Download Issue #5, Fall 2015

News from
John Muir Health Foundation
ISSUE 5
|
FA L L 2 0 1 5
Benefits of 3-D
mammography include:
• 29% increase in detection
of all breast cancers
• 41% increase in detection
of invasive breast cancers
• Greater accuracy in
pinpointing size, shape
and location of tumors
• Much more comfortable
procedure
• Fewer unnecessary
biopsies or additional tests
BRIEFINGS
“We are excited to have this advanced technology,” says radiologic technologist Natalie Brenkle of
3-D mammography, which can provide clearer, more in-depth images of breast cancer tumors that
can go undetected in some cases.
John Muir Health Offers 3-D Mammography
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AKIM AGINSKY
CLEARER IMAGING FOR BETTER BREAST CANCER DETECTION
In its continuing battle against breast cancer,
John Muir Health now offers digital breast
tomosynthesis (DBT) to its patients. DBT’s
revolutionary technology provides clearer, 3-D
images of lesions by reducing or eliminating
the tissue overlap that occurs with 2-D mammography. This advanced screening technique
is clinically proven to detect 41 percent more
invasive cancers and is particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue. For
some women, images of tumors can be ob-
scured by dense breast tissue, causing some
cancers to go undetected.
“Conventional digital mammography
produces one image of overlapping tissue,
sometimes making it difficult to detect cancers,” says Karen Connolly, Manager of Breast
Imaging Services at John Muir Health. “DBT
takes multiple images of the entire breast.
This allows our specialized breast radiologists
to see through layers of tissue and examine
areas of concern from all angles.”
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
John Muir Health is proud to provide world-class, comprehensive cancer services to patients and families right here
in Contra Costa County.
Like much larger academic and research hospitals, our
cancer programs are site-specific. This means that we have
specialty physicians, surgeons and care teams with expertise in cancers that affect specific parts of the body, such
as lung, breast, prostate and esophageal. Research studies
repeatedly show that patients treated by a specialty oncologist are more likely to have better outcomes, including
higher survival rates, than those treated by nonspecialists.
One of the greatest needs in our county is specialty care
for uninsured, low-income residents. Through our Community
Benefit programs like Every Woman Counts, Lung Cancer
Screening and the Specialty Care program, John Muir Health
is providing many of these individuals with pivotal cancer
screenings, education and treatments, at little or no cost.
This year’s second annual Celebrate John Muir Health!
fundraising gala will benefit John Muir Health’s Cancer
Services. Last year, our inaugural benefit gala raised close to
$900,000 for our new pediatric intensive care unit. This year,
our goal is to raise $1 million or more on November 7. I invite
you to join us for this very special event that will benefit our
cancer programs and our patients. For more information,
please call John Muir Health Foundation at (925) 947-4449
or visit johnmuirhealth.com/celebrate.
Thank you for your generous support, which promotes
John Muir Health’s mission to improve the health of the
communities we serve with quality and compassion.
J O H N M U I R H E A LT H F O U N D AT I O N
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David D. Woodworth
CHAIRMAN
Peter D. Gruebele
VICE CHAIRMAN
Jack E. Thompson
S E C R E TA R Y/ T R E A S U R E R
Michelle J. Bartel
G. Michael Fossan
PRESIDENT
C O N C O R D VO L U N T E E R S
Laurie Doyle
PRESIDENT
J M M C- W C A U X I L I A R Y
F. Ryan Anderson, M.D.
CHAIR
GOVE RNANCE
COMMIT TEE
Richard M. Del Monte
Carlotta R. Dathe
Paul R. Gray
O F F I C E R - AT- L A R G E
Guy R. Henshaw
Nourollah B. Ghorbani, M.D.
Alice D. Hunter, M.D.
O F F I C E R - AT- L A R G E
Rev. Dwane L. Michael
Beverly A. Jones
Margaret S. Murphy
O F F I C E R - AT- L A R G E
Gerald D. Stroffolino
John C. Sayres
O F F I C E R - AT- L A R G E
Elliot D. Stein
Patrick J. Carew
Richard O. Vandenberg, Jr.
