Three foundations. One goal. Countless connections. - Kapi'olani ...
Three foundations. One goal. Countless connections. - Kapi'olani ...
Three foundations. One goal. Countless connections. - Kapi'olani ...
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helping critically ill babies<br />
and children.<br />
What a difference a tour makes.<br />
Erik and Eileen Ludwick were being shown the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Kapi‘olani<br />
Medical Center for Women & Children when they heard a startling fact: the “Continuous Renal<br />
Replacement Therapy” (CRRT) machine isn’t always available.<br />
The machine, by filtering poisons out of the blood, acts as a temporary substitute for the<br />
kidneys. It’s the only method of renal replacement therapy for babies and children with acute<br />
kidney failure or in septic shock. Yet, if the highly sensitive CRRT machine was down for repair,<br />
or another child was using it, the situation could become serious.<br />
The couple immediately realized the crucial need for a back-up machine. With the help of the<br />
Kapi‘olani Health Foundation, a grant request was submitted, and the Ludwick Family Foundation<br />
promptly fulfilled the grant.<br />
A second CRRT now resides at Kapi‘olani – and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time.<br />
Jaime Harrington, MD<br />
and Ellie Taft, MSN, CPNP<br />
Doctors and other staff have noticed an increased need for<br />
this specialized care. They’re utilizing the devices more often,<br />
but even if two patients need it simultaneously, the staff<br />
aren’t forced to choose which critically ill child may get<br />
the CRRT. Both kids can be treated, thanks to the Ludwick<br />
Family Foundation’s generosity.<br />
“When cancer or a serious infection hurts little babies<br />
and children, and their kidneys are in danger of organ<br />
failure, this wonderful machine is a true life-saver,”<br />
says Eileen. “We’re so glad to support Kapi‘olani and<br />
its mission to treat the sickest of Hawaii’s children.”<br />
extending the<br />
ability to save lives.<br />
Jovani Lopez was looking forward to high school<br />
and becoming a teenager when he was told he<br />
had cancer.<br />
Even worse, his white blood cell count was 25<br />
times the normal level. The toxic poisoning<br />
needed to be dealt with quickly, or his<br />
kidneys might simply shut down. He was<br />
airlifted to Kapi‘olani Medical Center, where<br />
doctors in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit<br />
decided that Jovani’s kidneys needed a<br />
rest – immediately.<br />
Thanks to the recent gift from the Ludwick Family Foundation, a CRRT machine<br />
was available to give Jovani the therapy he required, and save his kidneys.<br />
“Having a second CRRT can be life-saving for a child, in case the other machine needs<br />
repair, or it’s being used,” says Dr. Jaime Harrington. “In critical cases like Jovani’s, time<br />
is of the essence; you cannot transport the child to the mainland.”<br />
The CRRT, which can be adjusted for use on babies as small as 2.2 pounds, is helping<br />
to prevent organ failure – and that makes Dr. Harrington proud. “It extends my<br />
ability to save lives,” he says.<br />
Kapi‘olani <strong>Three</strong> <strong>foundations</strong>. health <strong>One</strong> foundation<br />
<strong>goal</strong>. <strong>Countless</strong> <strong>connections</strong>.<br />
Jovani Lopez<br />
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