Children's Hospital Foundation News and Updates

 

J. Gumbo's   hosts first Baby Steps Walk-A-Thon for the neonatal intensive care unit
Rockin' for Kids benefits music therapy program
Bluegrass Family Health  commits $100,000 to Children's Hospital Foundation
Ten-year-old Michala Riggle raises more than $200,000 to beat autism
Foundation gives $2.5 million to Kosair Children's Hospital
Ten-year-old Michala Riggle aims to raise $200,000 for autism research

Graeter's Ice Cream birthday celebration June 3

Graeter’s Ice Cream locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana will celebrate their 10th anniversary June 3 and will roll back prices on select items to what they were ten years ago. Customers who bring in a new toy for Kosair Children’s Hospital will receive a party favor filled with Graeter’s memorabilia and candy. View a list of needed toys.

Mr. Magic will also visit each store to perform:

  • noon - 12:50 p.m., 841 Hurstbourne Parkway, Jeffersontown
  • 1:15 to 2:10 p.m., 140 Breckinridge Lane, St. Matthews
  • 2:30 to 3:25 p.m., 2204 Bardstown Road, the Highlands
  • 4 to 5 p.m., 4310 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Ind.
  • 6 to 6:55 p.m., 9430 Brownsboro Road, Springhurst
  • 7:30 to 8:25 p.m., 13817 English Villa Drive, Middletown
  • 8:45 to 9:45 p.m., 6509 Bardstown Road, Fern Creek

J. Gumbo's Baby Steps Walk-a-Thon raises more than $10,000

On Saturday, March 29,  J. Gumbo’s  hosted its inaugural Baby Steps Walk-a-Thon to raise funds for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Kosair Children’s Hospital. Thanks to all who participated and contributed to the walk-a-thon. The Baby Steps walk-a-thon raised more than $10,000 for the expansion and renovation of the NICU!  A HUGE thank you to all who joined the "Cajuns for the Cause!"

 

 
Rockin' for Kids benefits music therapy program

Four local teen bands performed a benefit concert at Coyote’s at City Block Louisville for the music therapy program at Kosair Children’s Hospital, March 16, 2 to 6 p.m. The event, Rockin’ for Kids, was presented by The Summers, Louisville School of Rock and City Block Louisville. Bands performing are The Summers, Valorius, MOR and Road Rage.

In addition to a concert, the event featured activities such as inflatables, a digital photo booth, karaoke, fastest drummer contest and a silent auction that includes guitars signed by the Jonas Brothers, Big & Rich and John Corbett.

The event was the brainchild of Wesley and Branson Summers, both of whom were patients at Kosair Children’s Hospital recently. While there, they saw how many children are in need of medical care and decided they wanted to do something to help the hospital. As members of The Summers, they saw a natural fit for a concert and were able to get other bands on board through the Louisville School of Rock.

The music therapy program at Kosair Children’s Hospital began in 2007 with support provided to the Children’s Hospital Foundation from Kentucky high school Beta Clubs and the Miller Family Foundation. Music therapy addressesphysical, psychological, cognitive and social functions of children, helping relieve stress and improving health outcomes. The program is the only one in the area geared toward children.

Want to help? Make a donation now to support the music therapy program through Rockin' for Kids.

 

Bluegrass Family Health has committed $100,000 to support the Children's Hospital Foundation. For more information visit Bluegrass Family Health . 

 

Ten-year-old raises more than $200,000 to beat autism

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 30, 2007): Earlier this year ten-year-old Michala Riggle set a goal to raise $200,000 to help fund an autism research study at Kosair Children’s Hospital. Just a few short months later, Michala can proudly say that she’s reached her goal.

Michala’s efforts on behalf of autistic children stem from her experiences with her youngest brother, Evan, 7. In February 2006, Evan, who is autistic, began receiving IV infusions of glutathione, a tri-peptide (three amino acids linked together). Prior to receiving the treatment, Evan was combative and needed speech therapy. Since being on the glutathione treatment, Evan is much more manageable and has made tremendous progress with his speech. His mother, Emlyn, credits Evan’s improved ability to learn to the glutathione.

