Overcomes the Odds How to Keep Them Safe
CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 1:56 PM Page 1 VOL.4 NO.1 Sophia Overcomes the Odds Miami Children’s Magnetic Nurses Kids and Sports How to Keep Them Safe Technology for Tomorrow Advanced Imaging is Here CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 1:57 PM Page 2 President and Chief Executive Officer Miami Children’s Hospital Thomas M. Rozek President Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Robin Reiter-Faragalli Director of Marketing & Public Relations Miami Children’s Hospital Marcia Diaz de Villegas Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Ivette R. Diaz Editor Rachel Perry Contributing Writers Ivette Diaz, Maria Moldes, Daniel Brantley, Lauren Fox, Lori Futcher, Erin King, Sheryl K. Montle, Beth Painter Art Director Teneara L. Faw Developed by 800-624-7496 MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2004 Rene Murai, Esq.,Chairman Robert Jordan, Vice Chairman Deise Granado-Villar, MD, Secretary Georgina Angones; José A. Bengochea, MD; Peter Bermont; Evalina Bestman, PhD; Jos´e A. Carro, MD; Miles Gilman; Ghislain Gouraige, Jr.; Gary Gregory; Andrew Labbie, MD; Sarah Legorburu-Selem, MD; Juan Carlos Mas; Steven Melnick, MD, PhD; Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD; Gene Prescott; Thomas M. Rozek; Moises Simpser, MD; Mario Trueba; JoAnne Youngblut, PhD, RN; Robin Reiter-Faragalli, Ex-Officio MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Judy Weiser, Chairman Robin Reiter-Faragalli, President William L. Morrison, First Vice President J. David Scheiner, Second Vice President Mark Blank, Treasurer, Alan Ojeda, Secretary Donald H. Altman, MD; Neil R. Chrystal; Tom. M. Cornish; Jesus Diaz; Manuel R. Iribar, MD; Victor Lopez; Juan Carlos Mas; Kenneth J. Reilly; Susan M. Sibley; Eric W. Sulzberger; Ambassador David M. Walters; Dawn White; Teresa V-F Weintraub Thomas M. Rozek, Ex-Officio 2 Children’s Gazette winter 2004 Dear Friends, Childhood is full of bumps and bruises, especially when it comes to sports. Thankfully at Miami Children’s Hospital, our Department of Orthopedics features highly skilled physicians and staff including one of the only pediatric orthopedic surgeons in South Florida specializing in children’s sports injuries. In this issue of Children’s Gazette, you’ll also read about how Miami Children’s was instrumental in saving the life of Sophia Missagia, who was born with a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart. In an incredibly delicate procedure, the cardiologists patched the hole in Sophia’s heart. These internationally recognized heart specialists are also helping children at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women in Orlando, thanks to a recent partnership between the hospital and Miami Children’s Hospital. In addition, the hospital is the first freestanding pediatric facility in Florida and the entire Southeast to become a Magnet site for nurses, meaning Miami Children’s will continue to attract and retain topnotch nurses. From our commitment to nursing excellence to our parent-approved care, you can be confident in the worldrenowned treatment at Miami Children’s Hospital. Sincerely, C Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD CHIEF MEDICALOFFICER/SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 1:57 PM Page 3 Overcoming the Odds When baby Sophia Missagia was born with a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart, the Missagias had the choice of any hospital in the world. They chose Miami Children’s Hospital to perform the lifesaving procedure on their daughter. PATIENT PROFILE: Sophia Missagia S he was not even 4 weeks old, but Sophia Missagia was wasting away before her parents’ eyes. At just 3 days old, she had been diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect (VSD)—a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart. Although her parents, Alexandra and Evandro, were assured that the hole was small and would heal itself with time, she had stopped eating and couldn’t gain weight. Thankfully, the Missagias sought help from the world-class pediatric cardiology team at Miami Children’s Hospital. On October 13, 2003, Sophia became one of the youngest patients to undergo a delicate procedure to patch the hole. Fearing the Unknown “At 3 and a half weeks, Sophia wasn’t eating, and yet no one knew what was wrong,” says Alexandra. “We had just moved to Boca Raton from Atlanta, Georgia, and I was beginning to think it was the worst mistake we’d ever made to leave the support of our family and friends in such a difficult time.” Sophia was given a feeding tube and a multitude of medications, yet