FALL 2002 • VOL.2 NO.4

The MCH DanMarino Center

Hope &Healing

SUMMER 2003 • VOL.3 NO.2

Pediatric Cancer Research:

BriaOvercomes

in the

NICU

theOdds

Leading theWay

Turns5!

When Bria Brownsings her favoritesong, “I’m aSurvivor” fromDestiny’s Child, she

infuses the lyrics with special feelingfew 9-year-olds can summon. Briagained this inspiration the hard way,having learned at a tender age justwhat it means to be a survivor.

Bria’s story of survival began with atrip to the family doctor several yearsago. Carol Brown, Bria’s mother,asked the doctor to examine a herniain the child’s groin and also reportedthat Bria, then 6 years old, had beencomplaining of pain in her left legand was limping slightly. The newsthat soon followed was something noparent should ever have to hear—Briahad cancer.

Bria was taken to the CancerCenter at Miami Children’s Hospital,where her family learned she had anaggressive form of bone cancer, calledosteosarcoma, in her left thigh.Though the family faced an uncertainfuture, the Browns refused to let feardictate their lives. And with the careand compassion Bria and her familyreceived at Miami Children’sHospital, today this energetic thirdgrader is showing the world how tobeat the odds.

Facing theUncertain

Once Bria’s cancer wasdetected, Ed and CarolBrown began the searchfor a pediatric cancercare program for theirdaughter. “MiamiChildren’s was our firstchoice because it was

highly recommended by our familyand friends,” says Carol. “We were sorelieved when they took herimmediately.”

To more accurately diagnose andtreat Bria’s newfound disease, ZiadKhatib, MD, hematology andoncology specialist, and a team ofphysicians in the Cancer Center atMiami Children’s proceeded with anMRI, biopsy and several other tests.Dr. Khatib determined that the cancerwas a high-grade osteosarcoma,meaning that it was advancing rapidlyand could possibly spread throughoutBria’s body and into her lungs withoutprompt treatment.

Bravery in BattleThe Browns reviewed their care

choices with the Cancer Center teamand chose chemotherapy over themore aggressive form of treatment—amputation of the leg. Bria underwentsurgery at Miami Children’s to place aport in her chest to ease thechemotherapy sessions.

“Bria started her chemotherapy inJune 2001,” explains Dr. Khatib. “Thetreatment requires two to three days ofhospitalization with each treatment,which she received every two to three

weeks. We also saw her once or twicea week to check her blood count andtolerance of the chemotherapy. Eachtime she came in, we were impressedwith her energy and upbeat attitude.”

Through it all—pain, nausea, hairloss and fatigue—Bria, her familyand the medical staff of MiamiChildren’s held fast to a positiveoutlook for the future. As herchemotherapy was showing signs ofsuccess, the cancerous portion ofBria’s thighbone was replaced with ametal prosthesis that would “grow”with her, with periodic adjustments.And in the spring of 2002, shecompleted her therapy.

Delighting in LifeBria’s cancer has been in remission

for more than a year thanks to thetreatment she received at MiamiChildren’s Cancer Center. Today she’sjust as active and energetic as ever.She’s back at the North Dade Centerfor Modern Languages, playingbasketball, riding her bike and servingon Miami Children’s Hospital’s Kids’Council to help other children who arebattling cancer.

“We’re thankful that through it allwe had the care and support offered atMiami Children’s,” Carol says. “Fromday one Bria fell in love with thehospital staff, and they fell in love withher. They treated my little girl like shewas a queen.”

President and Chief Executive OfficerMiami Children’s HospitalThomas M. Rozek

PresidentMiami Children’s Hospital FoundationRobin Reiter-Faragalli

Director of Marketing & Public RelationsMiami Children’s HospitalMarcia Diaz de Villegas

Director of Marketing & CommunityRelations, Miami Children’s HospitalFoundationIvette R. Diaz

EditorRachel Perry

Contributing WritersIvette Diaz, Maria Moldes, Daniel Brantley, Lauren Fuqua, Lori Futcher, Erin King, Jenny K. Hill, Sheryl K. Montle, Beth Painter

