September 2020 Volume 3, Issue 5

‘Humbled by their dedication’ Critical Care Services, ED staff continue to battle COVID-19 Nearly six months have come and unit on 7 South closed as a result, CCRT, CRT and respiratory therapy. gate these stressful times in our the pandemic has been rewarding gone since the COVID-19 pandemic the care for these patients never “I would like to recognize and hospital and local communities, for all involved. “I am very proud upended the world of health care ceased, and staff members across commend our nurses, nursing I am humbled by their dedica- of the care and support all of these and ushered in a host of new chal- several departments share the assistants and ancillary support tion and compassion to provide areas are providing to our patients lenges for UPMC Western Maryland work that remains. staff who have been and contin- high-quality, patient-centered care and their families,” said Chrissy. staff charged with safely caring for Caring for COVID-19 patients is ue to care for patients requiring for those in need.” “Our patients in the ICU and HLC these critically ill patients. now entrusted to the dedicated COVID-19 treatment in the ED, ICU Critical Care Services Director are very sick, regardless of what In the weeks since the number staff in the emergency depart- and HLC,” said Jamie Karstetter, Chrissy Lechliter said the teamwork they have going on, so COVID is an of COVID-positive patients began ment, high-level care and intensive Vice President and Chief Nursing the departments have shown while declining and the dedicated COVID care units, the cardiovascular unit, Officer. “As we continue to navi- striving to deliver quality care amid see HUMBLED - page 2

Dr. Gerald Goldstein celebrates retirement Senior Vice President, CMO concludes 20-year career with health system Dr. Gerald Goldstein, UPMC Western Mary- the change in the Maryland payment system Goldstein notes that other challenges for the land Senior Vice President and Chief Medical to value-based care. next generation of health care providers will Officer, retired at the end of August after His time as CMO began with some advice be providing quality health care to all Ameri- spending nearly two decades faithfully serv- from his colleagues that he never forgot. “I cans, including the uninsured and the under- ing the communities of western Maryland was told early on that if 100 percent of the insured, and the affordability of health care, with loyalty, care, dignity and compassion. staff and providers liked me that I was not including pharmaceuticals. After spending 20 years working as an doing my job, and I never forgot that. In my In his newfound leisure time, Dr. Gold- anesthesiologist in the Baltimore and Wash- role I had to make many tough decisions. I stein said he is looking forward to doing ington, D.C. areas, Dr. Goldstein relocated to took pride that my decisions were made in the things for which he has had limited western Maryland in 2001. In the spring of our patients’ best interest and with the in- time due to his busy medical career. “I have 2014, Dr. Goldstein assumed the role of Se- tent of keeping the public safe.” two grandchildren, so spending time with nior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Goldstein has seen his fair share of pub- them will be great, and I also look forward “As we celebrate Dr. Goldstein’s retire- lic health challenges over the years, including to spending more time outdoors and doing ment, we will also honor him by continuing HIV, Ebola, Legionnaires’ disease and SARS; things like playing golf and traveling when to set the bar high and to work at the level however, he said the current COVID-19 pan- it’s safe again.” of quality he established,” said Barry Ronan, demic is more serious than anything he has His advice for those colleagues he leaves UPMC Western Maryland President. “Please ever seen. behind is simple: have empathy. “Be kind join me in congratulating Dr. Goldstein as he “This period of COVID has been the most to your patients because they are very vul- prepares for the next chapter of a life and Dr. Gerald Goldstein threatening event to the population at large nerable and they depend on you – not only career that has truly helped our community.” that I have ever witnessed. We, as Ameri- for treatment, but for psychological support Though he has impacted countless areas Through his many years in the medical cans, have never lived through a pandemic. and reassurance. Patients need to feel safe of UPMC Western Maryland, Dr. Goldstein’s field, he has seen many advancements, in- Medicine is forever changing, and there will and taken care of. Sometimes we can forget role in the recruitment and retention of qual- cluding the exponential increases in the always be challenges we can’t contemplate, that. We need to provide medical care and ity physicians is where he said he feels the safety of anesthesia, the switch to comput- and COVID-19 is the latest.” emotional care at the same time.” most pride. erized medical records and, most notably, In addition to the coronavirus crisis, Dr. Page 2 September 2020

