and thanks them for their dedication to compassionate care that meets and exceeds patients’ expectations. For a list of second-quarter 2010 physicians, visit the Service Excellence site on Nsider.

Physician service stars • Second quarter 2010

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Lee Greenwell, director of business development, Norton Cancer Institute, presents a persuasive speech titled “Prevention Works,” in which she encouraged women to have regular mammograms.

Photo by Jamie Rhodes

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Spirit of CareGiving reveals possibility

Jean Moore is the Spirit of CareGiving coordinator at Norton University. This is her account of the power of the Spirit of CareGiving program.

A colleague stopped me this morning and said, “I just want you to know that I am starting my fifth class in the graduate program at Bellarmine. If it had not been for the Spirit of CareGiving and my ‘possibility work,’ I would not have done it.”

This is a young woman who is in management at one of our hospitals and has taken the time to not only enroll and begin classes, but to recognize what made it happen.

As I walk the hallways of Norton Healthcare facilities, it is not unusual for me to hear “Miss Jean” as a staff member runs toward me. A few months ago, a young man did this at Norton Audubon Hospital.

“Just want you to know that I signed up to go to JCTC this fall. Thank you for helping me to see that going back to school is the only way for me to get the job I want at Norton,” he said.

A woman at Norton Suburban Hospital told me, “I had dinner with my mom last week. Since I made the phone call and we talked when I was doing my ‘possibility work,’ Mom

and I have been at least keeping in touch. Our relationship is better than it was, although it’s not where I want it to be. But because of what I learned in the Spirit of CareGiving, I know that we will get back on track.”

I walked away with a smile on my face, knowing that the work I am doing helps people to be happier – personally and professionally.

There are some who believe success is measured only in numbers. I cannot argue that statistics are not important. I can, however, make a case for people reacting to positive thinking,

possibility thinking, realizing why they are who they are and believing the way they believe and the possibility of changing beliefs when appropriate. Norton Healthcare, the patients we serve and I get to enjoy the fruits of a wonderful gift to employees called the Spirit of CareGiving.

–Jean Moore

To register for the Spirit of CareGiving, go to “Learning” on Nsider. For more information,

contact Norton University at 629-6404 or nortonuniversity@nortonhealthcare.org.

The 15th annual Gail Klein Garlove Lectureship will be held at The Olmsted on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. The lecture topic will be “Diet and Lifestyle: Risk Factors and Potential Treatments for Colorectal Cancer.” It is sponsored by the Norton Healthcare Foundation through a gift from Mrs. Garlove’s children, who established the fund to pay tribute to their mother. Mrs. Garlove lost her battle with cancer in 1994.

The lecture will feature guest speaker Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, M.D., MPH. Dr. Meyerhardt is medical director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

This event is free, but registration is required. Guests can attend an information fair beginning at 5:30 p.m. CME and CNE credits are available. To register, call 629-1234.

“I walked away with a smile on my face, knowing that the work I am doing helps

people to be happier.”

Register now for Garlove Lectureship

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Open enrollment begins Nov. 1

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Open enrollment is active this year, which means all Norton Healthcare employees must re-enroll in their health and welfare benefits plans (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending accounts) during the open enrollment period to be covered in 2011. It is not necessary to re-enroll in voluntary or retirement benefits.

“To help you make better decisions about benefits, look at how you used your benefits this year,” said Holly Rickard, director, Benefits. “It’s easy to review your 2010 claims using the Smart Summaries sent to you by Humana or by logging on to www.myhumana.com and selecting ‘claims spending.’”

Changes to benefits offerings and retirement plans for 2011 are detailed in the Open Enrollment Guide mailed to employees’ homes this month. Be sure to review these changes. Three medical plans are available. Details of the PPO and PCA plans have changed, and the CoverageFirst plan is being replaced with a new high-deductible health plan with an optional health savings account. Some hospital co-pays are being removed while some prescription co-pays, co-insurance percentages, deductible amounts and out-of-pocket limits are changing. Open Enrollment Guides also will be available at the benefits fairs.