Art DirectorTeneara L. Faw

Developed by

MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITALBOARD OF DIRECTORS 2003Juan Carlos Mas, ChairmanRobert K. Jordan, Vice Chairman Deise Granado-Villar, MD, Secretary Georgina Angones; Peter Bermont; Evalina Bestman, PhD; Mark Blank; Miles E. Gilman; Ghislain Gouraige, Jr.;Gary Gregory; Sarah Legorburu-Selem, MD; Steven Melnick, MD; Rene Murai, Esq.;Rigoberto Nuñez, MD; Christian C. Patrick, MD, PhD;Thomas M. Rozek; Mario Trueba; Jack Wolfsdorf, MD; JoAnne M. Youngblut, PhD, RN; Robin Reiter-Faragalli, Ex-Officio

MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATIONOFFICERS AND TRUSTEESJudy Weiser, ChairmanRobin Reiter-Faragalli, PresidentWilliam L. Morrison, First Vice PresidentJ. David Scheiner, Second Vice PresidentMark Blank, TreasurerAlan Ojeda, SecretaryDonald H. Altman, MD; Neil R. Chrystal; Tom. M.Cornish; Miles E. Gilman; Manuel R. Iribar, MD; VictorLopez; Kenneth J. Reilly; Susan M. Sibley; Eric W.Sulzberger; Ambassador David M. Walters; DawnWhite; Harry Hood Bassett, Jr.; Luis J. Botifoll;Florence Groover Frank; Abel Holtz; Albert H.Nahmad; Ricardo Pines, Thomas M. Rozek, Ex-Officio

800-624-7496

2Children’s Gazette summer 2003 3summer 2003 Children’s Gazette

YDear friends,

You may know someone whose life has been touchedby the NICU at Miami Children’s Hospital, or perhapshave a loved one whose speech has improved thanks tocare received by specialized therapists at the MiamiChildren’s Dan Marino Center. In this issue, we’recelebrating the years of hope and healing that the NICUand the Dan Marino Center have brought to children inSouth Florida and beyond.

This Children’s Gazette is packed with inspirationalstories of courageous children and their remarkablerecoveries at Miami Children’s. Our cover child, BriaBrown, who was brought to Miami Children’s with adiagnosis of bone cancer at age 6. She received care andchemotherapy at the hospital and is now playingbasketball and helping other children with cancer.

In addition, you’ll read about the advent of theChildren’s Craniofacial Association. This organizationprovides financial and emotional support for families ofchildren with craniofacial anomalies who are receivingcare in our nationally recognized Craniofacial Center.

As we celebrate the success stories of our patients, we’d like to thank you for recognizing Miami Children’sas your choice for pediatric care. Our recent highcustomer satisfaction scores demonstrate our commitmentto the children we serve.

Sincerely,

Christian C. PatrickCHIEF OF STAFF / SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS

MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

PATIENT PROFILE:

Bria Brown

“From day one Bria fell inlove with the hospital

staff, and they fell in lovewith her. They treated my

little girl like she was a queen.” — Carol Brown

theOddsOvercoming

Fun Facts about BriaFAVORITE SONG & BAND“I’m a Survivor” by Destiny’s Child

FAVORITE ACTIVITIESRiding her bike, reading,playing basketball andfishing

FAVORITE BOOKPrecious Moments Bible

GOAL IN LIFETo be a pediatric nurse

Bria shares a hug with special friend NicoleBanhan, RN, of the MCH Cancer Center. Briaaffectionately refers to Nicole as“Pocahontas.”

They come to MiamiChildren’s Hospital fromacross continents andoceans, as well as fromhospitals just a few miles

away. They are among the mostmedically fragile newborns in theworld, and for many, MCH’sNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is their best hope.

In the past several decades, MiamiChildren’s NICU has served morethan 10,000 premature and criticallyill babies from throughout Floridaand the world.

“So many critically ill babies arecared for in the NICU at MiamiChildren’s Hospital,” says AmedSoliz, MD, board-certifiedneonatologist and medical director ofthe NICU at Miami Children’s.“Though about 60 percent of infantsadmitted to the Neonatology Unitweigh less than three pounds, thehospital has cared for children asyoung as 22 weeks gestational agewho weighed only 400 grams (14 1/2ounces).”

Committed to QualityOne secret of this success is the

sophisticated technology in theNICU. “Miami Children’s is

fortunate to have more leading-edge equipment than any otherchildren’s hospital in the state,”says Dr. Soliz. “From state-of-the-art monitoring to the latestcardio-respiratory support, the

hospital stays abreast of all

medicaladvancements inneonatology.”