From left to right, Dr. Ali and her husband, Dr. Umair S. Ahmed, with baby Yusuf Syed Ahmed and his older brother; Dr. Manandhar and baby Ronesh Thapa, and Dr. Khandare with her husband Dr. Kshitij Kamlakar Singam and new bundle of joy Atharva Kshitij Singam. All three of these UPMC Western Maryland physicians gave birth to baby boys in July. So much joy in these little boys Doctors Ali, Manandhar and Khandare all welcomed sons in July

Three UPMC Western Maryland am a primary care provider who meet and hug my parents and in- would be to enjoy every week of in need of an ear and wants to talk physicians saw their families grow also works as a first-line respond- laws and that they will get to meet pregnancy as it comes,” said Dr. Ali. about COVID-19 and peer/emo- this summer, as they all welcomed er, and, to top it all, I am currently and hug their first grandchild,” Dr. “Each week may bring a unique tional support, I am available both healthy baby boys in July. a first-time mother. The COVID-19 Khandare said. set of symptoms and experiences. as a physician and a mom. Right The lucky moms are Anupama S. situation has challenged me to ex- When asked to give some ad- There will be some bad days during now, I would suggest that you fol- Khandare, M.D., who works as a pri- cel in both of my roles. It pregnancy and after low guidelines set by CDC and the mary care provider and the Director is thought-provoking to having your newborn, World Health Organization. Do not of Shared Medical Appointments; keep a perfect balance “There are no perfect but it is OK as these will rely on news found on social media Ailia Ali, M.D., who specializes in between my job and pass. It is very important like Snapchat, Instagram and Face- pulmonary, critical care and sleep my personal life. I have to take care of yourself book unless they are authenticated medicine, and Smriti Manandhar, to follow the guidelines parents and no perfect during this time. Re- by known government organiza- M.D., an endocrinologist. set up by UPMC and the member the exhaustion tions. Wear a mask when coming All three moms are enjoying their CDC along with my role babies,” Dr. Manandhar won’t last forever. Don’t out for essential work and avoid new additions and have found that as a first-time mom. I be embarrassed about social gatherings. Always maintain having a baby while working in can only say that I have said. “It’s important to the change in your body good personal and hand hygiene health care amid a pandemic has the best support sys- shape. It happened for a and maintain social distancing at come with both challenges and tem. My husband is very let the baby set the pace wonderful reason, and all times.” blessings. supportive, loving, and with some time and ef- While social distancing has pre- “Life has drastically changed for caring, and my clin- fort, it will get better.” vented the three colleagues and everyone, at work as well at home,” ic staff are the best in as no two are the same.” Dr. Khandare’s advice friends from visiting, they have said Dr. Manandhar, when asked this world. Honestly, I is to stay as healthy as kept in close contact via phone earlier this summer how the pan- couldn’t have asked for possible during preg- and email. “While I was pregnant, demic impacted her pregnancy. more.” vice to other moms-to-be, all three nancy, and she offers to help any- I would love to have sat down and “On the bright side, life has slowed Travel restrictions during the doctors were happy to share some one who might need it. “I know in chatted with them over a cup of down, and there is no constant pandemic have made it more dif- wisdom. “There are no perfect par- this community there are many like coffee or tea,” Dr. Khandare said. struggle to keep everything run- ficult on all three moms, as shar- ents and no perfect babies,” Dr. me who are first-time mothers and “Even today, I am eager to spend ning on time. I got to enjoy life in ing their new additions with their Manandhar said. “It’s important to who are scared as much as I was some time together to discuss with a leisurely pace with my daughter grandparents and extended family let the baby set the pace as no two with being pregnant during the them all the experiences we are before the new baby came.” has obviously been more challeng- babies are the same.” COVID-19 situation.” having.” Dr. Khandare agreed and said, “I ing. “I hope soon I will be able to “My advice for a first-time mom “If anybody in the community is

HUMBLED - from page 1 cared for in the ED, 7 South and ICU. “We are so very proud of the work our “Throughout the worst of the pandem- ED staff does every day. Nurses, providers, “Our patients in the ICU added challenge that increases the daily ic, the therapists continued to provide top- techs, secretaries, lab, EVS, security, regis- nursing stress on these units. We want to rec- notch care to all their patients, whether it tration, distribution, transportation, dietary, and HLC are very sick, ognize the hours, sweat and tears these staff be in the ED, ICU, nursery, etc. From those care coordination, maintenance, respiratory, members are dedicating.” who volunteered to cover 7 South and ICU pharmacy and countless others came to- regardless of what they “With the declining number of COVID-pos- for ventilator management, to those who gether to ensure that this department ran have going on, so COVID itive patients and the closure of the designat- worked out of their comfort zone, to those as seamlessly as possible. Our department ed COVID unit