After seeing the results with Evan, physicians at Kosair Children’s Hospital plan to conduct an eight month study to see if the results can be replicated for other children with autism. When Michala heard of these plans, she made it a personal mission to ensure that the study was funded to give hope to other families dealing with autism. 

Michala raised more than $22,000 making and selling bracelets at local events and craft shows, but the story of her efforts has inspired gifts above and beyond the $3 donation for a bracelet. To date The Michala Riggle Glutathione Autism Research Fund totals more than $101,000. On Sunday, Dec. 2, Michala will reach her $200,000 goal when the Ephraim and Wilma Shaw Roseman Foundation presents a $100,000 gift to the Children’s Hospital Foundation for Michala’s fund.

Trustees of the Ephraim and Wilma Shaw Roseman Foundation heard of Michala’s efforts after a chance meeting at an event in Brandenburg where Michala was selling bracelets. Having a personal connection to autism through a family friend, the trustees wanted to know more about Michala’s fund and the proposed study at Kosair Children’s Hospital. Inspired by Michala’s positive attitude and hard work, the trustees of the Foundation decided to provide the remaining funds to help Michala reach her goal.

Using the funds that have been secured by Michala’s efforts, physicians at Kosair Children’s Hospital plan to begin the glutathione study after the first of the year. The Children’s Hospital Foundation will continue to raise additional funds to fully support the study which is expected to cost about $500,000. You can help, donate now!

Local foundation gives $2.5 million to Kosair Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Hospital Foundation

LOUISVILLE , Ky. (Oct. 30, 2007) – The Elizabeth Turner Campbell Foundation, which is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., has given $2.5 million to support the work of Kosair Children’s Hospital.

Scottsville, Ky., resident Elizabeth Turner Campbell and her foundation have been generous with organizations that help children, recently giving funds to found the Center for Courageous Kids, a medical camp opening this spring in Scottsville.

Campbell is passionate about children’s needs, especially when it comes to allowing young cancer survivors to experience their childhood. The Elizabeth Turner Campbell Foundation supports hospitals like Kosair Children’s as well as other charities committed to saving children battling life-threatening diseases and giving them some feeling of normalcy.

“With the help of doctors, nurses and a staff that understand the concerns and medical needs of these special kids, they may be able to fight these terrible health issues so they can laugh, play with other children like themselves and just be able to be a kid,” Campbell said.

Having suffered the loss of a son and daughter-in-law at young ages, and having a grandson survive cancer after being diagnosed with and treated for a brain tumor, Campbell knows first-hand the importance of specialized care for kids.

“My loss has taught me that no one is exempt from the tragedy of a critically ill child, and I truly want to make a difference for them and their families,” she said.

“Kosair Children’s Hospital has a rich, 115-year history of serving this community,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., MSN, executive director of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Philanthropic support from the community is a significant component of how we will address the complex needs of children from this region for the next 115 years.

“Gifts of this magnitude help us move closer to our vision of ensuring that Kentucky remains home to a premier children’s hospital. Current facility expansion plans include the renovation and expansion of the ground floor imaging pavilion and an $18.5 million renovation and expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit.”

With this gift, Campbell has become a member of the Children’s Hospital Foundation Red Wagon Hall of Fame, which recognizes donors who have given $1 million or more. Current members are Crescent Hill Women’s Club, Festival of Trees & Lights, Kosair Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, TWIGS of Kosair Children’s Hospital, the WHAS Crusade for Children, Leo and Edris B. Atkins, Robert E. Brennan, Bernadine Dies, Lewis and Margaret Herndon, Frances R. Jeffress Trust, Claiborne Pirtle Trust, Irvin S. Rider Jr. and Jeanne V. Spicker.

