Thank You to Our Sponsors Thank you to the following businesses and individuals for supporting Mary Greeley Medical Center in 2012.

Sustaining Sponsors McFarland Clinic PC The Miracle of Families Innova Ideas and Services, A Sigler Company In This Issue Life Saver Sponsors e’ve all heard the phrase “miracles of modern medicine.” It In a touching story about end-of-life care, a young woman dying of Ask the Doctor Ames National Corporation and affiliates Boone Bank and Trust Co. Wreminds us of how the medical field is constantly evolving, breast cancer reached out to her grandmother, a long-time volunteer Why drought provides no relief during allergy season, and First National Bank improving, and achieving new things we never at Israel Family Hospice House. In another article, Reliance State Bank other insights from allergist Dr. John Wheeler...... 2 State Bank and Trust Company, Nevada thought possible. a Chinese student attending Iowa State University Ames Tribune This issue of Health Connect has plenty of brought her ailing father from Beijing to Iowa The Gifts of Hospice Pacemaker Sponsors “miracles.” Our cover story is about the growth of knowing he would get better care here. Two families demonstrate their heartfelt appreciation for Epic First American Bank our robotic-assisted surgery program and the many Medicine is powerful, and it does incredible compassionate end-of-life care. Plus: Important information Kinzler Companies benefits it offers to patients. We have an excerpt from things for patients at Mary Greeley. Families, which Sauer-Danfoss about advance directives...... 4 a book by Ames writer Fern Kupfer, which is, in part, come in many shapes and sizes these days, are just as Caretaker Sponsors about how genetic counseling indicated her high risk powerful. We see them every day at Mary Greeley, A Different Kind of Cancer Story Alpha Copies & Print Centers Jester Insurance Services for cancer and inspired her to take action. There’s an providing support and comfort for their loved ones. In an exclusive excerpt from her new book, Fern Kupfer Wells Fargo amazing story about a Huxley mom who agreed to They drive us to provide our patients with the details her incredible decision to have major surgery as a Sponsors become a gestational carrier for a woman who feared highest quality patient care, and to strive to make precaution against cancer...... 10 Alfred’s Carpet & Decorating, Inc. she’d never become a mother after facing cancer. sure the miracles of modern medicine are available Bankers Trust Sue Ellen and Bill Burke But there’s a bigger force than medicine in much to the central Iowans we are so proud to serve. Robot In Celebrations Party & Rental Store of what you’ll read in this issue: Family. Colorfx Mary Greeley’s robot-assisted surgery program takes a Deb and Bill Fennelly The mom who agreed to be a gestational carrier significant leap forward, which means more benefits Gateway Hotel and Conference Center and the woman she helped didn’t know each other but were connected BY Brian Dieter Great Western Bank for patients...... 14 Knapp Tedesco Insurance Agency, Inc. by their respective parents. The patient featured in our robotic-assisted MGMC President and CEO Kreg Tool Company surgery story knew she needed to get her gallbladder taken care of NAI Electrical Contractors Special Delivery Nyemaster Goode, PC because the pain was distracting her from time she wanted to spend A cancer survivor becomes a mom with some unexpected help Karen and Robert Shirk with her kids. Sign Pro from back home—an absolutely unforgettable story...... 19 Wolfe Eye Clinic

On the cover: Be Part of the Vision Dr. James Partridge and nurses Geana Davidson, Mindy Rash An invitation to get involved with Extraordinary Visions. .22 and Chelsie Stensland with the da Vinci robot at Mary Greeley Medical Center. About This Publication Contact Us Opportunity for Support President and CEO Brian Dieter Schedule of Events, Classes and Clinics...... 26 Health Connect is published four times Individuals are encouraged to contact Your contributions can help us care for a year for residents of central Iowa by Mary Greeley Medical Center if they those who come to us at every stage Director of Marketing Mary Greeley Medical Center. For more have any concerns about patient care of life. Charitable giving to support Mary and Community Relations information about Health Connect, and safety in the hospital that have Greeley Medical Center has played a Steve Sullivan please contact the Mary Greeley not been addressed. If the concern significant role in shaping your medical Editor Medical Center Community Relations continues, individuals may contact The center. To learn more, contact the Mary Steve Sullivan Department at 515-239-2038. Joint Commission at One Renaissance Greeley Medical Center Foundation at Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. 515-239-2147 or visit Medical Advisor Visit Us on the Internet You may also call 800-994-6610 or www.mgmc.org and click Giving to Steven Hallberg, M.D. Learn more about Mary Greeley Medical e-mail [email protected]. Mary Greeley Medical Center. Design Center’s programs and services at Green Light Creative 4 10 14 www.mgmc.org. Photography Jim Heemstra Ngaire West Johnson Rick Stowell Video Production Jason Mortvedt

2 health connect | Fall 2012 1 arning: You may sneeze while reading this. It’s allergy season, and as hay fever, can be more prevalent in the fall. In some, nasal symptoms Wnearly 55 percent of the U.S. population suffers from some sort from fall allergens can even make their asthma worse. of nose-annoying, eye-watering symptom brought on by pollen, dust Ragweed pollen is a powerful fall allergen. In fact, a single plant and any number of other microscopic meanies. This is a busy time for can produce around one billion pollen grains, which easily become McFarland Clinic allergist and immunologist Dr. John Wheeler, who airborne. Ragweed is not just a country weed, either. It finds the higher Ask the Doctor: practices in Ames, Ankeny and Nevada. But Wheeler has taken a few temperatures around concrete to be a great home, so we find ragweed moments to offer some expert insights into allergies, including what to in the city as well as in the country. These pollens can travel hundreds look out for this fall, and whether this darn drought is helping or hurting of miles. Allergy Advice allergy sufferers. Mold can also be an issue as it thrives in the typical dampness of fall. Mold spores are also kicked up by combines during harvest season, and Q: While a majority of Americans have some like pollen, become airborne. form of allergy, many don’t, which is so unfair. What exactly is an environmental allergy, and Q: We’re experiencing one of the worst droughts why doesn’t everyone have them? on record. Could the drought be affecting my A: Allergy is an abnormal immune response where the body’s immune allergies? system sees an allergen, such as fall pollen, as a foreign invader that A: Absolutely. When there is no rain, pollen continues to float around in it needs to fend off. Histamine is produced, and the runny nose and the air. Rain washes the air as it falls, capturing pollens and depositing watery eyes help to dislodge the invader. Each person’s immune system them on the ground. A drought brings wind and dry air, which blows the is different, and how it reacts to foreign materials, such as proteins on pollen around. In addition, dry air dries out nasal passages, making them pollens, is also unique. more sensitive to allergens. One solution is to use saline sprays to hydrate the nasal passages. Q: Allergies have an awful lot in common with colds. How do I tell the difference? Q: When I’m considering over-the-counter (OTC) A: It can be tricky to distinguish between a cold and hay fever. medications for my allergies, what should I Common colds often have a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, look for? Dr. John Wheeler, possible scratchy throat, cough, muscle aches, headache, or a post nasal A: Look for less sedating medications if you are driving or are involved an allergist with drip, depending on the virus. Colds can occur year-round; however, they in activities that require high concentration. Monitor the OTC nasal McFarland Clinic, are most prevalent in the cold weather seasons. Colds typically last less sprays and eye drops for medications that may be associated with treats patients in Ames, Ankeny than a week and are treated with rest, fluids, over-the-counter medications dependence. Always read the label to monitor for side effects, which and Nevada. and chicken soup. differ from medication to medication. Make sure the medication is age Environmental allergies can cause similar symptoms, but they often appropriate, and carefully read for the correct dosage in children. strike in the growing seasons. The duration of symptoms is also a clue. If symptoms linger past one week, they could be related to allergies, Q: When should I consult a physician about my especially during a seasonal allergy season. Environmental allergies can allergies? How serious should they be before I cause sufferers to experience more nasal congestion and more infections, seek medical attention and possible prescription including sinus infections. We sometimes see increased sinus infections in remedies? people during their worst allergy season. A: When your symptoms are distracting you from the important things in your life, then it’s time to seek help from an allergist. Allergies Q: And here’s another thing they have in cost Americans millions of dollars in lost productivity, missed days of common: No cure. school and work, and costly medications, as well as costs associated with A: True, but there are treatments to relieve the symptoms. The first exacerbated asthma symptoms. treatment for allergies is avoidance, and that means testing. Your allergist Allergy sufferers experience a decreased quality of life and are often will do some quick testing to determine which allergens you are sensitive forced to miss out on other things in their life. Skyrocketing pollen to. The next step is focused treatment with medications, including eye counts on a perfect fall evening may force you to miss your son’s drops and nasal spray. Allergen immunotherapy, or allergy shots, are a touchdown, or your daughter’s best cheer. Runners suffering from powerful way of changing your immune system’s perception of allergens allergies may experience decreased performance on the cross-country field with an outcome of less allergy symptoms. due to coughing and the inability to get a deep breath. A walk in the woods is an unattainable dream for some until they have Q: Are there any allergens that are particularly all the tools needed to enjoy the fall colors. Check with your doctor for prevalent in the fall? more information. u A: Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, more commonly known