PRESIDENT
J M H F O U N DAT I O N
Calvin K. Knight
PRESIDENT AND CEO
J O H N M U I R H E A LT H
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Jean and Ken Hofmann
Margery B. Sterns
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE McEUEN
Mike Thomas
President and CAO
John Muir Medical Center,
Concord
I M PA C T U P D AT E
Your Gifts at Work
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL ROBOTS FUNDED BY DONOR SUPPORT
Thanks to funding provided by pooled contributions from numerous donors,
John Muir Health has a robotic surgery system at each of its hospitals in Concord and Walnut Creek. Multiple gifts ranging from $5 to more than $10,000
were combined to purchase this multimillion-dollar innovative technology.
Robotic surgery is performed by a surgeon who sits at a control panel and
remotely manipulates precise robotic arms to control a tiny video camera and
special surgical instruments. The camera ensures that the surgeon has a complete and unobstructed view of the area being treated. The robot has the ability
to “filter” the tiny tremors that occur in even the steadiest surgeon’s hands, making the movement desired by the doctor, but with a precision that human hands
are not capable of.
This state-of-the-art surgical equipment gives John Muir Health surgeons the
ability to perform complex and delicate procedures in a minimally invasive manner with unparalleled high-definition 3-D visualization and precise manipulation
of miniaturized instruments. The ideal procedures for robotic surgery are typically
ones that require extremely small movements by the surgeon, particularly when
treating areas of the body where there are extremely sensitive tissues.
Robotic surgery alleviates
much of the pain and trauma
associated with traditional open
surgery, leading to:
• Greater comfort and less pain
• Better clinical outcomes in
many cases
• Shorter recovery time
• Reduced risk of infection
• Less scarring
• Less need for blood
transfusions
IMAGE ©2015 INTUITIVE SURGICAL INC.
While robotic surgery is not
used exclusively for cancer
treatment, John Muir Health
surgeons have had increasing
success with using the surgical
robotic system for treatment of
cancers that affect the:
•Bladder
•Cervix
•Colon
•Prostate
•Kidney
•Uterus
SERVICES SPOTLIGHT
John Muir Health’s
Comprehensive Cancer Services
The interdisciplinary team at John Muir Health recognizes that the treatment of cancer requires a unique approach for each
person. Our team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals works together to provide expert care from
diagnosis through treatment and beyond. We are accredited as an Integrated Network Cancer Program by the American
College of Surgeons/Commission on Cancer, and we are the only health system in the Bay Area with this accreditation,
which we’ve held continuously since 2009.
BREAST HEALTH SERVICES
Our institution is accredited as a National
Accreditation Program of Breast Centers
through the American College of Surgeons/
Commission on Cancer.
Our GYNECOLOGIC
ONCOLOGY program is
recognized for its surgical
expertise provided by three
highly skilled Gynecologic
Oncologists and a supportive
environment augmented by a
dedicated Nurse Navigator.
PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY
Partnered with Stanford Children’s
Health, our Pediatric Oncology
program offers expert guidance
and treatment for all forms of
pediatric cancers, including access
to world-renowned specialists.
UROLOGIC AND PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer is the most common
cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for
men. The majority of our prostate cancer
surgeries use the highly precise, minimally
invasive robotic surgical system.
OUR CANCER SERVICES
INCLUDE:
Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology
Program
Breast Health Services
Every Woman Counts/High Risk/
Specialty Care
Gastrointestinal Program
Genetic Counseling
Gynecologic Oncology Program
Medical Oncology Program
Palliative Care
Pediatric Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Survivorship Program
Thoracic/Esophageal Program
Urology Program
CANCER SURVIVORSHIP—A “NEW NORMAL”
Thanks to advancements in screenings and treatments, the survival rate among cancer patients
is higher than ever before and projected to increase from 14.5 million cancer survivors in the U.S.
today to nearly 19 million by 2024 (source: American Cancer Society). John Muir Health offers a
survivorship program that helps patients manage side effects of continued treatment, overcome
fatigue, develop an optimal diet and exercise plan, manage stress, strengthen relationships and
intimacy, and adjust to what is sometimes referred to as a “new normal.”
Insider’s Guide: At the Leading
Edge of Cancer Care
Q&A WITH BRENDA CARLSON, R.N., M.S.N.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ONCOLOGY SERVICES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AKIM AGINSKY
Since joining John Muir
Health 27 years ago,
Brenda Carlson, R.N.,
M.S.N., has served as a
clinical nurse specialist
in oncology, Manager
of Oncology Services
at the Walnut Creek
campus and is now
Executive Director of
Oncology Services for
John Muir Health.
Q: What has changed most in the field of
cancer services since you’ve been at John
Muir Health?