 
The Michala Riggle Glutathione Autism Research Fund

Ten-year-old Michala Riggle is on a mission to raise $200,000 to fund an autism research study at Kosair Children’s Hospital. Her motto, “You gotta believe!” has inspired her whole family, including her 8-year-old brother Dawson, her parents, grandparents, aunts and cousins to help her make beaded bracelets and key chains to sell at $2 each.

Michala’s youngest brother, Evan, 7, is autistic. In February 2006, he began receiving IV infusions of glutathione, a tri-peptide, which is three amino acids linked together. Prior to receiving the treatment, Evan was combative and needed speech therapy. Since being on the glutathione treatment, Evan is much more manageable and has made tremendous progress with his speech. His mother, Emlyn, credits Evan’s improved ability to learn to the glutathione.

By raising $200,000, 50 children will be able to participate in a study of the effectiveness of glutathione over an eight-month period. Because Evan has responded so well to the treatment, Michala hopes to raise funds to provide this treatment to other children with autism.

Make a donation to the Michala Riggle Glutathione Autism Research Fund. Choose "Children's Hospital Foundation" and when you get to the check out screen, be sure to specify "autism" in the comments box.

Buy special ornaments to benefit Kosair Children’s Hospital

Sornaments are now available for purcahse to benefit Kosair Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Hospital Foundation. These ornaments, shaped like the “Just for Kids” balloon, are available for $5 each and make a great holiday décor item or gift.

Ornaments may be purchased at all Norton Healthcare hospitals’ gift shops and the following locations of Nanz & Kraft Florist:

  • 141 Breckenridge Lane
  • 203 N. Hurstbourne Parkway
  • 4980 U.S. Highway 42
  • 4450 Dixie Highway

To order by phone, call (502) 629-KIDS. A $3 shipping fee will apply.

 
Kohl’s Conti nues Pledge to Reduce Asthma in Region

Asthma still No. 1 reason for admission to Kosair Children’s Hospital

(Aug. 28, 2007) – For the second consecutive year, Kohl’s department store is providing a Kohl’s Care for Kidsâgrant to the Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund an asthma education program through the Children’s Hospital Foundation Office of Child Advocacy of Kosair Children’s Hospital. This Kohl’s children’s health initiative is aimed at reducing the hospital’s pediatric asthma admissions, since asthma is the No. 1 reason children are hospitalized at Kosair Children’s Hospital.

Details about the donation will be announced today at Maupin Elementary School , 1312 Catalpa St. , in the Parkland neighborhood. The school is in the 40211 ZIP code, which has higher than normal incidence and hospital admissions due to asthma. In 2006, Kosair Children’s treated 2,789 inpatient and outpatient cases related to asthma. In addition, 6,360 children were diagnosed with asthma as a secondary condition. Of those diagnosed, approximately 61 percent were covered by either Passport or Medicaid.

Kohl’s grant, in the amount of $111, 361.28 to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, will be devoted to an initiative titled Kohl’s “Just for Kids” C.A.R.E., a regional pediatric asthma outreach and education program. All schools in Jefferson County , Ky., and Southern Indiana are invited to participate. The program educates and trains children, parents, teachers and child care workers on the management and control of asthma.

“Asthma is a very serious issue for children in our region,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., M.S.N., executive director of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The Kohl’s grant will allow us to continue to provide direct education and training for children with asthma and their parents, while also helping all schoolchildren understand what asthma is and what to look out for,” she said. “I have a son with asthma and know intimately the positive impact of education and prevention in managing the condition.”

“Kohl’s introduced the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program to promote children’s health and educational opportunities, and is committed to playing an active role in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gardner, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Kohl’s Department Stores. “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve created with children’s hospitals across the country, and are excited to continue working with Kosair Children’s Hospital in this endeavor.”