Employees are encouraged to attend a benefits fair as another good source for information. Fairs are being held at convenient times on Oct. 27, 28 and Nov. 1 to 5. Representatives from Humana, CIGNA, MetLife, VSP, Chard-Snyder, Wayne Corp., Diversified Investment Advisors and other providers will be at the fairs. Remember to participate in the Benefits Triple Crown Challenge to be entered in prize drawings. Details about the challenge are available in the Benefits Bulletin, which was mailed to employees’ homes and posted on Nsider. Employees who cannot attend the events at their work location are welcome to attend events at another facility.

Open enrollment will begin Monday, Nov. 1, at 7 a.m., and will close on Friday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m. Remember, all employees must re-enroll during this time to continue their benefits in 2011.

–Patti Killion

Benefits fairsNorton Physician ServicesWednesday, Oct. 27 – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 28 – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fern Valley Hotel & Conference Center2715 Fern Valley Road

Norton Audubon Hospital campusMonday, Nov. 16 to 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.Community Room, LL2

Downtown campusTuesday, Nov. 26 to 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.Norton Hospital Cafeteria Atrium

Thursday, Nov. 4 – 6 to 8 a.m. Norton Hospital Cafeteria Atrium

Norton Brownsboro Hospital campusWednesday, Nov. 36 to 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.Norton Medical Plaza – Brownsboro, Suite 311

Watterson TowerThursday, Nov. 4 – 1 to 5 p.m. Floor 14B – all three conference rooms

Norton Suburban Hospital campusFriday, Nov. 56 to 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.Norton Medical Plaza III – Suburban, Room 1A

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LIVING the Service Basics

On stage: I make a great first impression.Patients and families evaluate Norton Healthcare by how each employee performs, which

means employees are always “on stage.” Here are some ways to make a great impression:• Adopt a “helping” attitude.• Smile and extend a friendly greeting to all guests and co-workers.• Maintain a professional appearance and dress appropriately.• Keep a clean, neat work area. Help keep public areas like hallways, lobbies and waiting rooms looking nice.

Comment from a recent patient survey:“Everyone was very friendly, compassionate and professional in their care. They were

informative, understanding and acted happy to be doing their job!”

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As a child, Shari Willy knew she wanted a career in health care, and one special cancer patient led her to become Kentucky’s first board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition. It was during Willy’s dietetic internship at Purdue University that she met a cancer patient who allowed her to do a case study and even join her for her first radiation treatment.

“I don’t know if she wanted someone by her side or if she knew I was eager to learn,” Willy said. “Whatever the reason, my outlook changed, and I knew then that I wanted to become an oncology dietitian.”

Willy began her career as a registered dietitian with Norton Healthcare 10 years ago. She has worked with oncology patients at Kosair Children’s Hospital, Norton Hospital and Norton Audubon Hospital. In her present role, Willy sees children and adults at community outpatient clinics that provide education for weight loss, diabetes, heart health and other nutritional concerns.

Whether she’s working with children or adults with cystic fibrosis, weight loss issues or cancer, Willy provides eating tips and strategies to maximize nutrition content.

While studying for the board certification examination in oncology nutrition, Willy used her expertise to help her mother battle the side effects of pancreatic cancer treatment. Willy made sure every bite and sip counted even when her mom wasn’t able to eat or drink much.

“Mom died six months before I sat for my certification examination,” Willy said. “Passing that exam in September 2008 allowed me to achieve a goal I’d set at the beginning of my career and keep a promise to my mother.”

–Tammy Warren

Making every bite count for patients

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Shari Willy, right, talks with patient Jean Moreland about nutritional supplements at Norton Cancer Institute.

Photo by Nick Bonura

N Good Health

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Tips from the 100 Calorie Campaign

Start getting in shape for the upcoming holidays by participating in the 100 Calorie Campaign. Look for yellow signs with the 100 Calorie Campaign artwork in Norton Healthcare’s cafeterias. These will help guide you to healthy food choices.