the tiny infant still didn’t thrive. Believing her problems were strictly gastrointestinal, baby Sophia’s physicians in Boca Raton recommended that the Missagias seek more specialized care. “As a Delta Airlines employee on a leave of absence, I could take Sophia and fly anywhere for free,” Alexandra emphasizes. “We were willing to go around the globe to make sure our daughter received the best available care. But our doctors told us there was no reason to go anywhere but Miami Children’s Hospital.” World-Class Care Here at Home The world-class pediatric cardiologists at Miami Children’s ultimately determined that the root of Sophia’s problems was her VSD. They found that the hole was bigger than initially suspected, yet Sophia’s weakened condition and the VSD location would make the hole difficult to close with conventional surgery. With her parents’ consent, MCH physicians decided to pursue another option—a minimally invasive procedure to patch the hole. Successfully used in other parts of the world, the procedure is so new that it’s still under investigation and awaiting FDA approval in the United States. Sophia’s condition was getting continually worse, and the Miami Children’s team knew they had to gain special approval—and fast. On Friday, October 10, 2003 the Miami Children’s team set to work. Their world-renowned reputation enabled them to acquire the AMPLATZER® Muscular VSD Occluder and FDA permission for emergency compassionate use of the device on Monday, October 13. “At only 4 months and eight pounds, Sophia is clearly among the smallest and youngest patients in the world to ever have this procedure performed,” says Evan Zahn, MD, board-certified pediatric interventional cardiologist and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at Miami Children’s Hospital. “It takes a highly specialized, incredibly dedicated team to perform these types of procedures successfully. After the intervention, Sophia needed only Band-Aids for her two tiny incisions.” A Bright Future With this amazing procedure and the skill of the Miami Children’s team, Sophia experienced no pain and a remarkably quick recovery. Her body will grow normal heart tissue to cover the patch—which will never need to be replaced—sealing the hole forever. “I believe God sent us to Florida so that we could receive the care Sophia would need. If we had stayed in Atlanta, I don’t know that my baby would have lived,” Alexandra says. “Everyone here has been so wonderful and supportive. My gratitude to Dr. Zahn, the doctors and the nurses at Miami Children’s is immeasurable.” 3 winter 2004 Children’s Gazette CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 1:58 PM Page 4 d i Ks Raising Active WELL C hildren and sports. They go together like bats and gloves—especially in South Florida where kids’ sporting activities are available year round and run the gamut from archery to soccer to volleyball. But where there are sports, there are opportunities for injury. Parents are advised to seek help from a pediatric sports medicine specialist should their child sustain a sports injury because pediatric injuries are typically very different from those commonly seen in adults. Quick Fact According to the National SAFEKIDS Campaign, more than 1 million children are treated each year for sports-related injuries. “Kids have special needs and shouldn’t be treated as adults,” says Stephen M. Swirsky, DO, pediatric orthopedic surgeon on staff at Miami Children’s Hospital and one of only a few pediatric sports medicine specialists in the region. “Because children are still growing and developing, they experience different types of injuries when compared with adults.” Practicing Prevention Of course, preventing injuries is even better. There are several steps you and your children can take for safety’s sake. For starters, wear sport-specific protective gear. If your son plays football, for example, he’ll need a helmet, mouth guard, protective cup, proper footwear and other body pads. 4 Children’s Gazette winter 2004 Another key element is to always warm up before practice or a game. Be sure your child’s coach includes slow stretching to lengthen players’ muscles and increase blood flow. To prevent dehydration from the South Florida heat, children also need to take frequent drink breaks (every 15–20 minutes in the hottest months of the year). Injury Handling 101 If your child does get injured, discuss the injury with the game physician, trainer and coach. If appropriate, follow the RICE principle (see “Remember RICE” article) until further evaluation or intervention is initiated. “If a child encounters something other than a bruise, it should be evaluated