VOL.5 NO.2

Ashley Overcomes the Odds

Call of the Wild Doctor to the Rescue Hurricane Alert! Help children prepare— page 9 A Weighty Issue Teens and Eating Disorders

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 ,

Contributing Writers Today’s teens often feel pressured to be thin—but are they Ivette Diaz, Maria Moldes, Daniel Brantley, taking it too far? Eating disorders affect more than 8 million Jenny Havron, Heather Henning, Erin King, Americans. Since 2003, Miami Children’s Hospital has offered Sheryl K. Montle, Jennifer Nunley, hope for families confronting this complex disease. The Eating Toby Pendergrass, Jason Skinner Disorders Program—the only one of its kind in the region—is Designer helping children and teens lead healthier lives. You can read Marianne R. Dunn more about our program on pages 4 and 5. You can also learn about Ashley Phillips, who was born Developed by with a heart defect that caused her heart to pump blood Tto only one lung. While her twin sister, Amanda, grew up (800) 624-7496 active and healthy, Ashley was getting weaker and weaker. A groundbreaking surgery at Miami Children’s saved her life, and MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL now she can play with her sister and is getting stronger. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2005 As a trusted resource for parents, Miami Children’s offers Rene Murai, Esq.,Chairman everything you need from preparing you and your child Gary Gregory, Vice Chairman for surgery to helping family and friends cope during your Deise Granado-Villar, MD, Secretary Georgina Angones; José A. Bengochea, MD; child’s stay. If you’ve ever wondered how you can best help a Peter Bermont; Evalina Bestman, PhD; hospitalized friend, read our guide on page 8. We understand José A. Carro, MD; Miles Gilman; you want to show you care, and we offer many ways to do Ghislain Gouraige Jr.; Manny Kadre; so—from our e-cards service to our online gift shop. Andrew Labbie, MD; Sarah Legorburu-Selem, MD; We hope you also enjoy the first in our series of stories on Juan Carlos Mas; Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD; Gene Prescott; Thomas M. Rozek; our physicians. Barry Chandler, MD, neonatologist at Miami Moises Simpser, MD; Mario Trueba; Children’s, and his wife rescue wild animals. Dr. Chandler is JoAnne Youngblut, PhD, RN; just one of the many caring physicians on staff who has an Robin Reiter-Faragalli, Ex-Officio interesting story to tell. Look for more inspiring stories in future issues. MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Sincerely, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Mark Blank, Chairman Robin Reiter-Faragalli, President J. David Scheiner, First Vice President Alan Ojeda, Second Vice President William L. Morrison, Treasurer Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD Thomas M. Cornish, Secretary CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER/SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Donald H. Altman, MD; Neil R. Chrystal; Jesus Diaz; FOR MEDICAL AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Constance M. Fernandez; Victor Lopez; MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Juan Carlos Mas; Mario Murgado; Kenneth J. Reilly; Roberto Rocha; Susan M. Sibley; Eric W. Sulzberger; Teresa V-F Weintraub; Judy Weiser; Dawn White; Thomas M. Rozek, Ex-Officio 2Childre n’s Gazette summer 2005 No more watching from the side of the pool while other children splash and play. Ashley Phillips, 14, can now swim to her heart’s content. A final surgery in January 2005 completed the long journey, which began at birth, to repair her heart.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ASHLEY FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL Language Arts