The following tips have been submitted by employees who have been entered in the drawings for a chance to win a prize:

• Order dips, dressings and other high-fat condiments on the side. When using them, dip just the tip of the fork, in front of the food being dipped. Submitted by Sandra Daugherty, R.N., clinical information analyst, Norton Healthcare

• When baking, use natural applesauce instead of butter or oil. Submitted by Gail Raque, Materiel Management, Norton Suburban Hospital

Submit your own tips on how to reduce 100 calories a day. Prize drawings are held biweekly. E-mail your tips to Jamie Newman, R.N., at jamie.newman@nortonhealthcare.orgor Allison Ledford at allison.ledford@nortonhealthcare.org.

Employees complete fitness milestones together

Last year’s Ride to Conquer Cancer opened doors on many levels. For a group of four Norton Healthcare employees, it led to new friendships and an interest in pushing fitness limits.

Jon Cooper, David Facktor, Jason Grundstrom and Adam Kempf not only completed the ride together but went on to complete a half Ironman triathlon this past July, along with teammate Evon Rajewich Jr.

“We got involved with The Ride to Conquer Cancer to raise funds and support Norton Cancer Institute,” Cooper said. “We didn’t all know each other before the ride, but we had such a fun time together that afterward we thought, what’s next?”

That’s when they kicked around the idea of doing a half Ironman triathlon – a competition comprising a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.

For Kempf, The Ride to Conquer Cancer was the first time he had been on a bike since he was 12 years old, so completing a triathlon just 9 months later seemed like quite a feat. But the group set their minds to train 6 to 10 hours a week in preparation for the Steelhead Half Ironman Triathlon in Benton Harbor, Mich., July 31.

“It took a lot of support from our families to carve out the time we needed to prepare,” Kempf said.

While the team also prepared by participating in various trials leading up to the triathlon, they found the most grueling aspect of the Steelhead was the 13.1-mile run.

“It was all fun until we got to the running,” Cooper said. “That was the most difficult leg.”

“That’s when it went from fun to survival!” Kempf said.They all survived and agreed that even though it was grueling, they wouldn’t

have missed out on the fellowship they experienced in the process.“The best part was the camaraderie,” Facktor said. “Meeting these guys last

summer and the friendship we developed has been great.”The foursome participated in The Ride to Conquer Cancer again this year

and plan to complete another triathlon in the future.–Jennifer Reynolds

From left, David Facktor, senior server analyst, Information Services; Adam Kempf, system associate vice president, Budget and Analysis; Jason Grundstrom, manager, Service Excellence, Norton Suburban Hospital; and Jon Cooper, system vice president, Surgical and Orthopaedic Services

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Photo by Nick Bonura

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Former Norton Suburban Hospital employee Dot Snyder’s secret to staying young and healthy is to keep busy. One activity the 82-year-old enjoys is volunteering at the hospital from which she retired in October 2008, after 24 years as a switchboard operator.

Every Wednesday evening Snyder volunteers as an information desk attendant. This role allows her to interact with patients and family members as they enter the hospital. She ensures they have all the information they need to make their stay smooth and comfortable.

“When people are visiting the hospital they may be worried or upset, and I enjoy doing what I can to make them at least feel a little bit better,” Snyder said.

While volunteering Snyder enjoys catching up with friends as well as her two sons, who work for Norton Healthcare, and her granddaughter, who also is a volunteer.

Charlotte Tharp, former vice president of Mission and Outreach, also returned to Norton Healthcare after retiring in 2009 following 25 years of service.

“I care so much about Norton Healthcare,” Tharp said. “I really trust and believe in the organization, so it’s nice to be a part of it – even after retirement.”

Tharp volunteers in the Emergency Department at Kosair Children’s Medical Center – Brownsboro because it’s near her home.

“It’s nice to be able to go home at the end of the day and know you’ve made a contribution,” Tharp said.

According to Bryan Hildreth, system vice president, Service Excellence, there are many volunteer opportunities available for retirees, active employees and others.

“Examples of volunteer roles include greeting/escorting patients and families throughout the hospital, helping patients register for procedures, providing assistance in our waiting rooms, working in our gift shops and providing clerical assistance in many different areas,” he said.