Kohl’s commitment to the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Kosair Children’s Hospital is made possible through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program, which raises funds for children’s health and educational opportunities through the sale of special gift items. Net profits from the sales go to support children’s health and educational opportunities in the market areas served by Kohl’s. Kohl’s community outreach also includes Kohl’s Kids Who Care, an annual youth volunteer recognition program, fundraising gift cards for local schools and nonprofit youth groups, as well as an associate program to encourage volunteerism.

Kohl’s Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. A company committed to the communities it serves, Kohl’s operates 834 stores in 46 states and has raised more than $85 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids philanthropic program.  Visit the company's website for a list of store locations and information or for the added convenience of shopping online.

 
Wal-Mart's gift of $500,000 completes imaging fundraising

(March 29, 2007) – Wal-Mart, with 17 stores in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area, donated $500,000 to Kosair Children’s Hospital. This donation completes fundraising by the Children’s Hospital Foundation for a $10.2 million renovation and expansion of imaging services. The department, formerly known as radiology, includes X-Ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ), computed tomography (CT), diagnostic ultrasound and fluoroscopy for upper and lower gastrointestinal issues.

This gift will allow construction to begin on changes that will include the addition of an MRI machine, an upgrade of radiographic suites, upgrade of pre- and post-op sedation space, and improved way finding and guest amenities.

Improvements to the area are needed to continue caring for the growing number of children needing help at Kosair Children’s Hospital. MRI procedures at Kosair Children’s Hospital alone have risen more than 25 percent in the past three years to 4,966 procedures.

Top photo: Wal-Mart associates presented a check for $500,000 in the form of a cake.

Bottom photo: Patient Danan Jordan Jr. and his mother, Elisa, inspected the cake/check. At left is Teresa Munson, R.N., clinical managerfor pediatric oncology, and at right is Elizabeth Sanders, child life and expressive therapist.

Please see full news releasefor more information.

 
American Family Orthodontics makes $100,000 committment

The Children's Hospital Foundation has received $100,000 from American Family Orthodontics:

  • $56,500 for planned renovation and growth at Kosair Children’s Hospital
  • $31,500 to purchase a van for the Children’s Hospital Foundation Office of Child Advocacyfor use with bike rodeos
  • $10,000 for the Norton Healthcare Foundationto go toward the area of greatest need
  • $2,000 to purchase bike helmets for the Children’s Hospital Foundation Office of Child Advocacy

In addition, American Family Orthodontics will donate two orthodontic treatments for use by the Children’s Hospital Foundation (for fundraising raffles, etc.).

 

top

 
Republic Bank & Trust Company makes significant gift to imaging services

(Jan. 26, 2007) - With MRI procedures at Kosair Children’s Hospital alone rising more than 25 percent in the past three years to 4,966 procedures, the hospital is seeing a great need to expand the services. To fund this expansion, the Children’s Hospital Foundation is in the midst of raising $10.2 million for the hospital. Republic Bank & Trust Company has given the first significant gift to the foundation for this project.

“My family has been personally touched by the work of Kosair Children’s Hospital, as have most people I know,” said Steve Trager, chairman and CEO of Republic Bank & Trust Company. “At locally owned Republic Bank, what we make here stays here. That’s why we feel it is very important to get behind this project and show the community how much we value this resource.”

In recognition of the donation, the waiting space on the hospital’s ground floor will be named the Republic Bank Family Respite and Waiting Area.

The foundation hopes that expansion of imaging will result in improving specialized pediatric care to more than 100,000 children annually.

“Right now, we sometimes have waiting times of four to five weeks for an elective MRI,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., M.S.N., executive director of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We currently have only one MRI and two CAT scans (CTs), and these are the only ones in the city that can accommodate small children.”

The reason: children often need to be sedated or anesthetized for the lengthy procedures, and Kosair Children’s is the only hospital that offers specialized pediatric radiology and anesthesia support. 

“More than 80 percent of MRI and CT exams are scheduled outpatient procedures,” Meyer said. “As the region’s pediatric trauma and specialty center, the emergency/urgent patients often must interrupt the outpatient schedule.”

