Sebastian the Odds Overcomes

VOL.5 NO.1

Sebastian Overcomes the Odds Tummy Troubles When It’s More Than a Stomachache

Struggling to Stay Dry? Help for Drier Nights and Days Listen Up! What You Need to Know about Ear Infections— page 9

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 1 112/22/042/22/04 3:24:563:24:56 PMPM President and Chief Executive Officer Miami Children’s Hospital Thomas M. Rozek

President Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Robin Reiter-Faragalli

Director of Marketing & Public Relations Miami Children’s Hospital Marcia Diaz de Villegas

Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Ivette R. Diaz

Editor Rachel Perry Dear Friends, Contributing Writers Stomachaches are a common part of childhood, and Ivette Diaz, Maria Moldes, Daniel Brantley, sometimes they require serious help. In fact, chronic abdominal Heather Durst, Lori Futcher, Jenny Havron, pain syndrome affects 10 to 15 percent of school-aged children Erin King, Sheryl K. Montle, Toby Pendergrass, between the ages of 5 and 15. For children suffering from this Jason Skinner disorder, as well as many others ranging from gastroesophageal Designer reflux disease to lactose intolerance, Miami Children’s Hospital Marianne R. Dunn offers help through the Division of Gastroenterology. Leading physicians conduct screenings and clinics to diagnose and treat Developed by Sthese conditions in children throughout South Florida. In this issue of Children’s Gazette, you’ll also read about (800) 624-7496 Sebastian Alfonso, who started walking under the watchful guidance of Miami Children’s Hospital’s neurosurgeons. Born MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL premature, Sebastian suffered from a severe case of cerebral palsy BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2005 that affected his muscle control. Now, the active 4-year-old is a Rene Murai, Esq.,Chairman walking, talking “pianist” who hopes to one day lead a symphony. Gary Gregory, Vice Chairman Our leading pediatric gastroenterologists and neurosurgeons— Deise Granado-Villar, MD, Secretary Georgina Angones; José A. Bengochea, MD; as well as our varied other specialists—continue to save lives Peter Bermont; Evalina Bestman, PhD; and achieve medical breakthroughs at Miami Children’s. And José A. Carro, MD; Miles Gilman; the world is taking notice. We are proud to sponsor the 40th Ghislain Gouraige Jr.; Manny Kadre; Annual Pediatric Postgraduate Course, which brings together Andrew Labbie, MD; Sarah Legorburu-Selem, MD; physicians from around the country. Juan Carlos Mas; Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD; Gene Prescott; Thomas M. Rozek; While we’re advancing medical care for children throughout Moises Simpser, MD; Mario Trueba; the world, we’re also making them laugh. Our Big Apple Circus JoAnne Youngblut, PhD, RN; Clown CareSM (BAC) program adds a unique element to Miami Robin Reiter-Faragalli, Ex-Officio Children’s—helping our patients forget they’re in a hospital environment through laughter. MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION This is just a glimpse of the great works going on at Miami OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Children’s every day. We thank you for your continued support Mark Blank, Chairman in bringing our services to the community. Robin Reiter-Faragalli, President Sincerely, J. David Scheiner, First Vice President Alan Ojeda, Second Vice President William L. Morrison, Treasurer Thomas M. Cornish, Secretary Donald H. Altman, MD; Neil R. Chrystal; Jesus Diaz; Victor Lopez; Juan Carlos Mas; Kenneth J. Reilly; Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD Susan M. Sibley; Eric W. Sulzberger; Ambassador CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER/SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS David M. Walters; Teresa V-F Weintraub; Judy MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Weiser; Dawn White; Thomas M. Rozek, Ex-Officio

