When Children Have Scars? - Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare

3 Mobile Outreach
4 Teen Focus
5 Transition to
Adulthood
8 Ask Us: Come to
Burnsville or Minnetonka
Robert Wood, M.D.,
plastic surgeon and
medical director of
the Center for Craniofacial
Services at
Gillette, notes, “It
takes approximately
nine months to see
how a scar will look.
Then, depending on
the severity of the
scar, we might consider
surgery.”
Types of Scars
● Keloids are wide
and extend beyond
the original scar.
● Hypertrophic scars
are pink and raised.
● Other scars might
have an irregular
contour.
SPRING 2005
VOLUME 13
NUMBER 1
A
NEWSLETTER
FOR GILLETTE
PATIENTS &
FAMILIES
What Can Be Done
When Children Have Scars?
Scars are a fact of life for everyone. “We all
have some kind of scar, whether it’s from
chicken pox, a scraped knee or an appendectomy,”
says Robert Wood, M.D., plastic
surgeon and medical director of the Center for
Craniofacial Services at Gillette Children’s
Specialty Healthcare.
How children handle scars often depends on
the child’s age and how their parents react to
the scarring. Constance McLeod, Ph.D, who is a
psychologist at Gillette , explains that until about
age 5, children often believe a scar is part of
them and that everyone else has the same mark.
“Older children, however, who might be struggling
with body image and self-esteem issues,
often are more concerned about the presence
of a scar,” she says.
When children or teenagers have serious scars,
it’s only natural for parents to wonder what
can be done about them. Scars resulting from
surgery, birth defects or serious injuries can
have a profound social and emotional impact
— especially if they cause functional problems
or occur in visible places, such as the face.
“Plastic surgeons can make scars look as inconspicuous
as possible so that from a conversational
distance of four to six feet they’re hard
to see,” says Wood. “But we can’t remove
them completely. Anytime a scar is created, it
never goes away.”
Improving and Repairing Scars
Techniques for repairing or improving scars
include laser treatment, dermabrasion and
surgical revision. “Gillette’s long-pulse dye laser
penetrates the skin and blood vessels better
than traditional lasers and gives patients with
scars better results,” Wood explains. Dermabrasion
is a sanding technique that is used to
resurface “lumpy” scars. It can be likened to
using a spinning sandpaper wheel to achieve a
smooth surface. Surgical revision for scar treatment
involves removing a scar and reclosing
the wound. It’s particularly effective with wide
(keloid) scars.
Wood recommends waiting for at least nine
months after a scar forms to do any kind of
surgical improvement. He explains that scars
typically are raised, red and firm for eight weeks.
After a year, they’re typically softer, whiter and
flatter. “It takes approximately nine months to
see how the scar will look,” Wood adds. “Until
then, the scar is still maturing. At nine months,
depending on the severity of the scar, we might
consider surgery.”
When Children Have Scars — continued on page 7

2
WHAT’S HAPPENING
for families?
JUNE
Plan to Attend the International Spina Bifida Conference
Plan now to attend the Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA) international
conference June 26 – 29 in Minneapolis. Building Bridges to Advance Understanding
features the latest information in orthopaedics, urology, neurosurgery and neuropsychology.
Presentations focus on adult health, psychosocial and family issues, employment,
sexuality, depression, latex allergy, self-determination and learning disabilities.
Gillette is providing speakers for the conference and planning a course for primarycare
providers — including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and
physical therapists — on June 25. “Gillette has the largest spina bifida program in the
region, so we’re excited to play such an active role in the conference,” says Kim
Marben, program manager of Gillette’s Center for Spina Bifida.
Gillette Speakers
● Endocrinologist
Kevin Sheridan, M.D.
● Neurosurgeon
Michael Partington, M.D.
● Nurse practitioner
Jennifer Wilhelmy
● Orthotist
Dave Kuenstler
For more information about the conference, or to register, visit www.sbaa.org, and
click on Annual Conference. For information about the Gillette-cosponsored course,
contact Marben at 651-229-3878 or visit www.gillettechildrens.org.
JULY
Firefighters Carnival
Calling All Families
● Pediatric orthopaedists
Steven Koop, M.D.
Stephen Sundberg, M.D.
● Physical therapist
Laura Gueron
● Psychologist
Constance McLeod, Ph.D.
● Social worker
Carol Nelson
● Urologists:
Leo Fung, M.D.
David Vandersteen, M.D.