FAVORITE FOOD Spaghetti

HOBBIES Swimming, volleyball and reading mystery books

PETS Overcoming Sadie, a golden retriever; Casey, a Chihuahua; the and Casper, her cat PATIENT PROFILE: Odds Ashley Phillips still very weak and developed much watch the other children swim. t age 14, Ashley Phillips is slower than her sister. Following the lifesaving procedure, remarkably at home in the “Doctors didn’t expect her to live however, she could walk, swim and limelight. She’s had plenty past her 11th birthday,” says Nicole play without gasping for air. She also of experience there. When Phillips, Ashley’s mother. “As she started to gain much-needed weight. she was only 6, Ashley grew older, she was really weak and FINAL STEP becameA something of a national media struggled for breath. By the time she Before she could be completely darling after a cardiac interventional team was 6 years old she could barely walk. healthy, Ashley had to undergo one at Miami Children’s Hospital devised a I had to carry her into her classroom.” more surgery to repair the hole that groundbreaking procedure to save her life. TEAMING UP FOR A SOLUTION remained in her heart. Since her first Ashley’s story was told on Good Fortunately for Ashley, two surgery, physicians had been waiting Morning America and the Today Show new surgical and interventional for Ashley’s heart to become strong and was picked up by newspapers cardiology physicians, Evan Zahn, enough to handle this final procedure. across the country. She’s also appeared MD, Director of Cardiology, and Her one functioning lung also had to be on the Children’s Miracle Network Redmond P. Burke, MD, Director of monitored to ensure it wouldn’t collapse Telethon. Early this year, Ashley Cardiovascular Surgery, had joined under the pressure of a full blood supply. was again on camera after doctors the staff at Miami Children’s in In January 2005, Ashley’s heart was completed the final surgical chapter in 1995. The physicians teamed up to ready, and her physicians—Dr. Zahn her remarkable story. propose a new surgical procedure— and Dr. Burke—once again teamed up BACK TO THE BEGINNING combining videoscopic surgery to complete her journey. When Ashley and her twin sister and interventional catheterization “You can do anything if you believe Amanda were born in 1991, it was techniques—that would save in yourself,” Ashley says of her final immediately obvious that Ashley was Ashley’s life. procedure. “I was scared sometimes, in trouble. Ashley was much smaller “The surgery alone was devastating but but I had my mom and sister’s support than her sister and within minutes of we knew we needed to do this if Ashley and the physicians at Miami Children’s the birth, a cardiologist came and took was going to survive,” explains Nicole. always explained every step and her away. The tiny newborn was flown “Using an advanced procedure they put answered my questions and helped me to Miami Children’s Hospital, where a stent into her tiny life-sustaining right to not be afraid.” doctors discovered she had a serious pulmonary artery. Following her recovery After an eight-hour successful heart defect known as pulmonary she began to grow rapidly and could do procedure, today Ashley’s heart is fully atresia with a ventricular septal defect, things she couldn’t do before. We’re so functional and she’s growing and doing meaning her heart was pumping blood grateful to Miami Children’s for creating well. Recently celebrating her 14th to only one lung. this amazing procedure that saved birthday, Ashley is still trying to catch Soon after, a shunt (plastic tube) was Ashley’s life.” up in size with her sister, but her life implanted in Ashley’s artery to keep Before the surgery, Ashley would has been saved thanks to the medical blood moving to the lung, but she was often sit at the edge of the pool and experts at Miami Children’s.