The journey of a cancer patient is never easy,
but thanks to numerous advances in our
treatments and technology, many patients
successfully undergo treatment while maintaining a good quality of life. Clinical research
developments guide our specialists in their
ability to offer the most effective and least
invasive treatment options whenever possible. We have dedicated health care teams
that include Nurse Navigators to ensure that
individualized care and support are available.
Q: What resources are available to support
cancer patients throughout their journeys?
We understand that the support needs of
cancer patients are unique and can vary at
different phases of treatment. To meet these
needs, there is a full complement of ancillary services available that includes financial
counseling, nutrition services, social services,
occupational and physical therapy, Nurse Navigators and pastoral care. We also work closely
with our community partners, Cancer Support
Community and the American Cancer Society,
to ensure our patients have access to additional
support services.
Q: How have cancer services grown and
developed over the years?
We have comprehensive services with great
breadth and depth to treat all cancers with a
high level of specificity and expertise. Programs have been developed that are tumor sitespecific and physician-led in breast, lung, colon,
prostate, esophageal and many other types of
cancer to ensure that we are able to offer our
patients the full spectrum of care throughout
the continuum. Dedicated, multidisciplinary
care teams that include medical and radiation
oncologists, specialized surgeons, radiologists,
pathologists and other health care professionals participate in treatment planning meetings
where recommendations for treatment are in
keeping with national guidelines.
Q: What are survivorship services and how
does John Muir Health help cancer patients
when they reach the end of treatment?
With more effective treatments now, and the
diagnosis of earlier stage cancers, the number
of cancer survivors has grown exponentially
nationwide. As our patients complete their
treatment, they have access to a Nurse Navigator who will provide them with an individualized survivorship care plan. The care plan
summarizes important information such as
who is on their care team, treatments to date,
guidelines for future surveillance and healthy
living, as well as resources to address any
ongoing needs.
OUT AND ABOUT
Donor Appreciation Dinner
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BLACKHAWK AUTO MUSEUM • JANUARY 29
John Muir Health donors, leaders and friends gathered at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum on January 29 for the Foundation’s third annual Donor Appreciation
Dinner, chaired by Foundation board member Carlotta Dathe. This year’s event
featured an interactive conversation with a panel of guest speakers that included Cal Knight, President and CEO; Irving Pike, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; and
physician leaders from orthopedics, trauma and cardiology. The panelists spoke
about current projects and exciting developments in their fields, then entertained
a number of questions from the audience.
Award of Distinction
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(1) Foundation board chairman David Woodworth with Foundation board member and
event chair, Carlotta Dathe. (2) Foundation
board member Margie Murphy (left) with John
and Pamela Goode. (3) Guest speaker panelists
(left to right) Irving Pike, M.D., Chief Medical
Officer; John Merson, M.D., Chief of Medical
Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Concord; Susan Eisenberg, M.D., Medical Director, Cardiac
Rhythm Program; Michael deBoisblanc, M.D.,
Medical Director, Trauma Program; and Cal
Knight, President and CEO, John Muir Health.
The Foundation’s annual Award of Distinction event recognizes John Muir Health
medical staff and community members for outstanding leadership, service and
philanthropy. This year’s awardees, Robert Kadas, M.D.; Samuel Oommen, M.D.;
and Don Ritchey, were honored for their numerous professional and personal
achievements and contributions to John Muir Health and the community. Held
at the Diablo Country Club on April 23, the event was co-chaired by Foundation
board member Bev Jones and Douglas Lange, M.D., who also served as Master of
Ceremonies.
SAV E THE DATE – SATURDAY, NOV E MB E R 7
2ND ANNUAL Celebrate JOHN MUIR HEALTH!
BENEFIT GALA “REACHING NEW HEIGHTS”
All proceeds will support John Muir Health Cancer Services.
Sponsorship opportunities available.
Inquiries: Please contact John Muir Health Foundation at
(925) 947-4449 or email [email protected].
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(1) Event co-chairs Douglas Lange, M.D.,
and Foundation board member Bev Jones.