● Clinic manager
Ronna Linroth
Mark your calendars for the annual St. Paul Firefighters Carnival, scheduled for July 20
from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the hospital grounds at the St. Paul campus. The event is
open to all Gillette patients. Contact Angie Treffert, child life specialist, at 651-726-2694.
You’ve heard their stories on the KS95 for Kids radiothon. You’ve seen them on the
news, or maybe you’ve even read about them in our publications. They’re Gillette
families that have agreed to join with us to help tell the community about themselves
and the care that Gillette provides.
We’re always looking to get to know new families. So whether you’ve just begun
coming to Gillette or have been coming for years, we’d like to hear from you. If your
family would like to share its story, please send your name, address, child’s name, age,
gender and a brief description of the medical condition to: Molly Snyder, Gillette
Children’s Specialty Healthcare, 200 University Ave. E., St. Paul, MN 55101, or you can
contact her at msnyder@gillettechildrens.com.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of
Gillette’s Mobile Outreach Clinic. It began as a
one-man road trip by Dave Wilkie, now
manager of Assistive Technology - Outreach
Services. Annually, the statewide Mobile
Outreach Clinic serves more than 1,500 children
and adults who have disabilities.
You’re Invited
Come Help Us
Celebrate 20 Years!
Gillette’s Mobile Outreach Clinic and
many outreach sites will celebrate
the program’s 20th anniversary
throughout 2005. The outreach staff
looks forward to providing a bit of
outreach history, and a lot of education
and information about new
products and services that can be
provided through Mobile Outreach
Clinics.
Celebration Schedule
Alexandria May 31
Brainerd June 2
Detroit Lakes July 13
Bemidji July 14
St. Cloud Sept. 9
Owatonna Sept. 14
Fergus Falls Nov. 2
You’ll find information about
open house times and locations at
www.gillettechildrens.org. For
more information about the Mobile
Outreach Clinic, call 800-578-4266
(toll-free).

On the Road
In 1985, Dave Wilkie was a man with an idea — and a motorcycle.
When a group home asked Gillette Children’s Specialty
Healthcare for help with assistive technology, Wilkie
loaded his sidecar with tools and equipment and
headed to Windom, Minn. Once there, he spent the day repairing
braces and seating systems at Gillette’s first Mobile Outreach Clinic.
Today, the Mobile Outreach Clinic is a statewide program that
annually serves more than 1,500 children and adults. In 2004 alone,
Gillette offered 150 clinics for 1,500 patients in 19 communities
throughout greater Minnesota. Staff put nearly 40,000 miles on
three Mobile Outreach Clinic vehicles — while saving families an
estimated 380,000 miles in travel. “There are days when all three
of our trucks are on the road, going to different places,” says Wilkie,
now the manager of Assistive Technology – Outreach Services,
“When we’re that busy, it’s a good sign that we’re meeting some
significant needs.”
On the Road
In the early days, Gillette outreach clinics often were set up in
church basements, VFW halls and hospital cafeterias. One doctor
used a pool table as an exam table. Now we set up in local clinics,
hospitals and therapy centers. In addition to providing assistivetechnology
services, some clinics offer appointments with Gillette
therapists and doctors who specialize in physical medicine and
rehabilitation. “Access to this array of services relieves the travel
burden for families, enhances communication among patient
providers and allows us to train community professionals in the
use of assistive technology,” says Wilkie.
What Happens at a Mobile Outreach Clinic?
Climb Aboard
and Find Out!
with the
Mobile Outreach Clinic
On the Road
It’s a sunny day when Gillette’s mobile
outreach truck pulls up to the back of the
Owatonna Hospital. By 7:30 a.m., the truck
is unloaded, and the clinic is in full swing in a two-room suite on
the lower level of the hospital. In one corner, Dave Madden,
orthotist, and Paul Lemke, seating specialist, have set up carts
loaded with tools and equipment. The portable workshop —
outfitted with drills, screwdrivers, jigsaws, hacksaws, a sewing
machine, a compressor, and a specially designed router and
for Over 20 Years!
sanding tool for repairing and adjusting orthoses and seating
systems — is a handyman’s dream.
Across the room, Patti Bahr, supervisor of Rehabilitation-
Engineering and Outreach, arranges augmentative communication
devices — programmed voice boxes and other equipment
that help patients communicate more effectively. Deborah Day,
outreach coordinator, greets patients and families at the door.
for Over 20 Years!
A Beehive of Activity
All morning, the clinic is abuzz. Patients are scheduled at half-hour
intervals with Mark Gormley Jr., M.D., pediatric rehabilitation
medicine physician. Karen Ostenso, a physical therapist, either
works with Gormley or meets individually with patients who
come to the clinic, often with their community therapists. “It
gives me a chance to talk with patients and their therapists about
everything from exercise to equipment,” she says.
