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Arkansas Children's Hospital: Kari "It was the worst nightmare ever," says Jill. "I kept thinking, 'This is not happening.'" But it was. Just a couple of days earlier, Jill had delivered her first child, Kari, a beautiful 6 pound, 2 ounce girl. Now the doctor was telling Jill and her husband, Lance, that Kari was not going to live. One hour after Kari's birth, one of her lungs collapsed. The staff at a northwest Arkansas hospital
told Jill they would put Kari under an oxygen hood, watch her over night and that Kari would be back in the
room with Jill the next day.
Unfortunately, Kari was worse the next day. During the night, her condition had deteriorated, prompting the physician to put the newborn on a ventilator. After two days, Jill had been released from the hospital, but she and Lance kept vigil, waiting for some good news regarding Kari's condition. "The doctor told us that her condition was so bad that he did not think anyone would come to help her," Jill recalls. "He just said it was a matter of hours, that Kari would die within the day." Shortly after the devastating news, the family caught a glimmer of hope. Kari's oxygen levels miraculously returned to 100 percent. "The doctor told us that if we were going to call for help, we needed to call now." The call was made to Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH). Kari needed ECMO, Extra-Corporeal Membrance Oxygenation, a high-tech machine that provides a sustained heart-lung bypass. ACH is one of only two hospitals in the country able to perform ECMO in transit, a service that would save Kari's life. In mobile ECMO cases, a specially trained staff travels to a referring hospital and connects the patient to an ECMO machine adapted for the cramped quarters of a transport vehicle. In Kari's case, the staff arrived via Angel One, the hospital's helicopter. Mobile ECMO is only taken to Level III hospitals, those that have the most advanced patient care and have
already tried everything they can do to save a patient's life. This was the first time mobile ECMO had been
performed in Northwest Arkansas. Nurses stood on boxes to peer through the window of the hospital's small
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to watch the ECMO team in action.
It was indeed something to watch. Kari had to be resuscitated even as she was hooked up to the machine, but the team got her stabilized for the short flight to Little Rock. At ACH, Kari stayed on ECMO for five more days. The special equipment sustained her breathing and allowed her lungs to heal. The equipment is not cheap. This year, ACH purchased two new pumps for its ECMO service. Manufactured in Germany, the pumps cost $56,000 each. They are the latest generation of available equipment, and they are wonderful, says Lorrie Baker, ECMO coordinator. They were purchased with donated funds. The ECMO center at ACH is one of more than 50 such centers in the United States. Only five or six of those, like ACH, can support all types of patients including adults, children and heart patients. The centers closest to Arkansas have one or two beds. ACH can support six patients at a time. Just a one-hour helicopter flight from Arkansas Children's Hospital, Kari was in the right place at the right time. After Kari's stay in the ECMO unit, she went to the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she stayed on a ventilator for a few more days. Finally, after a scary month for the young family, Kari got to go home. Today, at almost nine months old, Kari is doing well. Her lungs have recovered, and tests indicate that she is right on track developmentally. "She would not be here if it were not for ECMO," Jill says. "We just enjoy her every day." "Thank you doesn't even sound adequate to express how we feel about the generous donors who made ECMO available for Kari," says Jill. Monfort Children's Clinic: Looking Under the Tip of the Iceberg Bringing "Health For Today and Hope For Tomorrow" to children in Greeley, Colorado is more than just a
slogan at the Monfort Children's Clinic (MCC). It's the very reason the Clinic exists. Since opening in 1995,
the Clinic's skilled doctors and nursing staff have treated nearly 8,000 sick children, conducted well child
exams and physicals for school and sports.
