42840 ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8 the Alexians Summer V 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 1

42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 1

TheAlexians The Love of Christ Impels Us Alexian Brothers Health System Francis Cardinal George visits ABWCH Vision Statement Alexian Brothers Health System will engage all our associates rancis Cardinal George, and partners in a prophetic, O.M.I., Archbishop of holistic approach to healthcare, FChicago, praised the rooted in Gospel values and “magnificent heritage” of the the 800-year legacy of the Alexian Brothers and their Alexian Brothers. We seek impact on healthcare in the to bring healing to a broken Chicago area during a special world through collaboration blessing event at the newly with others. opened Alexian Brothers Mission Statement Women and Children’s Alexian Brothers Health System Hospital (ABWCH). carries out the healing mission Cardinal George’s visit of the Catholic Church through April 29 concluded a series of the Alexian Brothers ministries celebrations surrounding the by identifying and developing opening of the $125 million effective responses to the health hospital April 6. Located adja- Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., poses for a photo with (left to right) Brother Theodore and housing needs of those we cent to St. Alexius Medical Loucks, C.F.A., Brother Jeffrey Callander, C.F.A., Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A., Brother are called to serve. Tom Klein, C.F.A., Novice Brother Paul Magner, C.F.A., and Priest/Chaplain Father Domingo Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill., Hurtado at Alexian Brothers Women and Children’s Hospital. ABWCH provides convenient access to a broad continuum of advanced pedi- place, in the history of this archdiocese and of atric care that families in Chicago’s northwest our city,” Cardinal George said. suburbs previously could receive only by travel- The arrival of ABWCH begins “a new era of ing much farther. advanced pediatric care in the Chicago suburbs,” “It’s a great joy to be with the Alexian said Cardinal George, who blessed physicians, Brothers community once again, at a new facility staff, patients and their families during his visit this time…and to see again the way in which to the 126-bed hospital. “This is a great service (their) magnificent heritage…has played itself to bring a children’s and women’s hospital of Summer 2013 out in institution after institution, in place after (continued on page 7) 42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 2

Summer2013

Alexian Brothers’ mission resonates with guests at Ball de Fleur

n 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed Scheffler, Assistant Vice President of the Alexian Alexian Brothers Hospital just five years after Brothers Foundation. IBrother Bonaventure Thelen, C.F.A., had Highlights of the evening included remarks founded the Alexian Brothers’ U.S. ministry in by Brother Daniel “Dan” McCormick, C.F.A., the Windy City. Among the many other structures Provincial of the Immaculate Conception consumed by the fire was the Palmer House Hotel, Province of the Congregation of Alexian which had been open for just 13 days. Brothers, who talked about their 800-year Quick to rebuild, the two organizations history, their tradition of caring for the mentally since have become enduring parts of Chicago’s ill, the dying, the poor and the disenfranchised, institutional landscape, and on May 4, they and the importance of philanthropy to the Alexian Brothers’ mission. Brother Dan also asked guests to think of Brother Valentino “Val” Bianco, C.F.A., who played an important role in organizing the Ball de Fleur for many years. Brother Val suffered a stroke in 2012 and missed the event for the first time this year. After Brother Dan’s remarks, an eight- minute video spotlighted the Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance (ABHHA). The video included interviews with ABHHA clients, who described how the Alliance saved and improved their lives. Brother Dan, Mark Frey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alexian Brothers Health System, and Cheryl Potts, ABHHA Executive Director, also appeared in the video. Frey kicked off the Ball de Fleur by (Left to right) Alexian Brothers joined forces to host the 27th Annual Alexian welcoming guests and introducing Brother Dan, Foundation Board member Rich Brothers Ball de Fleur at the Palmer House Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A., and Novice Brother Pucci, Marian Pucci, Alexian Brothers Foundation Vice President Melanie Hilton. Paul Magner, C.F.A. Frey also thanked the Ball’s Furlan and John Furlan enjoy the Featuring the theme, “Centuries of Charity Diamond Sponsor, MEA of TEAMHealth, and festivities at the 27th Annual and Charm,” the event attracted more than 500 Platinum Sponsors, Athenahealth, Inc., Power Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur. people and raised $340,000 for the Alexian Construction Company, and Superior Ambu- Brothers Center for Mental Health, the Alexian lance Service. Brothers Housing and Health Alliance (formerly Saif Nazir, M.D., F.A.C.P., President of MEA known as the Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry), of TEAMHealth, delivered the toast. “Together, and the Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence, we applaud the many successes of the Alexian which is expected to open this July in Elk Grove Brothers’ mission-critical programs, and we pay Village, Ill. tribute to the men, women and children, the “It was the most fantastic evening for shin- young and the old, the poor and broken- ing the light on the Alexian Brothers’ mission, hearted, who are in their care – who are in all for fund-raising, and for the three mission- of our care,” he said. “Shouldn’t we all strive 2 critical programs that will benefit,” says Joan (continued on page 8) 42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 3

