The Human Touch
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The Human Touch Spring 2014 Donor Magazine Big Brown Eyes - Brock Cruz Benefits FromHHHC’s Pediatric Program • Letter From the New Board Chair • Compassion At Its Finest Home Health & Hospice Care 603.882.2941 www.hhhc.org rd • 231 Annual Golf Tournament and much more... HHHC Welcomes New Board, Chair BIG Brown Eyes Greetings! I am Claire Castanino, the newly-appointed Chair of the Board of Home August 14, 2013 wasn’t a typical day for the Cruz Health & Hospice Care (HHHC). It’s been my pleasure to serve on the Board of family. This day represented something naturally Directors for the past four years, and I look forward to working closely with the beautiful; the birth of baby Brock. But as organization over the upcoming years. Felicia and her husband Victor welcomed their beautiful boy, the journey of their new addition was Even if you’ve never heard my name before, my heart knows that no formal just beginning. introduction is needed as we’re a lot alike. You’re reading this because you understand the significant value HHHC brings to its patients, their families, and our Early in Felicia’s second trimester, doctors community as a whole. Their work has touched your life, as it has mine. Even though diagnosed Brock with transposition of the great there are numerous great causes to champion, you have chosen to support it just as I arteries, ventricular septal defect, tricuspid have. Regardless, we all know that HHHC stands out from others as it cuts to the core atresia, and hypoplastic right ventricle. This meant of humanity—respectful, skilled delivery of fundamental human needs in a setting their baby was going to be born with the lower conducive to maximum caring for all. section of his heart fully inverted, causing a reversal in the normal blood flow pattern. “When my husband and I went to find out the sex of My tenure at HHHC has provided me with a number of epiphanies. First and Brock, the doctors discovered there were deficiencies,” Felicia says. “I have had numerous foremost—I knew the staff was good. I knew that, besides the staff, they’re supported by a large army of volunteers that Brock at home with Pediatric Nurse Emily. are as equally as good. But “good” does not describe the level of quality, care, and passion that is prevalent at every level ultrasounds, but I knew this ultrasound was of the organization. It is nothing less than outstanding. Second, I have been astounded by the variety of channels different.” Knowing their baby would have to undergo multiple surgeries to repair the malformation, Felicia is brought back to through which they deliver their services and third, by the sheer numbers of services they provide in as seamless a fashion the experience of her oldest child. “It’s scary to hear that your baby will have these complications, but having gone through as is fathomable. something similar with Isabela, we learned to take it one day at a time. We knew we would love him anyway.” I am also impressed, with and proud to serve alongside, the other members of the Board of Directors. Their energy, Felicia’s oldest daughter, Isabela, was born with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, which eventually debilitated her to a wheelchair. passion, and commitment to HHHC mirror the organization itself. The Board is always hoping to include these similar, Not only does Felicia have two young children with health deficits, Felicia is a mother of five. The Cruz family members include dedicated, energetic individuals to join our community either now or in the future. Isabela, 7, Raphael, 5, Reina, 4, Tomas, 2 and Brock, 7 months old. Through the support of family and friends, the Cruz’s have made their lives as normal as possible. “The kids are incredibly well-behaved and there is so much love in that house,” Pediatric Health care in America is changing at all levels and affecting every type of health care provider. Throughout these Nurse Emily Sindoni explains. “They are all so sweet and calm.” changes, HHHC’s promise to you is that our focus will remain on delivering the very best service possible in every circumstance. That is our mission and our passion. Emily visits patients like Brock frequently to provide additional medical support. While Home Health & Hospice Care’s (HHHC pediatric patients may regularly visit their primary physician, Emily’s visits are unique. For Brock, Emily listens to his heart, Sincerely, monitors his breathing, tracks his weight and checks his G-tube. During these visits, Felicia has the opportunity to discuss any Claire Castanino issues, such as rejection of food and/or reactions to medication. “Part of my job is to educate the mom, or the family, regarding the