When the Clinic opened, children arrived in droves, years behind on immunizations, with major disabilities that had gone undetected and untreated. Some with recurrent ear infections having already caused permanent damage and even deafness. The medical staff routinely diagnosed children with asthma, cardiac problems, seizure disorders, and other chronic and life-threatening conditions. They found children with disturbingly high lead levels in their blood, causing nerve and brain damage and permanent disability. The doctors also discovered liver failure in a baby with lead poisoning, coordinated her transplant surgery, and provided follow up care. Left undiagnosed, she would have died within a few days. The Clinic's bilingual and bicultural staff care about each child and do whatever they can to help children get the care they need. Serving only children from low income families, Clinic staff assist families to participate in programs like Medicaid, the Child Health Plan, and the Colorado Indigent Care Program. These programs help defray the cost of medical bills. For several years, the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation has supported the Social Work program at Monfort Children's Clinic. The Social Worker extends the medical care into the community by connecting families to resources and through follow up with parents regarding their sick children. Poverty has a devastating effect on the health of children and families and most often, the presenting problem represents only the "tip of the iceberg." As MCC physicians listen carefully to parents in the exam room and ask questions, they discover an alarming array of problems which place children at serious risk of harm. A simple visit for an earache might uncover homelessness, hunger, unsafe housing, alcoholism, mental illness, child abuse, or numerous other problems. The medical staff handles the medical conditions, the other problems are referred to the Clinic's Social Worker. "One of my first interventions at the Clinic was assisting a family whose son had special needs," said
Jennifer Thompson, Medical Social Worker at MCC. "Theo (not his real name) was born with spinal meningitis
and now at age 3 he has multiple health problems because of the early illness. The family had no
transportation and couldn't make it to appointments. Since they did not speak English, they needed someone who
was bilingual to translate. Theo needed hernia surgery and a tonsillectomy. Needless to say, the family was
frightened and worried."
The Clinic's nurse practitioner set up the surgeries and made the referrals. Jennifer coordinated the transportation using the Clinic's van. Since she is bilingual, she translated for the family with the insurance companies and the medical offices. Then the family's insurance determined it would not cover the procedures. "The family was shocked because of the loss of insurance, but we were able to connect them to state-sponsored coverage for children with special needs." After setting another round of pre-surgery appointments, Theo had the two surgeries on the same day. "I drove the parents home and explained the follow up appointments that were needed. I called everyday for the next week and even took popsicles and a small toy to Theo. That made him smile." Jennifer is now working with the family to get Theo leg braces. His legs were molded for the braces and he needed new shoes when the braces came. The family could not afford to buy the shoes so she coordinated care with another community agency to get the shoes donated. "I'll maintain the Clinic's involvement with this family because of Theo's special needs and the family's lack of transportation. The family is very thankful for all the help we provide for them." Jennifer has also been working for several months with Jack, (not his real name) who attended one of MCC's Otitis Media clinics and was found to have a profound hearing loss. The family's car had been damaged in a hit and run accident so they had no transportation. Jennifer called the insurance company and was able to find a Spanish speaking agent who would speak to the family. Jennifer coordinated the appointment to the specialist and Jack was fitted for hearing aids. "He had
problems at first but is now doing very well with the hearing aids. Now when I go to visit they tell me to
call Jack's name and they are so proud when he turns to look at me." Thanks to Jennifer's help, the insurance
company finally paid the family for the damage to their car.
The Clinic has created partnerships with dozens of caring child-centered agencies and organizations which forms the basis for comprehensive care planning and case management. Clinic staff make an average of 25 specialty referrals each week, and at least ten each week to The Children's Hospital in Denver. Jennifer works closely with the Clinic's referral coordinator to follow up closely with each family, ensuring that the family gets the needed care or service for the child. Jennifer handles up to 15 referrals each week from the medical staff and has recruited volunteers to assist her in this growing program. "Monfort Children's Clinic is a great place," she says. "The staff here care so much for the families we serve. It is very rewarding to be part of a great team. I love to see the faces of the families I am able to help. They are so thankful and I know their lives are changed for the better because we care." The Monfort Children's Clinic was recently named the best small healthcare facility in Colorado because of the excellent care it provides to meet the healthcare needs of children in the community. Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic: Guiding Eyes for the Blind: Denna What is time to any individual? Can we quantify it into passing seconds that turn into minutes, then in turn encompass hours, days, and eventually years? Time for a college student can be defined as the passing of semesters, the changing of attitudes, the growing experiences that come from moving into new environments, or just experiencing the many avenues of life. Or is it simply waking up in time for the first class? As I look at time, in the past, the present, and even the future, I see an enormous change in myself, my friends, my surroundings, and my individuality. However, one thing that does not vary over time is the effect some very talented people and innovative services have had on my life. 