by a physician,” says Dr. Swirsky. “Most of the time you can tell when kids are hurt, but not always. Some children may not tell you about pain because they don’t want to miss practice or a game.” How can you tell if your child is hurt? Look for swelling, limping or restricted use of the injured limb— these symptoms accompany most injuries in the first few days. Serious injuries are usually evident right away. If your child does get hurt, know that Miami Children’s is always here to provide the special care he or she needs. CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 4:35 PM Page 5 Meet Dr. Swirsky Stephen M. Swirsky, DO, one of only a few pediatric sports medicine specialists in the region, offers his patients a rehab as well as an orthopedic perspective to their sports injuries. Get the Stats A sport-by-sport breakdown of common injuries Basketball COMMON INJURIES: fractures, sprains, strains and bruises (in knees and ankles); ACL injuries (especially in girls); rotator cuff strains and tears; and dental injuries He was part of the medical staff for the Florida Panthers and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He’s an athletic trainer, physical therapist and orthopedic surgeon. He loves children (and has three of his own). Stephen M. Swirsky, DO, pediatric orthopedic surgeon on staff at Miami Children’s Hospital, is bringing your children the best in sports injury care. Panthers hockey team and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Dr. Swirsky began his medical career as a certified athletic trainer after finishing at the University of Florida in 1990. He worked as the trainer for Miami Springs High School and as a guide runner for blind athletes in the Special Olympics while studying physical therapy at the University of Miami School of Medicine. “My background gives me a broad base to direct my evaluation and treatment,” says Dr. Swirsky, “because I see my patients not only from an orthopedic perspective but also from a rehab perspective.” He then was employed as an athletic trainer and physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Fort Lauderdale and was the Chairman of the Sports Medicine Committee in 1993. During that time, Dr. Swirsky worked with numerous professional athletes as a member of the medical staff of the Florida But he wanted to learn more and his love for children compelled him to complete medical school at Nova Southeastern University and enter into an orthopedic surgery residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital. As a resident and chief resident in orthopedic surgery, he taught other residents and medical students. Today Dr. Swirsky is one of Miami-Dade County High School’s Sports Physical Examination Physicians and the team physician for Michael Kropp High School. In addition, he’s dedicated to providing children and young adults with excellence in sports injury treatment right here at Miami Children’s. To make an appointment with Dr. Swirsky, call Miami Children’s Department of Orthopedics at (305) 662-8366. Baseball/Softball COMMON INJURIES: fractures, bruises and soft tissue strains Soccer COMMON INJURIES: headaches, bruises and cuts Track COMMON INJURIES: strains and sprains Football COMMON INJURIES: bruises, strains, sprains and broken bones (in knees and ankles); pulled muscles; muscle tears; ligament (ACL) tears in the knee); bruised internal organs; and back injuries Source: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Remember RICE Your son is rounding the bases for a home run. When he slides into home plate, his ankle gets twisted. There are several ways this story can end—he can stay in the game and potentially cause himself more harm, or his coach, the physician (if one is at the game) and you can examine his injury and follow the RICE principles if applicable. Following RICE, particularly for minor injuries such as strains and bruises can alleviate pain, swelling and inflammation and aid in healing. Teach your child the importance of caring for an injury right away and how to do it the RICE way. Always remember, however, to have any injury evaluated if it’s more than a bruise or cut. Rest Stop playing and rest the injured area. This is a good time to have the coach or team physician examine the injury. Ice Apply a cold pack or bag of ice for 20 minutes each hour. As the swelling goes down, you can gradually stop. (At home, a bag of frozen veggies works well.) Compression Lightly wrap the injured area with an elastic support band. Be sure to remove it frequently. The pressure from the bandage will help to reduce swelling and protect the area by keeping it still. Elevation Elevate or prop up the injured