TheAlexians

Provincial’s Letter

Dear Alexian Friends: build a monastery, a home for the elderly, The relentless march of time and the unebbing strong community relationships and a vibrant flow of human events can make it seem like the vocations program. only constant in life is change. The Alexian Brothers who founded our But this edition of The Alexians reminds us ministry in Signal Mountain 75 years ago also of another constant – the centuries-old commit- were fearless in their commitment to serving the ment of the Alexian Brothers and their lay physi- elderly. They overcame initial resistance to the cians, associates and supporters to caring for the ministry and later gained community support poor, the sick, the elderly and the vulnerable. because of the high-quality care and services they This commitment is the common thread in provided. Today, the ministry is an important every article in this edition, from our cover story provider of older-adult services across the Signal about Francis Cardinal George’s visit to the new Mountain/Chattanooga area. Alexian Brothers Women and Children’s Hosp- None of these stories exists in isolation from ital (ABWCH) to our reports on the 27th An- the others. They are tied together not only by the nual Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur, the passing Alexian Brothers’ mission, but also by a pro- of Brother Joseph Francis Czébán, C.F.A., and found respect for the human condition and an the 75th anniversary of the Alexian Brothers’ unwavering spirit of selflessness, perseverance ministry in Signal Mountain, Tenn. and partnership. Made possible by the efforts of our lay The Alexian Brothers continue to be blessed physicians, associates and supporters, ABWCH with lay physicians, associates and supporters provides greater access to advanced pediatric who are fully committed to our mission and to care for families in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, being part of a healing tradition that is larger including individuals who are poor, sick and than any single individual. For them, and for the vulnerable. Before the hospital opened April 6, Alexian Brothers, ego is not part of the equation. suburban families had to travel much farther to It’s all about persevering and partnering on receive such care. behalf of the Alexian Brothers’ mission and This year’s Ball de Fleur epitomized the the people and communities we serve. commitment of our lay supporters to the The only reason the Alexian Brothers have Alexian Brothers’ mission. They turned out survived for 800 years is that partnership is more in force for the event, contributing $340,000 than just a word in a plaque hanging on a wall at to support three mission-critical programs. one of our facilities. It is a lived reality. Our lay Brother Joseph Francis founded the Alexian physicians, associates and supporters embrace Brothers’ mission in Gyo˝rújbarát, Hungary, in the Alexian Brothers’ mission. They live and 2003 and oversaw its steady growth during the breathe it every day. Together, they deliver last 10 years. His work reflected the essence of comfort and healing, standing as a constant the Alexian Brothers’ mission. Identifying a in a world full of change. need to serve the poor elderly, one of society’s most vulnerable groups, Brother Joseph Francis May God Bless You and Yours, committed himself fearlessly to the cause, much like the earliest Alexian Brothers did when they Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A. cared for the sick and dying during the Black Provincial Death of the Middle Ages. He took the bull by Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers the horns, overcoming numerous challenges to 3 42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 4

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IN MEMORIAM: BROTHER JOSEPH FRANCIS CZÉBÁN, C.F.A. ‘Joseph was fearless, just as the early Brothers were fearless’