My name is Denna Lambert. I am a product of the Little Rock School District where I graduated in May of 1999, from one of its finest high schools, Hall High School. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering at the University of Arkansas located in the northwest portion of the state. Hundreds of people prepared me to reach this triumphant point in my life. My parents played the greatest role. Of course there were many inspiring teachers, but others held a unique and special place in my heart. What I have failed to mention is that I am blind. Has your opinion of me or my achievements changed? My blindness does not limit me in any way except driving. I am not blessed with extraordinary musical ability, though I like to tinker around with the piano on occasion. I am an active college student who wants to achieve more in life. Almost twenty years ago, I was born with congenital cataracts. My vision consists of blurry and sometimes opaque looking objects and colors. Over the span of nineteen years, I have met some very capable blind people, some very talented professionals in the field of blindness, and wonderful organizations who provide services to blind people. I have been blessed to have been offered the many skills necessary for me to succeed in my academic and professional careers. I have learned foundational skills such as Braille, cane travel, self advocacy, a positive attitude concerning my blindness, and an aspiration to continue to expand boundaries set by a society who may not understand my individuality or ability beyond my blindness (In addition to other traits, is the great characteristic of flexibility). During my years of schooling, I have found that I must be flexible in the way I access materials, if I want to succeed in a print and graphics oriented society. As you may know, there is a shortage of college texts and other printed material in braille and large print. Reading to another person opens precious opportunities. For not just that person, but for more than a million people with print limitations. One organization that has greatly influenced me is Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic. Started as a recording service for blinded veterans in 1951, this organization has grown to include 34 recording studios across the country that serve more than 91,000 blind men, women and children. My personal experience with RFB&D has included a consistent fourteen-year tenure of borrowing more than 300 recorded texts for academic pursuits and personal enrichment. As technology changes in the general market, so does technology for blind people and those who are limited by printed texts. Currently, RFB&D is working toward providing all of its texts in more than one format, electronic and digital audio texts. For such a fifty year service to exist, it takes committed volunteers, innovative minds, and a continuous flow of donations to allow such a program to thrive and expand. Along with the many academic services that have enriched my life, I have also chosen to enter a world of dedicated people working with another familiar image of blindness. You may have seen highly trained German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers walking in harness beside blind people. These dogs are chosen for their stability, stamina, intelligence, and yes, love. These dogs learn to guide their human partners through the tangled traffic and confusing construction sites that seem to be everywhere these days. During my daily travels I encounter skateboarders, bicyclists, hundreds of people hurrying to class, and countless other things that could make my travels as a blind person difficult without the assistance of a mobility tool. After months of applying, waiting, and investigating, I made the plunge to make a drastic change in the way I move and travel. At the end of May, I received a lively male Golden Labrador Cross by the name of Mugs. Many people were involved in his training, his need for love and praise, my need for safe independence and our partnership. College, including social life and hectic class schedules have become an enjoyable challenge to us. My perception of the visual world has change from just being distorted colors and moving vague objects to the constant flow of precise information given to me through the harness handle and Mugs' definite but gentle movements. The trainers, staff, volunteers, puppy raisers, and donors are committed daily to the mission of training and caring for dogs who give their lives happily to their work with us. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is just one of many programs in the United States that trains such dogs and blind people to work with them. A contribution to any guide dog program ultimately helps a chain of people and dogs to fulfill their highest potential. Boys and Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee & The Salvation Army: Red Shield Initiative 
Collaboration is critical to the survival and success of Northeast Nashville, Tennessee. More than 25 organizations have come together to form the Red Shield Family Initiative. The mission of the Salvation Army Red Shield Family Initiative is to embrace and escort families at risk through their personal barriers, to sustainable, independent living. This is being accomplished through four barrier breaking components...
The Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army and other agencies are working together to change the lives of these children. Every day 100 to 200 children come to the Magness Potter Boys and Girls Club to participate in programs and be mentored and guided by staff and volunteers. The Magness Potter Boys and Girls Club has been a great success since it opened. It is serving almost 300 high-risk, low income, minority children in one of the toughest, most crime-ridden neighborhoods in Nashville. 
Programs at the Magness Potter Club include the following:
Southern Scholarship Foundation & Tallahassee Boy's Choir Throughout the 47 year history, Southern Scholarship Foundation has helped financially needy students by providing scholarships for rent free housing. The Foundation is the only organization of its kind in the nation. Southern Scholarship Foundation owns and operates 25 scholarship houses at four institutions throughout Florida. 
This program is unique in that they offer scholarships in the form of a comprehensive opportunity, and not just cash; students never receive any money directly. By living and working together in community residences provided by the Foundation, Southern Scholarship Foundation students learn the principles of interdependence and build healthy relationships with other students. They donate time and energy back to their community, and master the responsibilities on maintaining a household on their own. Using this approach, Southern Scholarship Foundation students not only fulfill their lifelong dreams of obtaining a college education, but also leave the program as better-prepared citizens, ready to achieve success in more ways than solely academically. Southern Scholarship Foundation students are awarded renewable rent-free housing scholarships on the basis of their high school or community college transcripts, work experience, character references and financial need. These students are provided a safe home environment where they study, share chores and responsibilities and build lasting friendships. Tallahassee Boy's Choir is a community outreach program for at risk males who come from public and private schools throughout the Tallahassee area. Begun in 1995 with 25 members, the choir now serves 125 members ranging in ages of 7 to 18 years old. The choir continues to prepare young men for the twenty-first century through music, discipline, and academic excellence. With its motto "No Excuses, " the choir continues to grow in popularity on the local, state, national, and international level. Ninety percent of choir members are from low-income families. 
The Boy's Choir focuses its efforts on counseling and tutoring choir members. Members attend study hall three hours three times each week and are also required to attend self esteem, reading, juvenile justice, and relationship groups. In addition to its academic and personal goals, the choir has shown outstanding success with its music. The choir has attended numerous performances including a special performance celebrating the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Coral Springs, Florida. The Boy's Choir has performed at churches, convention halls, nursing homes and group homes in Miami, White Springs, Jacksonville, and Orlando and in Thomasville, Georgia. The Choir was selected to represent the state of Florida at the Millennium celebration in Italy. The members spend ten days performing in Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. But of all its performances, the Tallahassee Boy's Choir is most proud of their participation in the International Music Festivals. The choir competed against 165 ensembles from across the world in Freeport, Bahamas and received First Place Gold Medal for the Mens' Choir, First Place Gold Medal for the Choral Division, First Place Gold Medal Overall Ensemble, and the Grand Sweepstakes Award recognizing the ensemble with the highest score (98.5 out of a possible 10 points). This success has made a tremendous impact on the self-esteem of the choir members. Each member sees himself in a larger, world-wide context of personal possibilities and opportunities for the future. 