on 7 South, caring for positive who assisted in making sure we had supplies adapted and succeeded by taking on new is an added challenge patients has become a regular part of our to keep the ventilators running and the oxy- responsibilities and duties to ensure that we that increases the daily lives,” said Crissy Martz, Critical Care Ser- gen flowing, the teamwork displayed by the could give care to our patients efficiently and vices Nurse Manager. “It’s just what we do. therapists makes me realize how proud I am confidently,” said Wendy. nursing stress. We want Experiences on 7 South guided our decisions to be a part of such a great team. I could not As the world continues to adapt and, in on how to safely adapt to caring for these be more pleased with how the Respiratory many ways, move beyond the COVID-19 to recognize the hours, patients in our general ICU, alongside other Therapy team took care of each other and pandemic, the work of these dedicated staff sweat and tears these non-COVID patients.” the patients during such a stressful time.” members at UPMC Western Maryland and in Theresa Kline, High-Level Care Nurse Man- The emergency department is often the hospitals everywhere will continue. “I know staff members are ager, said that while her team’s involvement first place COVID patients receive care at a lot of people want this to be over and have dedicating.” with COVID patients was initially minimal, UPMC Western Maryland. “As a team, the moved on, but here our staff sees it every it is now an everyday part of their routine. emergency department continues to prove day. It’s very real and these people are very “Our team has done very well with the tran- their resiliency and dedication to patient sick,” Theresa said. sition,” she said. “When we began taking care,” said Wendy Helms, Emergency Ser- Perhaps Crissy Martz summed it up best. - Chrissy Lechliter, care of COVID patients, we did some quick vices Nurse Manager. “Every member of this “Businesses are starting to open, and restric- Director, Critical Care education to bring everyone up to speed on team plays a valuable role in maintaining tions are slowly being lifted. You could say the latest changes. We did not have the ini- safety and infection-control practices that life is starting to get back to normal for some, Services tial anxiety that everyone had back in March, protect one another and the patients we care but our staff continues to live with COVID-19 as I think everyone had a lot more awareness for. This staff has shown that we can pull to- and see the devastating effects of this virus. about COVID.” gether in the toughest of circumstances and “I am very proud of my staff and the dedi- How has your department Respiratory therapists also play a large role provide excellent care to our community. cation they have, not just to our patients, but responded to challenges in the care for COVID patients. “The pandem- “This unprecedented pandemic was ac- to each other,” said Crissy. “They function brought on by COVID-19? ic changed the workflow of all respiratory companied by the unknown. Staff adapt- like a well-oiled machine. They are naturals, therapists,” said Krista Stevens, Respirato- Who has stepped up and ed quickly to new processes and new in- working side by side with endless momen- how? ry Therapy Manager. “The therapists who fection-control guidelines on a daily – and tum to keep moving forward. They are each worked in outpatient settings were quickly sometimes hourly – basis. They were able to other’s biggest fans and their greatest sup- The Pulse wants to know! brought back to the inpatient setting, where pull from their emergency nursing training porters. Their passion for what they do is they had to brush up on their skills to per- and knowledge to provide care for those that unspeakable. They are my true heroes as we form bedside care. The assistance of the out- were ill and afraid – all while demonstrating continue to fight this invisible enemy.” Contact Ed DeWitt at 4-8019 patient staff allowed for the inpatient staff to a vast degree of compassion and profession- or at [email protected]. concentrate on the critical patients that were alism. Page 3 September 2020

David Burwell, M.D., named Cardiac program, stroke Chief Quality Officer UPMC Western Maryland is awards mount in 2020 pleased to introduce David Bur- well, M.D., MBA, as the Chief The UPMC Western Maryland of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain that comes through our door, and lines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Quality Officer of UPMC Western cardiac and stroke programs are MI Registry Gold Performance we fine-tune even the smallest of Achievement award recognizes Maryland, UPMC Altoona, UPMC once again in the spotlight after Achievement Award for 2020 – details in order to ensure our pa- the hospital’s commitment to en- Bedford and UPMC Somerset. Dr. securing several awards recog- one of only 60 hospitals nation- tients receive top-notch care that suring stroke patients receive the Burwell was previously the vice nizing the high level of care they wide to receive the honor. meets or exceeds national stan- most appropriate treatment ac- president of Clinical Quality and provide. “We are very proud to again be dards. To receive these awards cording to nationally recognized, Compliance