Jody Klemer, for
example, arrives
with her child’s
therapist. Klemer
is concerned that
her 17-month-old
daughter, Faith,
has increased spasticity
on her left
side — the result of
being born with
some neurological
problems. “When
Mobile Outreach —
continued on page 7
Mark Gormley Jr., M.D.,
examines Faith at the
Mobile Outreach Clinic
in Owatonna, Minn.
The illustration of
the truck was drawn
by Gillette patient,
Michael Lehnke.
for Over 20 Years!
3

Teen Focus Joel Olson
Joel created new
signs and posted
them on nature
trails that he and
his fellow Scouts
helped to restore in
Thief River Falls,
Minn.
committee. Because the project had to have a leadership component,
he organized the local Boy Scout Troop and his friends
and family to help with the physical labor. They began work on
the project in the spring of 2003 and completed it that fall. It
took more than 300 hours. Joel says, “We put decals on old
traffic signs and posted them on fence posts. We cleaned trails
and put a footbridge in place.”
Joel also wrote a letter to the local newspaper, prompting the
editor to write about the Scouts’ efforts. Lastly, Joel presented a
final report to a committee of representatives from his community
and the local Scouting district. The response to the project
was, he says, “pretty wonderful.”
At his Eagle Scout ceremony on March 13, 2004, Joel dedicated
his badge to Duran Olson, Joel’s late father and Scout leader
who died in 2002. United States Representative Colin Peterson
arranged for a flag to be flown in Washington, D.C., in Joel’s
honor, and the flag was subsequently awarded to Joel. In addition,
the Minnesota House and Senate passed resolutions
honoring Joel, and he received a letter from the President of the
United States.
Trail Project Leads
Back to Nature!
Joel Olson has had a couple of really good years. In 2004, his high-school
classmates honored him by electing him homecoming king. That same year, he
achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as part of Boy Scout Troop 59 in Thief River Falls,
Minn.
Joel, who started Scouting as a first grader and became a Boy Scout in fifth grade,
knows that being a good citizen is an important part of Scouting. It wasn’t surprising,
then, when he chose an Eagle Scout project that would give something back
to his community. “I noticed that the environmental center at Thief River
Elementary School had a problem,” he explains. “Motorized vehicles were using
the nature trails.” Joel decided to raise community awareness of the environmental
center and to restore the trails to their original purpose.
It was a lengthy and involved project. Joel first had to gain approval, which meant
developing a plan and presenting it to the school board, the head of the environmental
center, his local troop committee, his Scoutmaster and the district Scouting
Meet
But best of all, thanks to Joel and his friends, people are now
using the nature trails as intended.
Eagle Scout Joel Olson — who earned
38 merit badges as a Boy Scout — now is a
junior assistant who helps lead his local troop.
4
Joel Olson
Joel, who has cerebral palsy as the result of a stroke
at 13 months of age, has been coming to Gillette
since he was 3 1/2 years old. As an adult, he’ll receive
services at Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare
Clinic in New Brighton. Following high-school
graduation, Joel will be moving into an apartment
on his own in Thief River Falls
and attending Northland
Community and Technical
College. He then plans to
attend a transtional
program at Central Lake
College in Brainerd
before enrolling
in a vocational
technical
school.

As parents, you want your teens and
young adults with disabilities or
complex medical conditions to live
full and independent lives and to avoid serious
health complications as they age. Teens
and young adults with disabilities can
receive the specialized health care they
need at the Gillette Lifetime Specialty
Healthcare Clinic in New Brighton. To help
patients make the transition to adult health
care, we’ve developed a transition program
for use with many of our patients and their
families. Of course, people develop at different
rates and have different abilities, but
typically here’s how the program works.
● Health-care providers and parents usually
begin the transition process by talking
with young children (around age 10)
about their medical conditions and the
care they need to stay healthy. For children,
learning about their disability and
what they can and cannot do is the first
step.
● At about age 14, patients receive a transition
packet with information to help them
begin setting goals regarding higher
education, career plans and independent
living. Patients also might learn how to
make doctor appointments, take their
medicines and care for special equipment
and supplies.
● Doctors talk with patients (about age 16
and older) to find out if they’re ready to
move to adult-care providers. The decision
is usually based on medical stability, socialemotional
readiness and the availability of
specialty providers. Teens and young
adults who are able, might begin taking
Transition to Adulthood
Ready! Set!