area to reduce swelling and relieve throbbing pains. winter 2004 Children’s Gazette 5 CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 2:00 PM Page 6 Congratulations Miami Children’s Nurses! M iami Children’s Hospital nurses rank among the best in the nation for pediatric excellence. And now there’s proof! The hospital is the first freestanding pediatric facility in Florida and only the fifth children’s hospital nationwide to achieve Magnet designation—the nursing profession’s highest national honor. Nursing Care You Can Count On Magnet designation is awarded to hospitals with nursing staffs that can demonstrate full compliance with the rigorous quality indicators and nursing practice standards established by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Achieving this status— conferred to just over 100 hospitals nationwide—requires leadership and commitment to excellence. “Early on we recognized that Miami Children’s adhered to the standards required for Magnet designation. Documenting our practices and achievements was a critical part of the designation process and status was conferred following an intensive site Bedside Buddies Bring Fun and Friendship W hen Ernesto Espinosa visited his granddaughter during her hospitalization at Miami Children’s Hospital a few years ago, he felt an overwhelming surge of affection for every child he saw. “I made a vow that the day I retired I would volunteer to help children at the hospital,” he recalls. Espinosa has more than made good on that pledge. Since his retirement in 2002, the former structural engineer has served as part of Miami Children’s “Bedside Buddies” team, a group of 60 dedicated volunteers from all walks of life—college students, homemakers, career people and retirees—who have made a commitment to brightening the days of hospitalized children. A game of Candyland with Jigar Shah, a Miami Children’s Bedside Buddy, brightens a hospital stay for Kaitlyn Mora, age 5. 6 Children’s Gazette winter 2004 “Bedside Buddies is a way for our volunteers to work directly with children and make their stays more enjoyable,” says Lynn Heyman, Director of Community and Volunteer Services at Miami Children’s. “Volunteers don’t merely bring visit from a Magnet survey team,” says Jackie Gonzalez, MSN, ARNP, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Miami Children’s. Categories in which a hospital is assessed as part of the review process include the nursing staff’s clinical competence and assessment skills, staff education and certification levels, cultural diversity and how effectively the staff collaborates with other healthcare professionals within the organization and within the community. Magnet designation has significant value to facilities that achieve this standing. The recognition reinforces the facility’s reputation for excellence, and Magnet hospitals tend to draw high-quality candidates for nursing positions. “We are pleased to offer families the additional peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are receiving care in a hospital that is committed to nursing leadership and excellence in patient care,” says Gonzalez. entertainment for children to do alone. They sit down and play a board game or work on a project together.” The volunteers visit children who are unable to go to the hospital’s playroom, bringing along a cart filled with interactive activities including board games, beaded jewelry, coloring and painting supplies, card games, arts and crafts projects and puzzles. The program is offered six days a week from morning until early evening, with volunteers working minimum two-hour shifts. Jigar Shah, 19, a University of Miami pre-med student, is another member of the Bedside Buddies team. “Each time I volunteer, I go away with a special memory—at least one child who really let me know I made a difference in his or her day,” says Shah. “I can’t think of anything better than that.” For more information about how you can join Bedside Buddies, contact Lynn Heyman at (305) 666-6511, extension 8225. CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 3:59 PM Page 7 P H I L A N T H R O P I C Peacock Foundation, Inc. S ince 1952, Peacock Foundation, Inc., has been a regular contributor to Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF), providing unrestricted funding as well as support for both the Big Apple Circus® Clown Care Unit and the Health on Wheels program at MCH. In August 2003 Peacock Foundation made by far its biggest contribution to date to MCHF, pledging a total of $300,000 over three years to support the development of the Pediatric Human Patient Simulator Training Program at Miami Children’s Hospital. “The