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MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 2 112/22/042/22/04 3:25:503:25:50 PMPM Born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Sebastian Alonso underwent a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy at Miami Children’s Hospital. Today, the active and joyful 4-year-old counts Overcoming playing the piano among his favorite hobbies. theOdds PATIENT PROFILE: Sebastian Alonso orn on April 10, 2000, moved in a scissor-like motion, causing her son did that, and Sebastian has reaped Sebastian Alonso seemed to his body to droop close to the floor. the benefits as a result.” be in good shape. He was After a lot of research, encouragement A BRIGHT FUTURE 19.5 inches long, weighed from Sebastian’s physical therapist, Since undergoing his operation 3.5 pounds and spent only and a meeting with Glenn Morrison, last summer at the ripe age of 4, Sebastian Bfour hours on a ventilator—pretty MD, pediatric neurosurgeon on staff has started walking again—now with impressive for a baby born 11 weeks at Miami Children’s, Esther decided proper posture—and has hopes of one premature. But that was only the first selective dorsal rhizotomy could day running with his 18-month-old sister, test for young Sebastian. benefit her 4-year-old son. Rebecca, without his walker. He is fluent Before their son’s inaugural “Before I met Dr. Morrison, I was in Spanish and English, has a love of the homecoming, new parents Esther very nervous about the procedure,” arts, attends Miami Springs Elementary Rivera and Carlos Alonso were told Esther admits. “However, the way the and has started eating solid foods. Sebastian needed to see a neurologist. doctor explained it and his calm, friendly “There is not a word in the English During their visit, Sebastian was manner helped me relax, and I realized language to show how grateful I am for the diagnosed with a severe case of cerebral Sebastian would be in good hands.” surgery Sebastian underwent,” Esther says. palsy, a condition that causes difficulty PROCEEDING TO A BETTER LIFE “I want to say ‘Thank you, thank you, thank with muscle control. In Sebastian’s During selective dorsal rhizotomy, you,’ to all the staff at Miami Children’s who case, it would make it nearly a one- to two-inch incision is made in helped my son. It’s the best thing that could impossible to pass key milestones like the lower back. Through this hole, the ever have happened to him.” chewing solid foods and walking. surgeon can view the sensory nerve “A specialist in the community said fibers running from the muscles to my son would never be normal,” Esther the spinal cord. Those nerve fibers recalls, “so I never went to him again.” responsible for creating the muscle FUN FACTS ABOUT SEBASTIAN Instead, the Hialeah resident took tightness are cut, relieving tension in Sebastian to a rehabilitation center in FAVORITE SPORTS the affected limbs. The incision is then Soccer and baseball Miami, where she eventually learned closed with special surgical glue. of a procedure offered at Miami FAVORITE MUSIC “Sebastian was a good candidate to Classical Children’s Hospital that would change see positive results from the procedure FAVORITE HOBBIES Sebastian’s life forever. as he didn’t have an excessive amount Painting, playing the piano and computer games MOVING FORWARD of spasticity,” says Dr. Morrison. FUTURE OCCUPATION Only a little later than his peers, “For maximum benefit, patients have Orchestra or symphony conductor Sebastian learned to walk using a to undergo intense physical therapy walker. As he walked, Sebastian’s legs afterwards. Sebastian’s mom made sure winter 2005 Children’s Gazette3

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 3 112/21/042/21/04 3:26:013:26:01 PMPM TakingonTum

“Chronic abdominal pain is very common in children. Most of the time it does not represent a severe disease or illness.”

—Jesse Reeves-Garcia, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at Miami Children’s Hospital