summer 2005 Children’s Gazette3 he calls began soon after Lorena Siqueira, MD, opened Ther adolescent medicine practice at Miami Children’s Hospital. Anxious parents were phoning from as far away as Fort Myers and Vero Beach—even Jamaica—desperately seeking help for children firmly in the grip of destructive eating behaviors. “Always the parents would say, ‘Do you know how many places I have called looking for help?’ Clearly families were completely overwhelmed by this problem and were anxious to find professional support,” says Dr. Siqueira, Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Miami Children’s. “We soon recognized that treating eating disorders would become a significant part of our practice.” The realization quickly gave rise to Miami Children’s Eating Disorders Program—the only one of its kind in the region. The program, a collaboration between the Department of Adolescent Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry, offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that is bringing results for children and their families. TROUBLING DISORDERS A popular view of eating disorders holds that these conditions are extreme behaviors advanced by a culture that often equates thinness with success and happiness. But eating disorders are more than dieting taken to the extreme. They are complex psychological disorders in which eating patterns are developed and maintained in an attempt to cope with emotional problems. t rve Sa for d 4 At en ion Children’s Gazette summer 2005 t t Signs of an damage, kidney damage and injury to the with the disorder and its underlying Eating Disorder digestive system and teeth. The disorder issues. Once the child has left the may also lead to chemical imbalances hospital, medical and psychiatric The following may be indicators of an and dehydration that can result in death. care along with individual, family eating disorder: THE STAGE IS SET and group therapies are available to support the child’s continued recovery. • excessive weight loss or Why do some children fall victim concern about weight to eating disorders while others do • ritualistic or obsessive eating not? Research suggests there may be a Recovery from an eating disorder behavior (cutting food into genetic link. is often a long-term process. Patients extremely small bites) “Often children of parents who have become very comfortable with the • preoccupation with food suffered from eating disorders fall into dangerous behaviors they have • dissatisfaction with body the same destructive patterns,” says embraced and are reluctant to give • disappearing to the bathroom Dr. Siqueira. “Formal genetic studies them up. Frequently, they try to conceal immediately after eating suggest there is a substantial genetic their continued eating or purging habits • bouts of gorging with large influence for these disorders.” from family and the care team. quantities of food In addition, an undisputed “Because of the complex nature of • refusing to eat in public behavioral element may be present. eating disorders, treatment takes time • fainting “Eating disorders are maladaptive and patience,” says Dr. Garrard. “But • halt in menstrual periods coping behaviors for dealing with life with the proper understanding and • unstable heart rate or blood pressure stressors,” says Americo Padilla, MD, support of the families and care teams, • low body temperature Chief of Psychiatry of the Department of these children can recover.” • use of diuretics (pills to promote Psychiatry. “In short, these young people Shannon* is living proof. “When water loss) or laxatives latch onto these behaviors as a means of my mom first made me go to Miami • excessive exercising managing the stress in their lives.” Children’s, I hated it because they were Environmental factors may also trying to make me stop what I was trigger the disease. “The onset of an doing,” she recalls. “After a couple of Each year at least 8 million eating disorder often coincides with months of ignoring their suggestions, I Americans—mostly young women and feelings of low self-esteem, isolation admitted I needed help. But the hardest adolescents—are affected by eating and disconnectedness,” says Leslie part was getting to the point where I disorders. The most prevalent forms are Garrard, PsyD, a psychotherapist with wanted to stop. It took a really long anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. the Eating Disorders Program. time, but I’m finally back to my old Anorexia is a life-threatening TREAT IT self. If the staff at Miami Children’s disease in which the affected person To minimize eating disorder-related hadn’t pushed me so hard, I would intentionally deprives him or herself damage to health, early intervention is have never been able to make it back of food. Anorexics may maintain important. The longer behaviors are to the real me. I thank them for it.” body weights that are 15 percent or maintained, the more ingrained they To learn more about the Eating more below their ideal. Even when become. Disorders Program at Miami emaciated, those affected often have so Since an eating disorder affects Children’s Hospital, please call distorted a body image they continue the physical, mental and emotional (305) 668-5525.

to perceive themselves as “fat.” health of its victim, multidisciplinary * THE NAME OF THIS PATIENT HAS Individuals with bulimia nervosa action is the most effective approach. BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT HER PRIVACY. may be harder to identify. They can The Eating Disorders Program appear to be of normal weight, but brings together a team of physicians, they routinely eat excessive amounts of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, food over a short period of time and nutritionists, social workers, family immediately “purge” themselves of the therapists and Child Life specialists Risky Business food by vomiting or taking laxatives. to evaluate the child physically Factors that put your child at risk for an eating disorder may include: e They usually become experts at and emotionally and create an d concealing this behavior from others. individualized treatment plan. • low self-esteem Both conditions can have devastating While some children can receive care • perfectionism consequences. Anorexics literally starve on an outpatient basis, others require • pre-existing psychiatric conditions themselves, often leading to permanent hospitalization at Miami Children’s. • history of physical or sexual abuse damage to the bones, heart and brain, During the stay, the child’s health • feeling life is out of his or even death. Between 5 and 10 percent is continuously monitored and first her control of those with anorexia die within 10 steps are taken to alter behaviors. • pressure to look a certain way 5 years of contracting the disease. In addition to medical stabilization, or to meet a certain weight n Those with bulimia often suffer from therapy helps adolescents and their depression, anxiety disorders, heart families learn how to deal effectively