n a snowy day in February 2003, Brother because he had to build relationships with a Joseph Francis Czébán, C.F.A., stepped Church that had been suppressed for 60 years Ooff a train in Budapest, Hungary, with and with a political state that had been very two suitcases in his hands. “Dear Lord, here I am controlling and domineering. It was a huge chal- to serve you,” he thought to himself. “What should lenge, but it was never one that Joseph ran from. I do?” His favorite expression was ‘Pray, hope and wait.’ Brother Joseph Francis recalled this He did, and as a result, the Brothers have a grow- moment last January while discussing the 10th ing presence in Hungary.” anniversary of the Alexian Brothers’ Hungarian More than 250 people attended Brother mission, which he founded after arriving in Joseph Francis’ funeral Mass, held outdoors next Budapest. to St. Alexius Monastery, the Alexian Brothers’ Determined to help the poor, elderly and residence and Postulancy and Novitiate house in vulnerable in his homeland, he built the mission Gyo˝rújbarát. The local bishop and 28 area priests in Gyo˝rújbarát, Hungary, through hard work concelebrated the Mass. Brother Dan represented and persistence. He introduced the Alexian the Immaculate Conception Province at the Brothers and explained their mission to govern- funeral. Brother Benedikt-Maria Ende, C.F.A., Brother Joseph Francis Czébán, C.F.A., is remembered for building the ment officials and Catholic leaders. He perse- Provincial of the St. Alexius Province (in Alexian Brothers’ Hungarian mission vered through a variety of challenges, expanding Germany) of the Congregation of Alexian through hard work and persistence. the mission to include a monastery, a home for Brothers, and members of the congregation’s the elderly, and a vibrant vocations program. He General Council also attended the funeral. established strong community relationships and They included Brother Edward Walsh, C.F.A., developed a network of Alexian Brothers Superior General; Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A., Associates, laypeople who share in the life and Assistant General; Brother Dominikus Seeberg, mission of the Alexian Brothers and C.F.A., Councilor/Treasurer; and Brother John- Alexian Brothers remain assist in their ministries. of-God Oblina, C.F.A., Councilor. committed to Hungary When Brother Joseph Francis, After the funeral Mass, the Alexian Brothers 72, passed away in his sleep May 3 and other mourners formed a procession to a The Alexian Brothers’ Hungarian mission at the mission, he left a legacy of fear- nearby church cemetery, where Brother Joseph “will continue to flourish and grow,” despite lessness reminiscent of the earliest was laid to rest. “He was revered” among local the death of its founder, Brother Joseph Alexian Brothers, who ministered Catholics, Brother Dan says. “He didn’t sit on Francis Czébán, C.F.A., says Brother Daniel “Dan” McCormick, C.F.A., Provincial of the to victims of the Black Death in high and pontificate. He was in the nursing Immaculate Conception Province of the Europe during the Middle Ages, says home, up to his elbows in dish water and taking Congregation of Alexian Brothers. Brother Daniel “Dan” McCormick, the trash out…. He was there because there was Brother Alexius Siska, C.F.A., has been named Community Superior at the mission; C.F.A. “Joseph went to Hungary a need, and he worked very, very hard.” Brother Pió Szabó, C.F.A., has been appoint- with nothing,” says Brother Dan, Raised in a Hungarian orphanage, Brother ed as Director of the Alexian Brothers Provincial of the Immaculate Joseph Francis later emigrated to the United Associates; and Brother Leó Vendrey, C.F.A., Conception Province of the States and pursued an information-systems will assist Brother Alexius with administra- tive matters. “The Alexian Brothers in Congregation of Alexian Brothers. career before joining the Alexian Brothers as Hungary have stepped into the breach with- “Communism had fallen there in a postulant in St. Louis in 1996. out missing a breath,” Brother Dan says. the not-too-distant past. He identi- “What he did in Hungary is exactly what A local Benedictine priest will serve as fied a need and worked to build St. the Brothers have done from the very beginning,” Novice Master for the mission, continuing its formation program by helping to train Elizabeth of Hungary Home for the Brother Dan says. “Joseph was fearless, just as new Alexian Brothers. Elderly against a lot of difficulty, the early Brothers were fearless.” 42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 5

TheAlexians

Tennessee ministry prepares to celebrate 75th anniversary

n November 1938, the Alexian Brothers opened a retirement and nursing home for elderly men Iin a former hotel in Signal Mountain, Tenn. The hotel had fallen on hard times during the Great Depression, and the Alexian Brothers acquired it, added a monastery and chapel, and made other renovations to convert the building into a rest home and a training facility for postu- lants and novices. Today, the Alexian Brothers are preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their Tennessee ministry, which has expanded through the decades, establishing Alexian Brothers Health System (ABHS) as an important provider of older-adult services in the Signal Mountain/ Chattanooga area. With the 75th anniversary of the Alexian Brothers’ ministry in Signal Mountain, Tenn., approaching, Robin Although the Alexian Brothers initially Baschnagel (second from right) joins Brother Lawrence Krueger, C.F.A., Brother Edward Walsh, C.F.A., and encountered opposition to the ministry, they Brother Andrew Thome, C.F.A., (left to right), in reviewing historical materials in the Archives of the Alexian Brothers Generalate in America in Signal Mountain. later gained community support because of the high-quality care and services they provided. which will begin in November and will encom- “The Brothers are well loved,” says Robin pass the anticipated opening of the new Health Baschnagel, President and Chief Executive & Rehabilitation Center next April. The Alexian Officer of Alexian Village of Tennessee (AVT). Brothers broke ground for the 114-bed facility “They are viewed as the hands of Christ.” last September, and construction “is moving During the mid-1960s, the rest home was along fast,” Baschnagel says. By early spring, renovated again to allow women residents, and three of the facility’s five floors were built, a between 1983 and 1987, the Alexian Brothers good part of the building’s framework was visi- opened AVT in phases at the site. The arrival ble, and work had begun on the foundation of a of the continuing-care retirement community new chapel that will be connected to the facility ushered in a period of expansion that continues by a hallway. The chapel will include stained- today with construction of a new $23 million glass windows from the original chapel built Health & Rehabilitation Center at AVT. when the Alexian Brothers established the The rest home and the current Alexian Signal Mountain ministry 75 years ago, Village Health & Rehabilitation Center are Baschnagel says. “something that many people just reflect on The new Health & Rehabilitation Center with good favor because of the good care that will feature private rooms, modern amenities has been provided there throughout the years to and a homelike environment. The rooms will