Roles may be customized to each individual to ensure the position is a good fit for one’s skills, experience, interests and time availability. For more information about volunteering, contact your facility’s Volunteer Services manager.

–Emily Lekites

Volunteer Services managers

Kosair Children’s HospitalBrenda O’Bryan – 629-6122

Norton Audubon HospitalConnie Billharz – 636-7463

Norton Brownsboro Hospital/Kosair Children’s Medical Center – BrownsboroAmy Kerkhoff – 446-8695

Norton Hospital/Norton Healthcare PavilionDeloris White – 629-7075

Norton Suburban HospitalRita Ross – 893-1229

Retirees return to volunteer

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Photos by Nick Bonura

Charlotte Tharp, right, shares a cold drink and a laugh with 10-year-old patient Austin Young and his mother, Marti Young, in the Emergency Department at Kosair Children’s Medical Center – Brownsboro.

Dot Snyder, left, provides information to visitor Rhonda Waldridge at Norton Suburban Hospital.

FOUNDATION News

ewsA Publication of Norton Healthcare Marketing and Communications Department

EDITOR: Cheryl Lockhart

DESIGNER: Kevin Bayless

COPY EDITORS: Jen Reynolds, Tammy Warren

P.O. Box 35070Louisville, KY 40232-5070502.629.8070 Phone502.629.2688 Faxnortonnews@nortonhealthcare.org

©2010 Norton Healthcare

Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare 2009 Best Places to Work in Kentucky – five consecutive years

Employees’ donations help the hospitalsIt’s Combined Giving Campaign time again – an annual

drive encouraging employees to contribute to several local charities, including the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Norton Healthcare Foundation. Employees can designate gifts to the foundations to support a specific hospital or area, or support the area of greatest need.

In the past, employee donations have helped fund projects such as the Marshall Women’s Health & Education Center at Norton Suburban Hospital, the chapel and surgery waiting area at Norton Audubon Hospital, the chapel in the Norton Healthcare Pavilion, renovation of Norton Women’s Pavilion at Norton Hospital and various other projects throughout Norton Healthcare facilities. Funds also support Pastoral Care, Norton Cancer Institute, Norton Heart Care and Norton Neuroscience Institute.

At Kosair Children’s Hospital, employee donations have helped construct a new interventional radiology suite, renovate the Imaging Department, purchase a new MRI and upgrade the pediatric cardiac catheterization lab.

“Employee support has been vital in helping us advance some of the hospitals’ critical initiatives,” said Lynnie Meyer, MSN, R.N., chief development officer. “With that ongoing support, the foundations can continue to provide educational opportunities for staff, new equipment, programs, advocacy and research opportunities.”

To make a donation to the Combined Giving Campaign, go to Nsider, click “Applications,” then click “Combined Giving Campaign.”

Don’t miss the chance to win $30,000There’s still time to purchase a raffle ticket for a new

2011 Sam Swope BMW 1 Series or $30,000. Only 2,010 tickets will be sold for $100 each. The drawing will be held during the Snow Ball on Nov. 20. Can’t afford $100? Pool money with friends or co-workers. Visit HelpKosairChildrensHospital.com or call 629-KIDS to purchase a ticket.

Come to the Festival of Trees & Lights, Nov. 12 to 14

Presented by Republic Bank

General admission: $3 for children under 12 and senior citizens (65+); $5 for adults; small additional fee for children’s activities

Friday, Nov. 12 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Preview Day – no children’s activities

Friday, Nov. 12 • 6 to 9 p.m. • Dickens Family Night, presented by Rumpke. Dickens-era costumed characters and carolers, pictures with Santa Claus, special children’s activities and fireworks. Children: $5; adults: $8; families of four or more: $25

Saturday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 14 • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Scout Days – patches for scouts and children’s activities

Visit HelpKosairChildrensHospital.com or call 629-KIDS for more information or to purchase advance tickets for Dickens Family Night.

For information on ways to get involved with the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Norton Healthcare Foundation, call 629-8060 or visit the foundations page on Nsider.

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