2 health connect | Fall 2012 3 The Gifts of Her Granddaughter’s A mother with cancer turns to her grandmother, a hospiceWish volunteer. irthday cake and balloons. Wrapped gifts and children’s services sooner rather than later. It can provide so much Blaughter. In most people’s minds, a child’s party is a more support that way.” Two families share their own unforgettable experiences happy event that doesn’t take place in a hospice setting. It was grandmother that Melissa called when she knew Hospice But it did at Israel Family Hospice House for Melissa that she would not survive her cancer, to find out more about with end-of-life care at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Viers’ family. hospice services. Viers, a 28-year-old from Colo, diagnosed with breast “It was a comfort to me to know what I know about By Laura Millsaps cancer, was determined that her son Wyatt’s fourth birthday this place,” says Gardner. “I knew that beyond medical party was going to happen, just like it should for most little management, she would have very dedicated people taking boys, even in the midst of her illness. care of her other needs.” nyone working in hospice care will tell you there “Melissa really wanted to be home for that party more That included things like hanging commemorative quilts Aare stories to be told about living and dying— than anything,” says MaryAnn Gardner, a retired Nevada made for each of Melissa’s children on the walls of her room stories about faith, courage, dignity, grief, and even resident and Viers’ grandmother. “But in the end, she was just so she could see them from her bed. really too ill. So we had the party at the hospice house.” laughter and joy. About 40 people gathered, family and friends, neighbors Something for the Kids “The end-of-life journey has many similarities for and children, to celebrate, have some cake and watch Wyatt Out of gratitude, members of Melissa’s extended family everyone,” says Bonnie Riphagen, bereavement support open his presents. presented Israel Family Hospice House with a gift to coordinator for HOMEWARD. “But people come from “It was March, warmer than usual, and the sky was purchase a child-sized bench for the garden. different walks of life, different experiences. Their needs beautiful. The children were running in circles around “During the party, we noticed how small children had no the hospice garden. It took every single ounce of my real place to sit that was just for them,” says Gardner. “I know are unique, and their stories are unique.” granddaughter’s strength, but she was determined for her from my volunteer experience that children are here all the Mary Greeley Medical Center’s HOMEWARD Hospice little boy. It was a wonderful day,” says Gardner. time. It seemed to be the perfect thing to honor Melissa since services, both at home and at Israel Family Hospice Viers died not long after on April 4, 2012, survived by her her first priority was as a mother to her children.” House, strive to provide not only the medical needs of children, Abigail, Wyatt, and Josiah, and husband James. She The bench was dedicated at a ceremony following the patients, but also their emotional and spiritual needs. had been diagnosed only 18 months before, shortly after the annual Hope Run for Hospice, in which several of Melissa’s Often, that means being drawn into those unique stories birth of her third child. family members participated. Melissa’s “Aunt B,” artist Becky McIntosh and Gardner’s in ways that inspire and awe. A Volunteer’s Knowledge daughter, showed everyone paper hearts representing In this issue of Health Connect magazine, we share two Gardner speaks of Melissa like any grandmother would, Melissa’s life—a pink one for her infancy, a floral one for her of those stories: MaryAnn Gardner, a retired photographer in terms of loss and grief. But she also speaks in terms of marriage, other colors for the birth of her children—and then Cindy Edge, RN, BSN, from Nevada, and Bopeng Zhang, an Iowa State someone who has been there before. Gardner has been a tore them all in two, saying “and then came the day all our Mary Greeley Medical “Death is hard, and University graduate student from China, both of whom Center HOMEWARD volunteer at Israel Family Hospice House for 12 years. The hearts were ripped apart.” Hospice manager, hospice medical hospice house is supported, in part, with gifts to the Mary “We all gasped,” says Gardner. “It hurt to think about it lost loved ones to cancer and found the support they admires the new children’s bench with staff, social workers, Greeley Medical Center Foundation. that way. But then she started transforming all those torn needed through hospice services. MaryAnn Gardner, “I want everyone to know what is possible here,” she paper hearts into wings that she placed around a portrait of “We always say it’s all about the patient and giving them a hospice volunteer volunteers—they says. “Death is hard, and hospice medical staff, social Melissa, explaining that this person we loved so much had and grandmother of a what they need, and that’s true,” says Riphagen. “But the hospice patient. are all here to soften workers, volunteers—they are all here to soften it wherever finally earned her wings. That ceremony was a very healing people we serve end up giving us far more than we give it wherever and and however they can. It really is all about the patient and experience for my family.” u their needs. It’s my wish that people would seek hospice them. We are honored that we are invited to be part of however they can.” their story.” –MaryAnn Gardner

4 health connect | Fall 2012 5

page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by When he died, her father had “a sweet smile, a pretty smile,” on his face, Bopeng says. She believes it was because he could see the Buddha and that he A Lotus entered Pure Land immediately. Dr. Larry Otteman and Dr. David Carlyle “made Her father dying in China, an Iowa State student takes action to provide him the benefits of hospice care at Mary Greeley. page sponsoredthe by right medicalpage sponsoreddecisions forby my fatherpage every sponsored step by page sponsored by of the way,” says Bopeng. Tracy Cheuk, a pharmacist Blossom at Mary Greeley Medical Center who was born in n Buddhism, the lotus blossom is a symbol of a soul’s struggle. The “It is customary for parents in China to think this way. They believe Taiwan, assisted the family with explaining Western Iplant’s bulb is very deep in the mud, and grows up through all the an education is the most important thing, and that children should medical practices in Chinese and helped them with layers, through the soil and deep water to the sunshine and the beauty concentrate on their studies. My father was very proud of me, and he arrangements at the funeral home. of its blossom. In the same way, the soul struggles through difficulties did not want me to worry,” says Bopeng. Compassion is a central tenet of Bopeng’s faith, to enlightenment, the expansion of a person’s spirit. Another part of Chinese culture is the expectation that children page sponsoredand by it was expressedpage sponsored by the byentire staffpage at hospice.sponsored by page sponsored by It was this bloom that Bopeng Zhang chose to paint as a gift to always take care of their parents. Though it was mid-semester, Bopeng It was that compassion that moved Bopeng to paint Israel Family Hospice House in gratitude for the care they provided her rushed home to Beijing. Because her father had always wanted to the lotus blossom. She now also donates regularly to father. He died July 5, 2012, at age 65 from pancreatic cancer. visit the United States, and because China’s hospice system is not the hospice cause, and she wants to volunteer “It is one way to show all my gratefulness to the nurses and to the as advanced, Bopeng tackled the insurmountable obstacles and as soon as she can. volunteers and staff. The whole time he was there, they showed all necessary red tape to bring her parents with her to Iowa and to the “There were so many

respect to my father, to my family, and to my culture. They never hospice care services available through Mary Greeley Medical Center’s page sponsoredpeople by who helped.page sponsored We were by page sponsored by page sponsored by showed a cold face,” says Bopeng. HOMEWARD Hospice. strangers, and everyone treated Bopeng’s mother, Suming, is a nurse by training in China, and was us like family. It is beyond our A Different Culture impressed by the medical care her husband received, both at home and imagination,” says Bopeng. u Bopeng, an ISU graduate student in apparel merchandising from at Israel Family Hospice House. Beijing, China, came to the United States to pursue her studies, a dream “In China they don’t do as much for pain management as they do for both her and her parents, Naizheng Zhang and Suming Zhao. here,” says Bopeng. “It was important to us for my father to die in a page sponsored by It was for that reason that her father, Naizheng, and the rest of the peaceful way, as this helps in the transition to his next existence.” family delayed telling Bopeng the whole truth of his illness. It was not until February that she was told he had pancreatic cancer and that Respect for Rituals her father was terminally ill. It was estimated that he had three to six In the sect of Buddhism the Zhangs practice, invoking the name of months to live. mítuóf, the Chinese name for the Amitābha Buddha, in chanting and prayer helps the dying prepare for the passage into Pure Land, a form of enlightenment. A local Buddhist master, the Venerable Hong Yang, led bedside prayer vigils for Naizheng. The master’s chanting made Naizheng’s mind peaceful and clear, which created a path to Pure Land for him, Bopeng explains. When he died, her father had “The nurses and the volunteers, everyone bowed and said the name Āmítuóf when they entered the room. They joined the chants for my “a sweet smile, a pretty smile,” father. It was not their faith, but they knew it was my father’s and my on his face. family’s, so they did it. This meant more to me than I can say. My mother was deeply moved by this,” says Bopeng. Bopeng Zhang and her mother, -Bopeng Zhang Suming Zhao, admire the flowers outside of Israel Family Hospice House. (Above) Bopeng painted a picture of a lotus blossom as a way to say “thank you” for the hospice care her father received.