Miami Children’salso boasts more than10 neonatologistswho work incollaboration with a full spectrum of pediatricsubspecialistsavailable at the hospital.

In addition, theexperienced, skillfulnursing staff isspecially trained to carefor these tiniest of babies.

Compassionate ConcernEqually important to the level of

expertise provided by the NICU staffis the compassion shown to eachinfant and family who comes throughthe department.

“We understand that what reallymatters are the babies,” Dr. Solizexplains. “We’ll do anything we canto save the lives or ease the sufferingof these children or their parents.”

The staff’s team approach isevident in the family-centeredatmosphere. Parents are encouragedto stay with their children as much aspossible and even participate in theinfant’s care when appropriate.

Parental preparation is just onepart of the comprehensive dischargeplanning for each child who receives

care in the unit. After discharge, theannual NICU reunion event offers anopportunity for staff and family tocelebrate together the progress theinfants have made—and February2003 marked the 25th annual event.

“It’s exciting to see babies whoonce were so very sick now at normalhealth,” says Dr. Soliz. “It’s extremelyrewarding for both loved ones andthe NICU personnel to rememberhow far these little ones have come.The NICU is truly a special asset inSouth Florida.”

Soon after her birth in 2002, Marissa Tannebaum began experienc-ing seizures and was rushed to Miami Children’s NICU. After amonth’s stay in the unit, receiving medication therapy and around-the-clock monitoring, baby Marissa was ready to go home. And shehas not had a seizure since!

For Rhoni Tannebaum—Marissa’s grandmother and a MiamiChildren’s Hospital volunteer for more than 15 years—the experi-ence was a revelation. It was the first time a member of the familyhad required the services of the hospital where Rhoni devoted somuch of her time.

“Not only does the Miami Children’s NICU provide excellent care forthe newborns, it also cares for the entire family,” Rhoni says.“Someone was always available at any time of day or night to allayfears and answer questions. Asa grandmother, I was sorelieved to know where shewas and who was providingcare for her.”

The Tannebaums havegenerously supported RadioLollipop™, Miami Children’sin-house radio station,which provides patientswith on-air music and laugh-ter, as well as the opportu-nity to serve as a deejay.

H & in the

NICUComprehensive Care forthe World’s Tiniest Babies

HEALINGoe Marissa Tannebaum

When Lauren Taylor was born in June 1984at only 25 weeks gestational age, herchances of survival were slim. Weighing inat only 1 pound 7 ounces, Lauren was atthat time the youngest and smallest “preemie” to be admitted to the MiamiChildren’s NICU.

Adding to the challenges confronting thetiny neonate, Lauren required surgery toclose a major valve between her heart and lungs when she was only 6 days oldand her weight had dropped to less than a pound. Fortunately, she had the doc-tors and nurses of Miami Children’sHospital on her side for this delicate, life-saving procedure.

Lauren’s recovery and progress over thenext four and a half months in the NICUwas no less than amazing, making it pos-sible for her to go home without a monitoror medication. Lauren’s remarkable suc-cess made her a pioneer for younger,smaller preemies at Miami Children’s.

Throughout her life, Lauren has beenblessed with exceptionally good health.Although her speech was delayed until age4, she had an 8-year-old’s vocabulary atage 5, and by the second grade tested atcollege level in all of her verbal skills. Infact, Lauren was twice a finalist in TheMiami Herald Spelling Bee Championshipsfor the Miami Dade/Monroe County region.

Today, Lauren is a multi-talented 19-year-old. “Eventually, I hope to publish my auto-biography,” she states enthusiastically,“and I’ll dedicate it: ‘Thank you, MiamiChildren’s Hospital!’”

Lauren TaylorGriffin Lodge

Jane and Stewart Marcus were deeply touchedby the care their grandson, Griffin, received inthe Miami Children’s NICU. Even when therewas little hope for the newborn’s survival, theMarcuses were moved by the tenderness andcaring that surrounded Griffin and the entirefamily throughout the baby’s stay.

“Each day there was a little hand-knit cap onhis head and always a teddy bear or toy by hisside,” says Jane Marcus, Griffin’s grandmother.“They held him and were so loving. We are sograteful for every nurse and doctor in the unit.Their love and devotionhelped us through a verydifficult time. We are soglad we have our preciousmemories of our time therewith Griffin.”