Waking your child up for ids get stomachaches • pain that awakens a sleeping child school, you hear those from all sorts of things including gastroenteritis • blood in stools or bloody words—again. “My tummy (stomach flu), milk or green vomit hurts.” You start asking intolerance or allergy, One or more of these signs may questions, “Do you feel like Kstress, changes in the diet and indicate a serious problem. You should intestinal blockage. While these can make an appointment with your child’s you’re going to throw up?” doctor as soon as possible. “Does it hurt anywhere be serious, common causes for benign stomachache include mild constipation BIG-TIME TUMMY ACHES else?” “Are you worried and overeating, especially sweet, high- Here are some stomach troubles about something at school?” fat, low-fiber foods. A few hours of that should be monitored and treated rest and an adequate amount of water by a doctor. WHY BEING SICK and fiber in the diet can be a quick fix Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) IS SOMETIMES OKAY for children’s stomachaches. happens when food backs up into According to a recent survey in If the pain doesn’t go away or the throat and irritates the lining of the British Journal of Cancer, children’s risk of reoccurs frequently, watch for the the esophagus. Physicians at Miami developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia drops following symptoms: Children’s Hospital can perform an by 20 percent or more if they experience four • pain comes and goes for endoscopy, a test that checks the or more common infections, including tummy trouble, before age 1. This is because exposure longer than one week lining of the stomach and upper to germs can help some potentially cancerous • pain when urinating gastrointestinal tract, or a pH probe immune cells grow properly. • your child also has a study. This test will evaluate the pH sore throat or cough level in the esophagus and determine • diarrhea continues for the severity of the condition. Some more than seven days cases of GER may be treated by • pain that is focused above modifying your child’s diet, while 4 or below the bellybutton others require medication prescribed • fever with severe pain by a pediatrician.

Children’s Gazette winter 2005

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 4 112/21/042/21/04 3:43:033:43:03 PMPM mmyTrouble

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can create feelings of cramping, gas and diarrhea or bloating and constipation. IBS often occurs during times of stress such as divorce, moving or going on vacation. Certain types of food (milk, chocolate, as prescribed by your doctor and an caffeine) should be avoided because they appropriate diet. can irritate IBS symptoms. Your doctor Inflammatory bowel disease WHO SAID YOU HAD TO can also prescribe medication to relieve (IBD) is a broad term that covers HAVE A TUMMY ACHE? symptoms. ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis Try these easy precautions for those times Gastroenteritis is commonly known when tummy aches can be prevented. as the stomach flu. It’s caused by a and Crohn’s disease are similar, but • Don’t let your child overeat. viral or bacterial infection that results ulcerative colitis commonly occurs • Fill your child’s diet with fiber-rich in inflammation of the stomach in the small intestine and Crohn’s foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and intestines, which may lead to disease affects the large intestine. to keep bowel movements regular. vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Both conditions cause the walls of the • Encourage your child to wash his or These symptoms in turn can cause intestines to become red, swollen and her hands before every meal. dehydration, a serious condition if thick. IBD can cause diarrhea, bleeding • Avoid letting your child eat not treated. Throughout the two- to from the rectum, fever and weight loss. right before bedtime. three-day duration of the stomach flu, MINIMIZING TUMMY TROUBLE • Schedule adequate sleeping time. encourage your child to drink small While stomachaches aren’t fun, they amounts of liquids frequently. If your can be controlled. The Division of child still doesn’t have wet diapers or Gastroenterology at Miami Children’s SERIOUS HELP FOR STOMACHS isn’t going to the bathroom, call his or offers ways to help children stay her doctor immediately. healthy through building a healthy Sometimes there are stomach problems kids Lactose intolerance happens when diet, screening those at high risk for won’t outgrow. In this time of need, profession- the body doesn’t produce enough heart disease, determining body fat in als at Miami Children’s Hospital offer a wide lactase, the necessary enzyme to break relation to a child’s height and weight range of treatments for the following condi- down sugar that’s found in milk and tions to ensure your child won’t miss a beat of and testing for lactose intolerance to his or her active life: dairy products. These sugars can cause prevent unnecessary discomfort. Miami gas and diarrhea as it ferments in the Children’s also offers subspecialty • gastroesophageal reflux (GER) stomach. If your child experiences clinics on inflammatory bowel disease, • Crohn’s disease discomfort after consuming dairy gastroesophageal reflux and encopresis, • giardia and other gastrointestinal infections products, you can schedule a lactose a complication of constipation. • inflammatory bowel disease intolerance test at Miami Children’s. For more information about tummy • lactose intolerance This test will measure your child’s troubles your child is experiencing, call • gastrointestinal bleeding 5 tolerance of dairy products. Treatment the Division of Gastroenterology at • short bowel syndrome may include lactase enzyme tablets Miami Children’s at (305) 661-6110.

