Jennifer Cheak’s Brave Flight for Her Life...care team, “She’s young and she’s a mother. She has a 3-year-old at home and had her second baby three weeks ago. We are going

Jennifer Cheak’s Brave Flight for Her LifeThree weeks after giving birth to her youngestson, Jennifer Cheak woke up from a nap feeling nauseous and having chest pains. Jennifer knew something was terribly wrong,and after telling her aunt “I can’t leave my boys without a mom,” she lost consciousness.The healthy 32-year-old was experiencing a heart attack.

Jennifer’s aunt called 911 and EMS took her to a local hospital

in Hubbard, Texas. Her heart stopped while she was being

transported. After paramedics revived her, she was rushed

with a faint heartbeat to a hospital in Waco.

MEMORIAL HERMANN FOUNDATION SUMMER 2014

A P U B L I C A T I O N F O R T H E F R I E N D S O F M E M O R I A L H E R M A N N

CIRCLE OF LIFE GALARaises $2.5 Million for Heart and Vascular Programs

HEROES IN HEALTHBreakfast with Dan Wolterman: The Business of Health

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHTDianna M. Milewicz, M.D., Ph.D.

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—CONT INUED PAGE 3 Jennifer Cheak with sons Cavan and Cooper

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“Advancing Health” is not just a tagline, but a commitmentwe make at Memorial Hermann each and every day. Yoursupport of our hospitals and programs enables our team to utilize the latest technologies and research that result inbetter outcomes for our patients.

Memorial Hermann continues to be recognized as a national leader in the healthcare industry. Truven Health Analytics named Memorial Hermann among the Top 100hospitals in the nation. This year, eight Memorial Hermannhospitals were distinguishedby The Joint Commission asTop Performers on Key QualityMeasures and Healthgradesranked four Memorial Hermann acute care hospitalsamong “America’s 50 Best”for the fifth year in a row. Additionally, the Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center was rankedamong the nation’s top 50hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals”for Cardiology & Heart Surgery.

Memorial Hermann’s nationally recognized heart and vascular programs have a history of excellence in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart disease. Our physicians and staff are committed to providing patients with a comprehensive range of heart and vascularservices. We are one of the world’s largest providers ofcardiovascular care, performing more than 50,000 heartprocedures annually. Our lifesaving expertise extends fromheart rhythm disorders and heart attacks to treatment for advanced heart failure, including the most complex vascular surgery and heart transplant.

In this issue of Vision, we highlight our heart and vascularprograms. The groundbreaking work of our physicians andstaff puts Memorial Hermann at the forefront of advancingheart health, and that means patients have a better chanceof recovering faster and returning to the activities they enjoysooner.

I want to thank you again for your ongoing support of Memorial Hermann and wish you a safe and happy summer.

Sincerely,

Dan WoltermanPresident & CEOMemorial Hermann Health System

PAT I ENT SPOT L IGHT

MEM O

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The staff at the Waco hospital said she arrived unresponsive. The team, knowing she needed a miracle, made the decision to send her where that could be made into a possibility – Memorial Hermann’s Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center.

Jennifer arrived via Life Flight® and was immediately taken to the cardiac catheterization lab. It was at that time Dr. Pranav Loyalka told the patient care team, “She’s young and she’s a mother. She has a 3-year-old at home and had her second baby three weeks ago. We are going to do everything possible to help her. Do we all understand?”

Isabel Ponce, R.N., B.S.N., cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), said the procedure room grew quiet and an unspoken unity was instilled in the team, signaling that they were about to take part in a breakthrough.

Collaborating with fellow physicians at the Memorial Hermann Center for Advanced Heart Failure, Dr. Loyalka decided to intubate and insert a TandemHeart Pump.

“Day one was trying to keep her alive. Morning of day two, her labs were better,but she was still unresponsive,” said Ponce. “By the end of day two, she openedher eyes and was looking around. Day three she began following commands.”