program we are developing with support from Peacock Foundation will address the need for effective, measurable results in medical education…and ultimately, it will save patients’ lives.” —Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer/Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs Training to Treat Children A Partnership in Caring Pediatric patients differ significantly from adults in their anatomy, their reactions to medications and the types of injuries they sustain. Through traditional medical education, healthcare professionals such as emergency room doctors and paramedics receive little hands-on training in treating children. The generous support of Peacock Foundation, Inc., will enable Miami Children’s Hospital to develop and implement a comprehensive program that uses the pediatric simulator to train physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals as well as professionals-in-training and the families of our pediatric patients. Through this program, individuals at MCH and other community-based medical and educational facilities in the Greater Miami area can practice and perfect a wide range of medical techniques and procedures. Practice makes perfect, and healthcare workers need to be as close to perfect as possible when it comes to the care of our most precious resource—our children. Peacock Foundation, Inc., was established by Henry B. Peacock, Jr. in 1947. The mission of Peacock Foundation, Inc. is to enhance and promote the good health and wellbeing of children, their families and underprivileged persons in Southeast Florida through contributions, gifts and grants to eligible nonprofit organizations. We at Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation thank Peacock Foundation, Inc., for its contributions and dedication to the improved health and well-being of our children. Simulation training is gradually replacing antiquated teaching methods at leading medical centers throughout the country. Miami Children’s is the first freestanding pediatric hospital in the southeastern United States to acquire a pediatric simulator—a lifesize, computer-controlled mannequin that looks and behaves like a 7-yearold child. Reacting in real time, the simulator can be programmed to breathe, alter its heartbeat, modify its blood gases and display a wide range of symptoms that create an extremely realistic learning environment for residents and other medical staff. MCH will use simulation technology in lieu of clinical hands-on experience wherever appropriate to ensure that healthcare professionals and parents or caregivers can perform routine as well as complex procedures confidently and safely. 7 winter 2004 Children’s Gazette CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 4:37 PM Page 8 A Kid-Safe Technology Faster. Better. More comfortable. A nyone who has ever had a child undergo a CT (“CAT”) scan will immediately appreciate the benefits of Miami Children’s Hospital’s latest investment in imaging technology. Miami Children’s is among the first hospitals in the region to acquire a GE LightSpeed 16-slice CT scanner—the most advanced and child-friendly scanner on the market. CT scans are used to produce cross-sectional images of virtually every part of the body including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, spine and skeletal system. Speed and Minimal Radiation “Our previous technology captured an image per second. With the new scanner we can take 16 pictures in a half-second,” says Nolan Altman, MD, Chief of Radiology at Miami Children’s. “The new technology is significantly 8 Children’s Gazette winter 2004 faster and provides higher resolution images, allowing us to examine smaller areas of the body.” Faster speed means better results and happier patients and families. “Sometimes we need to sedate children to ensure that they can remain still for the duration of a CT scan. The speed of the new scanner makes it possible for us to talk more children through the procedure without need for sedation,” Dr. Altman says. In addition, the new GE LightSpeed technology produces high-resolution, three-dimensional images with the smallest amount of radiation possible. When a child lies on the table to be screened, the technology adjusts itself to the weight of the child, ensuring minimal exposure to radiation. New Home for Imaging Services This brand-new technology is housed in a newly constructed wing of the Radiology Department. The new 10,000-square-foot wing opened a year ago and also houses two stateof-the-art MRI machines and a dedicated waiting area for imaging patients—important enhancements for a department that performs more than 98,000 procedures annually. MRI