the people of Signal Mountain and Chattanooga be divided into seven “neighborhoods,” each Construction of the new Health & who come to the mountain for healthcare serv- with a small group of residents clustered around Rehabilitation Center at Alexian Village ices,” Baschnagel says. a common dining- and living-room area. One of of Tennessee is moving quickly. The 114-bed facility is expected to open The Alexian Brothers, Baschnagel and the neighborhoods will offer assisted-living serv- in April 2014. ministry staff members have been making plans ices exclusively for residents with memory disor- for a yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, ders – a new AVT program. 5 42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 6

Summer2013

New women and children’s hospital increases access to advanced care

lexian Brothers Women and Children’s available to women and children, and I think Hospital (ABWCH) provides some of the we’ve succeeded,” Frey says. “There are far more Amost comprehensive and complex sub- services here than we have had the capacity to specialized pediatric care in the world, including deliver in the past. We also hoped to increase surgical oncology and neurosurgery for children. access to care for children, which is a significant The new, 210,000 square-foot specialty problem across the United States. What you see hospital on the campus of St. Alexius Medical here is an opportunity for us to open our doors Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill., features expan- for more people who are poor and vulnerable in sive mother/baby services and a Level III Neo- our community to make sure that no one is natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that cares turned away.” for the tiniest babies as well as newborns with The new hospital features a kid-friendly environment, including a tent-like canopy illu- minated by lights that change colors outside the main entrance, and playrooms for different age groups on the second floor. The interior of the hospital was designed to create a homelike feel- ing, with wood tones, a mixture of bright and neutral colors, and artwork by Illinois artists, including local children. Ensuring privacy, comfort and convenience for patients and their families also was a top design priority. All patient rooms are private and have wifi. The hospital’s 14 labor/delivery/ recovery suites, 26 NICU rooms, eight Pediatric Intensive Care Unit rooms and 20 Pediatric Unit rooms also include sleeping accommodations for family members. Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., complications. A full complement of pediatric The Center for Pediatric Brain brings blesses a newborn at Alexian sub-specialty physicians supports the NICU. together existing ABHS pediatric neurological Brothers Women and Children’s Hospital. Another ABWCH highlight is The Center for and behavioral health programs in a convenient Pediatric Brain, which provides comprehensive, outpatient location on the hospital’s first floor. multidisciplinary neurological care for children The center also offers autism programs, a with brain, nervous-system and neuro- muscu- concussion clinic for young athletes, and a lar disorders. Alexian Brothers Health System pediatric epilepsy program that features an (ABHS) has recruited some of the nation’s lead- epilepsy monitoring unit provided in partnering physicians in pediatric neuroscience to care ship with Rush University Medical Center. for children at the center. ABWCH also includes a large day surgery ABWCH’s advanced capabilities will allow area and is physically connected to CN Emer- ABHS to make an even greater contribution gikids, an emergency room for children at St. to the prevention, treatment and elimination Alexius Medical Center. of pediatric disease, says Mark Frey, ABHS Before ABWCH opened April 6, teams of President and Chief Executive Officer. “We ABHS staff members transferred 59 patients 6 wanted to expand the resources that we have (continued on page 7) 42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 7