6 health connect | Fall 2012 7

Choose one person wisely. “The person chosen to be your A Step Forward for Communicate often medical power of attorney should be and thoroughly. someone who is familiar with your “Talk to your family members about wishes and is willing to carry them what you would want should you be Be specific. out for you should the need arise. Advance Directives unable to make medical care decisions “Don’t assume anything. Consider Someone who expresses doubts or different scenarios. Do you want to discomfort about it isn’t the right New rules make it easier to communicate final health care decisions. for yourself. High profile news stories like the Terri Schiavo case provide a be on life support? For how long? 3person. It should only be one person good platform for discussing how to Do you want a feeding tube, or not? with one alternate, not a group of avoid painful family decisions later Do you want a do-not-resuscitate people. Family members making on. Talk to your physician about the order? Don’t leave tough decisions medical decisions by committee often 1medical aspects of your wishes.” to your loved ones. The more leads to disagreements and in the nder an Iowa law that took effect in July, patients and their worst case scenarios, court cases and families can more easily communicate end-of-life care decisions. detailed you can make your living U permanent family discord.” Iowa Physician’s Orders for Scope of Treatment, or IPOST, is a form 2will, the less burden you place on that details a patient’s end-of-life treatment choices. As a patient’s care your family later when you can no may move between home, clinic, hospital, nursing home, and hospice longer speak for yourself.” care, the IPOST form is designed to be portable and honored in any treatment setting. Cindy Edge, RN, BSN, Mary Greeley Medical Center HOMEWARD Hospice manager, says the new form was created to For more information about advanced directives or IPOST, speak with your physician. simplify communications between patients and their families and A free power of attorney for health-care form (advance directive) is available at the Iowa various medical providers about a medically fragile, chronically or State Bar Association web-site: www.iabar.org (look under “Public” on the menu bar). terminally ill patient’s treatment preferences. You can get an IPOST from the Iowa Department of Public Health website (idph.state. ia.us/IPOST/Form.aspx), your primary care physician or HOMEWARD Hospice. u

IPOST makes clear to everyone involved page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by that this is what the patient wants. By Laura Millsaps

“It’s intended to provide a smooth transition from one medical setting to another and remove the additional burden of having to page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by re-establish those directives every time the patient receives care in Learn More About a different location. IPOST travels with the patient as part of their medical records. IPOST makes clear to everyone involved that this is Advance Directives what the patient wants.” Dr. Larry Otteman, an oncologist with IPOST is meant to enhance advance directive planning. Advance directive planning should include a durable power of medical attorney, McFarland Clinic and co-medical director a person chosen by the patient to make those decisions in their stead. page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsoredfor by HOMEWARDpage sponsored Hospice,by is featured in a While those who are chronically or terminally ill or elderly are video that provides important details about strongly advised to have advance care directives in place, says Edge, anyone over the age of 18 should consider it. advance directives. To view the video, go to “We know that life isn’t predictable, and things can change even for mgmc.org/advancedirective. young healthy adults in an instant. People should think about it as part of their estate planning process.” page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by Edge offers these guidelines when thinking about end-of-life care decisions.

8 health connect | Fall 2012 9 page sponsored by he surgeon was looking at the results of a second menopause,” he noted. “And your maternal grandmother? How old Tmammogram and ultra-sound. “What was it that concerned was she when the cancer occurred?” your internist?” The age of my maternal grandmother at the time of diagnosis My husband was sitting in a plastic chair in the corner of the was not certain. This had been the object of discussion among my room. Though I’d told him it was unnecessary, he insisted on going cousins and me for some time. How old was Grandma when she had A Different with me to the clinic. Joe is my devoted second husband, retired, and her mastectomy? so had time on his hands. My mother used to talk about visiting her in the hospital and Yes, my internist, Dr. Rupal Amin, had been concerned. During being presented with a new doll—my grandmother having the Kind of a routine annual check-up, she felt a lump in my left breast, though maternal forethought to have made this purchase before going into less than two months earlier, my mammogram was clean. Dr. Amin’s the hospital to have her breast removed. meticulous approach to medicine includes scans and lab tests, but My mother, Ruth, was born in 1920, the youngest of three girls. she is also a practitioner of meditation, yoga, nasal cleansing. Her We figured if my mother were still playing with dolls, the time of my office is decorated with hand-written instructions:Love people and grandmother’s mastectomy would have been a little later during that use things. Do not love things and use people. decade. My grandmother, Celia, would have been in her early forties. Cancer Lying on the table, my left arm over my head, I had tried to Although my grandmother survived almost thirty years beyond her feel what she felt: a breast which already had scars from two mastectomy, diagnosis of breast cancer in a pre-menopausal woman benign lumps removed over twenty years ago, the same year my can be a connecting corollary to genetic breast cancer. first marriage was breaking up. Dr. Amin is very earnest, so I was In those days the word cancer was never spoken aloud. The reluctant to disappoint her. Still, I glimpses I saw of my grandmother’s couldn’t feel anything. “Isn’t that scarred chest were an accidental Story just thickening around the old happenstance of all of us living Because of my family history, I had scars?” I asked. together in an apartment with only anticipated that someday I would get In an excerpt from her new memoir, an Ames woman details how a “Hmm,” she said, feeling around. one bathroom. genetic discovery led to a dramatic decision about her health. “Hmm,” she said again, digging in breast cancer, although frankly, this was “Why not call to set up an deeper with intensity. not as frightening as it used to be. appointment with the genetics Because of my family history, clinic?” the surgeon said. “You have fter learning through genetic testing at Mary I had anticipated that someday I a daughter?” he added. would get breast cancer, although “And a granddaughter,” I told Greeley Medical Center that she carried a gene A frankly, this was not as frightening as it used to be. Maybe because him. Ruthie had just turned six. When Gabi was pregnant, I told her: that significantly increased her chances for cancer, Fern the kids were grown and (mostly) out on their own. Or maybe “If you have a daughter and name her after Grandma Ruth, it will Kupfer decided to have her ovaries removed and have because of the medical advances. The word cancer just doesn’t have make me happy for the rest of my life.” No pressure. a double mastectomy. Her story was originally told in the same death sentence feel as it once did. The BRCA gene—what if I tested positive? And what about Gabi? the Fall 2009 issue of Health Connect. Kupfer, an author I can name so many women—friends, colleagues, mothers of my And Ruthie. My cousins didn’t have the gene. Yet one of them had and retired Iowa State University professor of English, kids’ friends—who have had breast cancer, survived and thrived. cancer. I didn’t have cancer, but what if I had the gene? has now told the story herself, in a recently published My own mother’s breast cancer was diagnosed when she was in her “It’s a simple blood test,” the surgeon said. He handed me a card: Mary Ellen Carano, RN, MSW: Coordinator of Cancer memoir called Leaving Long Island. This is a personal late sixties. She lived another ten years before the cancer spread to her bones. Resource Center. narrative about being a woman of a certain age and “Had you ever considered being tested for the BRCA gene?” The On the way out of the clinic, Joe and I passed an ancient couple surviving the loss of a child, the end of a long marriage, surgeon asked. I knew about the BRCA gene, a marker for early navigating their way to the elevator. He steered a walker; she had and the discovery of a genetic inheritance called the breast and ovarian cancers. “The genetics clinic is right here in the one hand under his elbow, either guiding him or perhaps for her BRCA1 gene, which is endemic to the Ashkenazi Jewish hospital. Because of your background, your insurance should own support. My husband and I were much closer to where they population. In this excerpt, Kupfer chronicles the events cover it.” are in this life than any of the families who lined the chairs in the that led to her decision to have the surgery. There was no ovarian cancer I knew of in my family. Both of my pediatric section we walked by. We kiss goodbye, sometimes before maternal cousins—one of whom had a recurring breast cancer—had leaving a room. Every day we acknowledge our gratitude for each tested negative for the BRCA gene. “Your mother had cancer after other. I want time. Ames writer Fern Kupfer is the author of several books, including Before and After Zachariah, her account of family life with a severely disabled child. 1010 health connect | Fall 2012 11