uses magnetism and radio frequencies to produce diagnostic images. This technology is often used by neurologists to evaluate the brain and spinal cord as well as for orthopedic and disc problems. MRI scans take multiple images of the body from all directions and angles. The new CT and MRI systems are valuable enhancements. “This stateof-the-art technology is a great asset in our work to care for children,” says Dr. Altman. “It will allow us to do more non-invasive techniques leading to accurate diagnoses with less trauma to our little patients— that’s the goal we aim for every day.” CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 4:02 PM Page 9 How Strong Are Your Child’s Bones? Miami Children’s Hospital’s research team can help you find out. O steoporosis is not a disorder generally associated with children. But the so-called “brittle-bone disease”—commonly identified with post-menopausal women—can affect children and teens with specific health issues, including kidney disease, asthma, seizures and anorexia nervosa. Ana Paredes, MD, a pediatric nephrologist at Miami Children’s, is conducting the nation’s first study of osteoporosis in a pediatric population. Her motivation comes from firsthand experience with children with chronic kidney conditions who are at high-risk for bone disease. Other possible risk factors for bone loss in children include: • having received a kidney, liver or heart transplant • growth hormone deficiency • being immobilized (such as being wheelchair bound) • eating disorders • having kidney stones For five years, Dr. Paredes has been using a pQCT® scanner to test the bone density of her patients with kidney disease. During this time, she has observed that approximately 20 percent have osteoporosis and an additional 35 percent have mildly weak bones. • cystic fibrosis Concerned that no osteoporosis medications are approved for use by children, Dr. Paredes spoke with Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures a medication for adult osteoporosis. Interested in learning more about osteoporosis and children, the company has provided Dr. Paredes with an unrestricted grant to assess the prevalence of the disease in a pediatric population. • collagen vascular disease (such as lupus) Dr. Paredes hopes to screen 100 children without risk factors and 200 • having more than two fractures in a year • use of prednisone (cortisone taken internally) • inflammatory bowel disease children with risk factors by September 2004. If you would like your child to participate in the osteoporosis study, please call Silvia E. Huete, Clinical Research Coordinator, at (305) 6666511, extension 4146. Participants must be between the ages of 6 and 17 and will receive a free two-minute bone scan. If this scan reveals bone loss, your child will be referred to Miami Children’s Radiology Department for a more in-depth scan. A Team“with Heart” Brings Cardiac Care to Children throughout Florida M iami Children’s Hospital has entered into a collaborative partnership with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art cardiac program for children throughout Florida. This is accomplished through one program offered at two locations. The Orlando-based Congenital Heart Institute at Arnold Palmer Hospital and the Congenital Heart Institute at Miami Children’s Hospital includes cardiac surgery, interventional catheterizations, electrophysiology and cardiac diagnostics. In addition, the outpatient clinic at Arnold Palmer Hospital provides prenatal cardiology services. “The partnership with Arnold Palmer is a beautiful extension of Miami Children’s mission, making it possible for us to participate in healing more little hearts within this dynamic state,” says Thomas M. Rozek, President and CEO. The Congenital Heart Institute at Miami Children’s continues to offer comprehensive services in Miami, providing care for children from throughout the region as well as from Central and South America and Europe. The team continues to demonstrate internationally recognized leadership and innovation, and boasts a survival rate of more than 98 percent—one of the best in the world. 