Outpatient imaging procedures are often used to diagnose health issues and provide follow-up care for patients with diseases such as cancer.

The expansion project will include an additional MRI machine and an upgrade of our radiographic suites, pre and post op sedation space and improved wayfinding and guest amenities. Republic Bank’s gift to the foundation is on top of a recent $3 million gift toward this project at Kosair Children’s Hospital from Kosair Charities to purchase a new MRI.  

“We need to make sure this expansion can happen so that children do not have to travel to Cincinnati, Indianapolis or Nashville for these same procedures, causing hardship for the entire family,” Meyer said. “This gift from Republic Bank will have a major impact on our ability to provide care and is important to everyone in the community who cares about kids.

“If we are to ensure Louisville remains home to one of the best children’s hospitals in the country, we need to make sure we can meet the needs of all of our patients. This is an example of how one organization can think big for kids.”

With 38 locations in Kentucky, Indiana and Florida, Republic Bank has become the largest locally owned community bank in Kentucky. In addition, Republic Bank has over 700 associates, many of whose families have seen the benefits of Kosair Children’s Hospital. This gift represents Republic Bank’s continued commitment to causes in health care and education.

 

top

 
Local family foundation gives more than $274,000 to Kosair Children's Hospital

(Dec. 27, 2006) - The Robert W. Rounsavall, Jr. Family Foundation, Inc., has given $274,650 to the Children's Hospital Foundation to support the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Kosair Children's Hospital. This gift, in addition to a gift of $141,925 in 2005, will help provide direct patient care to the most critically ill and premature infants.

“Kosair Children's Hospital is an important asset to this community,” said Hunt Rounsavall, secretary for the Robert W. Rounsavall, Jr. Family Foundation and Manager of Dixie Real Properties. “My family has had direct experience with the hospital and the good work provided there, and wants to make sure that other families have that same level of care when they need it.”

The Robert W. Rounsavall, Jr. Family Foundation is a private foundation established in 2004 by founder and original benefactor Robert W. Rounsavall, Jr., a resident of Louisville. Rounsavall set up this Foundation prior to his death in 2002.  It was his hope and intention that the Robert W. Rounsavall, Jr. name be known in the community. A spirited individual with deeply held values, beliefs and faith, his vision extended far beyond him and came from not only his ability to look ahead but also look back.  He served in the Marine Corps during World War II and saw action in Iwo Jima.

The Kosair Children's Hospital NICU provides care to more than 1,000 critically ill and premature infants annually. The fifth largest unit in the country, the NICU is classified as Level IV, which provides care to the most critically ill infants from nearly every county in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

“The babies in our NICU receive high quality, high touch care – but at a high cost in dollars to sustain programs and initiatives, as well as in the strain placed in facilities and personnel by high volume and high demand,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., M.S.N., chief development officer and executive director of the Children's Hospital Foundation. “Since the hospital is not-for-profit and treats all children regardless of a family’s ability to pay, gifts of this kind are vital to the continuation of children’s health care in this region.

“This kind of gift will also assist us in reaching our goal to enhance our regional presence and ensure we remain a regional home to a premier children’s hospital.”

top

Local family gives $250,000 to Kosair Children's Hospital

(Oct. 5, 2006) - Kosair Children's Hospital has received a gift that will help it keep pace with the increasing needs of the community’s children. Norman and Belita Noltemeyer have donated $250,000 toward planned renovations and growth at Kentucky and Southern Indiana ’s only freestanding, full-service children’s hospital.

“Our family has directly benefited from the excellent care at Kosair Children's Hospital,” said Norman Noltemeyer, who is a partner with Brown-Noltemeyer Properties. “Belita and I want to ensure others in the community have access to the care their children need for many years to come.”

In the coming years, Kosair Children's Hospital will need renovations and to expand certain services if it is to keep up with the increasing needs of the more than 100,000 children who seek medical care annually.