Over the weekend, Dr. Loyalka removed the pump that was placed earlier that weekend because he found her heart was beating on its own. “When we performed the first echocardiogram (echo), her heart was functioning at 10 percent. After we removed the pump and performed the second echo, herheart was up to 30 percent,” said Dr. Loyalka.

Jennifer slowly started showing signs of improvement. Her family and caregiverswere determined to get her better. Ponce said, “Her family was incredibly supportive and there for her every minute of the day speaking words of encouragement. They also fully trusted the care team, remaining actively involved in the plan of care.”

Cheak said, “Isabel was a fantastic nurse and I don’t know what I would havedone without her. She motivated me to not give up and stay strong for my kidsand family. I also couldn’t speak more highly of the physician team, especiallyDr. Loyalka. He is a king among kings in my book! He gave me a second chance at life.”

As a result of the great care from the physicians, nurses and all the caregivers at the Institute, Jennifer has made a full recovery and is able to stay at homewith her husband and care for their two children.

VISION • SUMMER 2014 3

JENNIFER CHEAK

TO SEE JENNIFER’S STORY PLEASE VISIT WWW. HEART.MEMORIALHERMANN.ORG

1. Jennifer Cheak with son Cavan

2. Cooper and Cavan Cheak

3. The Cheak Family: Jennifer and Stephen Cheak with sons Cooper and Cavan

MORIAL HERMANN CENTER FOR ADVANCED HEART FAILURE

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TO SEE JENNIFER’S STORY PLEASE VISIT


4 MEMORIAL HERMANN FOUNDATION

2014 CIRCLE O

The evening was “Red and Wild” on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Memorial Hermann Foundation’s annual Circle of Life Gala. Hosted at Hilton Americas with more than 1,600 guests in tow, attendees dined and dancedto support Memorial Hermann’s nationally recognized heart and vascular programs. Mary and John Eads and

Dana and Trey Strake co-chaired the popular event raising more than $2.5 million.

The Gala honored two of Memorial Hermann’smost passionate advocates and goodfriends – Philamena and Arthur Baird. Thedynamic couple was recognized for theirdedication to Memorial Hermann’s mission to advance health. Philamena and Arthur areopen heart surgery patients and are gratefulfor Memorial Hermann’s cardiovascular services. “It is because of the care I received at Memorial Hermann’s Heart & Vascular Institute that I

am alive,” Philamena shared at the event.

Dan Wolterman, president and CEO of Memorial HermannHealth System, expressed his pride for the heart and vascularprograms. “Our Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institutes are stronger than they have ever been. We continue to serve record numbers of patients. At the sametime, we are receiving national accolades for patient safety and quality that demonstrate our commitment to

innovation, growth and performance improvement.”

Following a delicious three course dinner, the “Red and Wild” crowd filled the leopardprint dance floor created by Darryl & Co. and enjoyed music from Wayne Foster of Beverly Hills, California. The ballroom was filled with thousands of red roses which set a beautiful contrast to the sleek black décor. Ladies and gentlemen also received faux tattoo sleeves and bandanas which helpedaccent the festive affair. The Circle of Life Gala proved itself again to be one of the most entertainingand “wild” events of the year.

Surprise guests were Houston Rockets players Donatas Motiejunas, Omri Casspi, Patrick Beverley and Houston Rockets CEO Tad Brown. Leslie Alexander and The Houston Rockets will co-chair the2015 Circle of Life Gala benefiting Memorial Hermann’s orthopedics and sports medicine programs.

Spotlight sponsors of the evening included Cardon Outreach, Ann and Clarence Cazalot, Joe R.Davis, Mary and John Eads, Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout and Island Operating Company, Elizabethand Will Galtney, Brad Lindig, Alice and Keith Mosing and Frank’s International, Gary R. Petersen,Sherry and Jim Smith, Dana and Trey Strake, and The University of Texas Health Science Center atHouston (UTHealth).

