A Shared Vision… making an impact 2010 annual report to donors and friends Table of Contents Making an Impact on Heart and Vascular Care .......................................................2 Leading the Way in Cancer Care ..............................................................................6 Neuroscience Care Adds New Services ....................................................................8 Special Programs Help Those in Need ....................................................................12 Building Our Endowment.......................................................................................14 Volunteers Support Our Efforts ..............................................................................16 Donor Recognition .................................................................................................17 Dear Friends, On behalf of the patients and their families who benefit from the care provided by St. John Providence Health System, thank you for your generous support. Because you share our vision to provide the highest quality patient care experience, every day, everywhere, for everyone, we are truly making a difference. Because you share our vision, we are able to provide excellent care for body, mind and spirit. As you read through this annual report, you will come to understand the immense kindness of our community. From the smallest heartfelt gift, to the large gift supporting the latest technology, to attendance at a fundraising event, your generosity continues to inspire us. We are grateful for the continuing loyalty of longtime friends Susan E. Burns and thankful for the new supporters we have gained over the past year…you all make an impact. In 2010, we were delighted to receive another exceptional gift from Gretchen Valade for important technology for our Heart and Vascular Center of Excellence; and the Cracchiolo family provided the lead gift for a new inpatient rehabilitation center where patients receive the best possible care using the most advanced rehabilitation equipment available. In addition, Art Van Elslander’s continued support made the addition of an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit for the Neuroscience Center of Excellence a reality, and contributions from many other donors helped build a new Electrophysiology Lab. Scores of other needs in our hospitals, programs and services were fulfilled through your gifts. Our Legacy Society has also grown, as community members designate planned gifts for the future support of St. John Providence Health System. Our fundraising efforts continue to focus on our many Centers of Excellence and on additional priority needs to offer the most advanced treatment, cutting-edge technology and expert care available. With your continued support and the renewed spirit of collaboration among our hospitals, leadership and boards, we are better Joan S. Gehrke positioned to provide an enhanced continuum of care for our patients. We are excited about the future and fortunate to have so many of you beside us as we work to make a greater impact on the health of our community. Thank you once again for your commitment to St. John Providence Health System and for sharing in our vision… you are truly making an impact. Sincerely, Susan E. Burns President, St. John Providence Health System Foundations Joseph V. Walker Joan S. Gehrke Chair, St. John Health Foundation Board of Trustees Joseph V. Walker Chair, Providence Health Foundation Board of Trustees (Executive photos by Karlest Ford) 1 Making an impact HEART AND VASCULAR AND VASCULAR CARE HEART Patient with severe heart disease seeks second opinion that saves his life One blocked heart artery and two partially blocked arteries were a “This second opinion was fantastic,” Frank said. “Before that, I was cause of grave concern for Frank Garcia, 57, of Detroit. A doctor at getting into a panic mode. There was a lot of praying going on.” a large health institution had told him, “There’s nothing we can do; you’re going to have a massive heart attack.” Months prior to his office visit, Frank had to leave his job because he couldn’t lift boxes. Frank knew that surgery wouldn’t allow him While contemplating whether to buy more life insurance to protect to return to his job, but he thought it could lead to a longer, better his family, he happened to catch a TV commercial from St. John quality of life. He needs the energy and strength to help raise his Providence Health System about a new treatment, the Diamondback five-year-old daughter, Taylor, and be able to spend time with his 360®, that works like a “roto-rooter” to clear blocked arteries. four grown children and six grandchildren. With a glimmer of hope, he broke through his sense of pending doom On Aug. 31 and Sept. 10, 2010, Frank underwent a two-stage and called the number on the TV screen. Two weeks later, he had an cardiac catheterization. Dr. Davis opened his blocked arteries through appointment with the doctor in the commercial: Thomas Davis, MD, catheterization and, in the second operation, inserted a