Download the 2012 Annual Report - Arkansas Children's Hospital

The healing began as soon as this baby’sfamily found its way to our doors. And intoa nurse’s heart.For more than 20 years, Carmen has cared forcountless sick babies in her role as pediatric nursespecialist in the Infant/Toddler Unit. Like so manyother ACH nurses, Carmen’s approach to care goesbeyond pediatricexpertise. She careson a personal level.She is equally adeptat soothing cryingyoung ones as she isadministering lifesavingmedications. It’sa unique skill set builtout of necessity, butstrengthened througha deep passion for herprofession.Carmen has seen a lotof changes over the years, but none more dramaticthan the Infant/Toddler Unit’s move to the newSouth Wing.Now, she and every member of her team have anenvironment that complements their compassion.More than patient rooms, it’s a comfortable havenfor families to stay with their children while they healand recover. It’s in this space that miracles happenevery day for children like Christopher.Christopher was three months old when he wastransported here to receive the care he desperatelyneeded after being born at 27 weeks, weighing just2.2 pounds. From the day he was born, Christopherhad struggled with breathing problems. Now, finally,at the only hospital in the area perfectly equippedto care for him, Christopher is making remarkableprogress.He is now eight monthsold and receiving thehighest level of pediatriccare, including physicaltherapy, occupationaltherapy and frequentrespiratory treatments.Each hands-on sessionnot only provides valuable“touch” therapy, but alsostrengthens the bondbetween patient andcaregiver.Christopher isn’t the onlyone who benefits fromthese connections. His nurse, Carmen, ends many ofher workdays in a rocking chair with a baby cradledin her arms.The benefits of these quiet moments together areimmeasurable for the babies. And for Carmen.2012 was more than ayear of celebration.It was the yearChristopher andCarmen’s bondwas forged.The Possibility of GivingThe ACH Auxiliary is the hospital’s oldest fundraisingorganization. For the last two years, the group has raised thefunds to support construction of the new Infant/Toddler Unitin the South Wing.1819