9 winter 2004 Children’s Gazette CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 4:03 PM Page 10 Re/Max News: F O U N D A T I O N Anthony Denito from Re/Max Advance Realty in Kendall hosted a hot air balloon event benefiting Children’s Miracle network (CMN). Anthony Denito from Re/Max Advance Realty & Friends Miles4Miracles Marriott’s Torch Relay began its journey at Marriott’s Villas at Doral in Miami. This year’s relay was extended to Atlanta, Georgia, (1,100 miles) and associates from South Florida Marriott properties made commitments to walk, run, bike or rollerblade to raise funds for CMN. The relay also featured a motorcycle segment. In Dade and Broward counties all funds raised through sponsors, participants, etc., benefited CMN/MCH Foundation. Kristen, one of our CMN “Miracle” children, and her family officially began the event with the lighting of the torch. A BIG thank you to all the Marriott associates and vendors for their efforts in coordinating this exciting event. Re/Max Unique Realty in Miami Lakes hosted its annual CMN Holiday Toy Drive. Thank you to Lynn Matos for coordinating the toy drive. Kristen with some of the Marriott associates participating in the Torch Relay Cina Tucci and George Ferretti present the check on behalf of the Credit Unions of South Florida. Credit Unions for Kids Congratulations to the Credit Unions of South Florida for another successful CMN fundraising year. Through its second annual golf tournament and the sale of “miracle balloons,” Credit Unions of South Florida raised more than $14,000 for CMN. Biltmore Run for Smiles This year’s Run for Smiles was a real run for the money as runners, walkers and guests all joined together to raise money for Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Thanks to the Biltmore Hotel and the Biltmore Fitness Center for hosting this great event. Get your running shoes ready for next year! The Third Annual Hasbro Factory Toy Sale was held in November, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting MCH Foundation. Shoppers were able to do some of their holiday shopping early, save money and help raise funds for the Foundation. Thank you to everyone at Hasbro Latin America for organizing the sale, which raised over $16,000 for MCHF. We’d also like to thank Krispy Kreme for donating doughnuts for our volunteers. Dining for Kids Marriott properties throughout South Florida held a promotion over the summer benefiting CMN. Restaurants at participating properties asked their guests to donate $1 to CMN and raised more than $18,000! Bruno Magli Holiday Cocktail Costco associates from the North Miami Beach store present Maria Moldes, CMN Director, with a check on behalf of all Costco locations in South Florida. Costco CONGRATULATIONS to Costco associates and members for raising more than $161,900 for CMN in 2003! Funds were raised through a variety of activities including the sale of miracle paper icons, business expos and a golf tournament. Thank you for your continued support and friendship! 10 Children’s Gazette winter 2004 Bruno Magli unveiled its newly remodeled store at Bal Harbour and presented its new, hip Resort Collection 2003 with an extraordinary evening of cocktails and holiday shopping. Guests enjoyed the evening and a portion of the proceeds benefited Hugs and Kisses at Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Hooked on Jazz The Children’s Brain Trust hosted “Hooked on Jazz” featuring swingtime jazz entertainment and museum access at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania. The event raised over $20,000 to benefit the Children’s Brain Institute at Miami Children’s Hospital. CMN Auction Held at Pembroke Lakes Mall Pembroke Lakes Mall hosted a live auction benefiting CMN. Items available for bid at the auction included two Carnival Cruises, a GameWorks Party Package for 100 people, Pembroke Lakes Mall shopping spree and a two-night stay at the Ft. Lauderdale Marina Marriott, just to name a few. The auction raised more than $4,100 for CMN. Thank you to the sponsors who donated items for the auction, and a very special thank you to Ann Schultz, Tina Thompson and everyone at the Pembroke Lakes Mall for a wonderful event. Pembroke Lakes Mall is a General Growth Properties Mall (a national CMN sponsor). CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 4:04 PM Page 11 2003 Hall of Fame Gala The 2003 Hall of Fame Gala Coconut Club was a big hit. Congratulations to our Community Council for putting on a fabulous event. We would like to thank all of our sponsors because without them none of this would have been possible. A very special thank you goes to Cadillac Motor Car Division and General Motors for their generous donation of a new 2004 Cadillac SRX, which was raffled that evening. Hall of Fame raised over $200,000 for MCHF. Upcoming Events January/February Gala Co-Chair Karen Henderson with John Orth of Cadillac and Julia Heller, President of the Community Council Aventura Mall and American Performing Arts Network will host the 2004 Miami’s Most Photogenic Baby Contest. Photographs will be taken at the mall from January 22–25. They will be displayed at the mall February 20–22, and the awards ceremony will be held at