drug-eluding Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at St. John Hospital stent – a tiny mesh cylinder – into another artery. The anti-clotting and Medical Center (SJH&MC) and a partner at Eastlake Cardiovascular medication in the stent prevents plaque formation in the artery. Associates in St. Clair Shores. Both procedures required only an overnight hospital stay. “Is there anything you can do for me?” Frank asked. Frank’s previous symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue and lack of strength are now a thing of the past. His blood flow has improved Dr. Davis’ response gave Frank renewed hope. “He (Frank) thought he dramatically following the procedures, and he has undertaken a was going to die from this problem. He was told there was nothing rigorous cardiac rehabilitation program. He also is learning how to that could be done aside from medication.” Dr. Davis has extensive cook healthy meals to control his diabetes, which often occurs with experience with difficult cases and also conducts research using the heart disease. latest technology. Having performed at least 10,000 cases – his “tipping point” – Dr. Davis told Frank that he was willing to try Frank has high praise for the treatment he received from Dr. Davis. to restore blood flow in his arteries. He said, “The way he approached my treatment was a positive experience. He cared about me as a patient. The procedures that Pictured above left to right: he performed saved my life.” Frank Garcia and his wife Tonya are grateful for his swift recovery and relieved to be able to raise their young daughter, Taylor, together. In addition to Dr. Davis’ role in his amazing recovery, Frank also Robotic arms are positioned over the patient during surgery, with each move guided by the surgeon at a console. credits the care and encouragement that he received from Alan Patricia Maryland, Dr.PH (right), President and CEO, St. John Providence Cholewiak and Theresa Dombrow, who work in Cardiac Rehabilitation Health System, recognized the generosity of Mrs. Gretchen Valade at a at SJH&MC. “They guided me in the right direction for a longer and special reception. healthier life,” he said. Valade event photos by Karlest Ford, other photos by Liz Cezat 2 HEART AND VASCULAR AND VASCULAR CARE HEART Making an impact With the spring opening of the new Cardiovascular Hybrid Operating Room, made possible by Gretchen Valade’s generous gift in 2009, more patients with severe heart disease will gain a longer, healthier quality of life. According to Dr. Davis, “The hybrid OR offers the best of angioplasty and surgery combined. This technology is not available at other area Molly Valade, Jennifer Chope, Mark Valade and Bill Chope hospitals. We can do a lot for patients with complicated conditions attended the reception honoring Mark’s mother, Mrs. Valade. now that we have more options.” The hybrid OR allows heart bypass and cardiac catheterizations to to be placed on a heart-lung machine and the smaller incision be performed during the same session. The new da Vinci® Si robot results in quicker recovery. enables surgeons to make a three-inch incision below the rib (traditional surgery requires a 10-inch long opening along the chest). The new robotic system and The Gretchen C. Valade Cardiovascular This robot makes it easier for the surgeon to perform a coronary Hybrid Operating Room are life-saving additions to the Heart and artery bypass using the left internal mammary artery, a procedure Vascular Center of Excellence at SJH&MC and demonstrate how considered to be the “gold standard” of care. Patients don’t have donor gifts make a difference. Gretchen Valade’s gift of a robotic surgery unit elevates level of care The physicians and staff of St. John Hospital and Medical A reception held Nov. 2, 2010, Center (SJH&MC) along with grateful patients appreciate at St. John Hospital recognized the generous gifts of longtime supporter Gretchen Valade, Mrs. Valade’s latest gift and of Grosse Pointe Farms. celebrated this major advance in health care for St. John In June 2010, Mrs. Valade made a $2 million donation to fund Providence Health System’s the purchase of a da Vinci® Si robotic surgical system. The Heart and Vascular Center gift will be used for heart patients, cancer patients and of Excellence. others who can benefit from minimally invasive surgery. “Her philanthropic ventures The new system will be based in The Gretchen C. Valade have opened doors for the Cardiovascular Hybrid Operating Room, which opened this doctors, nurses and spring at SJH&MC. The hybrid OR is the anchor of the technicians to provide Mrs. Gretchen Valade, a Minimally Invasive Structural Heart Program, which was nationally recognized care longtime supporter, donated launched with a $3 million gift made by Mrs. Valade in 2009. to patients in southeast funds to procure a leading- That gift came after she learned how such an OR would Michigan,” said Dr. LaLonde. edge da Vinci robotic unit vastly improve heart care, during a presentation made by “We are so grateful for in 2010. Thomas LaLonde, MD, Chief of Cardiology at SJH&MC.