for UPMC Altoona. For the second year in a row, recognized by the American Heart multiple times from the American research-based guidelines based In addition to this role, Dr. Bur- UPMC Western Maryland has re- Association for the excellent care Heart Association is exceptional on the latest scientific evidence. well takes great pride in practicing ceived both the Mission: Lifeline we provide to our heart attack and is truly an honor shared by our “UPMC Western Maryland is family medicine at a small office in NSTEMI Gold Quality Achievement patients here at UPMC Western entire team. dedicated to improving the quality Duncansville, Pa. Dr. Burwell is the Award and the Mission: Lifeline Maryland,” said Christopher Haas, “At UPMC Western Maryland, of care for our stroke patients by chairman of the following UPMC Gold Receiving Quality Achieve- D.O., Chairman of Internal Medi- our cardiac team is dedicated to implementing the American Heart Altoona committees: Continuous ment Award for implementing cine and Medical Director of Car- providing guideline-based treat- Association’s Get With The Guide- Process Improvement, Patient specific quality improvementdiology. ments for our heart attack pa- lines-Stroke initiative,” said Jenni- Safety & Quality Review, OB Pa- measures outlined by the Amer- “It truly is a team effort that tients,” Dr. Haas added. “Our team fer Suter, Clinical Coordinator, Re- tient Safety Workgroup, Mortality ican Heart Association for the requires excellence from multi- is comprised of local communi- habilitation and Stroke program. Committee, Sepsis Committee, treatment of patients who suffer ple services, including our first ty members whose professional “The tools and resources provided and eRecord Governance (co- severe heart attacks. responders, emergency depart- capabilities are on par with, or help us track and measure our suc- chair). The hospital also earned the ment, nursing staff, hospitalist exceed, national standards. We cess in meeting evidenced-based He is a member of following American Heart Association/ service, data collectors, admin- are truly blessed to have such an clinical guidelines developed to UPMC system-level committees: American Stroke Association’s istration, and, of course, the en- incredibly dedicated, talented, improve patient outcomes.” Corporate Quality Board, Wolff Get With The Guidelines-Stroke tire Cardiology Department. We national award-winning cardiac Center Physician Executive Steer- Gold Plus Quality Achievement review and discuss our processes team right here in western mary- ing Committee, Executive Steer- Award, and the American College for every emergency heart attack land.” The Get With The Guide- ing VAT Committee, Information Technology Steering and Opera- tions Group, Electronic Practice Guidelines, and Clinical Decision Support. Prior to 2016, Dr. Burwell main- Hospital commited $61 million tained a solo family practice office for 13 years. During such time, he served on the Medical Executive Committee as the Family Medicine in community benefits last year representative since 2006. Dr. Burwell is double-board cer- tified in Family Medicine and Clin- ical Informatics. He completed Total climbs from $8.2 million from 2018, his residency training at Altoona Family Physicians in 2004 and is a graduate of The George Wash- part of $1.4 billion given overall by UPMC ington University and the Univer- sity of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of UPMC Western Maryland committed $61 cal Year 2019, up by $175 million from FY2018. dized programs, such as neighborhood clinics Business. million in community benefits during Fiscal UPMC’s total economic impact of $42 billion and support groups, free medical equipment Year 2019, up from $53.8 million in FY2018. nearly doubled in the last five years. The and transportation. UPMC leads the way in The numbers were released as part of the health system’s spending has a multiplier ef- funding community health improvement pro- 2019-20 UPMC benefits report, showing the fect that ripples benefits through local econ- grams, with 59% of all hospital funding in cen- health system’s longstanding commitment to omies. As Pennsylvania’s largest non-govern- tral Pennsylvania and 50% statewide. Give us meet the many diverse needs of all the com- mental employer, UPMC supports more than • $548 million for medical research and edu- munities it serves. one in four hospital jobs in the state. cation, advancing breakthrough treatments The total include nearly $44 million for mis- UPMC’s $1.4 billion in community-focused and cures while training the next generation a follow! sion-driven services, approximately $11 million programs last year equals nearly $4 million of clinicians. UPMC funds nearly half of all for charity care, and more than a million dol- per day or more than 15% of net patient rev- hospital-funded research in Pennsylvania, lars each for health professional education, enue. According to the most recent publicly and along with the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Western Medicaid assessment and community health available data, UPMC contributes more than is ranked #6 nationally in National Institutes services. any other health system in Pennsylvania; the of Health funding. UPMC has the nation’s Maryland has a “Our ever-increasing