1. Gala Co-Chairs Dana and Trey Strake and Maryand John Eads with Dan Wolterman (center)

2. Honorees Philamena and Arthur Baird

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E OF LIFE GALA

3. Alice and Keith Mosing 4. Ann and Clarence Cazalot5. Arvia and Jason Few6. Bobetta and Bill Lindig7. Drs. John Holcomb and Kelly Wirfel8. Sheridan and John Eddie Williams9. Sherry and Jim Smith10. Ileana and Michael Treviño11. Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout12. Soraya and Scott McClelland

13. Gary Petersen Addresses the Crowd14. Sue and Lester Smith15. Mitchell Eads, Rachel Heins, Bethany and Ben

Buchanan, Darian Hewitt16. Mary and Will Williams17. Women of the Red and Wild Gala - Dana Strake,

Lori Wolterman, Philamena Baird, Mary Eads and Ileana Treviño

18. Dr. Yvonne and Rufus Cormier19. Houston Rockets player Omri Casspi,

Dan Wolterman, Rockets’ CEO, Tad Brown, and Donatas Motiejunas

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The Center for Advanced Heart Failure (CAHF) is a collaborationbetween Memorial Hermann and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School that brings together board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians who providepatients with comprehensive care for heart failure, including medicalmanagement, percutaneous interventions, ventricular assist devices,total artificial heart and heart transplantation in one inclusive program. The Center also offers non-invasive cardiologyservices, including echocardiography, treadmillstress testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

The Center’s team works closely with each patient to improve their overall health and quality of life throughout heart failure treatment. Coordinated care ensures optimal medical management and allows patients to navigate the healthcare system convenientlyand efficiently.

“As a clinical team, we offer thecomplete care for heart failure treatment in Texas, focusing on patient-centered care and the highestquality outcomes,” Dr. Igor Gregoric,Chief and Program Director of the Surgical Division at the CAHF and professor at UTHealth, shared at the event.

Grateful patient, Jennifer Cheak, shared her life-saving story with guests. Jennifer’s family, including husband Stephen, and her two sons Cooper and Cavan, also attended the reception. With loved ones by her side, Jennifer expressed appreciation for her Memorial Hermann staff and physician, Dr. Pranav Loyalka. “The doctors and nurses at Memorial Hermann saved my life, and I can’t express how grateful I am to them. They treated me like family, and now, they are part of my family. Thank you Memorial Hermann for saving my life,” said Cheak.


Postl Reception Highlighting the Center for Advanced Heart FailureBeverly and Jim Postl graciously opened their beautiful Tanglewood home to more than 60 guests to highlight the Center for Advanced Heart Failure at Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas MedicalCenter.

MEMORIAL HERMANN CENTER FOR ADVANCED HEART FAILURE

1. Lori and Dan Wolterman with Hosts Beverly and Jim Postl

2. Igor Gregoric, M.D.

3. Diane and Bill Campbell

4. Judy and Wayne McConnell

5. Neil Tofsky with Gardner Cannon

6. Stephen Cheak and Son Cooper

7. Neda Ladjevardian with Bill King

8. Pranav Loyalka, M.D. with Jennifer Cheak and Family

9. Paul O'Sullivan, Pranav Loyalka, M.D., Jennifer Cheak and Igor Gregoric, M.D.

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FOR MORE INFORMAT ION ON MEMOR IA L HERMANN HEART AND VA


Memorial Hermann Receives $100,000 for Women’sHeart Health ResearchThe Center for Advanced Heart Failure at Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute–Texas Medical Center was the recipient of the Alpha Phi Foundation Heart to Heart Grant. Introduced in 1993 by Alpha Phi, the Heart to Heart Grant funds research and educationalprograms that support the improvement of women’s heart health. Previously, grants of$50,000 have been awarded to medical professionals to better understand heart disease in women – specifically its symptoms, treatment and prevention.Selected from 32 applicants, Memorial Hermann Foundation received the first $100,000 grant to be awarded to a single organization. This increase reflects Alpha Phi Foundation’s commitment to reduce the incidence and impact of women’s heart disease.