winter 2005 Children’s Gazette

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 5 112/22/042/22/04 3:26:493:26:49 PMPM ach week at Miami Children’s • genetics Hospital’s Dan Marino Center, • nephrology Echildren are seen by numerous • neurology specialists for the comprehensive and • ophthalmology high-quality care they need. Making it all • psychology possible are the many medical specialists • urology who take time to visit the tiny tots and Other services available at the Dan teens at the MCH Dan Marino Center, Marino Center are physical, occupational which specializes in diagnosing and and speech therapy; audiological treating children at risk for developmental screenings; brainstem, audio and visual- and psychological problems. evoked potential studies; EEG testing and “We can provide care in an integrative video monitoring; educational services; fashion to optimize each child’s care and psychology and behavior modification; ultimately his or her outcome,” says and MRI testing. A World Albert Rego, Administrative Director “We’ve grown from approximately of the MCH Dan 26,000 patient visits in 1998 to of Marino Center. “In more than 46,000 in 2003 because fact, we’re the only of the county’s growing population outpatient facility and increased awareness of the in Broward County services available here,” adds Rego. Specialistswhere children can come and see “To further enhance our service multiple specialists on the same day.” capabilities, we’re starting construction Await Among the specialties available at on a 5,000-square-foot expansion of the center are the following: the second floor in January 2005.” • cardiology For more information about Miami • dermatology Children’s Hospital’s Dan Marino • ear, nose and throat (ENT) Center, call (954) 385-6200. Influencing “The experts we gather to lecture To learn more about the 40th Medicine at the Pediatric Postgraduate Course Annual Pediatric Postgraduate Course, are at the top of their fields and call (305) 663-1628. for provide information on the most 40Years current developments,” says Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD, ince 1950, Miami Children’s Program Chair, Chief Medical Officer Hospital has been improving the and Senior Vice President for Medical Slives of children from South Florida Affairs at Miami Children’s Hospital. and beyond. But children aren’t the “This conference has enjoyed a long only ones benefiting from the hospital’s lifespan because of the expertise of the expertise. For 40 years, doctors from presenters, the quality of the lectures around the United States have participated and the value of the information gained in one of the most established pediatric by the doctors.” continuing education programs in the After attending the week-long series country at Miami Children’s. of lectures on topics such as infections, During the 40th Annual Pediatric public health and pediatric HIV, Postgraduate Course “Perspectives in physicians return to their offices and Pediatrics,” physicians will gather in apply their newly learned information Miami to attend lectures by leading to patient care. experts in pediatrics, who will speak “It’s a win-win situation for on state-of-the-art diagnosis and everyone involved,” Dr. Patrick says, treatment options for some of the most “because the information shared prevalent conditions affecting children during these lectures has a positive and adolescents. impact on patient care.”

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MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 6 112/28/042/28/04 12:50:5112:50:51 PMPM A Team to Count On PHILANTHROPIC PROFILE