The Marcuses have sincemade a very generousdonation to support clini-cal research in the NICU—ensuring that baby Griffin’slegacy will endure.

55

summer 2003 Children’s Gazette

Sebastian MasWhen Sebastian Mas was born in January of1997, dangerous hemorrhaging had deprived hisbrain of vital oxygen.

By the time he was rushed to Miami Children’sHospital NICU, scans showed severe—almostcomplete—damage to his brain. The boy’s par-ents, Juan Carlos and Vivian Mas, were told thathis chances of survival were only one in 10,000.

But at 10 days old, the tiny boy began to makewhat can only be described as a miraculousrecovery. The Mases credit the expertise ofMiami Children’s NICU and God with saving theirson’s life.

“The hospital refused to give up on our baby.Every day was filled with the prayers, medicine,top specialists and support we needed,” saysVivian. “Sebastian is a miracle. The Lord gavehim back to us, and He did so through MiamiChildren’s.”

As a result of his experience in the NICU, JuanCarlos Mas has committed himself to supportingthe hospital’s mission. He is now serving his sec-ond two-year term as Chairman of the MCH Boardof Directors.44

Children’s Gazette summer 2003

p

For many years, parents ofchildren with craniofacialanomalies, such as cleftpalate or Apert syndrome,have come to Miami

Children’s Hospital (MCH) for careat one of the nation’s top craniofacialprograms. Now, with the creation ofthe Children’s CraniofacialAssociation (CCFA) at MiamiChildren’s Hospital Foundation(MCHF), parents have also found thesupport they need as well as anincreased awareness of the condition.

In the vein of previous workperformed by MCHF, JocelynWoolworth and Lyle Stern helpedcreate CCFA to aid families dealingwith craniofacial anomalies.

“We’re very fortunate to have sucha wonderful Craniofacial Center righthere in Miami,” says Lyle Stern,President of CCFA, whose son,Oliver, receives treatment at MiamiChildren’s Craniofacial Center for acleft lip and cleft palate. “Only ahandful of hospitals havecomprehensive craniofacial carecomparable to what is available atMCH. One of the goals of the CCFAis to inform parents of children withcraniofacial anomalies about theservices available at Miami Children’sHospital’s Craniofacial Center.”

“I’ve been thoroughly impressedwith the craniofacial program atMCH,” says Jocelyn Woolworth,CCFA Fundraising and DisbursementCommittee Chairperson, whosedaughter, Cassidy, underwent cleftpalate treatment at Miami Children’s.“The work they do has helped

hundreds of children with craniofacialanomalies, and a few of us wanted togive back to the hospital that hashelped our children.”

The first fundraiser for the CCFAwas the Carnival Cruise Lines’ Sea ofSmiles. Guests were invited to aluncheon aboard the Carnival Victoryand had the opportunity to meetsome of the families of patientstreated at Miami Children’sCraniofacial Center.

The Sea of Smiles event, held onMarch 16, 2003, raised over$113,000. The event was wellattended by physicians, staff,families, friends and communitymembers, and recognized D. RalphMillard, Jr., MD, and Mislen Bauer,MD, as well as other physicians andstaff for outstanding work in thefield of craniofacial anomalies.Former patients, such as Seth Green,a Princeton University graduate andcurrent Rhodes Scholar at Oxfordwho will be entering Yale LawSchool next fall, commended thecraniofacial team at MCH and thecreation of the CCFA.

A few ways funds will be usedinclude the following:

• facilitating a parent supportnetwork

• creating awareness amongcraniofacial families, healthcareproviders and the general publicabout craniofacial conditions

• purchasing new medicalequipment for MCH’s

Craniofacial Center, asidentified by the hospital

• informing elected officialsregarding ways to protect andassist children affected bycraniofacial anomalies

“The Sea of Smiles fundraiser wasa phenomenal inaugural event,”Woolworth says. “Everyone wasextremely touched and many havevolunteered to help the CCFA raisemore funds.”

“The CCFA was created to helpfamilies dealing with craniofacialanomalies,” says Stern, “and we’vealready had a wonderful responsefrom parents who are finding greatcomfort knowing that there arepeople willing and eager to helpthem in any way possible.”