Goals!
Teens and young adults with disabilities can receive
the specialized health care they need at the Gillette
Lifetime Specialty Healthcare Clinic in New Brighton.
responsibility for making their health-care
appointments, taking their medicines,
caring for special equipment and supplies
and seeking out needed resources. They’ll
also make decisions about higher education,
health insurance and independent
living.
Transition Resources
As part of the transition, patients will receive
our new transition manual, Make Your Move!
A Transition Guide for Teens. The guide is
designed to help teens learn about themselves
and their health history and medical
needs. It also has information about legal
coming-of-age issues, adult specialty health
care, community-based living, disability services,
and postsecondary education and
employment.
In addition, Jennifer Wilhelmy, an adult nurse
practitioner who treats adults, staffs a transitional
clinic in St. Paul from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
on the second and fourth Friday of each
month. The clinic’s main focus is patients,
16 and older, who:
● Have physical medicine and
rehabilitation needs
● Need baclofen pump refills
● Require transition summary visits
before moving to the New Brighton Clinic
In addition, the clinic is available to patients,
age 14 to 16, who want to meet adult-care
providers and learn more about adult care.
If you have questions about transition
planning, call Wilhelmy at 651-634-1936.
For appointments, call 651-229-3944.
?
Check It
Out!
Tips for Teens!
Are you prepared
for the responsibilities
of adulthood?
Maybe you’re ready in some
areas, but not in others. That’s
OK. Being a teenager is about
learning and practicing the skills
you’ll need for adulthood. Now is
the best time to talk about your
changing health-care needs with
your family and health-care
providers. This checklist is a
good start.
Understanding Your Disability
and Health-Care Needs
Do you —
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Understand your disability
and how it affects your body
and mind?
Know which medicines and
treatments you need to stay
healthy?
Know about the services
that help you with your daily
or personal care?
Have information about the
specialists who provide
your care?
Know about the medical
equipment and supplies you
need to stay healthy and
independent?
Keep a file of your medical
records, reports and health
information?
You’ll find additional checklists
and information designed to help
you learn more about yourself,
your health history and medical
needs in Make Your Move!
A Transition Guide for Teens.
5

Summer’s
Coming
Sign Up for
Camp NOW!
2005 Muscular Dystrophy Association
Summer Camp
A variety of activities for kids with
neuromuscular diseases
Ages 6 to 21 — June 4 – 11
Contact: 952-841-0533 or
minneapolisservices@mdausa.org
Camp OZ
Camp Idhuhapi in Loretto, Minn., for kids with epilepsy
Ages 9 to 17 — June 19 – 24
Contact: Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota,
651-287-2302 or 800-779-0777 or jewst@efmn.org
Camp Odayin
Residential and day camp near Crosslake, Minn.,
for children with heart disease
Ages 8 to 17 — Throughout the summer
Contact: 651-351-9185 or www.campodayin.org
Friendship Ventures
Resident camps for children with developmental,
physical or multiple disabilities
● Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie, Minn.
● Camp Friendship near Annandale, Minn.
Ages 5 to 18 — Throughout the summer
Contact: 952-852-0101 or fv@friendshipventures.org
or www.friendshipventures.org
St. Paul Parks and Recreation
Adaptive recreation program for St. Paul residents
of all ages at recreation centers and community
education sites throughout the city
Contact: 651-266-6451 or 651-266-6378 (TTY)
Courage Center
Accessible residential camping for children and adults
with physical disabilities or speech/language/hearing
impairments
● Camp Courage, Maple Lake, Minn.
● Courage North, Lake George, Minn.
Contact: 763-520-0504 or camping@courage.org
Resources Worth Noting
● Wilderness Inquiry offers a Guide to Universal
Access at Recreation Areas Throughout Minnesota.
For a copy of a guide or to find out about accessible
trips, contact Wilderness Inquiry at
www.wildernessinquiry.org or 612-676-9400.
● Freedom Tent by Eureka!, developed with Blue Sky
Designs, is specifically for people with physical disabilities.
The adapted tent is easy for one person in a
seated position to set up. It features a zipperless
door and a vestibule with room for two wheelchairs,
pets and other recreation gear. For more information,
contact Johnson Outdoors Inc., at 800-572-8822
or www.eurekatent.com.