Giving the Gift of Security hen you think of making a with operations in 40 countries. The “We have always enjoyed a great donation, dollars and cents company provides unique global business relationship with Miami W may come to mind. But communications and computing Children’s Hospital Foundation, that’s not the only way organizations infrastructure management and and we felt a desire to contribute to give to Miami Children’s Hospital solutions to maintain and protect its efforts by offering our Business Foundation—some choose to offer information technology assets of Continuity package, complete with their valuable services as gifts. And it’s organizations across the globe like the data backup and 24-hour, seven- with much gratitude and appreciation hospital’s Foundation. day-a-week data monitoring and that Miami Children’s Hospital As Miami Children’s Hospital security services,” says Al Quintana, Foundation receives the emergency Foundation faced the threats of Vice President of Marketing data recovery/protection services of the summer’s unrelenting series of Communications at Telefonica USA. Telefonica USA, a provider of high- hurricanes, the services provided by “We also provide an additional quality telecommunications services Telefonica were in the spotlight. The equipment location in a structure built for businesses and residents. Foundation rested easier knowing its to withstand hurricane winds in excess A SOURCE OF SECURITY electronic data of fundraising history of 155 miles per hour. Telefonica is one of the world’s including donor records was protected “In today’s world, it’s critical for leading telecommunications companies and secure despite the storms. businesses to have plans in place to “After going through four hurricane protect themselves from catastrophic scares, it has become all the more acts of nature or terrorism that would important to have Telefonica’s in any way inhibit their ongoing assistance,” says Ivette Diaz, Director operations,” says Quintana. “In today’s world, it’s of Marketing and Community With the proper business continuity critical for businesses Relations for Miami Children’s plans in place, Telefonica clients never to have plans in Foundation. “Telefonica is currently have to worry about implementing responsible for hosting our web site, disaster recovery programs. place to protect e-mail and back-up files for all data “We appreciate and respect the themselves from including financial and donor records. contributions organizations like catastrophic acts of This information is the heart and soul Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation of our operation, and it’s vital to our have made to the South Florida nature or terrorism ongoing operations.” community throughout the years,” that would in any says Quintana. “We’re proud to be a way inhibit their WHERE THE HEART IS partner in their efforts.” The heart of Telefonica resides at For more information about how ongoing operations.” its world-class KeyCenter (a 173,000- you or your company can contribute square-foot next-generation data center) to the Miami Children’s Hospital —Al Quintana, Vice President in Miami, where this information is Foundation, please contact Ivette Diaz of Marketing Communications housed, monitored and secured. at (786) 268-1822. at Telefonica USA

winter 2005 Children’s Gazette7

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 7 112/28/042/28/04 2:24:422:24:42 PMPM

Drier N ights Ha p p yMornings

Your 6-year-old daughter has been potty trained since she was 2, but all of a sudden, she’s wetting the bed several times a week. Not only is she frustrated and embarrassed by the wet sheets and the teasing she gets from her siblings, but she won’t spend the night with friends because she fears she’ll have an accident.

hile most children can stay On the first visit to the clinic, the dry during the day by the center’s staff will perform a patient Wtime they’re 4 years old, it’s and family medical history as well as not unusual for kids to wet the bed a physical examination to properly during childhood. In fact, nocturnal diagnose the condition. At that staying dry enuresis—the medical term for point, the program director, Anselmo If your child continues to wet the bed after bedwetting—affects 15 percent of 5- Cepero-Akselrad, MD, board-certified he or she has been potty trained, don’t get to 6-year-olds. pediatric nephrologist on staff at the upset about the problem or ignore it and This hereditary condition is not clinic, will develop a treatment plan hope it will go away. Instead, talk to your caused by a psychological disorder, that may include behavior modification child about going to the bathroom and find out the source of the problem. Sometimes, stress or laziness. Instead, bedwetting or prescription medications. Follow-up an explanation of how the bladder works is occurs when the brain doesn’t react to visits will continue throughout the year. all it takes. the message that the bladder is full EXPERT CARE ON HAND You’ll need to mention the bedwetting to and needs to be emptied. If an additional approach is necessary, your child’s pediatrician, but you can try SEEKING HELP the Center for Enuresis and Urinary some of these suggestions at home as well. While bedwetting is completely Disorders can bring in one of Miami • Encourage your child to drink normal, parents might want to seek Children’s Hospital’s subspecialists— fluids throughout the day and to treatment options for their child that including surgeons, urologists, use the restroom regularly while will help him or her stay dry at night. adolescent medicine specialists, at daycare or school. When kids At Miami Children’s Hospital’s Center neurologists or gastroenterologists— come home thirsty and then drink for Enuresis and Urinary Disorders, to help in the child’s treatment. lots of fluids right before bedtime, the team of medical experts offers a For more information about Miami they’ll often urinate more at night. multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing Children’s Hospital’s Center for • A moisture-sensitive alarm that rings and treating urinary disorders, all while Enuresis and Urinary Disorders, call and wakes your child at night can keeping the child’s well-being in mind. (305) 662-8352. over time help your child develop a conditioned response to wake for urination. This method is effective for between 50 and 80 percent of cases. 8Children’s Gazette winter 2005