For more information or to getinvolved in the CCFA, please callMiami Children’s HospitalFoundation at (305) 666-2889.

for MCH Emergency Department

We’ve done it again! Forthe second year in arow Miami Children’sHospital’s EmergencyDepartment (ED) has

won an award for customer serviceexcellence from The JacksonOrganization, an independent surveyresearch firm that evaluates customersatisfaction for hospitals nationwide.

In March, the ED was presentedwith The Jackson Organization’s“Commitment to Excellence Award”for sustained high customersatisfaction in a pediatric emergencydepartment setting for the 2002calendar year.

The Emergency Department’s feat isespecially impressive given the fact thatthe unit was undergoing constructionduring most of 2002! February of thisyear marked the completion of anexpansion project that has increasedthe size of the waiting room and addednew examination rooms.

“The larger reception areaand additional examinationrooms enable us to care forchildren in a more timelymanner, and having more spacefor triage has already made a

substantialdifference inpatient flow,”says RichardDellerson,MD, board-certifiedemergencymedicinephysician andAdministrativeDirector of theEmergencyDepartment atMiami Children’s.“We’re focused onmeeting the needs ofthe Miamicommunity, and byincreasing our EDsize and constantly

enhancing our services, we’re makingsure that the best pediatric care willalways be available at MiamiChildren’s.”

The opening of the expanded ED,which includes four new patientrooms, an elevated helipad and a state-of-the-art Triage Center, has been awelcome addition for MiamiChildren’s staff, patients, familymembers and friends as we’ve beenable to better serve our young patients.

More Kudosfor MCH Emergency Department

6Children’s Gazette summer 2003 7summer 2003 Children’s Gazette

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SMITH BARNEYTips for Tax Smart Investing

Add growth investments. If youare in the 36 percent or the38.6 percent federal tax

bracket, your income taxes are muchhigher than the current maximumlong-term capital gains tax of 20percent. If the majority of yourinvestment income is generated fromfully taxable interest and dividends, itmay make sense for you to reevaluateyour portfolio and considerinvestments that provide the bulk oftheir return through capitalappreciation stocks.

Invest in tax free vehicles.Remember that under current law,municipal bonds are not only

federally tax free, but may be free ofstate and local taxes as well.

Consider taxable bonds for yourretirement accounts. Investmentsthat pay fully taxable interest—including treasuries, preferredstocks, mortgage-backed securitiesand the like—are an important partof a properly allocated portfolio.Your interest compounds taxdeferred by buying these investmentsfor your IRA or other qualifiedretirement account.

Contribute to your IRAs.Contribute $3,000 for an individual,and $3,500 if you’re age 50 or older.

It makes sense to defer every bit ofincome you can.

Is a tax-deferred annuity foryou? Fixed and variable rateannuities offer tax-deferredcompounding similar to qualifiedplans with the added benefit of nocontribution limits.

Submitted by Leslie M. Gluesing,Financial Consultant

For more information, please call(305) 460-7921.

Smith Barney does not provide taxor legal advice. Please consult yourtax and/or legal advisor for suchguidance.

Children’s Craniofacial Association

Miami Children’s Hospital’s award for customer serviceis especially impressive given that the department wasbeing renovated during most of 2002. Shown here is thedepartment’s fresh new look.

8Children’s Gazette summer 2003 9summer 2003 Children’s Gazette

Can you believe it? It’s beenfive years since the openingof the MCH Dan MarinoCenter. The five-yearanniversary was celebrated

with an “Under the Sea” theme partyand a special appearance by NFLlegend and center co-founder, DanMarino.

The Dan Marino Center certainlyhas something to celebrate.Specializing in diagnosis and treatmentof children at risk for developmentaland psychological problems, the centercontinues to grow, experiencing morethan 40,000 patient visits in 2002—a23 percent increase from 2001.

All under One RoofThe Center staff is comprised of

specialists in neurology, psychology,rehabilitative services and educationalintervention, says Al Rego,Administrative Director of the MCHDan Marino Center.

“There is no other center in thesoutheastern United States that canprovide our level of multidisciplinarycare in one location,” he says. “Ourstandard of expertise and innovativeevaluation and treatment techniquesmake the Dan Marino Center thefinest option for children experiencing

multiple neurodevelopmental andphysical difficulties.”