This grant will allow the Center for Advanced Heart Failure to establish the first national registry for cardiologists to identify the risk factors and symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy(PPCM). PPCM is a life threatening disease of the heart muscle that affects women in the last month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery. The long-term goal of thisstudy is to identify patients who are asymptomatic and treat them in the early stages of the disease thus reducing mortalityand improving clinical outcomes.

“We are incredibly honored that Alpha Phi Foundation hasawarded us this important grant. As one of the busiest heart failurecenters in Texas, we have the unique opportunity to make a realdifference in how we diagnose and treat PPCM,” said Paul O’Sullivan, CEO, Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center. “In partnership with maternal-fetalmedicine specialists at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and affiliated with UTHealth Medical School, we areuniquely positioned to care for these critically ill patients, as well as conduct extensive research to combat this silent disease.”

For 58 years, Alpha Phi Foundation has focused on women's heart health as its philanthropic priority. As a result of these efforts, healthcare professionals and women everywhere are learning more about heart disease in women.

“We are proud to invest in Memorial Hermann’s innovative approach to better understand the cause and treatment ofPPCM,” said Ann Carstensen, executive director of Alpha Phi Foundation. “The success of this study will put us one step closer to reaching our goal of reducing the impact and incidence of heart disease in all women.”

The Heart to Heart Grant is made possible by individual donors, corporate gifts, and a portion of proceeds from collegiateand alumnae chapter Red Dress events. The recipient is selected by a committee of 11 medical readers and the Alpha PhiFoundation Board of Directors.

Reprinted with permission from Alpha Phi Foundation, an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance women’s lives through the power of philanthropy.


MEMORIAL HERMANN RECEIVES $100,000 FROM ALPHA PHI

713.242.4414

1. Alpha Phi Foundation

2. Dr. Alfredo Gei, Diane Spry Straker from the Alpha Phi Foundation, Dr. Biswajit Kar,and Dr. Indranee Rajapreyar.

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D VASCULAR PROGRAMS , P L EASE CONTACT ROB IN SUSMAN AT


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On Monday, March 3, 2014, Memorial Hermann’s young professional advocacy group, Heroes in Health, hosted its firstsporting clay shoot at the Greater Houston Gun Club. Heroes in Health Steering Committee members Ben Buchanan, StacyJohnson, John Plumb and Jacob Roberts co-chaired the successfulsold-out event with more than 200 shooters in attendance.Once the smoke settled and the earplugs were out, guests enjoyed lunch from local food trucksYummyz Kitchen and Skratch with beverages donated by Silver Eagle Distributors. Sharp shooters in the crowd included Steve Strake with sons Vince and Stephen Strake, Harry Machwith son Butch and brother Tom, and Dr. Richard Ruiz. Proceeds of more than $100,000 from the event will benefit Memorial Hermann medical programs and initiatives.

“I am thrilled with the success of this inaugural event. We appreciate the support and advocacyHeroes in Health members bring to the Memorial Hermann community,” Ileana Treviño, CEO,Memorial Hermann Foundation.

Heroes in Health is an advocacy group supporting Memorial Hermann and its many facilities,clinicians and research projects. Through educational opportunities and networking events, Heroes in Health members connect directly to Memorial Hermann’s globally renowned doctorsand researchers as well as other prominent supporters and local industry leaders.