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 8 112/22/042/22/04 3:29:073:29:07 PMPM The next steps parents should take depend on the child’s age and severity of symptoms. While many seek relief with antibiotics, studies have shown that up to 80 percent of acute ear infections will clear up on their own without medical treatment. In addition, the bacteria o that most commonly causes ear “M mmy, infections (pneumococcus) is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics as a result of overuse. My “Many ear infections are caused by a virus and therefore do not require Ear when it happens, there are specific antibiotics,” says Dr. Shubich. “While symptoms every parent should be able children younger than age 2 should be to recognize. started on antibiotics because of the Hur ” “To diagnose ear infection, I tell risk of meningitis, the best treatment s! parents to look for three indicators— for an ear infection in children age 2 f you haven’tt heard those words and over is to wait and watch them for pain, fever that’s moderate to severe from your toddler yet, you and fluid in the middle ear,” says two or three days. If symptoms persist, Iprobably will. That’s because two Isaac Shubich, MD, board-certified then you should schedule a doctor out of three children under the age of otolaryngologist (ear, nose and visit for diagnosis and appropriate 3 experience at least one episode of throat physician) on staff at Miami treatment.” acute otitis media, or ear infection, Children’s Hospital. “If those three For more information or to schedule especially children who are in daycare signs are present, it’s clear the child an appointment with Dr. Shubich, call or who live with a smoker. And has an ear infection.” (305) 662-8316.

visits throughout the hospital, including the Intensive Care Unit, Bone Marrow The un y Transplant Center, and Emergency and F n Physical Therapy departments. Three to four days each week, the Side of Medicine clown doctors use parody to help take the mystery out of medical procedures DR. PESCADO by performing “clown medicine,” A colorful team of “A hospital can be a serious including red-nose transplants, unusual doctors brings a environment, so a child appreciates juggling, kitty “cat” scans, chocolate dose of laughter to Miami the absurdity of seeing a clown doctor milk transfusions and music. Children’s Hospital. dressed in a funny costume,” says John “When a child sees a clown enter Lynch, also known as Dr. Pescado, a the room, he or she is able to leave group of young patients at professional clown in the Big Apple the problems of the world behind Miami Children’s Hospital Circus Clown CareSM (BAC) program. and become part of a fun place where Ahears a knock on the door “The clowns treat children as kids anything can happen,” says Lynch. and expects to see a doctor or nurse. instead of patients—we use humor as “When a parent tells me, ‘That’s the Instead, a colorful clown appears in our medicine.” first time I’ve seen my child laugh in the doorway—juggling, smiling and “Clown doctors” like Lynch are days,’ I feel like I have the best job in performing magic tricks—and within professional performers trained to the world.” seconds the children are clapping work in the sensitive environment of a For more information on Miami and smiling and the room has been hospital. The clowns—who don’t wear Children’s Clown Care, visit transformed into a magical place. scary wigs or make-up—make bedside www.bigapplecircus.org. winter 2005 Children’s Gazette9

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 9 112/21/042/21/04 3:29:163:29:16 PMPM 2004 International Pediatric Hall of Fame Gala CBS 4 News anchor Maggie Rodriguez and Inductee Ambassador David M. Walters

Domino Tournament Benefits CMN The Second Annual Citgo/Sunshine Gasoline Distributors’ Family Picnic & From left, Erin Knight, Gala Honorary Domino Tournament was held at A.D. Chairperson, Constance Fernandez and Barnes Park in Miami. The fun-filled Foundation President Robin Reiter Faragalli.

FOUNDATION EVENTS RECAP FOUNDATION afternoon included a delicious barbecue, Cuban coffee, entertainment for the children and, of course, a very competitive domino tournament. This year’s tournament raised $8,500 for CMN. Thank you to Max Alvarez for matching the funds raised at the tournament and Sandy Alvarez-Reus and everyone Sarah M. Selem, Dr. Jose at Sunshine Gasoline for coordinating Selem, Dr. Sarah Legorburu- another wonderful event. Selem, Dr. Luis Gonzalez- Mendoza and Catin Mendoza 2004 International Pediatric Hall of Fame Gala Candy Land was the theme of the night as guests strolled into a ballroom that mimicked the game board path and enjoyed themed desserts like Molasses Swamp and Mr. Mint. Thank you to our Community Council for hosting a great event.