Services of the Dan Marino Centerinclude:

• speech therapy

• occupational therapy

• physical therapy

• psychology and behavior modification

• educational services

• audiological screenings

• EEGs and video EEG telemetry

• brainstem, audio and visual-evoked potential studies

• nutritional services

Also available at the center onscheduled days are pediatric specialistsin cardiology, dermatology,nephrology, genetics, ophthalmology,otolaryngology and urology. Theseoutreach services are offered as aconvenience to Broward Countyresidents, bringing Miami Children’squality specialty care directly to thisgrowing community.

The Team ApproachChildren are the highest priority at

the Dan Marino Center, and the staff isdedicated to providing them with thebest care possible. To achieve this goal,an interdisciplinary approach is used.

Each child’s treatment plan andprogress is evaluated periodically togain a consensus from the specialistsabout the combination of treatmentsthat would most benefit the child.

“A group of specialists reviews thechild’s progress,” explains Rego.“During the interdisciplinary meeting,each discipline makes recommend-ations to maximize the outcome forthe child.”

Connection Is the KeyWorking together as a team means

that the physicians and staff at the DanMarino Center can treat children for avariety of conditions, and parentsdon’t have to drive all over town toreceive quality care.

“Receiving medical attention in onelocation benefits the child, the parentsand ultimately the entire family,” saysRego. “Families are able to spendmore time together, and because thechildren visit the center regularly formultiple services, they usually build arelationship with the therapist, thedoctors and the support staff.Developing that sense of trust is soimportant to what we do. MiamiChildren’s Hospital is committed togrowing services in Broward Countyand looks forward to helping childrenfor many years to come.”

The scores have been talliedand the results are in.Miami Children’s Hospitalis tops when it comes tocustomer service.

Miami Children’s is the winner ofthe Consumer Opinion Awardpresented by The Systema Group, Inc.,a Coral Gables-based research group.The firm studied two industries key tothe Miami-Dade economy—healthcareand banking—and looked at factual,data-centered information todetermine which organizations had thehighest customer satisfaction ratings.Of the 15 hospitals in the survey,Miami Children’s received the highestmarks from families of patients.

“I’m very proud of the MiamiChildren’s family,” says Thomas M.Rozek, President and CEO of MiamiChildren’s Hospital. “The ConsumerOpinion Award is a testament to the

skill and compassion of our employeesand physicians in anticipating theneeds of families confronting the illnessof a child and in promoting a family-centered environment. My hat is offto the entire Miami Children’sfamily for making this recognitionpossible.”

According to Raul O. Chao, SeniorVice President of The Systema Groupand Director of the Consumer OpinionAward, customer service will be amajor force in business in the 21stcentury. The award is an outward signof Miami Children’s commitment topatients and their families.

“All South Florida companies,large and small, can learn howthese top companies [likeMiami Children’s] honorunyielding commitments toexcellence in customersatisfaction,” says Chao.

Happy Birthday

DanMarino Center!

to the

Hats Offto Miami Children’s!

Leading the Wayin Pediatric Cancer Research

Miami Children’s Hospitalis a nationallyrecognized center forpediatric cancertreatment. The hospital

is now taking its leadership a stepfurther, dedicating itself to the searchfor a cure for cancer.

The Cancer Center at MiamiChildren’s Hospital, led by EnriqueEscalon, MD, has more than 125ongoing clinical trials in pediatrichematology and oncology, accordingto Stuart Horowitz, PhD, Director ofthe Research Institute at MiamiChildren’s. “Some are interventional,

involving new treatments andmedications,” he says. “With others,we track the outcomes of patients whoreceive a particular type of treatmentor plan of care.”

Typically, these clinical trials arelong-term projects, as patients must fitall the criteria to participate in thestudies. Finding a child who meets allthe requirements can be difficult, butthe hospital is making headway, thanksin part to its longstanding membershipwith the Children’s Oncology Group(COG), a national cooperativeoncology research group.

“Sometimes the discoveries or theimprovements we make may seemsmall at a local level,” explains Dr.Escalon, “but when we combinethem with the work of all thepediatric cancer research centers

affiliated with COG, the power ofour efforts is magnified.”

In addition to collaborating withother pediatric research centersthrough COG, Miami Children’sworks with companies testing newdrugs to fight cancer. The hospital alsohas many ongoing projects that, whilestill in the laboratory phase, offer hopefor a cure in the future.