6
FOCUS ON OUR STAFF & HOSPITAL
Good Night
New Clinic Helps
Children Sleep Well
Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult
for some children with disabilities. In
fact, sleep problems affect at least a third of children who have cerebral
palsy, epilepsy, brain injuries or spina bifida. That’s why Gillette Children’s
Specialty Healthcare added a pediatric sleep-disorders clinic with sleep
specialist John Garcia, M.D. Garcia is a graduate of the University of Iowa
School of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency and a fellowship
in behavioral/developmental pediatrics at Riley Hospital for Children
in Indianapolis, Ind. He completed a sleep training program at the
Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center in Minneapolis.
Using a combination of behavioral management and medications, Garcia
will work with Gillette patients who have disabilities and associated
sleep disorders. These disorders include obstructive sleep apnea, sleep
walking, circadian rhythm disorders and restless legs syndrome.
Garcia is available for appointments at Gillette clinics in St. Paul and
Burnsville, Minn. For more information, contact Scheduling at
651-290-8707 or toll-free at 800-719-4040.
In addition to Garcia, these are the other Gillette doctors at the
Burnsville Clinic:
● James Gage, M.D.
pediatric orthopaedist
● Mark Gormley Jr., M.D.
pediatric rehabilitation
medicine physician
● Shalene Kennedy, M.D.
pediatric psychiatrist
● Betty Ong, M.D.
pediatric neurologist
● Michael Partington, M.D.
pediatric neurosurgeon
Scheduling Appointments?
We’re Here to Help!
● Joseph Petronio, M.D.
pediatric neurosurgeon
● Deborah Quanbeck, M.D.
pediatric orthopaedist
● Stephen Sundberg, M.D.
pediatric orthopaedist
● Beverly Wical, M.D.
pediatric neurologist
● Robert Wood, M.D.
plastic surgeon
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare has changed the way we schedule
patients. Our new system will mean that you’re able to schedule appointments
even more quickly and efficiently. Our goal is always to answer
the phone within four rings. If you’re on hold longer than five minutes,
please let us know by pressing the pound key.
When you need to schedule an appointment, call Scheduling at
651-290-8707 or toll-free at 800-719-4040. Our schedulers are available
Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you have any difficulties
or concerns about scheduling an appointment, please call Lynn Simons,
scheduling manager, at 651-325-2107.

Schuler Shoes in
Woodbury is located
at 10150 Hudson Road.
The phone number is
651-731-8700.
Depending on demand,
other Schuler locations
might also stock this
shoe for us.
When Children Have Scars — continued from page 1
Beyond surgery, pressure therapy — using
silicone sheeting, gel or tape for seven or
eight weeks — can help. “The theory is that
microscopic pressure decreases scar formation,”
says Wood, “and most plastic surgeons
think it helps.” Moisturizing and massage
also can help realign collagen fibers, making
skin appear smoother. Wood explains that
vitamin E and cocoa butter, which have little
scientific backing, are used less and less, but
sunblock, which keeps scars from becoming
hyperpigmented or darkened, is a must.
Decisions about whether to intervene surgically
should be made in consultation with a
plastic surgeon. Wood states that it’s usually
obvious when surgical intervention will
help. “My job is to assess risks and benefits,”
he adds. “There’s rarely a time when we hem
and haw and wonder whether or not to
intervene. It’s usually clear if we can help a
patient.”
A Good Fit!
Gillette Partners With Schuler Shoes
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
patients who wear ankle-foot orthoses
(AFOs) can now get customized shoes at
a Twin Cities retailer. Schuler Shoes,
which specializes in comfortable
shoes for hard-to-fit feet, is stocking
Answer2 athletic shoes at its Woodbury, Minn.
store. The shoes fit around patients’ lower-limb
braces and retail for approximately $60 (kids) and
$80 (adults).
Gillette tested several styles of shoes on our
patients before asking Schuler to carry the
Answer2 model, which have wider and deeper
insoles. “We asked Schuler to work with us
because of their expertise in shoe fittings,” Linda
Valeri, Assistive Technology – Clinic Services
manager, says. “Depending on demand, other
Schuler locations might also stock this shoe for us.”
Mobile Outreach — continued from page 3
Janet Lacher, the mother of a Gillette patient, purchased
Answer2 shoes for her son. “When my son
received his leg brace, we went to a local department
store to find shoes that would work with the
brace, but they couldn’t accommodate us,” she
says. “I was so relieved when Gillette informed us
that Schuler Shoes
had what we needed.