summer 2005 Children’s Gazette Community E-Cards Deliver Education Calendar Smiles end a free e-card to your loved CPR Class (English and Spanish) one at Miami Children’s Hospital Designed to teach parents, grandparents and Son any day for any occasion. caregivers pediatric CPR skills. Please call It’s as easy as choosing a card, filling (305) 662-8282 for further information. out the form and clicking the submit Child Passenger Safety button. Child safety is our priority. Child passenger safety You can choose from a wide variety technicians will check your child’s seat for defects, recalls, installation and fit. Please contact of categories in both English and (305) 663-6800 for more information. Spanish, including get well soon, birthday and seasonal cards. Funny Emergent Language Group for Children with Autism messages and sincere wishes are all Thursdays, 4–4:45 p.m. created with children in mind. Music therapy is used to promote language Personalize your card with your development in children with autism. For more information call (305) 666-6511, ext. 2434. own message and be sure to fill in the patient’s full name and room number Social Skills Group for to guarantee delivery. A representative Adolescents with Autism Wednesdays, 4–4:45 p.m. from the Patient and Family Services Music therapy is used to enhance social skills Department will deliver the card. among teens with autism. For more information Send an e-card today. Visit call (305) 666-6511, ext. 2434. www.mch.com and click “For Patients.”

come for a tour the Saturday before a scheduled surgery. During the tour, children watch a Presurgical tours are held every It’sTime video about the hospital. The video Saturday. Please call (305) 666-6511, is hosted by the character Dr. Bip, ext. 3932, to make a reservation. for a who shows them what happens Tour before surgery, after surgery and in the hospital room for overnight stays. Having surgery can be a Then, everyone goes on a guided tour stressful event at any age, of the hospital with one of the hospital’s certified Child Life Specialists. In but it’s particularly worrisome addition, the Child Life Specialist uses for children. That’s why an anatomic doll to show children what Miami Children’s Hospital they will experience while hospitalized offers presurgical tours to such as having an IV and wearing an calm children’s fears and anesthesia mask and special hospital prepare both parent and pajamas. “The more the child knows prior to child for surgery. surgery, the better he or she can cope or many years Miami Children’s with the situation,” says Michelle Hospital has offered presurgical Jackson, Certified Child Life Specialist Ftours as a way to help at Miami Children’s. “We’ve found prepare children for their scheduled that we have better cooperation and procedures, and in effect reduce the recovery with children who go through stress and anxiety associated with the presurgical tours. The difference this event. It’s recommended that children step of preparation can make to a child ages 3 and older (and their families) is remarkable.”

6Childre n’s Gazette summer 2005 Philanthropic Profile

Helping Raise Funds One Tee at a Time

Thanks to Atlantic Dental, only natural that we align ourselves Golf Tournament marked its first Inc.’s generous sponsorship with the leading healthcare provider philanthropic collaboration with of the Swing for Smiles for children in the South Florida area.” Miami Children’s. Since sponsoring AN ORGANIZATION the Swing for Smiles Golf Tournament, Golf Tournament last fall, BASED ON CARING Atlantic Dental, Inc., has again worked Miami Children’s Hospital Atlantic Dental, Inc., was founded with the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation was able to raise in January 1997 by former Miami Foundation, taping a sponsor segment over $144,000. Children’s Hospital Foundation board for the Children’s Miracle Network member Mike Fernandez. Through its Telethon. n a calm day in November network of more than 1,300 dentists “The Swing for Smiles Golf 2004, 18 foursomes and dental specialists, the company Tournament sponsored by Atlantic gathered at Marriott’s provides affordable dental services Dental, Inc., raised more than Doral Golf Resort and to 500,000 members in the state of $144,000 in a single day. These O Florida. unrestricted funds were dedicated to Spa for a day of golfing, food, silent auctions and prizes. Though the In addition to providing service funding areas in the hospital with the golfers were all there to have fun, they through other HMOs, associations, highest levels of need,” says Robin- were also there for a larger purpose— employer groups and individuals, Reiter-Faragalli, President of Miami to raise money for Miami Children’s Atlantic Dental, Inc., provides care to Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The Hospital. thousands of South Florida children support of corporate sponsors like The Swing for Smiles Golf through various governmental Atlantic Dental, Inc., is a tremendous Tournament—sponsored by Atlantic programs. asset to the hospital, the Foundation Dental, Inc.—provided an excellent “Atlantic Dental, Inc.’s primary and the community.” opportunity for South Florida’s leading focus is providing dental care to our For more information on how dental HMO to join forces with community, but we know great dental you or your company can contribute Miami Children’s, raising money that care is only one part of the overall to the Miami Children’s Hospital will create a positive impact on overall health picture,” Chang says. “We want Foundation, please contact Ivette Diaz health within the community. to do anything we can to help kids be at (305) 666-2889. “Every year, doctors are learning as healthy as possible. By supporting more and more about the connection organizations like Miami Children’s between dental care and overall who have the same focus, we can health,” says Leila Chang, President reach our goals.” and CEO of Atlantic Dental, Inc. COMING TOGETHER FOR CHILDREN “We provide dental care to 200,000 Atlantic Dental, Inc., has worked children on Medicaid in Miami-Dade closely with other community County and another 100,000 children and children’s organizations in through Florida Healthy Kids, so it’s the past, and the Swing for Smiles