the mall on February 22. For more information, please log on to www.photogenicbaby.com. February 27 Eckerd Toy Drive Eckerd (a national CMN sponsor) held its annual CMN toy drive benefiting the children at Miami Children’s Hospital. Eckerd representatives arrived with truckloads of toys and a very special visitor, “Santa.” They distributed the toys to the children at the hospital and spread holiday cheer. Thank you to everyone at Eckerd and their customers for always thinking of our community’s children. Fifth Annual South Florida Marriott Invitational Golf Tournament at Tournament Players Club in Heron Bay. For more information, call Maria Moldes at (786) 268-1832. April 3–4 Seventh Annual FIU Dance Marathon to benefit Children’s Miracle Network. For more information, call Maria Moldes at (786) 268-1832. April 24 Fifth Annual Hugs and Kisses Children’s Fashion Show at the Wyndham Miami Beach Resort, 11:30 a.m. For more information and to reserve your seats, please contact Ivette Diaz at (786) 268-1822. May 21 Bristol Bank Cocktail Bristol Bank hosted a holiday cocktail reception for the Children’s Brain Institute at Miami Children’s Hospital. A special thank you to President and CEO Peter Dunbar of Bristol Bank and his team for making this an unforgettable evening. Charitable Giving Jim Smith, Don Lewis, Alex Embry, Don Robertson, Con Reagan and Pat Reagan enjoyed the MCH Corporate Golf Invitational. MCH Corporate Golf Invitational The 2003 MCH Corporate Golf Invitational raised over $85,000. Thanks to the members of the planning committee for all of their work and dedication to making this event bigger and better each year. A Charitable Remainder Trust Can Ease the Tax By Bernard Dane Stein, Esquire Burden on Pension Plan Death Benefits It is not uncommon for an individual to have most, if not all, of his or her assets (other than the family home) in a qualified retirement plan or IRA. When the individual dies, his or her spouse receives the interest in the plan and, more often than not, rolls it over into an IRA. When the surviving spouse dies, the heirs, often the children, are shocked to learn that what was anticipated to be a substantial inheritance often could attract taxes in excess of 75 percent of the value of the IRA. When the second spouse dies, as many as three taxes can be imposed on the IRA. These are the estate tax, the income tax and, depending on the size of the estate and IRA, the generationskipping tax. The use of a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) as the beneficiary of the death benefit can provide more after-tax dollars for the family than if the IRA were paid directly to family members. For example, with a $4 million estate and $2 million IRA, a 15-year CRT with an 8 percent payout will result in an additional $2.2 million for the beneficiaries. Typically, the CRT is established upon the death of the surviving spouse. The IRA is paid to the CRT in one lump sum. The descendant’s children or other family Twenty second Annual Miami Children’s Hospital Corporate Golf Invitational at the Biltmore Hotel Golf Course. For more information contact Ann Lyons at (786) 268-1830. June 2 Sixth Annual Publix Golf Tournament at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. For more information, call Maria Moldes at (786) 268-1832. June 6 Children’s Miracle Network Telethon on WPLG Channel 10, 12–5 p.m. For more information, please contact Maria Moldes at (786) 2681832. members are beneficiaries of the CRT for a specified term. Upon expiration of the term, the CRT is payable to a charity, such as Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. For further information, please contact Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation or any member of the Heritage Society Committee. 11 copyright, Bernard Dane Stein, 2003. winter 2004 Children’s Gazette CGV4N1#H91311.09 2/2/04 4:05 PM Page 12 Kids’ Korner But Laugh O UT LOUD! Q: Why did the dentist not accept his award? A: It was a little plaque. Q: Which teeth should you floss? A: The ones you want to keep. Q: Why do ducks make poor dentists? SERIOUSLY… What do charcoal, ashes and lemon juice have in common? Before modern toothpaste was invented, these elements were commonly used to clean teeth—and no, it didn’t leave a fresh, minty taste. A: Their bills are much too large. “Brush ‘Em or Lose ‘Em” Do you know the way to a brighter, healthier smile? Follow the teeth on their amazing adventure to find the toothbrush, and you’ll be well on your way! Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Miami, FL Permit No. 5774 3100 Southwest 62nd Avenue Miami, FL 33155
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