Over the last few years, the Southern Scholarship Foundation and Tallahassee Boy's Choir have formed a successful partnership. Currently, three members who have graduated from Tallahassee Boy's Choir (now called interns) reside in Southern Scholarship Foundation housing. James David and Carlos Correa-Lockhart live at the Mode L. & Jeanne C. Stone Scholarship House, while Melvin Howard lives at the E.C. Allen Scholarship House. Part of their responsibilities as interns of the choir include transporting the younger members to rehearsal and being mentors. Earle Lee, Jr., the choir director, believes each young member receives many benefits from being in the choir and that the interns should give back. These three young men do so gladly. The Southern Scholarship Foundation bases their housing scholarships on academics, financial need, and character. The character expected of the Tallahassee Boy's Choir members creates a perfect fit with Southern Scholarship Foundation. James, Carlos, and Melvin are shining examples of the partnership between Southern Scholarship Foundation and Tallahassee Boy's Choir. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing - Christiani Guerrero: 
In 1991 the School initiated its Peace Corps Fellows Program as part of an effort by the Peace Corps to address problems within the U.S. as well as those in developing countries. It remains the only such nursing program in the country. Innovative and practical, the program prepares these Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to do community health nursing in inner cities and rural areas and builds on their valuable experiences gained overseas. The School of Nursing has had more than 150 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers among its student body since the program's inception. The influence of these students on the student population at large has been profound. They bring a wealth of experience, commitment, and resourcefulness to the community health programs. Whereas the emphasis in the curriculum during the 1980's was on hospital nursing, more and more students come to the School today to learn how to care for patients with a multi-cultural focus. One such student, Christiani Guerrero says the idea for her to become a nurse hit her like a hurricane - literally! She was working with the Peace Corps in a tiny village in Honduras when Hurricane Mitch hit in 1998. Witnessing the devastation and the health problems caused by the hurricane, Christiani began to consider a career in health care. A booklet of information about the Peace Corps Fellows Program was lying on the couch in the Honduran Peace Corps office and happened to be opened to the page about the program at The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Christiani realized that nursing was the profession that would best help her fulfill her goals. A native of Santa Rosa, California, Christiani received an undergraduate degree in World Arts & Culture/Anthropology from UCLA. Her eagerness to see the world and immerse herself in community service prompted her to join the Peace Corps. She was sent to Honduras were she worked in an isolated village called Cabanas located on the El Salvadoran border with an indigenous population of about 200. Christiani worked with the midwives of the village, offering education about child/maternal health and HIV/AIDS. 
During her education at Johns Hopkins, Christiani has continued her efforts to provide health care to women in need. In addition to her rigorous class schedule, she currently works at the House of Ruth, a local shelter for abused women and their children. Under the guidance of Hopkins' School of Nursing faculty members, Christiani performs health assessments on the women and their children to evaluate their specific health needs, makes referrals, gives physical exams and screenings, and offers support and counseling. The project closest to her heart is development of a mind/body program. The aim of the program is to use stress management techniques to assist the women at House of Ruth with the symptoms they experience as a result of domestic violence. The project culminated in a health fair for residents of the shelter. In December of last year, Christiani was one of the recipients of the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Undergraduate Provost Research Award. The award gave her the funding to return to Honduras this past January to conduct a qualitative study with the midwives. The Johns Hopkins Univeristy School of Nursing is committed to improving the health care of the global community starting with the surrounding Baltimore community while preparing the future generation of nursing professionals. The School of Nursing, like its numerous satellite health clinics, is located in inner-city East Baltimore where over a third of the families live below the poverty level. Violence, substance abuse, infectious diseases, teenage pregnancy and poor nutrition threaten the health status of residents. Children are especially at risk. They are often under-immunized, malnourished, and cared for by parents who are young and ill equipped for the responsibilities of parenthood. They face an ever-increasing threat of developing a variety of adverse health conditions that are highly preventable, including tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease, accidental injuries and HIV infection. 
The School of Nursing's impact on the health of the Baltimore community is immediately noticeable in the community practice facilities run by the School of Nursing: the Lillian Wald Community Nursing Center, the Landex Corporation's Hillside Apartments and Cherry Hill Apartments (which house low-income families), and the House of Ruth (a shelter for abused women and their children). These facilities provide services which include:
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