summer 2005 Children’s Gazette7 hat WCan You

When you hear aboutD a odaughter’s? classmate who underwent surgery or the neighbor’s son who was just diagnosed with leukemia, something inside your head might scream, “Do something!” But many of us don’t know how to reach out effectively.

hen you’re trying your best a child has been injured or is seriously to decipher the medical information to be helpful to the family ill, parents may not have the time or they’re receiving and keep themselves Wof an ill child, remember energy to deal with multiple calls. together. They don’t need the added these tips from the healthcare DON’T: Say “Let me know if you stress of having to entertain guests professionals at Miami Children’s need anything!” Though the family or explain the latest developments, Hospital. of the ill child will definitely need and they’re probably exhausted and DON’T: Call the hospital or nursing help, they probably aren’t going to overwhelmed and want to focus on unit and ask for information about take the time to ask for it. When they their immediate family and sick child. the child’s condition. Federal privacy get over the initial shock and grief of DO: Wait days, weeks or even laws prevent hospital staff from giving the accident or diagnosis, they might months before visiting. Some information to anyone other than the realize they need assistance but could serious illnesses such as childhood child’s parents or legal guardians, and be uncomfortable asking for it. cancers may mean many months your phone calls may keep the medical DO: Something and anything you of intermittent hospitalizations for team from taking care of patients. can do to help the family. Offer to pick treatment. Though people tend to DO: Send a card or note letting up siblings from school and bring the come out of the woodwork at the the family know you’re thinking of family dinner. Arrange to bring mail to beginning, nine months later friends them. Many hospitals—like Miami the hospital, restock the refrigerator or and families have gone on with their Children’s Hospital—offer an e-card clean the house. Don’t ask, just do. lives. This is the time the parents will service that allows you to e-mail a card DON’T: Drop by the hospital to visit need you the most. to the child through the hospital’s web in large groups. You’ll also need to Following these guidelines can site. Once the card is received by the make sure visitors are welcome before help you be a good friend and a huge hospital, hospital personnel deliver it you decide to go to the hospital. blessing to a family during a very to the child’s bedside. During the initial few days of a difficult time. DON’T: Call the child’s parents to serious illness or after a traumatic ask about his or her condition. When injury, the child’s parents are trying