(2) John Knowles, M.D. (right ), presented
fellow pediatrician Robert Kadas, M.D., with his
Award of Distinction. (3) Colon and rectal surgeon Samuel Oommen, M.D. (right), was presented with his award by colleague Barry Latner,
M.D. (4) Former John Muir Health President
and CEO Ken Anderson (left) presented longtime volunteer and donor Don Ritchey with his
award for outstanding leadership, service and
philanthropy in support of John Muir Health.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AKIM AGINSKY
DIABLO COUNTRY CLUB • APRIL 23
L E AV E YO U R L E G AC Y
Legacy Storytelling
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AKIM AGINSKY
Renée Diekroetger (left) was a special guest speaker at the Foundation’s annual Legacy
Brunch on June 7. She is the granddaughter of nurse Edna Haywood, who founded the original
hospital that is now John Muir Medical Center, Concord. Diekroetger shared memories of her
spirited grandmother and stories that were told to her about the beginnings of the Concord
hospital. At right, Haywood family descendants today.
Charles Collier reminds us in his book “Wealth in Families” that the sharing
of family stories is the first organizing principle in creating effective families.
Stories give meaning to the experience of the family.
Research also shows that telling children stories about who they are and
where they come from provides benefits to them such as heightened adolescent
self-esteem, emotional intelligence, a stronger self-identity and lessened risks of
depression and anxiety later in life. It shows them “the stuff they are made of”
and gives them access to a storyline that is much stronger and deeper than their
own individual story.
This gift of family legacy storytelling reminds us of what it means to be
human and connected to a larger community. In a profound way, it reminds us
that being human always points and is directed to something, or someone, other
than oneself, and that in the act of giving of ourselves to another person or a
cause in love and service, we find our humanity.
Philanthropy is one way that families share their story with the community.
To further explore how to create and share your family’s philanthropic legacy,
please contact Mike Crvarich at (925) 941-2120 or email michael.crvarich@
johnmuirhealth.com.
“When you tug at a single thing in nature,
you find it attached to the rest of the world.”
—John Muir
Create Your
Own Legacy
of Giving
Charitable estate planning can be
beneficial for families and individuals of various ages and income
levels. Contact Mike Crvarich, CPA,
Vice President, Legacy and Major
Gifts, to find out what planning a
Legacy Gift to John Muir Health
can do for you and your loved
ones—now and in the future.
There are several ways that you
can plan for the future to create
income for you and your family, and
ultimately make a significant charitable gift to John Muir Health.
GIFTS JOHN MUIR HEALTH
CAN USE TODAY
Appreciated Securities
Real Estate
GIFTS THAT CAN PAY
YOU INCOME
Charitable Gift Annuity
Charitable Remainder Trust
GIFTS TAKING EFFECT
AFTER YOUR LIFETIME
Bequest
Retained Life Estate
Charitable Beneficiary
Designations:
Retirement Plan
Life Insurance
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
JOHN MUIR
HEALTH
FOUNDATION
John Muir Health Foundation
1400 Treat Boulevard
Walnut Creek, CA 94597-2142
WHY I GIVE
Life After
Breast Cancer
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AKIM AGINSKY
A GRATEFUL SURVIVOR
PAYS IT FORWARD AFTER
RECEIVING QUALITY CARE
AT JOHN MUIR HEALTH
Debbie Medeiros has watched one
of her daughters get married and
has become a grandmother of twin
granddaughters—all after an early
detection of breast cancer at John
Muir Health almost five years ago.
“Weddings and grandbabies are
life events that are important for
everyone,“ says Medeiros, “but the
fact that I might not have been here
makes every day with my family
truly a gift.”
Medeiros has a deep appreciation for the care and expertise of her
multispecialty cancer team. Her specialists included diagnostic radiologist Jonathan Fish, M.D.; surgeon
Deborah Kerlin, M.D.; oncologist
“Every day with my family is truly a gift,” says breast cancer survivor Debbie Medeiros, with
husband Gary and twin granddaughters Mila (left) and Xenia, now 21 months old.
Tiffany Svahn, M.D.; and radiation
oncologist Marjaneh Moini, M.D.
Medeiros’ cancer journey has
further motivated her and her husband, Gary, to support John Muir
Health. Previously, they had donated
to support John Muir Medical Center,
Walnut Creek, where their daughter,
Nina Medeiros, works as an ER nurse.
Now, they have another reason to
give, Medeiros says. “The care I
received felt so personal and reassuring. The doctors and nurses really
took the time to explain things and
address all my questions and fears.
I felt very well taken care of, every
step of the way.”
Another positive result of her
cancer experience: She was inspired
to design a special examination
gown for breast cancer patients that
emphasizes comfort, practicality
and style. Through her line called
“A Good Image,” Medeiros says
she aims to raise awareness about
the importance of regular mammograms. “Early detection helped save
my life, and through regular screenings I hope other women can have
that same advantage, too.”