“The high quality, high touch programs that we offer come at a high cost, not only in dollars to sustain programs and initiatives, but on the strain placed in facilities and personnel by high volume and high demand,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., M.S.N., chief development officer and executive director of the Children's Hospital Foundation. “When we receive a gift such as this, it puts us closer to our goal of enhancing our regional presence and ensuring we remain a regional home to a premier children’s hospital.  

 “Since the hospital is not-for-profit and treats all children regardless of their family’s ability to pay, gifts of this kind are vital to the continuation of children’s health care in this region.”

top

 
"Just for Kids" Wagon Challenge

The “Just for Kids” Wagon Challenge was born for local motorcycle clubs to design and produce customized wagons used to transport children at the hospital. Displayed here are the three winning wagons. Pictured from left to right: second place: Full Throttle Motorcycle Club; first place: Lou-Evils Psycles; third place: Iron Order Motorcycle Club.

 

 

Wal-Mart donates TVs

Left: Wal-Mart donated 20 televisions to Kosair Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Hospital Foundation, providing sick children a useful outlet for stress relief and relaxation while they are hospitalized. The ability to focus on fun and providing a diversion from stress is critical to recovery and a return to normalcy. Kosair Children’s Hospital’s child life and expressive therapy program works with patients to relieve stress and express fears, feelings and hopes in a non-threatening, fun way.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Star Wars galaxy comes to Kosair Children's Hospital

Right: Joshua Defevers and his dad, Jason, met Wicket the Ewok during a Star Wars celebrity visit to Kosair Children's Hospital on August 24. The characters were in town to celebrate the Sept. 12 release of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” on DVD and the “LEGO: Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy” videogame.

 

 

 

Christmas at Kosair Children's Hospital

 KY Lottery staff Mike Denney, Annette Dobler, Pam Jones, Sara Westerman and Linda Stark deliver gifts to KCH patients.

Kosair Children’s Hospital to benefit from Petrino Gift

(Aug 15, 2006)   - In a show of support for the needs of the region’s only full-service, free-standing children’s hospital, U of L football coach (now head coach of the Atlanta Falcons) Bobby Petrino and wife Becky pledged a gift of $250,000 to Kosair Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The gift will fund the Bobby and Becky Petrino Family Education Center honoring their children Kelsey, Nick, Bobby and Katie.  It will be part of the planned renovation of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  

“I’m really excited that Becky and I are able to make such a wonderful commitment to the hospital.   Being able to provide funding for the new NICU Family Education Center is an honor for our family”, said Coach Petrino.  “When a child is born premature or becomes ill, they need the best care possible.  We all need to support Kosair Children’s Hospital to ensure Louisville remains home to a premier children’s hospital.”

When complete, the center will allow the hospital to meet the educational needs of parents and families. The new center will provide a quiet, comfortable space for the families to learn, offering classes on baby care and sibling care. The center also will have library resources: books, videos, DVDs, health information packets, information related to the diagnosis of babies, information on parenting and information on support groups. In addition, the center will provide computer access to health information websites, internet search assistance, email access, phones and fax machines for families to use to maximize time spent at the hospital.

The Kosair Children’s Hospital NICU is one of the largest in the country with 87 beds to provide the highest level of care for infants. Services provided include extracorporeal membraneoxygenation (ECMO), Nitric Oxide therapy, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, pediatricsurgery and other specialties. In 2005, a total of 1,089 infants were admitted to the Kosair Children’s Hospital NICU, including very low birth-weight babies, or “micro-preemies,” weighing less than 1000 grams (2.2 pounds) and others needing specialized surgical care.

“Substantial gifts such as this from the Petrino’s   will help us raise the bar in the level of care that our community has come to expect and deserve,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., M.S.N., chief development officer, Norton Healthcare and executive director of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Our community is very fortunate on a multitude of levels to have the Petrino’s committed to improving the lives of many, many people for generations to come,” added Meyer.

In September, Coach Petrino will join the Children’s Hospital Foundation board of directors, which oversees philanthropy for Kosair Children’s Hospital.

top