8Childre n’s Gazette summer 2005 ecause hurricanes often strike spared from harsh depictions without much warning, they of tragedy or destruction. “Bcan be difficult for children 3 Let them help. When preparing to deal with emotionally,” says Gilda for a hurricane, let your children Moreno, PsyD, ATR-BC, Chief accompany you to the grocery Prepara ion Psychologist at Miami Children’s store to purchase necessary items t Hospital. “If a child doesn’t receive such as batteries, bottled water the proper assurance from his or her and canned foods. Not only will caretaker, the psychological trauma this allow bonding, but it will Is e can last for months.” also reassure them that you Ky Follow these steps during hurricane are prepared for any scenario. season to help keep your children calm. If you follow the above steps and Hurricane season is here. 1 Talk about it. Children still feel your child has suffered severe Prepare your child with are going to hear about an emotional trauma, contact a child these tips. approaching hurricane from psychologist. Symptoms include lack friends or on television, so of appetite or overeating, clinginess, don’t keep them in the dark. not wanting to separate from parents Instead, tell your children that and insomnia. all precautions have been For more on preparing children for taken and reassure them a hurricane, call (305) 666-6511, ext. you will be able to protect them. 2465. In addition, the Miami Children’s o Hospital web site provides useful D ? Monitor the television. 2 Once a hurricane is confirmed, information during hurricane watches watching television for updates and warnings. Visit www.mch.com to is a necessity. However, censor learn more. children’s viewing so they can be

care until they can be restored the to the wild. Others, including Answering an abandoned pet skunk, whose glands have been removed, are Call permanent residents of their two- i acre homestead. of the l “I help my wife in many aspects Wd on animal care, such as suturing, t’s 11 p.m. and Barry Chandler, splinting and IV therapy, as well MD, Division Director of as feeding and cage cleaning. Our INeonatology at Miami Children’s animals are like our babies now Hospital, and his wife, Debra, are busy that our six children are grown. bottle-feeding the latest furry guests at We’re proud to be able to restore their Broward County home. about 95 percent of them to a place “Baby raccoons need to be fed where they can be released back every six hours, with the last feeding into the wild,” says Dr. Chandler. at 11 o’clock at night,” explains Dr. As appealing as wild creatures Chandler. The Chandlers are experts in can be, Dr. Chandler cautions the care of South Florida wild things. children and adults against Debra serves as President of Rascals touching injured or abandoned Wildlife Care Network, Inc., a role animals. “Some can be quite that keeps her busy tending to rescued, dangerous when cornered,” he abandoned and orphaned opossums, says. Anyone finding an animal ill neonates he treats at Miami foxes, skunks, pelicans, river otters, in distress should contact police, Children’s Hospital. emus, peacocks and flamingos. animal control or a local wildlife “In both situations, we’re caring for ANIMAL DOCTOR rehabilitation program. babies who can’t tell us what’s wrong Some of the Chandlers’ furry BABY CONNECTION with them,” said Dr. Chandler. “It’s very and feathered charges—such as the Dr. Chandler sees a link between his rewarding to save a little part of our baby raccoons—require temporary care of wild creatures and the critically world—baby humans and baby animals.”

summer 2005 Children’s Gazette9 Foundation Events Recap

Pembroke Lakes Mall

Pembroke Lakes Mall donated $4,900 to Rasciel Socarras, MD, and his wife, Maria, and daughter, Natalia. Right: MCH Foundation Board Member CMN. The funds raised were from Constance M. Fernandez and her son Cristofer making their debut on the catwalk. special events in 2004 and from the proceeds of gumball machines located Sixth Annual Hugs and throughout the mall. Kisses Children’s Fashion Show This year’s “Cosmic Craze” themed fashion show was chaired by Zurami Pascual Martinez and Carmen Carolina Lauria. More than 150 mini models descended on the runway to wow the crowd with their catwalk styles while helping to support Miami Children’s. A special thanks to the host com- mittee for their hard work, and to our sponsors, Adrian Builders, David Yurman, Gibraltar Bank, Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Jagid, Mastec, Neff Rentals, Inc. and all the others who helped make this a hit!

Miami’s Most Photogenic Baby Contest

Miami’s Most Photogenic Baby Contest was again held at Aventura Mall. Two hundred and eighty chil- dren participated and raised $8,381.50 for CMN. Thank you to American Performing Arts Network for coordinating the event and Aventura Mall for hosting it. Caitlin Field, Judge’s Choice winner (left) and Grant Giovanetti, Voter’s Choice winner with his mom (right).