TheAlexians

Francis Cardinal George visits ABWCH

(continued from page 1) received positive comments this caliber into this area.” from patients and their Cardinal George thanked the Alexian families since its opening. Brothers, the lay leaders and associates of The hospital, he added, Alexian Brothers Health System (ABHS), will assist“the living of the and ABHS benefactors for making the six-level mission and values of the hospital a reality. He expressed special thanks to Alexian Brothers and the the physicians, nurses and other staff members Catholic Church.” of ABWCH for manifesting the “self-sacrificing Joan Cappelletti, R.N., love of Christ” in their care for patients. “We M.S.N., Executive Director thank all of you who are concerned about of Nursing at St. Alexius, seeing that this hospital remains firmly rooted introduced Cardinal in the tradition of the Alexian Brothers, who George. Cappelletti, who give their entire lives for the sake of sick people, played a major role in the so that they will be loved as Christ loves them,” building and opening of ABWCH, described the Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Cardinal George said. process as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… sprinkles holy water during a tour of Alexian Brothers Women and Children’s After the formal blessing ceremony, Cardinal to significantly contribute to our community.” Hospital. Accompanying the cardinal George toured the hospital and visited patients. Cardinal George’s visit concluded a series are driver Ken Waltz, Director of At a reception that followed, he spoke of “how of ABWCH celebrations that began in March, Construction and Facilities for Alexian good it was…to go among so many women and when more than 3,000 people joined the Alexian Brothers Health System, and Father Daniel Flens, Personal Secretary to the their children…all of them being cared for with Brothers and ABHS leaders during eight days of Archbishop, (left). Novice Brother Paul great love.” festivities at the facility. The festivities included Magner, C.F.A., (rear center), and Brother Daniel “Dan” McCormick, C.F.A., the March 15 blessing and dedication of the Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A., (rear earlier welcomed Cardinal George to ABWCH hospital by Most Reverend George J. Rassas, right), watch from behind the cardinal. and thanked him for visiting the hospital. Other Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Alexian Brothers in attendance included Brother He was representing Cardinal George, who was Theodore Loucks, C.F.A., Brother Jeffrey Cal- in Rome following the election of Pope Francis I. lander, C.F.A., Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A., and A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed the Novice Brother Paul Magner, C.F.A. blessing and dedication, with elected officials During the blessing ceremony, Len Wilk, joining Alexian Brothers and ABHS leaders, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. associates, volunteers and supporters in cele- Alexius Medical Center, noted that ABWCH has brating ABWCH’s arrival.

New hospital increases access to advanced care

(continued from page 6) President and Chief Executive Officer of St. from St. Alexius Medical Center to ABWCH Alexius, thanked and congratulated them for the through connecting hallways. A team of associ- successful move, saying, “It was truly an extraor- ates directed the smooth transfer operation from dinary effort — one that sets a very positive tone a command center at ABWCH. as we begin this important new chapter in the In a letter to ABHS associates, Len Wilk, Alexian Brothers’ 800-year healing tradition.” 7 42840_ALEX Alexians Summer 2013 8_The Alexians Summer v 6/13/13 2:30 PM Page 8

In This Issue Cover Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Francis Cardinal Mission takes Mourning a Tennessee Volume 39, Number 2 George visits spotlight fearless Alexian ministry to mark Summer 2013 ABWCH at Ball de Fleur Brother 75th anniversary

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Brother Edward Walsh, C.F.A. Superior General, Congregation of Alexian Brothers

Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A. Assistant General, Congregation of Alexian Brothers Alexian Brothers’ mission resonates Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A. with guests at Ball de Fleur Provincial, Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers (continued from page 2) Brother Lawrence Krueger, C.F.A. Assistant Provincial, Immaculate every day to make this world a little bit Conception Province of the Alexian better for those less fortunate than us? Brothers Well tonight, we all are.” Brother John Howard, C.F.A. The Ball de Fleur featured dancing Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, Signal Mountain, Tenn. to the Al Sofia Orchestra, a raffle drawing Brother Jim Classon, C.F.A. and live, silent and reverse auctions. Director of the Alexian Brothers Collaboraction Theatre Company actors, Community, Elk Grove Village, Ill. dressed in 1920s garb, put on a special Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers dancing performance to music from that Community, St. Louis era. The actors also interacted with guests Brother Alexius Siska, C.F.A. throughout the evening. Some guests wore Community Superior of the Alexian Brothers Community, Gyo˝rújbarát, flapper dresses and 1920s-style accessories, Hungary adding to the Roaring ’20s theme. Brother Dominic Andes, C.F.A. Amid the fun, the Alexian Brothers’ Tracy Rogers, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Alexian Director of the Alexian Brothers mission remained “front and center,” Brothers Health System, (second from right), joins Dr. Saif Nazir, President Bajada Community, Davao City, of MEA of TEAMHealth, Dr. Mark Gordon and Dr. John Sullivan, (left to right), Philippines because Brother Dan’s and Dr. Nazir’s for a photo at the 27th Annual Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur. Brother John of God Oblina, C.F.A. remarks resonated with guests throughout Director of the Alexian Brothers the evening, Scheffler says. and never have veered off their mission…. That’s Matina Community, Davao City, Philippines “Our mission is who we are and what we why they have been around for 800 years, and it have strived to be through all those centuries,” just came alive and became real for many people she says. “The Brothers have remained consistent at the Palmer House.”