commitment to com- statewide average for hospitals’ contributions fourth-largest medical residency program, munity benefit has nearly doubled over the is 9% of net patient revenue. and its four schools of nursing educate 700 busy presence on last six years,” said UPMC Western Maryland The $1.4 billion total includes: nursing students each year. many social President Barry Ronan. “Through our care • $479 million to make care more accessible Over the past five years, UPMC’s communi- delivery model of value-based care, we have for the most vulnerable residents in our com- ty benefits totaled $5.4 billion. “Behind these media formats! been able to better support the population munities, including $102 million in free or dis- big numbers is another big number — UPMC’s health needs of the region as well as more counted care to more than 20,000 patients, 91,000 employees who are proudly and pas- thoroughly address the many social determi- and $377 million in unreimbursed Medical As- sionately dedicated to serving their commu- nants of health. sistance costs and other subsidized care. The nities,” said Edward Karlovich, vice president “Two of our most recent initiatives that will reported amounts are UPMC’s actual costs, and interim chief financial officer, UPMC. enhance our community benefit even further not the price or charges that would have been “Whether they are visibly on the front lines include our ongoing assistance to the Allega- billed for care. UPMC provides a dispropor- with community partners, directly serving pa- ny County Health Department in their many tionate amount of charity care. While UPMC tients and members across our communities COVID-related community initiatives and cares for 18% of patients in all of Pennsylvania, or providing individual assistance during dif- our recently launched commitment to racial it provides 28% of the hospital charity care in ficult times, it is their service excellence and equality in the provision of health care ser- the commonwealth. innovation that truly drives UPMC’s communi- vices to people of color.” • $376 million for community health and well- ty benefits.” Overall, UPMC provided $1.4 billion in ness programs and charitable contributions, IRS-defined community benefits during Fis- including more than 3,000 free and subsi- Page 4 September 2020 Burkey fund brings joy to patients, families

The following story was written by Cumberland Times News reporter Lindsay Renner-Wood. It has been reprinted here with her permission.

A recently implemented fund at UPMC Western Maryland aims to help patients and their families find a little bit of normalcy and happiness amidst tough times. Established by the wife of its namesake following his passing, the John Burkey Making Memories Fund is named for an active and be- loved member of the community who died after a 14-year battle with can- cer in January 2019. Burkey’s wife, Kathy, worked with the hospital’s foundation to estab- John Burkey lish it, foundation executive director Karen Johnson said. To date, Johnson members who’ve spoken with pa- said the fund has received “well over tients and assessed their need, along $20,000” between Kathy Burkey’s with the probability of being able to initial gift and others made since fulfill them. The first helping hand then. they lent, she said, was to give a man Sam Wakefield and his daughter Hayley take time out for a photo during Hayley’s fifth birthday par- When they came up with the idea money to help buy his kids Christmas ty held recently at Rocky Gap State Park. The Western Maryland Health System Foundation’s John for the fund, Johnson recalled, it was presents. Another was a hospice pa- Burkey Making Memories Fund provided $500 to pay for the party. the hope of both women that it would tient who was treated to a little luxu- turn into something ongoing for the ry after her son told a staff member places to visit with his wife Kim- tempted surgery in 2017, Wake- the Sparky the Fire Dog charac- hospital, rather than a short-term how much she loved having her hair berly, so it was a natural choice field said, but quickly found that ter, Wakefield said, much to the offering. They are generally able to and nails done, Johnson said. Anoth- for her party. “You can’t get her surgery wasn’t viable while he kids’ delight. They opted to keep offer around $500 for beneficiaries, er family had one last big dinner to- out of the water once she goes was on the operating table and the guest list small but intimate, Johnson said, for small but meaning- gether, courtesy of the fund. in, because she just loves all that decided not to proceed. he said. ful gestures and activities. The most recent beneficiary was stuff,” Wakefield said. “She’s After that, Wakefield recalled, “They wanted to take the bur- “We’re not looking to, say, build a Sam Wakefield and his family. Wake- very full of energy and likes to he was given a year to live. He den off me worrying about any- house. We’re not like Make-A-Wish field, whose daughter Hayley recent- run around, but the main thing returned to Cumberland and thing, and Bruce and Lisa were where we can send someone to Dis- ly turned 5, is living with pancreatic about her is animals.” began doing chemotherapy super and great,” Wakefield said. ney World,” Johnson said. “The per- cancer. While recently