HEROES IN HEALTH INAUGURAL SPORTING CLAY SHOOT

Charles De Lacey, Jason Johnson and Bill Mosley Guests Inspecting the Life Flight® Helicopter

Marshall Heins Warming Up Scott Kramer, Marshall Heins, David Haynes, Doug Gregory

Tom Mach, Butch Mach, Bob Greenberg, and Harry Mach Wade Burgess, Dr. Richard Ruiz, George Sanders, Dr. John McNeely

TO L EARN MORE ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS OR TO B


Corporate and community leaders from around Houston gathered on May 8th at The Houstonian Hotel to hear Dan Wolterman, Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO, discuss The Business of Health: Life Flight and the Future of Critical CareServices in Houston. The event was hosted by Memorial Hermann’sHeroes in Health advocacy group and presenting sponsor CrothallHealthcare, a premiere healthcare support service provider.

The exclusive event drew a number of elected officials, members of Memorial Hermann’s Board of Directors, Heroes in Health Steering Committee members and other prominent community leaders and supporters. Guests included Jim Smith, Roland Garcia, Steve Dunn,David Key, Walter Johnson, Ellis Tudzin, Paul Barbetta, Stephen Fraga,Kermit Moreau, Jodie Jiles, and Sonny Messiah. Heroes in HealthSteering Committee members Stacy and Jason Johnson, Judy and Jacob Roberts, John Scott Mooring, Mari Treviño, Bryan Glass,Margot Treviño, Alexander Dwyer, and Jay Zeidman also attended the informative presentation.

During his remarks, Wolterman shared the history of Life Flight®and its dramatic impact on the health of the community. Since its 1976 inception, the critical care air medical transport service has flown more than 135,000 missions totaling 1,932,000miles. In addition, Wolterman addressed the impact trauma hason the medical institution as a whole – the financial responsibilityand the growing number of cases seen each year.

Wolterman also highlighted the recently announced expansionand renovation plan at the Memorial Hermann-Texas MedicalCenter. The “Master Facility Plan” project willposition the hospital to continue its leadingrole in driving the latest technology and procedures to provide for the growing healthcare needs in the Houston region.

1. Dan Wolterman

2. Craig Cordola, Freddy Warner, Representative

Dwayne Bohac and Kyle Stanzel

3. Stephen Fraga and Susie Distefano

4. Jacob Roberts and John Scott Mooring

5. Jay Zeidman and Brett Baker

6. Jodie Jiles and Sonny Messiah

7. Margot Treviño, Roland Garcia, Ileana Treviño and

Renee Reimer

8. Kermit Moreau and Dan Wolterman

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HEROES IN HEALTH BREAKFAST WITH DAN WOLTERMAN


O BECOME A HERO , CONTACT A L IC IA KUHN AT 713.242.4451

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Dianna M. Milewicz, M.D., Ph.D. is the President George H.W. Bush Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, Director of the Division of Medical Genetics and Vice-Chairof the Department of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Health ScienceCenter at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School. She completed her postgraduate training in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Schooland specialized further in medical genetics at the University of Washington School of

Medicine. Serving as a clinical geneticist for 20 years, Dr. Milewicz forged a career in translational studiesfocused on genetic predisposition to vascular diseases and is internationally recognized as the expert in thegenetics of aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, along with other vascular diseases. In addition to the timeshe spends at the hospital, Dr. Milewicz also serves as the President of the local chapter of American HeartAssociation. In this edition of Vision, Dr. Milewicz sits down to discuss her team’s current research.

Why did you decide to focus on medical genetics?During my fellowship, I was exposed to many disciplines but was particularly drawn to medical geneticssince changes in the DNA are the cause of the disease, it can provide information as to the molecular pathways leading to the disease. I was also fascinated that the alteration of just one bit of DNA (a basepair) out of the three billion bits in our DNA can cause severe vascular diseases.

Why did you select cardiovascular disease as your primary interest?Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Many individuals who sufferfrom vascular disease do not have risk factors and are less than 55 years old. Fortunately, through my studies, I was able to determine that many of these individuals have a genetic predisposition for vascular diseases and I was determined to find the genes that caused these fatalities.

