Spring 2013 - Memorial Hospital of South Bend

BuildingBrighterFuturesOur community’s support ofMemorial Children’s HospitalExceptional care at Memorial Children’s Hospital, ourregion’s only designated children’s hospital, begins withthe exceptional doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses andchild life specialists who live and work in our community.Each year, the staff of Memorial Children’s Hospital, oneof only four children’s hospitals in Indiana with a pediatrichematology oncology program, cares for close to 300children who either have cancer, are in remission or haveblood disorders, totaling more than 3,000 visits annually.Part of the team providing families the opportunity tostay close to home while receiving cutting-edge medicalcare, Colleen Morrison, M.D., and Tracy Haertling, D.O.,are transforming the lives of our youngest communitymembers through the power of medicine, experienceand compassion.“The relationships created with children and familieson their challenging journeys are incredibly meaningful,and the children’s resilience is empowering to everyonearound them,” Dr. Morrison says. “Philanthropy alsoplays a large role in our ability to care for our patients,”she says. “By funding programs like Child Life anddistraction tools such as Wiis, iPads and craft kits, ourcommunity helps to create a home-away-fromhomefor our patients and a welcoming andchild-friendly environment.”Among the many children treated byDr. Morrison is 14-year-old Sam Grewe.The straight-A student from Middleburywas diagnosed with osteosarcoma inDecember 2011 and comes to MemorialChildren’s Hospital each month for hischemotherapy treatments.Your Gift Makes a DifferenceYou can help Sam Grewe and the many other children whocome to your community-owned hospital for outstanding careby giving of your time and treasure. The children of our regiondeserve the very best pediatric care, right here at home. Visitqualityoflife.org/give to learn more about how you can help.Tracy Haertling,D.O.Colleen Morrison,M.D.shorter, and his ankle now functionslike a knee. He has a prosthetic towear so he can walk and play sports.Grewe has paid his dues and hasspent more time than most at thehospital since his diagnosis—about85 nights at Memorial Children’s Hospital,in fact. He’s more than halfwaythrough 21 intense chemo treatments,each lasting five to 10 days.It takes its toll emotionally, mentallyand physically, but Grewe lives by hisnickname, “SamStrong.”Grewe is a stellar athlete and happiestwhen he can be at school andparticipate in sports. He was pumpedwhen he caught the attention of NotreDame Head Football Coach BrianKelly. Inspired by Sam’s story, Coach Kelly adopted himas part of the football team’s Believe Like a Championprogram. An official “adoption” ceremony was held lastApril, two days before Sam’s surgery, in which the wholeteam wore “Grewe Crew” T-shirts in Sam’s honor, stoodup to speak to him, and gave him an autographed football,his own jersey and helmet.Grewe’s battle isn’t over, but his last scans wereclear, and he is getting a glimpse at an all-star,cancer-free future.Sam GreweGrewe’s cancer affected hisfemur and hollowed out thebone. He underwent aninnovative procedure inIndianapolis called rotationplasty,and now his footis positioned backwardand reattached tohis thigh. The leg isSpring 2013 | qualityoflife.org11