#2 Chemoprevention: drugs like tamoxifen, other newer and less

**** tested cancer preventatives. wasn’t in the clouds. Potential cancer. I took it seriously. Sometimes aiting for Monday and the MRI was the longest weekend. #3 Preventative surgery: removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, neurotically. Mostly realistically. There is a website called FORCE—Facing Our Risk of W prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (removal of the now-healthy breasts). Six years earlier I had signed up for an ovarian cancer study in Des Cancer Empowered. The website was started by a woman named Sue I sensed the way Doctor Otteman presented choices 1 and 2 that these Moines. I felt I was doing something important for scientific research. Friedman and it is specifically for women who have genetically linked were on the table only because they were, in fact, real options. But from a I was also proactively having my own ovarian cancer watch. Every breast and ovarian cancers or who have the genes for these without a medical standpoint: found wanting. I asked the question, THE question, month, I saw the nurse who ran the study. She took blood to check for cancer diagnosis. Previvors, we are called. All weekend I was on the that doctors must be asked time and time again. “What would you levels of a chemical called CA 125. Although a positive reading does not website. The reading is both comprehensive and horrifying. There is recommend if I were your wife?” You can fill in anyone here depending conclusively indicate the presence of ovarian cancer, I figured a closely so much information. The website is immensely helpful for all the on the disease and the appropriate relationship: What would you do if this monitored study couldn’t hurt. Every few months for six years when I decisions BRCA positive women must make and there is kind of a “you were your child? What would you recommend if I were your mother? What received the news CA 125 within normal limit, I breathed a sigh of relief. go, girl” tone to the posts. Each choice is personal; the idea is to be would you say if I were your wife? Perhaps the good doctor was in a bitter To qualify for the study, participants had to be “high risk”—that is, supportive. I am awed by the medical expertise of these women. I want divorce with a woman who was trying to take him for every dime he has they previously had cancer or had a family history of breast or ovarian to have as much information as I can. But knowing so much also scares ever made. True to the stereotype that Ashkenazi Jews are funny, I could cancer. Being an Ashkenazi Jew got you high-risk bonus points. me silly. not help but make the cheap joke: “That is, presuming that you like your Ashkenazi Jews. We love extra credit! We have high SAT scores. We’re I had asked Dr. Otteman for something for anxiety before the MRI, wife and want to keep her around.” successful. But we have some genetic combinations that should give knowing I had to stay very still in the machine and Doctor Otteman smiled slightly. I had to trust pause to the notion that we are the chosen people. fearing claustrophobia. In fact, I was not put into his marriage was intact. I needed to trust that Mary Ellen walked with a sense of purpose to fetch the oncologist. a tunnel, but had to lie face down on a table that “No cancer now,” I although I was in Ames, Iowa and not New She was tall and thin, dressed fashionably with a large belt around her had holes for my breasts. It reminded me of those York, the doctors here were smart and caring and slender waist. Joe was sitting next to me holding my hand. “This is Dr. cardboard backdrops where you take a picture from repeated. “Now” was the give good advice. “I Otteman,” Mary Ellen said. I told him that, years ago, I had spoken the wild-west with a cut-out surrounding your head. page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by operative word. I had tested would recommend with him on the phone when my mother came to Iowa to live with Later that morning, Joe drove me home, and positive for the gene. the surgeries,” Doctor us the last months of her life. It was through Dr. Otteman that I had after the Ativan wore off, I passed the time cleaning Otteman said. u ordered my mother’s morphine. the top of the refrigerator and scrubbing stubborn Mary Ellen and Doctor Otteman flanked us on either side; he stains from the hall carpet. “You’re bustling,” he cleared his throat. Of course. Of course. What was I thinking? Good observed. Next I threw out the expired spices in the pantry and washed news could have been delivered on the phone. We wouldn’t have to the bathmats. Dealing with crisis, I go into high gear. page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by come in to meet with an oncologist. Then: “You By the time Joe and I went back to the hospital in the afternoon to did test positive for the BRCA1 gene,” Doctor hear the results, we had figured out that the walk was shorter to the Bliss The cover of Kupfer new memoir, Leaving Long Otteman said somberly. cancer center if we parked in the back, rather than the hospital ramp. We Island and (opposite page) the Fall 2009 Health Unwelcome news should Mary Ellen had a packet of information and Connect cover which featured the author. knew which colored lines to follow along to the elevator. Veterans. not be received on a Friday. some brochures on her lap. Both she and the We sat in the same chairs we were in on Friday; I felt as if I had been doctor were silently sympathetic. Joe patted involved with this genetic research for a month rather than a weekend. Or alone. page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by **** me, looking stricken. I started crying. Doctor I also felt scared. Joe gave me a supportive smile. A squeeze. Again, here e got the call from the genetics clinic that Otteman passed a box of tissues. Although the we go... Wthe results were in from the blood test; recent mammogram and ultrasound did not show “The MRI shows no sign of cancer now,” Dr. Otteman said. I wished again, my husband said he would go with me. It was a Friday. This anything significant, he suggested I have an MRI. Just to make sure. I had paid closer attention to the follow up, but the truth was, I was still How genetic testing time I didn’t tell him not to. Unwelcome medical news should not be It is no wonder health care in this country is so expensive. We may have saved an spinning from the news that I actually had the BRCA gene. Ames woman’s life received on a Friday. Or alone. schedule all these tests. Many agree it seems wasteful to schedule “No cancer now,” I repeated. “Now” was the operative word. I had Also Inside: The genetics clinic is part of the Bliss Cancer Center, which is part every test under the sun “just to make sure.” Unless, of course, it’s your tested positive for the gene. But there was no sign of cancer.page So why, sponsored when by BotoBotoxpagex Breakthroughs sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by of the Mary Greeley Hospital serving Ames. One of the best things own life that you want to “make sure” of. Then bring on the tests. We I was over sixty years old and I had this gene, could I have dodged the Baby Boom Shawls for Hospice about living in a small city is how easy it is to get around. Even with made an appointment for Monday morning and were assured that the bullet for all this time? Statistics were tricky. Someone was in that smallest our recent “sprawl,” the entire city of Ames is only about six miles across MRI would be read immediately. Joe and I could come back Monday percent to escape the surest probability. That someone could be me. at its farthest points. There’s never traffic when we come home from a afternoon at 4:00. Doctor Otteman was straightforward; clearly he had given this dinner party. Hardly ever a crowd at a movie theater. So I did indeed have the gene. Specifically: 187delAG BRCA1. speech before. There were three options. In the following weeks, I would Surprisingly, I had not obsessed over the test. Deleterious was printed in bold. continue to go over the details again and again: the pluses and minuses, page sponsored by Joe was quiet, not uncharacteristically, as we drove to the clinic. Mary the trade-offs, the dangers, the solaces. There was a buffet of choices. To Ellen, the genetics counselor at the Bliss Cancer Center, smiled when Leaving Long Island is available from local bookstores and from my mind, all of them bad. she welcomed us. I looked closer and tried to read her. Amazon in paperback and e-book formats. #1 Surveillance: a kind of watchful waiting, with continued With my family history I believed that cancer would be the cause mammograms, MRIs, transvaginal ultrasound and testing for CA-125 of my eventual demise. But I put the emphasis on “eventual.” My head to screen for ovarian cancer. 1212 health connect | Fall 2012 13 r. James Partridge makes a small incision The instruments in Kelly was just a baby when her Din the patient’s navel. A few steps later, he place, the surgeon grandmother had the surgery that resulted gently fits a flexible plastic port with several says the words that in a couple weeks in the hospital and holes in it into the incision. Then he slides substantial scarring from the incision. Kelly several long, slender instruments, including everyone is anticipating: was a young adult when her mother had the one equipped with a camera, into the holes. procedure. While her mother was able to The instruments in place, the surgeon leave the hospital the same day as the surgery, says the words that everyone is anticipating: she also experienced considerable scarring. “Robot in, please.” “Robot in, please.” Neither a long hospital stay, nor the least A nurse wheels the da Vinci surgical bit of scarring were worries for Kelly, who robot up to the operating table, and the long was among the first few patients at Mary arms of the high-tech device are attached Greeley Medical Center to benefit from to the appropriate instruments. Seated at a console, Partridge deftly robotic single-site surgery using the da Vinci system. manipulates the robot’s controls, and in less than 15 minutes, the “Honestly, I wasn’t worried about scarring in the first place,” says patient’s troublesome gallbladder has been detached and extracted Kelly, a local real estate agent. “Now a few months out from surgery, through her navel. A whole new chapter in Mary Greeley Medical you can’t even tell they were in there.” Center’s robot-assisted surgery program has begun. For several years, Mary Greeley patients who have had urological or The Next Generation gynecological surgeries have been experiencing the benefits for robotic Mary Greeley Medical Center invested $1.4 million to acquire the surgery. Now, thanks to the partnership of technology and surgeon da Vinci system in 2010. The robotic single-site upgrade required an skill, the hospital can now also offer those benefits to patients needing additional $100,000 investment. general surgery. While robotic surgery in general, and the da Vinci system specifically, have been around for a number of years, robotic single-site surgery Aa Painful F mily History represents the next step forward in improving comfort for patients In Jennifer Kelly’s family, having your gallbladder removed has requiring a variety of gastric, urological and gynecological surgeries. become an unwelcome family tradition. Previous generations of laparoscopic surgery allowed for minimally- When the 35-year-old began experiencing pain in her side last spring, invasive approaches, but lacked in providing physicians with a realistic she thought it may be appendicitis. But as the pain began to radiate and view of the patient’s anatomy. More than 400 robot- become more severe—especially after eating—she suspected an issue The robotic single-site surgery is performed by making an inch-long assisted surgeries have with her gallbladder. Several tests later, Partridge, a general surgeon with incision in the navel in which a small spool-like structure is inserted. The been performed at Mary Greeley Medical Center. McFarland Clinic, recommended Kelly have her gallbladder removed. spool has five holes, each of which hold a tube: One with a camera, two The news came as no surprise for Kelly, who represents the third that connect to robot arms controlled by the physician, one controlled by generation of her family to require the surgery. the assistant, and one that pumps carbon dioxide into the abdominal cavity.

Mary Greeley Medical Center adds general surgery to its robotic program, making it among the first in the state to offer patients this minimally invasive option.

Dr. James Partridge at the da Vinci console, which offers high-def 3D images of a patient’s anatomy. Behind Partridge are nurses who have been trained in robot-assisted surgery: Geana Davidson, RN; Chelsie Stensland, RN, BSN; and Robot In Mindy Rash, RN.