hospitalized, Wakefield said he has been treatments locally that “kept the There was good food, Wake- son who has a life-changing or termi- Wakefield said he learned of the fund fighting the disease for as long tumor at bay.” Wakefield said field said, including custom nal illness tells us what would make from hospital chaplain Rev. Bruce as Hayley has been alive, and it he has had other complications cakes for both dad and daugh- their life different, what would make McBride and knew immediately that has been a long and, at points, arise, including most recently ter: Hayley’s cake featured a a memory for them. That’s where it he wanted to use some money on a arduous road for the family. He the infection that left him hospi- unicorn that complemented her starts.” birthday party for Hayley. was diagnosed with pancreatic talized for 19 days and ultimate- outfit for the day. After cake and In life, Johnson recalled, John Bur- Her party, held earlier this month, cancer on April 1, 2016, after he ly led to the conversation that presents, the kids went for a key was a warm, optimistic and gen- pulled out all the stops for the small started getting sick about two spawned Hayley’s party. But, he swim in the lake. “It was a beau- erous person with a good sense of group of family and friends who at- years earlier. His doctors had has lived past the year that he tiful day,” Wakefield said. “She humor.“ I mean, he would show up tended, and featured food, games a hard time pinning down the was given. loved it. She just had a great here sometimes in a doctor’s outfit,” and swimming. And in keeping with cause of the stomach issues and Still, Wakefield said of his time, and that was really nice Johnson said. “He’d be here with a the times, it was socially distanced, abdominal pain he was having, daughter, “she hasn’t known for me to see her have a great stethoscope and everything. At Hal- too. “They had a great time, and he Wakefield recalled, before a rou- me to not be sick,” so creating time like that. Like I said, she’s loween, that was his gig. Every time I got to see it all,” Johnson said. tine follow-up CT scan showed a happy memories that day was never known her dad not to be ran into him, he had some sort of joke Wakefield was approached in the tumor in his pancreas. especially important. And they sick, and there’s a lot of things I or funny story for me. And even in the hospital a few weeks before Hay- The tumor’s location made did. The hospital’s staff who can’t do with her because I can’t midst of really long, involved treat- ley’s birthday — along with his own, it impossible for doctors to op- assisted in the day, including be that active. I would love to be, ment for himself, he was typically the which is four days after his daugh- erate, Wakefield said. Immu- McBride and foundation senior because I was before. I do what one to encourage other people.” ter’s — while he was recovering from notherapy helped for a while, development officer Lisa Hout, I can, and any time I can spend After her husband’s death, Kathy an infection. McBride told him of and did shrink the tumor a bit. went above and beyond to make with her doing little things, I do.” Burkey sat down with Johnson to dis- what they’d like to do for him and his Bolstered by that bit of success, the day memorable, Wakefield cuss a way to honor John’s memory. family. With Hayley’s special day ap- his doctor at Johns Hopkins at- said. Hout even dressed up as Burkey knew she wanted to do some- proaching, Wakefield said he thought thing, but wasn’t sure what. They it would be good to use the money to eventually settled on this fund, which throw a party for her. is different from others they’ve had in “There wasn’t really anything spe- the past. cial that I felt I needed to do, and I Past fundraising has focused on wanted to make it special for her, things like capital campaigns and which also makes it special for me,” technological investments, Johnson Wakefield said. “I guess we could have done something else and made Drop us a line! explained. “But as we evolve ... we find there are a lot of people who’ve memories, too, but it was a timing been sick for a long time and can’t thing, too, because it just so hap- The Pulse wants to share all of the work or pay their electric bill, or pened her birthday was coming up transportation to and from chemo and mine, too.” good news about the employees, treatment sometimes,” Johnson said. Hayley’s primary interest, Wake- “We’ve had a lot of individuals who field said, is “animals, animals, ani- patients and departments at UPMC are interested in funding needs like mals. She just loves animals.” A po- that, but Kathy decided she want- tential budding naturalist, Wakefield Western Maryland! Contact Ed DeWitt ed to fund something that wasn’t a said Hayley is also frequently taken need, but something uplifting and with bugs and plants and just about at [email protected] if you have a encouraging for a patient.” every other part of nature; on a walk The fund was launched in the mid- the other day, he said, a tomato plant story just begging to be told. dle of December, and has fulfilled with its tiny green fruit beginning to four requests so far. Johnson said the sprout captivated her. requests come to her through staff The beach at Rocky Gap, Wake- field said, is one of Hayley’s favorite