Three foundations. One goal. Countless connections. - Kapi'olani ...

helping critically ill babies
and children.
What a difference a tour makes.
Erik and Eileen Ludwick were being shown the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Kapi‘olani
Medical Center for Women & Children when they heard a startling fact: the “Continuous Renal
Replacement Therapy” (CRRT) machine isn’t always available.
The machine, by filtering poisons out of the blood, acts as a temporary substitute for the
kidneys. It’s the only method of renal replacement therapy for babies and children with acute
kidney failure or in septic shock. Yet, if the highly sensitive CRRT machine was down for repair,
or another child was using it, the situation could become serious.
The couple immediately realized the crucial need for a back-up machine. With the help of the
Kapi‘olani Health Foundation, a grant request was submitted, and the Ludwick Family Foundation
promptly fulfilled the grant.
A second CRRT now resides at Kapi‘olani – and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
Jaime Harrington, MD
and Ellie Taft, MSN, CPNP
Doctors and other staff have noticed an increased need for
this specialized care. They’re utilizing the devices more often,
but even if two patients need it simultaneously, the staff
aren’t forced to choose which critically ill child may get
the CRRT. Both kids can be treated, thanks to the Ludwick
Family Foundation’s generosity.
“When cancer or a serious infection hurts little babies
and children, and their kidneys are in danger of organ
failure, this wonderful machine is a true life-saver,”
says Eileen. “We’re so glad to support Kapi‘olani and
its mission to treat the sickest of Hawaii’s children.”
extending the
ability to save lives.
Jovani Lopez was looking forward to high school
and becoming a teenager when he was told he
had cancer.
Even worse, his white blood cell count was 25
times the normal level. The toxic poisoning
needed to be dealt with quickly, or his
kidneys might simply shut down. He was
airlifted to Kapi‘olani Medical Center, where
doctors in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
decided that Jovani’s kidneys needed a
rest – immediately.
Thanks to the recent gift from the Ludwick Family Foundation, a CRRT machine
was available to give Jovani the therapy he required, and save his kidneys.
“Having a second CRRT can be life-saving for a child, in case the other machine needs
repair, or it’s being used,” says Dr. Jaime Harrington. “In critical cases like Jovani’s, time
is of the essence; you cannot transport the child to the mainland.”
The CRRT, which can be adjusted for use on babies as small as 2.2 pounds, is helping
to prevent organ failure – and that makes Dr. Harrington proud. “It extends my
ability to save lives,” he says.
Kapi‘olani Three foundations. health One foundation
goal. Countless connections.
Jovani Lopez
page 7