care of the G-tube and the G-tube feeding via electronic pump, and to reinforce the feeding plan of care,” Emily states. The incorporation of G-tube feeding proved to be a challenge, eventually leading Brock to become fully dependent on it. This method assists Brock’s body to accept food, as well as sustain his weight. Because his heart is working so hard and burning so 2014 Volunteer Board of Directors many calories, bottle feeding is no longer an option. Brock’s surgery requires him to be above ten pounds and at the age of 7 months, Brock is just barely exceeding this weight. Although Brock’s weight is beginning to move in a positive direction, due to Claire Castanino, Chairman Cliff Kinghorn, Jr. Lorin Rydstrom his weight complications, his muscle strength has been delayed. This constraint prevents Brock from being capable of rolling over or being able to sit up on his own. “The next step is to have early intervention come in,” Emily says. Early intervention will Ken Bridgewater, Vice Chair Corin DeChirico, DO Peter Chaloner provide Physical Therapy to improve the delayed growth of Brock’s muscles. Brock and his family have the option to continue Tom McAndrews, Treasurer Dave Petropulos Robert Moheban, MD early intervention until he is three years old, then the public school system takes responsibility. Although Brock’s condition is Jolie Blauvelt, Secretary Dee Pringle Sandy Rodgers serious, his previous surgeries have given him additional time to gain the required weight and strength. Marcia Donaldson, Director Emeritus Elizabeth Cote Stephen J. Frasca, Esq. Brian Walters Kathy Grossman Tim Riley (continued on page 5) 2 3 (continued from page 3) In December of 2013, Brock had undergone one cardiac catherization and one open heart surgery for a pulmonary artery band placement. It was a procedure to provide a temporary fix until Brock is stable enough to undergo his critical surgeries; the “Glenn” and the “Fontan.” These surgeries redirect the blood flow since one of Brock’s ventricles is ineffective. This allows the blood to be routed directly to significant places, like his lungs, leaving the working ventricle to evenly pump blood to the remainder of his body. When Brock’s weight becomes stable, the “Glenn” and “Fontan” surgeries will take place at Boston Children’s Hospital, Compassion At Its Finest where he and Felicia were taken directly following his birth. Felicia describes her experience with Brock’s first surgery…“We weren’t prepared for what we saw. As you walk through the front doors to the beautiful house on Naticook Road, the air fills with a warm chocolate smell He had so much medicine in his system and he was so small. He looked so cold and from cookies baking. The paint on the wall comes to life with the soft illumination of the various lamps scattered almost blue. It was a sight I never expected.” Despite how vital his next surgeries around the building. The temperature changes from cool to warm as you follow the carpet further into the house. The are, Felicia has remained resilient. “This time around we will be better prepared. sound of a piano draws your attention into the living room, and tranquility sets in. The house seems to be comfortable, We have to. Being strong is something we have to do.” This admiration isn’t just quaint, and engaging, just like a home. apparent in Felicia. Brock shares his mother’s resiliency. Emily listens to Brock’s heart and lungs. For ten year old Lily Fulford the house was sweet and peaceful, but it wasn’t until she saw the generous care being Despite Brock’s illness, he is full of personality. “He is always cooperative, never cries when Emily visit him. He is a very relaxed provided to her grandmother, that she knew it was a truly special house. Catherine, “Kitty” or “Kiki,” Hammond was baby,” Felicia describes her son. “He has the biggest and kindest brown eyes. He’s very alert and takes in the whole process.” at the Community Hospice House in October of 2013. In August of that year, Lily had made a lap quilt to surround her Emily’s visits have given Felicia and her family peace of mind. “Emily’s visits are more private and personal than going to the grandmother with love and to help keep her warm. “That quilt was very special to my mother and she brought it with doctor’s office. We are all a little more comfortable, plus it’s convenient for us,” says Felicia. her to your center,” Mrs. Hammond’s daughter, Lee Hammond-Fulford, says. “It gave her something created with love to hold onto, buttons and ties to occupy her hands when she was nervous and something bright to lay upon her Brock has been a patient with Emily and HHHC for only one month, but since the beginning of Emily’s visits there have been bed.” many positive changes.