And my son loves the
fact that the shoes
have blinking lights on the bottom.”
my son loves the fact
that the shoes have
blinking lights
Leslie Butler, Schuler’s merchandise manager, says
beginning a partnership with Gillette is consistent
with the shoe company’s mission. “We pride ourselves
in building community partnerships,” she
says. “We think it’s valuable to give Gillette patients
and families easier access to a product that can
improve their health and well-being.”
she was an infant, the doctor said she might have significant limitations,” Klemer
says. “But she’s done so well, and we hope to continue that progress.” After an
evaluation with Gormley and Ostenso, she is fitted with leg braces. At subsequent
clinics, she’ll receive a stander and a specially equipped stroller.
Following her appointment with Gormley, Zahra Ma Moud, 15, has an augmentative
communications consultation with Bahr and a local speech therapist.
Zahra’s mother, Faduma Ali, and her translator also are on hand. Bahr explains,
“Augmentative communication devices provide tools for language and literacy,
not just talking. Selecting the right system takes some time.”
Meanwhile, patients arrive in a steady stream. A young man stops by to have his
protective helmet adjusted. A little boy and his mother come in to pick up the
boy’s new braces. “We fit braces to new prescriptions and repair a lot of straps,”
Madden explains. Using a hydraulic lift, Lemke gently sets a patient into her new
wheelchair. The chair will help her sit straighter and relieve pressure that can
lead to pressure sores.
By 11 a.m., the staff has seen 10 patients — and the day is only half over.
Around 3 p.m., they pack up and head home. Day, who is on the road 18 to 20
times a year, says, “Families are so busy, and they’re always so appreciative that
we come to their communities. The clinics let us provide proactive care to
patients who might not be served if we didn’t come to them.”
7

Frequently Called Numbers
Main number 651-291-2848
–Burnsville Clinic 952-223-3400
–Duluth Clinic 218-728-6160
–Minnetonka Clinic 952-936-0977
–New Brighton Clinic 651-636-9443
–Outpatient Clinic – St. Paul 651-229-3890
Admitting 651-229-2148
Adult Inpatient Unit
Assistive Technology –
651-726-2840
Clinic Services 651-229-3800
Child and Family Services 651-229-3855
Family Resource Center
Pediatric Medical Trauma Unit
651-229-3938
(4-South) 651-229-3825
Postsurgical Unit 651-229-3820
Preregistration
Rehabilitation
651-229-3852
and Neurology Unit (4-North) 651-726-2613
Rehabilitation Therapies 651-229-3900
To schedule an appointment 651-290-8707
Toll-free numbers
Burnsville Clinic 866-881-7386
Main hospital and clinics 800-719-4040
Duluth Clinic 800-903-7111
Minnetonka Clinic 800-277-1250
New Brighton Clinic 800-578-4266
SPRING 2005
VOLUME 13
NUMBER 1
A
NEWSLETTER
FOR GILLETTE
PATIENTS &
FAMILIES
Family Focus provides support and information for
families of patients at Gillette Children’s Specialty
Healthcare, a regional health center for children,
adolescents and young adults who have disabilities.
Editorial Advisory Committee:
Laurie Porter, Coordinator, Family Resource Center
Adrienne Barnwell, Ph.D., Psychologist
Deetta Barnhardt, Social Worker
Marketing Communications Staff:
Lonnie Bell, Editor/Writer
Marilynn Reid, Graphic Designer
Anna Bittner, Photographer
Lynne Kuechle, Writer
Angela Lindell, Writer
Beverly Smith-Patterson, Writer
To join our editorial advisory committee,
please call Lonnie Bell at 651-229-1772.
You don’t want to
receive Family Focus?
To remove your name
from our list —
Call 651-229-1721
Just
ASK
WE LIKE
TO HELP
200 University Avenue East
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
www.gillettechildrens.org
Lynn Simons
Scheduling Manager
?
ASK ASK US US! US US!
QUESTION Coming to St. Paul isn’t always easy for my family, and it’s
difficult to park my extended van in the hospital ramp. Do you have any
suggestions?
ANSWER If you live in or near the south or southwest metro area, you
might consider scheduling appointments at the Burnsville or Minnetonka
Clinic, where a team of health-care professionals offers specialty outpatient
services five days a week. Both clinics are conveniently located and there’s
ample free, surface-lot parking. In addition, we offer a wide range of services,
including assistive technology, casting, radiography, rehabilitation therapy
and social work. At Burnsville, we also offer specialized services for children
and teens with cerebral palsy and a sleep clinic (see story on page 6).
To make appointments, call Scheduling at 651-290-8707 or 800-719-4040
(toll-free).
Nonprofit
Organization
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Waconia, MN
Permit No. 65