14 health connect | Fall 2012 15

After all the tubes are connected, the da Vinci robot is moved in over Just the Beginning the patient’s right shoulder. Partridge received intensive training to use the da Vinci system for “At that point, I move to the da Vinci console,” Partridge says. robot-assisted single-site surgery. In addition to attending lectures and The console is located about 10 feet from the patient. To perform seminars, he was required to complete a number of cases and display robotic single-site surgery, Partridge leans into the console and looks a high level of efficiency and effectiveness in using the system. He through two lenses that resemble binoculars. He is able to view performed his first robotic surgeries at Mary Greeley Medical Center magnified images and perform surgery with the use of hand controls last June. and foot pedals. The improvement over traditional laparoscopic surgery In addition to gallbladder removal, Partridge has also used robotic —which only offers two-dimensional images—is dramatic. single-site to perform colon resection, adrenal surgery, spleen removal “With robotic single-site, I have a high definition screen that and gastrectomy, a procedure to remove part of the stomach. He says he provides virtual 3-D vision,” says Partridge, who is one of only is impressed with outcomes. a handful of physicians in Iowa approved to perform single-site But he is quick to admit the pace with which robotic surgery has gallbladder surgery. “Additionally, the depth of field is vastly improved, advanced was impossible to envision when he was in medical school in allowing us to be much more precise.” the early 1990s. “I never dreamed of anything like this,” Partridge says. “I can see It’s About the Patient a time when surgeries will be performed with a physician offering The ability to be so precise with the surgery provides great benefits assistance remotely without even being in the same hospital as the to the patient; most notably, it reduces post-surgical discomfort. That patient. While that is not something that appeals to me, I can certainly discomfort is further reduced by using the navel, which has virtually no see the technology moving in a direction that will make that possible.” muscle to separate or divide. In the more near future, Partridge expects most every surgery that “Because the incision is so small, most patients experience much less is now done laparoscopically will be offered using robotic single-site pain after the procedure,” Partridge says. “Since we began performing technology. He says having the surgery available in Ames speaks highly our gallbladder removals using robotic single-site technology,page it sponsored is by of pagethe commitment sponsored by of Marypage Greeley sponsored Medical by Centerpage and sponsored McFarland by A Total rare that we receive calls from patients worried about discomfort post Clinic to keep pace with medical advancements. Davidson, Partridge and surgery.” “Robotic single-site represents the gold standard,” Partridge says. Rash watch a monitor Kelly says she experienced minimal discomfort after her surgery “We are committed to offering our patients the highest in quality. By as they place da Vinci instruments that will in June. investing in robotic single-site technology, we have the most advanced be used to remove a “I am very active and busy all the time,” she says. “So the hardest part tools available to serve our patients.” Team patient’s gallbladder. for me was just taking it easy for a couple days. I won’t saypage that sponsoredit was by pageKelly sponsored says she is by thankfulpage single-site sponsored surgery by page sponsored by Nurses play a central role in robotic surgeries. completely painless, but after about three days I was back up was available for her. and around. “I was confident I was in good hands,” “In fact, I was feeling good enough to show a house on July 5,” she she says. u adds with a chuckle. “It was kind of my very own Independence Day.”

t’s an amazing piece of surgical equipment, but the da Vinci robot, “That was really cool, because we got to train side-by-side, so I could page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by Ilike a surgeon, requires the support of a trained team of nurses. hear his training, and he could hear mine,” Rash says. “It helped us be a Mindy Rash, RN, is Dr. James Partridge’s first assistant. She assists good team, because I know what he is doing, and he knows what him with every operation he performs. The duo has worked together I’m doing.” for almost seven years. Chelsie Stensland, RN, BSN, and Geana Davidson, RN, Operating During the surgery, while Partridge controls the instruments from Room nurses at Mary Greeley, are also trained to work with the Da Vinci in Action the console of the daVinci system, Rash stays by the bedside with the daVinci system. They scrub in, donning a sterile gown and gloves, and page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by patient. She retrieves instruments, changes the position of the robot, ready the instruments. Geana acts as the scrub nurse, assisting the and provides other assistance to Partridge. surgeon by handing him instruments. Chelsie is the circulating nurse, We take you inside the operating room with two videos featuring Mary Greeley’s robot-assisted surgery program at www.mgmc.org/roboticsurgery. Watch an Rash completed training specifically for working with the daVinci opening the sterile items and handing them to Geana, helping position actual surgery using the da Vinci robot. Plus hear from Jennifer Kelly, one of the system. She took online courses through Intuitive Surgical, the company the patients, docking the robot to the patient, and documenting in the first patients to experience single-site robot-assisted surgery, and Dr. James that designs the daVinci system, performed simulation exercises with the electronic medical record. Partridge, the surgeon who removed Jennifer’s gallbladder at Mary Greeley. robot at the medical center, and even traveled with Partridge to Florida “I feel like we’re lucky to work in that room, because it’s the wave of to the daVinci labs for a day-long training program. the future,” says Davidson. “I feel like we’re doing something that’s so page sponsored by much more advanced than I ever thought we’d be doing.” u

16 health connect | Fall 2012 17 daVinci Doctors Several specialties have embraced the technology.

More and more Mary Greeley patients are experiencing the benefits of robotic surgery thanks to the growing number of surgeons trained on the system. Since the technology arrived at Mary Greeley, there have been more than 400 surgeries performed with the da Vinci system. These are the physicians who perform robotic surgery at Mary Greeley Medical Center: • Dr. Tim Leeds, Doran Clinic “For me, the big selling point is how much less pain people have.” • Dr. Afshin Malaki, McFarland Clinic Gynecology • Dr. Jay Swanson, McFarland Clinic SPECIAL DELIVERY “The da Vinci Surgical system advantages are all for the patient: Less How a young cancer hen twins are born, there’s simply postoperative pain, significantly less blood loss, smaller incisions, and a quick recovery. The open surgical procedure for a total abdominal hysterectomy survivor’s dream of Wmore going on. Twice the wee has a three to four day stay in the hospital with a six-week home recovery. motherhood came t-shirts folded in the drawer. Twice the This is compared to a da Vinci laparoscopic hysterectomy with an overnight true at Mary Greeley diapers. Twice the anticipation. Twice the • Dr. Lisa Banitt, McFarland Clinic 23-hour stay in the hospital with a two-week home recovery.” Medical Center. “I have much more control and can be more precise in my surgery. Urology tiny fingers and toes. Twice the love. Patients also have much less post operative pain. Initially I thought it • Dr. Damon Dyche, McFarland Clinic was just a big, expensive toy, but I have been convinced that it truly “Robotics allows me to be much more precise in does advance surgery for both the surgeon and the patient.” regard to cancer margin dissection and the preservation • Dr. Bonnie Beer, McFarland Clinic, of vital structures such as the urethral sphincter (to • Dr. James Downard, McFarland Clinic preserve urinary continence) and the cavernous nerves “The visualization and stability of the platform helps our ability to (that supply erectile function) during prostate surgery. Also, the high- expand our minimally invasive techniques, but the robot is a surgical definition, 3-D, 10-times amplified imaging provides a detailed view of tool and it should not supersede other clinically proven techniques if the anatomy that allows the surgeon to feel like they are operating from those options are appropriate.” inside the body.”

• Dr. Ann Gessner, Doran Clinic General “The da Vinci has added a whole new dimension to • Dr. James Partridge, McFarland Clinic gynecologic surgery. We now can offer more patients “Every hospital and medical center and clinic is ...... minimally invasive surgery for faster healing with being judged every day, like any service industry, on excellent outcomes.” whether or not you’re keeping up with the latest, safest technologies. With da Vinci, we certainly are—and we’re probably a couple of steps ahead.”

‘Best in Iowa’ General Surgery Earns MGMC a Top Rating. Mary Greeley Medical Center has received “best in the state” 5-star ratings in general surgery and gastrointestinal (GI) care from HealthGrades, a leading independent provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Mary Greeley Medical Newborn twins are held by Jamie Wolds (right), the biological mother, Center’s general surgery and GI services were also rated as among the 100 best in the country. and Staci Mason, who served as Approximately 35 general surgeries are performed each week at Mary Greeley Medical Center. General surgery includes a wide range Jamie’s gestational carrier. of inpatient and outpatient procedures including appendectomies, hernia procedures, spleen removal and gallbladder removal. In addition to traditional surgical methods, Mary Greeley also offers leading noninvasive surgical techniques, including robotics. All the HealthGrades ratings are available to the public at www.healthgrades.com.