Nordstrom Dadeland Gala

Thank you to Nordstrom and to all of the Swing for Smiles guests who attended this wonderful grand opening event, which raised more than $200,000 for Miami Children’s Hospital MCHF and Hyatt Hotels teamed up with Foundation and the Junior League of Miami. presenting sponsor Atlantic Dental, Inc. to host the Swing for Smiles Golf Tournament at Doral and with pro-golfer Raymond Floyd, who also hosted a golf clinic after the tournament. Thank you to all of our sponsors, especially the Miami Herald, Carnival Cruise Lines, Corporate Express, Hyatt Hotel and Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

The Hyatt Team led by Victor Lopez enjoyed a great day of golf while raising funds for Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.

CROSSMARK Tees Off for CMN

The First Annual CROSSMARK/CMN Golf Tournament was held at the Bonaventure Country Club in Weston. Thank you to Joe DiGiacomo, Linda Horn, and Kristi Reed for coordinating the tournament and raising $7,000 for CMN.

From left, Andy Marsano, Linda Horn, Maria Moldes, Kristi Reed and Joe DiGiacomo at the CROSSMARK/CMN golf tournament. 10Children’s Gazette winter 2005

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 1010 112/22/042/22/04 3:29:543:29:54 PMPM Planned Giving Upcoming Events January/February Leaving a Legacy That Matters Aventura Mall and American Performing Arts Network will By William T. Marks, Senior Vice President, Northern Trust Bank in Ft. Lauderdale host the 2005 Miami’s Most Photogenic Baby Contest. Photographs will be taken at Aventura Mall Thursday, Several years ago, I worked with a As beneficiaries of the foundation, January 27 through Sunday, January 30 from 10 a.m. to wonderful client named Esther. Every Esther chose charities including her 7 p.m. (Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.) Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 27 at 1 p.m. The event is open to few weeks I visited Esther, who was church, children’s hospitals and several all children from infants to 5 years of age. For more then in her 80s, to assist her with the other organizations. information, please visit www.photogenicbaby.com or call payment of her bills. During a visit, Since Esther’s death a number of (330) 467-0577. Esther explained that since her son’s years ago, substantial improvements March 5 & 6 recent death, an already strained have been made possible to the building The Eighth Annual FIU’s 25-hour Dance Marathon will relationship with her grandchildren had and gardens at her church. And as the be held at the FIU University Park Campus. The event deteriorated. She had decided to change research and cure of brain disease was is open to the public. For more information, please call her will and now faced an all-too- an area that was near to Esther’s heart Maria Moldes at (786) 268-1832. common problem—she had no heirs to (she lost her son to a brain tumor), her March 9 whom she wanted to leave her estate. family foundation has already provided Strike Miami’s Corporate Challenge at Dolphin Mall will During that visit, I asked Esther if significant funding, as well as a recent be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds she had ever considered creating a major commitment, to Miami Children’s benefits the Children’s Miracle Network. For more private foundation. Esther was not Brain Institute. With our counsel, when information, contact Ana Cuartas at (305) 594-0200, familiar with this concept and asked Esther felt alone and unsure in the extension 408. me for details. I explained that it estate planning process, we were able to April 9 was a wonderful way to establish a give her direction allowing her family’s The Sixth Annual XOXO Hugs & Kisses Children’s Fashion charitable fund to benefit her favorite legacy to continue to benefit charitable Show at J.W. Marriott Brickell. For more information, organizations in perpetuity, as well institutions in perpetuity. please contact Ivette Diaz at (786) 268-1822. as create a legacy in the family name. If you would like more April 21 Esther enthusiastically decided to information concerning estate The Seventh Annual South Florida Marriott Invitational Golf create a foundation in her husband and planned giving for Miami Tournament will be held at Doral Golf Resort and Spa. For more Charlie’s and her name. On many Children’s Hospital Foundation, information, please call Maria Moldes at (786) 268-1832. future visits, Esther expressed how please contact Karen Dudley, May 12 thrilled Charlie would have been to see Vice President of Development, at The Miami premiere of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge his estate used for such noble causes. (305) 666-2889, ext. 1823. of the Sith. For more information contact Ann Lyons at (786) 268-1830 or e-mail [email protected].