“As a leader in pediatric cancer care,we continue to research new treatmentsin an effort to generate more hope forchildren with cancer and theirfamilies,” says Steven Melnick, MD,Chief of Pathology and ClinicalLaboratory at Miami Children’s.“There is reason for optimism thatcurrent research will yield moreeffective treatments for these children,now and in the near future.”

DanMarino Center!

Happy Birthday5th5th

Re/Max NewsWe’d like to welcome two new Re/Maxoffices to South Florida—Re/Max TopProperties in Key Biscayne and Re/MaxPartners in Pembroke Pines/Hiatus Road.Re/Max is a national CMN sponsor.

Thank you to Re/Max Unique Realty &Universal Trust Lenders for once again part-nering and hosting a CMN holiday toy drive.A special thank you to Lynn Matos for coor-dinating the toy drive.

Thank you to Bonnie Brydger of Re/MaxPartners in Plantation for her continued par-ticipation in the Re/Max Honor CardProgram benefiting CMN.

Publix Golf TournamentThe fifth Annual Publix/CMN Golf tournamentwas held at the beautiful PGA NationalResort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. Thesold-out tournament raised $125,000 forCMN. Thank you to Bill Fauerbach and every-one in Publix’s Miami Division for anothergreat tournament!

Costco Golf TournamentThe sixth annual golf tournamenthosted by the North Miami BeachCostco was held at Williams Island.We congratulate Lisa Katz Scheinerton once again doing an outstandingjob in coordinating the tournament.

Upcoming EventsAugust 1

Miami Aqui Golf Tour at Miami Springs Golfand Country Club benefiting XOXO. For moreinformation, call Ivette Diaz at (786) 268-1822.

August 16

Re/Max Unique Realty’s Hot Air Balloon Event at Miami Lakes Park West benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. For moreinformation, please call Lynn Matos at (305) 822-7444.

September 27

Second Annual Credit Unions of South FloridaGolf Tournament at Jacaranda Golf Club inPlantation. For more information, contactMaria Moldes at (786) 268-1832.

October 28

Bloomingdale’s Benefit Shopping Event

10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. For moreinformation, please contact Melissa Mooreat (786) 268-1833.

November 1

Hall of Fame Gala at Intercontinental Hotel.For more information contact Ann Lyons at(786) 268-1830.

November 3–7

Marriott’s Torch Relay. Once again this yearthe relay will begin its journey in Miami. Formore information, contact Maria Moldes at(786) 268-1832.

November 6

MCH Auxiliary Queen of Hearts Luncheon. Formore information, contact Ann Lyons at (786)268-1830.

November 22 & 23

Third Annual Hasbro Factory Toy Sale. Comeand do your holiday toy shopping early. Brand-name toys are available at warehouse prices,and a portion of the proceeds benefits MCHFoundation. For more information, contactIvette Diaz at (786) 268-1822.

December 13

Biltmore Hotel’s Holiday Run for Smiles. For more information contact Ann Lyons at(786) 268-1830.

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PCarnaval NightLos Ranchos at CocoWalk hosted Carnavalnight benefiting CMN. Guests enjoyedgreat food and a fabulous silent auction.Thank you to the event sponsors, includingNational Distributing Inc., Spirit Airlines, Ft.Lauderdale Marina Marriott, Salon ArujSpa and Sysco Corp., just to name a few.

“For the Kids”Participants at the sixth annual FIU DanceMarathon were on their feet for 25 hours to raisefunds for CMN. This year over 200 dancersparticipated and raised $100,000! THANK YOU tothe sponsors, volunteers, miracle families and thecommittee for their hard work over the past yearin planning the event.

10Children’s Gazette summer 2003 11summer 2003 Children’s Gazette

CMN CelebrationThe annual CMN Celebration (Telethon) wasbroadcast on Sunday, June 1, on ourTelethon station, WPLG, Channel 10. Thankyou to our hosts Kristi Krueger and DwightLauderdale and everyone at Channel 10, aswell as our dedicated volunteers for manningthe phones during the broadcast.

Custom Shoot-OutMiami Children’s Hospital Foundation is the$30,000 beneficiary of the Second AnnualCustom Shoot-Out offshore fishing tourna-ment held at Chub Cay in the Bahamas. Themonies will go toward the Chair forOrthopaedic Surgery honoring Dr. HarryShufflebarger. Drs. Shufflebarger and Kingpresented the check to Robin Reiter-Faragalli.Keep reeling it in!