18 health connect | Fall 2012 19

Hannah Elizabeth Wolds and Carson David Wolds, twins born at Mary the first miracle. The fact that it was the reason my cancer was caught so It was not a situation either family entered into lightly. Not only “Staci took excellent care of her health and the health of my babies. I Greeley Medical Center’s Birthways in July, came into the world through early was the second miracle. I believe that baby was an angel that saved were there medical requirements that Staci had to meet, there were made the right choice in her; she was so conscientious,” says Wolds. the usual flurry of preparations for multiple births. But they also arrived my life. I really do,” says Wolds. other considerations involved, like psychiatric counseling and legal Mary Greeley Medical Center physician James Downard oversaw Staci’s against all odds, through a cancer diagnosis, in vitro fertilization, and arrangements. Staci and Bryon had to know that their children, ages pregnancy and delivery, as he had in all three of Mason’s own children. a special relationship between two women that developed in the most Hope for a family 16, 14 and 13, were comfortable with the idea. Though there were many “I had a comfortable, trusting relationship with Dr. Downard from my unlikely of ways. Wolds and her husband had to move forward, not only with a cancer medical, emotional and legal factors to consider, everything necessary for own three children, and that continued through the unique situation we Jamie Wolds, 38, is the twins’ mother. At Birthways the day they were diagnosis, but also with surgery and treatments that would take away her the implantation procedure to happen eventually fell into place. When the had going on here,” says Mason. born, she was tremblingly, tearily overjoyed to hold them and look into ability to bear children. It was too much, she says, to process all at once, embryos were placed in Staci in December 2011, there was a 60 percent Both families realize that the connection made by the new little lives of their little faces. and yet a lot of enormous decisions had to be made, and quickly. chance of one embryo resulting in a pregnancy, and there was a 20 Hannah and Carson is a permanent one. “It’s really hard to put into words what I’m feeling. Overwhelmed. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I was awakened to the percent chance of two embryos resulting in pregnancy. In January it was “Bryon and I will always hold these children close to our heart, like Elated.” fact that life was a gift, something to make the most of. I could waste time confirmed: Staci was pregnant with twins. extra special godchildren,” says Mason. But it was Staci Mason, 37, who gave birth to the babies. She was a feeling sorry for myself, or I could take the opportunities that presented It was, both women says, a unique experience for the pregnancy to be “This opportunity opened a door for us, and we decided that as long gestational carrier for the twins, who are the biological children of Jamie themselves to me.” taking place half a continent away from the expectant mother Jamie, who as the doors kept opening, we’d keep walking through them,” says Staci’s and her husband, Ian. The Wolds decided to harvest Jamie’s eggs now lives in Seattle, Washington. husband, Bryon. “Jamie and Ian make beautiful babies, and our family “Seeing Jamie and Ian with the before her cancer treatment in the hopes they “We kept in contact via email and phone calls. I flew home to Iowa for was blessed to play a part in getting Hannah and Carson here.” family they wanted so much, it just could still realize their dream of a family. She some of Staci’s ultrasounds, and in March I could feel a slight little kick. It “The Masons showed up in our lives at exactly the right time, like it feels right. I absolutely made the spent the Christmas of 2009 in the hospital made me cry,” says Wolds. was part of God’s plan,” says Wolds. “They delivered our angels to us, and right decision in doing this,” says to undergo the harvesting procedure, which “I wanted to make sure Jamie got updates from me and that she felt we’ll always be deeply grateful.” u page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by Mason, who had her own three resulted in 12 frozen embryos. like she was part of the pregnancy and part of the babies’ development. I’d children at Birthways. In January her cancer treatment started, tell her when Carson had hiccups or when they were really active inside “I don’t think there will ever be a beginning with surgical removal of her uterus. me. At the same time, I knew it was really bittersweet for her that she By Laura Millsaps way to adequately thank Staci and Her treatment was successful, and Wolds’ couldn’t experience it herself.” her family for what they’ve done for cancer is now in remission. us,” says Ian Wolds, the twins’ father. In 2011, the Wolds began their search for a gestational carrier. The task of finding the page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by A long journey begins right woman seemed overwhelming as they Jamie, a self-described “Iowa girl” made a list of the qualities they wanted. from Johnston and an Iowa State “How was I ever going to find the perfect, ...... On the Rise Meet Hannah University graduate, was happily beautiful woman to bring my babies into Ian and Jamie Wolds hold the twins as they share a moment with Surrogate or gestational carrier births expecting her first baby with the world? I hoped she was Bryon and Staci Mason in one of Birthways’ 13 labor, delivery, are an option for many. and Carson husband Ian in the fall of 2009 in recovery and postpartum (LDRP) rooms. out there somewhere.” Get ready to ooh and ahh. We have page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by San Diego, California. amazingly cute video of the twins According to the Centers for Disease Control and the Society It was not to be. A miscarriage An answer close to home in their room at Birthways. You can for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the number of infants born sent her to the hospital for an ultrasound, where a technician bluntly While the Wolds began consulting with surrogacy agencies in their watch it at www.mgmc.org/birthways. asked her an ominous question: search for a gestational carrier, the answer to their hopes and dreams to surrogates or gestational carriers almost doubled from 2004 to “Do you want me to talk to you as an ultrasound technician or as a turned out to be a little closer to home, in the form of Jamie’s mother, 2008, from 738 births to nearly 1,400. friend?” the woman asked. who just as badly wanted to be a grandmother. Mary Greeley Medical Center sees an average of one surrogate page sponsored by “I was really startled and alarmed by her questions, so I said, ‘talk to me Jamie’s mother is close friends with Staci Mason’s mother. One day delivery per year, says Terrie Greco, RNC, BSN, clinical supervisor page sponsored by page sponsored by page sponsored by as a friend,’” says Wolds. while Staci, who lives in Huxley, and her mother were talking about the for Birthways. “I’ve never seen a uterus like this in all my 25 years of doing this,” the Wolds and their dilemma, Staci blurted out, “I’ll have a baby for Jamie.” Traditional surrogacy involves a woman undergoing intrauterine woman informed Wolds. “It just sort of came out of me. I’d never met Jamie and Ian, but I’d insemination with sperm from the man who wants to be the What followed was a uterine cancer diagnosis, caught early, but heard their story from our mothers and was moved by it. I have three legal father. With a gestational carrier surrogacy, an embryo is following close on the heels of the grief from losing a pregnancy. children of my own, and the idea that Jamie would might never get to transferred to the woman who agrees to gestate the baby. The baby “I was devastated, but also in shock and in fear for my life. They told experience motherhood touched me.” has no genetic material from the carrier. page sponsored by me that my uterus would need to be removed, that I would never be able The two women met for the first time in July 2011, and an emotional Birthways works with the family to prepare for a surrogate or to have children. It was too much to absorb all at once,” says Wolds. connection was made. gestational carrier birth before the baby’s arrival, says Greco. What was more shocking was discovering that women with uterine “Staci told me, ‘I’m serious. I’m healthy, and I’m willing to carry your “They usually meet with me and a social worker about three cancer rarely conceive. Because of the medical attention she received babies.’ I was blown away by her complete selflessness, by her entire to four months before delivery. In addition to meeting the needs immediately following, the miscarriage may very well have saved family’s generosity,” says Wolds. of the surrogate or carrier, the parents are welcome to stay at Wolds’ life. “I thought a long time about it before I committed,” says Mason. Birthways so that plenty of bonding with their newborn can take “They told me that women with uterine cancer never conceive, that it’s “Bryon (Staci’s husband) and I researched it, talked about it, tried to place. We want to do everything we can to accommodate them next to impossible. So the fact that I was pregnant in the first place was envision every possible turnout, every possible scenario before we agreed.” and get the families off to a good start,” says Greco. 20 health connect | Fall 2012 21 Be Part of the Vision An enhanced healing environment Larger patient rooms and additional amenities

Gifts of all sizes will impact • Rooftop garden that promotes a healing environment Watch our progress: • Th ree oncology family suites that offer home-like atmospheres M www.mgmc.org/foundation health care for central Iowans. for patients and loved ones • New main entrance with easier way-finding • En closed skywalk that connects the parking garage to the new entrance area • Ge nerously sized patient rooms that provide more space for patients and loved ones, and accommodate new technology

“I’m comforted to know Mary Greeley is always there, We’re advancing patient care whatever our need. I believe this vision is an investment at Mary Greeley Medical Center in my children’s futures.” – Kendra Gustafson t’s an exciting time at Mary Greeley Medical Center! Construction is well underway on our Iextraordinary building project—one that will transform our facilities to meet the needs of our patients, visitors, physicians and staff now and for generations to come. We are honored to serve as co-chairs for the Extraordinary Visions Campaign—a $6 million fundraising campaign to support the medical center’s historic building project. Like you, A revitalized Emergency Department Dan and Sharon Krieger, Dr. Jon Fleming we think our communities deserve the best possible health-care close to home. To ensure this, Modernized and expanded to meet growing demand we believe our medical facilities need to grow with the times to meet the needs of our residents. We believe this vision is an investment in our future—our opportunity to support the “As a longtime employee at Mary Greeley, I have seen the Emergency medical center that has given so much. Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and each one Department grow exponentially. Our community’s needs are changing,  enhances the quality of care we provide every day to people throughout central Iowa. and we must grow with the times to meet those needs. No one knows  Be part of the vision and join the hundreds of community members and businesses who when they are going to need these services. This vision is critical to have already made a gift. Simply fill out the enclosed gift envelope or make a gift online at providing the best emergency care to those in need.” www.mgmc.org/foundation. With your help, we will make this extraordinary vision a reality. – Marilyn Polito, RN, BSN

22 23 Help Us Build for the Our Next Century of Service Progress Acts of generosity, big and small, have helped Construction Timeline Two new patient levels with  Mary Greeley Medical Center grow. rooftop garden Phase I Outdoor spaces including a rooftop garden and patio seating offer access New Six-Story Tower and  Nearly 100 years ago, Captain Wallace Greeley had an extraordinary New six-story tower with larger patient rooms to the calming and rejuvenating Support Services Building effects of nature. Expected Completion: Spring 2014 vision of exceptional care for people in Story County and beyond. Our medical, surgical and oncology units will be His vision created a community hospital that has impacted the health relocated to the new tower. Larger patient rooms Support services building will provide a more comfortable healing environment. Phase II of generations of people. Since then, other gifts have helped create and Our overall infrastructure will be strengthened maintain such vital services as the Israel Family Hospice House, William with the creation of a new power plant. Energy- Enhanced Main Entrance R. Bliss Cancer Center and Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center. efficient designs and modernized systems will Expected Completion: Fall/Winter 2014 provide for current and future needs. Today we have our own extraordinary vision—a vision to transform Phase III our facilities to meet the needs of our patients, visitors and staff now and into the future. Relocated and Expanded  Emergency Department Join us today and help make this Expected Completion: Summer 2015 extraordinary vision a reality.