Torch Relay—Miles4Miracles June 5 The annual Children’s Miracle Network Telethon will air Marriott’s annual Torch Relay began its long on WBFS, UPN 33 from noon to 8 p.m. For more infor- 1,100-mile journey to Atlanta at Marriott’s Villas mation, please call Maria Moldes at (786) 268-1832. at Doral in Miami. Kayla, one of our CMN chil- dren, and her family were the guest speakers Coming Soon! at this year’s torch-lighting ceremony. Marriott CMN Bracelets—Show your support of the Children’s properties in Miami-Dade and Broward coun- Miracle Network and Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation TGI Friday’s Benefits CMN ties raised funds for CMN through the sale of by purchasing the new CMN bracelet for $1 each. If “miracle” paper torches, sponsorships and your company or organization is interested in purchasing Four TGI Friday’s locations in Miami-Dade County pledges. Thank you to Marriott, its associates CMN bracelets, contact Alexis Viera at (786) 268-1827. chose CMN as the beneficiary of their annual and vendors for helping to make this year’s Minimum order of 50 bracelets required. Bartenders’ Competitions. Locations at the event a huge success. Dolphin Mall, The Falls, Aventura Mall and Coral Gables held competitions, and the winners advanced to the regional competition at the Dolphin Mall. This fun event included an auction featuring the specialty drinks created by the It is with great pleasure that we announce CVS/ participating bartenders, a raffle, promotional- pharmacy as a new local Children’s Miracle Network giveaways and great music provided by a guest sponsor. CVS recently acquired Eckerd, a longtime DJ. Through these competitions and the sale supporter of CMN. Locally CVS will continue raising of “miracle” balloons, these four TGI Friday’s funds for CMN. CVS sold “miracle” paper snowmen locations raised $6,230 for CMN. Thank you to during the holidays and hosted a holiday toy drive Wally Herrera from the Dolphin Mall location for in all its stores from Key West to Boca Raton. Toys all his efforts in coordinating the competitions. were collected and delivered by Santa to the kids at Champions Across America MCH. Other in-store CMN fundraisers will be held throughout the year. We thank Vince Urrutia and his Congratulations to Shea Garcia, one of entire South Florida team for being such great CMN CMN News our CMN children, on being selected for sponsors and look forward to many years of working Foresters’ “Champions Across America,” We’d like to welcome WFOR Channel 4/WBFS together for the benefit of children in our community. UPN 33 to the CMN/MCH Foundation family. a CMN program. Shea will be represent- We will be working with them on our annual ing the state of Florida as he and his fam- Children’s Miracle Network Telethon as well as ily visit Washington, along with representa- other projects throughout the year. tives from the other states and Canada. winter 2005 Children’s Gazette11

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 1111 112/22/042/22/04 3:30:403:30:40 PMPM A Kid’s Korner Way to Go Long Once food leaves your stom- ach, it still has a long journey ahead of it. It will first travel through 22 feet of small THROUGH THE intestine. (This can take as long as four hours!) After STOMACH that, it goes through your Start liver where the harmful stuff You’ve just eaten lunch, and (waste) is filtered out and now it’s in your stomach. Here, the food you’ve eaten will sent through the large intes- be stored until it’s broken down tine, which is about five feet long. The into a liquid mixture and slowly large intestine then pushes the waste emptied into the small into the rectum, where it stays until intestine. Can you help your you are ready to go to the bathroom. food find its way through? !

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Miami, FL Permit No. 5774 We’re here for the children 3100 Southwest 62nd Avenue Miami, FL 33155

MMCV5N1#H91314.12.inddCV5N1#H91314.12.indd 1212 112/21/042/21/04 3:30:213:30:21 PMPM