Legal Sea Foods

For the fourth year, Legal Sea Foods raised funds during the holiday season through its gift card program and donated $7,000 to MCH Foundation.

Marcelo Deveza, Robin Reiter-Faragatti, Maria Moldes and Mark Ortell

Caitlin Field, Judges Choice winner (left) and Grant Giovanetti, Voter’s Choice winner with his mom (right).

FIU Dance Marathon

The Eighth Annual FIU Dance Marathon was a huge success! More than 120 dancers participated and raised $77,950 for CMN. Thank you to Jessica Franchi-Alfaro and the entire Dance Marathon Committee for their months of hard work.

10Childre n’s Gazette summer 2005 Swing for Smiles! Upcoming Events Last fall’s golf tournament event was another swinging success for Miami Children’s. Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at Marriott’s Doral Golf Resort and Spa and raised $144,000 to ben- CMN bracelets are now available for $1 each. The efit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. A special thanks to our presenting sponsor Atlantic silicone bracelets are yellow (Miracle Maker) and red Dental, Inc., and all the corporations and individuals who supported this event. (Children’s Miracle Network). This is a trendy and easy way for you to get involved with CMN. To place an order or for more information, please contact Alexis Viera at [email protected] or (786) 268-1827. The Hyatt Team led by Victor Lopez (far left), joined golf legend Raymond Floyd (center). October 29 Hall of Fame Gala at the Radisson Miami. Tickets prices: $400–$600, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information please contact Ann Lyons at [email protected] or (786) 268-1830. November 10 Queen of Hearts Luncheon at the Fontainbleau Hilton. For more information please contact Ann Lyons at [email protected] or (786) 268-1830. November 13 Local participants of Marriott’s Torch Relay will complete their portion of the relay in South Florida. This year’s relay begins in Washington, DC, and ends in Los Angeles. For more information please visit www.torch-relay.org or call (786) 268-1827. November 19 & 20 Fifth Annual Hasbro Toy Sale. For more information please contact Alexis Viera at [email protected] or (786) 268-1827.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Miami’s charity premiere of the last Star Wars movie was a galactic adventure benefiting MCH Foundation! Guests enjoyed the screening and then journeyed into the infamous “Mos Eisley’s Cantina” to enjoy the post-party. They were greeted by Stormtroopers, and then mingled with Star Wars characters from the past and present. This night was made possible by the generosity of presenting sponsor BlueCross BlueShield of Florida and others including Publix Supermarkets; Bank of America; Alan Fisher, PA; Florida Power & Light; Hasbro Latin America; Legal Sea Foods; Lockheed Martin; and Tiffany & Co. May the force be with you! MCH Foundation Chairman Mark Blank with his wife, Bonnie; Darth Vader; and Michael Duchowny, MD. Right: Shelly Spivack of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida with Jon and Maritere Secada and MCH Foundation President Robin Reiter-Faragalli.

Tropical CMN News Welcome to the CMN Family! Financial Raises 2004 was a great CMN fundraising year. We’d like to welcome the following new Re/Max offices to Funds for CMN The top five CMN sponsors for 2004 were: South Florida and the CMN family: 1 Publix • Re/Max Professionals in Coral Springs Tropical Financial Credit Union held 2 Costco the grand opening of its new headquarters 3 Marriott • Re/Max Island Realty in Key West in Miramar. Our friends at Tropical came 4 Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club • Re/Max BestSeller Realty in Miami Beach up with a unique fundraiser at the 5 Re/Max ribbon-cutting ceremony by stapling money • Re/Max in Motion in Pompano Beach across the length of the ribbon. Proceeds Thank you to all of our CMN sponsors benefited CMN. for your efforts! summer 2005 Children’s Gazette11 Kid’s Korner FUN FACT Did you know that more WHAT IS than 650 doctors and 2,400 employees and volunteers care for children every day at Miami Children’s Hospital? That’s a lot of caring! IT? � �� � Clues �� �� �� 1 It hangs from your �� �� doctor’s neck. � �� 2 It’s cold when it touches �� your skin. �� �� 3 It’s used to listen to your ���� heart and lungs. ��

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