To hear firsthand how this project will impact V people in our community, we invite you to visit www.mgmc.org/foundation to watch a video. This video features people from our com- munity—our neighbors and friends—sharing why they believe in this vision, too.

Skywalk connecting parking  garage to main building An enclosed skywalk will improve Visit www.mgmc.org/foundation to: access to the second floor and will Drive-through ambulance garage also provide a covered walkway at • Make a gift ground level. Enhanced main entrance A new ambulance garage will improve • Watch our video The redesigned main entrance accessibility and response time. • Take a virtual tour will create a sense of arrival • View construction webcam and provide better way-finding throughout the medical center. Relocated and expanded Emergency Department Or call 515-239-2147 to learn more. The Emergency Department will be expanded to meet our community’s growing needs. The new department will offer additional treatment rooms and improve triage $5.5 million $6 and admitting areas. Extraordinary Visions Campaign Progress raised million to date goal “We came to know firsthand how blessed our community and student body is to have Mary Greeley during Jeff’s recent need for services. Mary Greeley was there when  we needed it. Now it’s our turn. We support this vision  0 1 2 3 4 5 6 and believe this is our opportunity to give back.” $ in millions 24 – Peggy and Jeff Johnson 25 Fall Prevention Part 1: Fall Prevention Part 2: Fall Risk Assessment Reduce Your Risk for Falls Prime Time Alive Wednesday, Dec. 5. Appointments Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m. Schedule of Events available between 1 and 4 p.m. Quality Inn and Suites Mallwalkers October – December 2012 Mary Greeley Rehab and Wellness 2601 E. 13th St., Ames Medical Arts Building lower level Presented by Matt Petersen, PT, MSPT, MPA, 1015 Duff Ave., Ames Mary Greeley Rehab and Wellness. Update on Flu and More than one third of adults over the age Did you know that every 18 seconds an older Pneumonia Prime Time Alive of 65 will fall each year, resulting in injuries, adult is treated in an emergency department for hospital admissions and even death. Schedule an a fall? You will learn what you can do to reduce Tuesday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m. Prime Time Alive programs are designed to help you achieve a vital balance of the physical, financial, emotional and appointment to have a fall risk assessment to help your risk for falls by addressing the common North Grand Mall spiritual components in your life. Don’t miss all the fun and learning! You can become a member and register for identify your risks for fall. Physical therapy staff risk factors. It is recommended you also attend events online at www.mgmc.org or by calling 515-239-2423 or 800-303-9574. Preregistration is required. will perform a fall risk assessment that will take Fall Prevention Part 1: Fall Risk Assessment on Presented by Terri Olinger, RN, BSN you through stations to test your leg strength, Dec. 5 (appointment required). balance, and mobility using standardized tests. Story County Public Health Nurse, The assessment should take between 20 and 30 HOMEWARD of Mary Greeley Travel Medicine: Peripheral Neuropathy Overnight Trip: minutes. Please wear comfortable clothing and Medical Center What You Need to Know Cause and Treatment Holiday Cheer in Kansas City shoes that will allow easy movement. Before Traveling Abroad Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 Call 515-239-2423 to set up an appointment. Learn the current information on flu Thursday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m. Quality Inn and Suites to Thursday, Nov. 29 and vaccinations for flu and pneumonia. Quality Inn and Suites 2601 E. 13th St., Ames Get into the holiday spirit with your fellow Flu and pneumonia shots will be 2601 E. 13th St., Ames Presented by Juan Acosta, MD, Prime Time Alive friends. We’ll go to the Auxiliary and Volunteer Services available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Bring New Theatre Restaurant to see the matinee Presented by Sean Juguilon, MD, McFarland Clinic Neurology Shop with a Purpose! All proceeds from the Gift Shop support Auxiliary your Medicare B card. McFarland Clinic Family Medicine Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of nerves performance of “The Game’s Afoot”—(a scholarships, programs and services of Mary Greeley Medical Center. Before you travel abroad find out about travel- outside the brain and spinal cord. Patients holiday murder mystery comedy), tour the For more information call 515-239-2190. related diseases, their prevalence in different with peripheral neuropathy may have tingling, holiday lights and shop at Country Club Plaza, Expectant Waiting: geographic areas, modes of transmission, and numbness, unusual sensations, cramps, and visit the Hallmark Visitor’s Center. Of Listening to the course, a holiday mystery surprise is included. prevention and treatment. weakness, or burning (neuropathic) pain. While Auxiliary Trivia Tailgate Event Holiday Open House Quietude Within diabetes is one of the most common causes of Watch the mail for a flyer with more details. Friday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 – Friday, Nov. 16 peripheral neuropathy, cancer therapy drugs Tuesday, Dec. 4, 8 a.m. AARP Driver Safety Program Ames Golf & Country Club MGMC Gift Shop such as vincristine (Oncovin and Vincasar) Holiday Gathering North Grand Mall Tuesday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and other medications can also be a cause. Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m. Gather some friends for a table of eight, or Enjoy light refreshments and holiday music while MGMC North Addition C Join Dr. Juan Acosta as he addresses the causes Gateway Hotel and Conference Center come individually for a fun evening. Sport shopping for gifts or decorations for the home, Presented by Katherine Werner, M.Div., Presented by Stu Huntington, your favorite team attire, and bring your own and receive 20 percent off all gift purchases. of and treatment for peripheral neuropathy. Join your Prime Time Alive friends for holiday chaplain, Mary Greeley Medical Center AARP Driver Safety Instructor table tailgate food. Tailgating begins at 6 p.m., This program is co-sponsored with the Cancer fun. There will be treats, entertainment, door and trivia begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 per “Books Are Fun” Amid the hustle and bustle, and the Learn about the normal changes of aging Resource Center. prizes and an abundance of holiday cheer at person, and proceeds benefit the Auxiliary. Book Fair Fundraiser lights and noise the holidays bring, and the effects it may have on driving. The the annual holiday gathering. Don’t forget: To register and pay in advance, please contact cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for all Diabetes Prevention As We Age You need to be an active Prime Time Alive Friday, Nov. 30, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. rediscover some of the joy and wonder External Relations at 515-239-2210 before Oct. 5. others. Please make checks payable to AARP. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. member to attend. If you have not renewed The book fair will offer over 250 great titles at of the season. Slow down the rush and The program may entitle participants to an Quality Inn and Suites your membership for this year, or if you are not Holiday Cut-Out unbelievable prices. Choose from children’s story receive the gift of waiting. insurance premium discount. 2601 E. 13th St., Ames a Prime Time Alive member and would like to Cookie Dough Fundraiser books, cookbooks, New York Times Best Sellers, Presented by Lynn Maves, MPH, RD, LD, CDE, join us at the Holiday Gathering, call 515-239- scrapbooking, gardening, do-it-yourself books, Cooking Demonstration: Monday, Oct. 22 – Friday, Nov. 9 Mary Greeley Medical Center Diabetes and 2423 or 800-303-9574 to request a registration general interest books and more. Soups from Around the World MGMC Gift Shop Nutrition Education Center form. Pre-registration is required by calling the Wednesday and Thursday phone numbers listed above. Watch the mail Enjoy the holiday tradition of baking cookies Research shows that people with pre-diabetes for a flyer with more information. without the mess—simply bake, decorate and Oct. 24 and 25, 2 to 4 p.m. are at risk for the same complications that are enjoy. Priced at just $14, each box contains three Cook’s Emporium, 313 Main St., Ames seen with diabetes. Come learn about the risk dozen frozen sugar cookies cut out in shapes of Presented by Marg Junkhan, owner, factors for and prevalence of diabetes, and how a snowmen, stars and trees. Reserve a box at the Cook’s Emporium lifestyle management can help prevent diabetes. Gift Shop with payment of cash or check due Take a trip around the world with your taste upon ordering. Pick up your orders Thursday, buds. Enjoy a Mexican, French, and Asian soup. Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the And of course we won’t forget dessert! George Hegstrom Diabetes Symposium Gift Shop. Nov. 2, 21012 • Physical activity and diabetes with Marynia Register by Oct. 17, 2012, Wronski, PT, Park Nicollet at www.mgmc.org • Diabetes burnout and barriers to diabetes management with Dr. Susan Guzman, You’ll learn about: Behavioral Diabetes Institute Sponsored by • Foot care with diabetes from Dr. Mark the Mary Greeley Medical Center Diabetes Sorrentino, Ames Foot Clinic 26 and Nutrition Education Center 27 Clinics Colo Family Birthing Classes Story City Classes Community Center Register online at mgmc.org or call 515-239- Core Box: Punch and kick your way to a Art Schedule Childhood Immunization Clinics Tuesday, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18 2444 or 800-951-9222 for specific information stronger core and a leaner, meaner body. Core Cancer Resource Box mixes kickboxing combinations and high HOMEWARD offers childhood immunization clinics 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. and to register. Preregistration is required. Center October intensity drills along with high energy music for Story County residents on the second and fourth for the ultimate in kickboxing fun! Tuesday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Huxley Big Brother, Big Sister Class Mary Greeley Medical Center Classes are offered for ages 2 to 4, mixed ages, Dena Tollefson the HOMEWARD office located at 1114 Duff Ave. Walnut Grove Community Room and ages 4 and up. Yoga: regularly schedules programs to Oils Upcoming dates include: Thursday, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6 Combine traditional yoga postures with provide cancer education and 1 – 2:30 p.m. Ages 2 to 4: Oct. 4, Nov. 8, Dec. 6 North Addition hallway Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 13, Nov. 27, Dec. 11 Mixed ages: Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 10 modern fitness moves for an excellent mind/ support. For more information Parents of children receiving immunizations are asked to Ages 4 and up: Oct. 29, Nov. 29, Dec. 27 body experience—perfect for those seeking Pat Hykes bring previous immunization records with them. Even Maxwell 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. strength, flexibility, stress reduction and total and to register for events, call Oils and watercolors if a child has never received an immunization, he or she Community Center Main Lobby relaxation. Bring your own yoga mat. 515-956-6440 or 866-972-