XOXO – Cirque 2003As usual the Hugs & Kisses Fashion ShowCommittee has outdone themselves.Congratulations on a wonderful event;keep up the great work! A special thanksto our corporate sponsors Ocean Bank,Mastec and Lindamood-Bell LearningProcesses and to our co-chairs MaritereSecada and Zurami Martinez-Noda. Wecould not have done it without you!

CC Luncheon Sponsored by Tiffany’sMCHF offered a special appreciation luncheonfor our Community Council. Thanks to KarenKleinman, Director of Tiffany’s at Bal Harbour,and The Miami City Club, we were able to offermembers a fabulous luncheon overlooking themagnificent Miami skyline and bay. Each guestreceived a set of Tiffany wine glasses. Cheersto you for all you do!

Eckerd Toy DriveEckerd held its annual CMN holiday toy drive benefiting the children at Miami Children’sHospital, and we received two huge shipments of toys! Thank you to Colin McGinnis, RegionOperations Manager, and Eckerd District Managers Felix Hodges, Jude Hodges, Jay Palin andAl Vasquez, their store teams and their customers for another successful toy drive. “Santa”delivered the first truckload of toys to the children at the hospital. A BIG thank you to JennyLarson for once again coordinating this annual event.

Legal Sea Foods Raises Funds for CMNFor the second year, the three SouthFlorida Legal Sea Foods locations donateda portion of every gift certificate sold dur-ing the holiday season to MCHFoundation. In 2002, the promotion raised$9,000! Thank you to Legal Sea Foods,its staff and customers.

Crossmark Toy DriveCrossmark and some of its vendorsheld a CMN holiday toy drive. We thank“Miracle Maker” Linda Horn fromCrossmark for coordinating all ofCrossmark’s CMN activities.

Adam SilversteinThank you to Marjorie StonemanDouglas High School’s Class of 2003for its donation of $2,000 in honor oftheir classmate Adam Silverstein. TomPitts and Adam Silverstein presentedthe check on behalf of their class toMCHF president Robin Reiter-Faragalli.

Adam Silverstein, Robin Reiter-Faragalli and Tom Pitts

Greenfield Day SchoolThank you to the Greenfield Day School,Mrs. Ellinport and her kindergarten class,for donating the proceeds of their Tsdakahproject to MCHF. You guys are great!

Ivette Diaz and Mrs. Ellinport’s kindergarten classat the Greenfield Day School

Jon and Maritere Secada andtheir children, Mikaela and Jon Henri

Priya and Kirran Panjabi andtheir son Imran

Marriott News• We are pleased to announce the open-

ing of two new Marriott properties—theRenaissance Plantation Hotel and theMiami Aventura Mall Residence Inn.Welcome to the CMN family!

• HMS Host at Miami InternationalAirport hosted a CMN toy drive at theirholiday party.

• The Fourth Annual South FloridaMarriott Invitational Golf Tournamentwas held at the Tournament PlayersClub at Heron Bay and the CoralSprings Marriott at Heron Bay. Thisyear’s tournament raised over $30,000for CMN. Thank you to Chris Bielski,Joe Brown and everyone at Marriott foranother great event!

Miami’s Most Photogenic BabyContestThe 2003 contest was held at Aventura Malland raised over $2,100. Thank you toAventura Mall for hosting the event andAmerican Performing Arts Network for onceagain coordinating the event.

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Did you know? Tomatoes are fruits rather thanvegetables because they arestructured like berries.

FRUITS

❑ Apple❑ Grapes❑ Melon❑ Orange❑ Tomato

VEGETABLES

❑ Broccoli❑ Corn❑ Green beans❑ Onion❑ Spinach

a Dayin a FUNWayEating five servings of fruits and vegetables every day

helps keep you healthy and strong. Look forwards, backwards, up, down and even diagonally to find thehidden names of five fruits and five vegetables.

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N O F R E E D O C N R E O M I N

G L U P W H A T I A O A L F W E

L E O O O K A T T R T H P P E W

O M R L N D S E A O A P L E P A

N E S P I N A C H W M A C H S A

O V I A O C O M B R O C C O L I

B A T D N M E T H S T I C O R N