What does your team currently study?My team of clinicians, scientists, and genetic counselors continue to search for the remaining genes that predispose to aortic aneurysms, acute aortic dissections, early onset strokes and cerebral aneurysms. Our team is a leader in the field worldwide in finding these genes, and to date, we have identified tengenes. Knowing the genetic cause of a vascular disease allows you to determine who is at risk, which can help to prevent the life-threatening complications of the disease, such as an acute aortic dissection. Also, we continue to identify pathways leading to these vascular diseases and are using this information to establish improved therapeutics and biomarkers for the disease.

What's the best part about being a physician?I love being able to straddle two worlds - one of patient care and the other of doing research to further understand disease. Also, seeing my research blossom and lead the field of genetic predispositions to vascular disease is rewarding.

How important is philanthropy for your studies?Philanthropic giving has helped launch my research projects throughout my medical tenure. Donor support is vital in research and essentially, in helping save lives.

If you weren’t a doctor, what would your dream alternate career be?A landscaper! I love getting my hands dirty and spend a lot of my off-time gardening. If I didn’t pursue that career, I would teach pre-school.


PHYS I C I AN SPOT L IGHT DIANNA M. MILEWICZ, M.D., PH.D. OCTOBER 2014

Razzle DazzlePink! LuncheonThursday,October 2, 2014Westin Memorial City

In the Pink of Health LuncheonFriday, October 10, 2014 The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

MARCH 2015

Heroes in HealthSporting Clay ShootMonday, March 2, 2015Greater Houston Gun Club

APRIL 2015

Circle of Life GalaSaturday, April 11, 2015 Hilton AmericasChairs: Leslie Alexanderand The Houston RocketsBenefiting:Memorial Hermann Orthopedics and SportsMedicine Programs

in health

INFORMATION ON EVENTS 713.242.4400 TO SUPPORT DR. MILEWICZ AND HER TEAM, CONTACT 713.242.4400



10:30 am

Noon to 1:30 pm

Sandy Barrett, Jo Lynn Falgout, Grace Kim

Donna Vallone

Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Center

Memorial Hermann Memorial City

Kendra Scott

save the date

Ch Champa Thursd save the date

,y agne Reception and Boutiqueday,October 2

10:30 amLunch and Program

save the date

2014Champagne Reception and Boutique

save the date

The Westin Houston Memorial City


Noon to 1:30 pmThe Westin Houston Memorial City

945 Gessner Road

CO-CHAIRS:Sandy Barrett, Jo Lynn Falgout, Grace Kim

HONOREE:Donna Vallone

The Westin Houston Memorial City


Bobetta C. Lindig Breast CenterMemorial Hermann Memorial City

For more information, call 713.242.4450 oremail [email protected]

:YBENEFICIARBobetta C. Lindig Breast Center

Memorial Hermann Memorial City

SPEAKER:Kendra Scott


.razzledazzlepink.comwww

Bobetta C. Lindig Breast CenterMemorial Hermann Memorial City



THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYS

TO GIVE TO THE FOUNDATION

PLEASE CALL 713.242.4400 OR VISIT

www.memorialhermann.org/foundation


Memorial Hermann is advancing the health of our community. Because of its relentless focus on quality, safety, and patient-centered,compassionate care, Memorial Hermann is widely acknowledged as one of the preeminent healthcare systems in the country.Your support fuels the discoveries of tomorrow and enables Memorial Hermann physicians and researchers the opportunity to innovate leading-edge treatments and to focus on wellness and disease prevention.

VISIONMEMORIAL HERMANN FOUNDATION

EDITOR: Stacey Szydlik

CEO, MEMORIAL HERMANN FOUNDATION: Ileana Treviño

DESIGN: Sharon Tooley Design

PHOTOGRAPHY: Michelle Watson • Daniel OrtizMichael Hallaway • Kim CoffmanJohn Lynch • Alex Loessin

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Documents

Jennifer Cheak’s Brave Flight for Her Life...care team, “She’s young and she’s a mother. She has a 3-year-old at home and had her second baby three weeks ago. We are going