North Addition hallway may start a program at any time. Call 515-539-6730 for Wednesday, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 5477. Preregistration is required. more information. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Childbirth Classes Power Hour: Pump it up and join us for this total body Karen Wolfe Birthways offers a one-day and Tuesday series Nevada childbirth class to help women in their seventh strength training workout using free weights, Watercolors Adult Immunization Clinics bars, tubing and more. This workout is HOMEWARD offers adult immunization clinics Senior Center to eighth month of pregnancy and their Main hallway Wednesday, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 support persons prepare for childbirth. A tour is appropriate for all fitness levels. for Story County residents every week at the Lilly Oncology on 12:30 – 2 p.m. included with the class. $30 donation per class. Vincent Lewis HOMEWARD office located at 1114 Duff Ave. The SilverSneakers: Canvas Exhibit clinics are held Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to Woodwork One-Day Childbirth Class Have fun and move to the music through 12:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Meadows Apartments a variety of exercises designed to increase Oct. 9-12, 15-19 Display case Saturday, Oct. 6, 13; Nov. 3, 10; Dec. 1, 8 Tuesday, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. muscular strength, range of movement and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1 – 3 p.m. activity for daily living skills. Weights, elastic HOMEWARD: South Auditorium Mary Greeley Medical Center will host a Blood Pressures with Prime Time Alive tubing with handles and a ball are offered for A social time with free blood pressure checks by Story City Childbirth Class resistance, and a chair is used for seated or selection of artwork through Lilly Oncology November HOMEWARD is held 30 minutes before each Story City Community Health Center Tuesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16; Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4, standing support. On Canvas. The exhibit is presented by Lilly

Mallwalkers program, from 7 to 8 a.m., on the first Wednesday, Oct. 24, Nov. 28, Dec. 26 11, 18 Oncology and the National Coalition Cancer Joel Lueck H.E.A.T.: Tuesday of every month at North Grand Mall. 1 – 4 p.m. 7 to 9 p.m. Survivorship (NCCS). The exhibition honors Pen and ink, and prints South Auditorium If you want to take your fitness and fat loss to the journey patients, their family members North Addition hallway Cedar Place the next level—without spending more time in Senior Health Clinics the gym—then H.E.A.T. could be exactly what and friends face when confronted with a HOMEWARD Senior Health Clinics offer foot care, Thursday, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13 Birthways Tour Birthways offers tours of the hospital and you’re looking for. Push yourself to your limit Pat Hykes blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing and health 1 – 4 p.m. with athletic-style cardiovascular exercises— cancer diagnosis. unit for expectant women and their support Oils and watercolors education for Story County older adults. Call 515-239- persons. both choreographed and drill-based. Get your North Addition hallway 6730 for more information. HOMEWARD will offer Wednesday, Oct. 24, Nov. 28, Dec. 19 metabolism fired up before most people are out Peripheral Neuropathy clinics at the following locations, dates and times: Support Groups 7 to 8 p.m. of bed. Cause and Treatment Karen Wolfe South Auditorium Watercolors Ames Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group Zumba: Nov. 6, 2 p.m. Ditch the workout and join the party! Zumba Main hallway Green Hills Health Care Center Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4 Breastfeeding Classes Quality Inn and Suites This group meets the first Tuesday of every month from Monday, Oct. 1, Nov. 5. Dec. 3 fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to- Wednesday, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 follow moves to create a dynamic fitness Presented by Juan Acosta, MD, Neurology, Vincent Lewis 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. 1 to 3 p.m. in North Addition Room D. Call 515-239- Thursday, Oct. 11, Nov. 15, Dec. 3 6730 or 800-529-4610. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. program. Enjoy an exhilarating hour of McFarland Clinic Woodwork calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring Heartland Senior Services South Auditorium Display case $10 donation movements meant to engage and captivate. Joint Prime Time Alive and Cancer Resource Thursdays Bereavement Support Groups Center program Peripheral neuropathy is a Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 Men’s Coffee Pilates: This group meets the third Monday of the month from HOMEWARD disorder of nerves outside the brain and spinal Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 Expectant Parent Class With an emphasis on breathing, core Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 7:30 to 9 a.m. conditioning and body awareness, Pilates cord. Patients with peripheral neuropathy may December Wednesdays have tingling, numbness, unusual sensations, 9:30 a.m. – noon Oct. 10, 17, 24 creates stronger, longer, leaner muscles, flatter Circle of Hope abdominals, core stability and body balance. Joel Lueck Nov. 7, 14, 28 cramps, weakness or burning (neuropathic) Keystone Apartments This group of women meets the first Monday of the 7 to 9 p.m. It will leave you looking toned and moving Pen and ink, and prints with ease. pain. While diabetes is one of the most Thursday, Oct. 25, Dec. 27 month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. North Addition A & B common causes of peripheral neuropathy, North Addition hallway 1 – 2:30 p.m. For more information on grief support groups, contact $5 donation HOMEWARD Hospice at 515-956-6038 or Pilates/Sculpt: cancer therapy drugs such as vincristine Combine the benefits of Pilates with the latest Jane Baty Regency V Apartments 877-469-0079. Fitness Classes (Oncovin and Vincasar) and other medications Watercolors and watercolor collage strength moves to create a leaner, stronger you. Wednesday, Oct. 24, Nov. 28, Dec. 26 Call for specific dates and times. Call 515-956- Build muscle and burn calories in this “best of can also be a cause. Join Dr. Juan Acosta as North Addition hallway 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group 2731 for Ames classes or 515-733-4029 for Story both worlds” class. he addresses the causes of and treatment for City Classes. Preregistration is required. This group meets twice in the fall and twice in the peripheral neuropathy. Deb Ames Stonehaven Apartments spring. Call 515-239-6780 for meeting times and TRX Small Group Training: Ames Classes Watercolors Wednesday, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 additional information. The latest in total body conditioning, TRX Moms in Motion: Designed for prenatal builds strength from the core using suspension, When you Forget to Remember Main hallway 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. women, this class includes gentle stretching, Diabetes Support Group angles and body weight. Sculpt a strong, lean Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. strengthening and mild cardiovascular exercises. and powerful you. Rachel Sims The Waterford at Ames This group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 Following guidelines from the American North Addition A and B Jewelry and glass ornaments Wednesday, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 p.m. Call 515-956-2880 for more information. College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, Boot Camp Challenge: Display case 1 – 3:30 p.m. Moms in Motion prepares women for Presented by Larry Otteman, MD, Parkinson Support Group the physiological changes associated with Our boot camps provide you with the latest Oncology & Hematology, McFarland Clinic Call 515-239-2608 and ask for Susan Trevillyan for more pregnancy, and develops stamina and strength tools and strategies to take your fitness to the Collins next level. Join us for fun and games as you Dr. Otteman will explore how cancer treatment City Hall information. for labor and delivery. Class participants enjoy a unique bond exercising with other moms-to-be. rev up your metabolism and greet the day affects brain function and can lead to changes Senior Meeting Room energized, ready to burn calories all day long. Wednesday, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 Stroke Support Group in memory and concentration for cancer 9 – 10 a.m. The Stroke Support Group is free and open to the survivors. He will also discuss strategies to public. Call 515-239-2323 for more information. manage these changes. 28 health connect | Fall 2012 29 1111 Duff Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010

Tree of Love The Tree of Love is a symbol of remembrance and is sponsored by Mary Greeley Medical Center’s HOMEWARD Hospice. By purchasing a beautiful limited edition ornament for the Tree of Love, you have an opportunity to remember a loved one or honor a special family member or friend.

Each ornament is $20, with proceeds benefiting Hospice. The ornaments with the names of the remembered persons will be displayed on the Tree of Love in the lobby of the medical center through the holiday season. The memorial service for the Tree of Love on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. begins with a time of remembrance followed by decorating of the tree. Ornaments will be mailed after the first of the year.

Call HOMEWARD Hospice at 515-956-6000 if you have questions.

Order Form Ornaments will be mailed to the purchaser unless you instruct us otherwise. Please place an ornament on the Tree of Love for: ______$______is enclosed for ______ornaments at $20 each. Please make checks payable to HOMEWARD Hospice.

My name:______Address:______City:______State:______ZIP:______Please notify the following person or family of this gift: Name:______Address:______City:______State:______ZIP:______

Mail this order form to HOMEWARD Hospice, 400 S. Dakota Ave., Ames, IA 50014

HC_ Fall_12_Back ad.indd 1 9/28/2012 1:54:51 PM