From the Executive Director:

It was a privilege to serve as Executive Director of the Walter E. Boehm Birth Defects Center during its 50th anniversary, and I am pleased to share our Annual Report to the Community. We had a lot of changes in 2013, including welcoming our new nurse practitioner, Erin Martin, and Medical Office Assistant, Sharita Raby, who have both been tremendous assets to our team. We mourned the passing of Walter M. Boehm, who devoted over 30 years of his life to helping children with neural tube defects. We commemorated our golden anniversary with Gems for Hope – a new and excit-ing fundraising event that was a huge success. We launched a new website with a special grant from Unum, and we revamped our annual patient-family event moving it to the Mystery Dog Ranch, which offered adaptive horseback riding and other fun activities. Overall, we had a great year!

The Center attributes its five decades of success to the selfless dedication of our volunteers and generous sup-port from our donors. We are so grateful for all of support: from our medical doctors who volunteer weekly to see our patients at no charge – to our donors who contribute time or money without which our program could not continue. We are so lucky to have a dedicated Board with members who devote their time to carry out the Center’s mission. Most recently, Nancy Collum, Jack Johnson, and Jed Mescon joined the ranks as Lifetime Board Members for 20 years of support and service to the Center. Our Administrative Board Chair, Denise Wilson, will be passing the torch to Janet Boehm Horton who will serve as Chair for the next two years beginning this July.

Our partnership with Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is also crucial to the survival of the Boehm Birth Defects Center. Without its generous support and donation of office and clinic space, access to the latest pediatric ra-diological equipment, and clinic registration staff, the Center would not be able to provide first-rate medical care at a Level 1 Trauma Center to over 685 patients. Thank you!

I am confident that 2014 will be the bright beginning of the next 50 years at the Boehm Birth Defects Center, and I am honored to be a part of it.

Elizabeth D. Myers

Bright BeginningsAnnual Report to the Community 2014

In 2008, our daughter Carli Grace Oliver was born full-term and healthy. Or so we thought. The day she was supposed to go home, she quit breathing and turned blue. A full-term, “healthy” baby should not do this. She was placed in the NICU, where they found a mass on her brain. She was transferred to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital for further testing. While in the NICU there, Dr. Boehm was on her case. An MRI showed that her mass was an Arachnoid cyst. Statistically, these types of cysts do not grow, so they sent her home.

Carli had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Boehm when she was four months old. A new scan revealed that her cyst had grown massive in size and was compressing her brain, causing it to shift to one side. The cyst was so large that everyone was shocked she was not having major problems. She was shunted immediately, and so began her care at the Boehm Birth Defects Center.

Carli Oliver: Flourishing into a Vibrant Little Girl

Continued on page 6

2013 Fundraising EventsThank You for Helping Us Raise over $160K to Support Our Program!

Roll, Stroll & Ride

Patients, families, and supporters of the Boehm Birth Defects Center gathered in September for an after-noon of hayrides, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and therapeutic riding at the wonderful Mystery Dog. The Alpha Beta Chapter of ESA generously provided and served dinner, and the Tandy Leather Factory donat-ed the very popular leather making craft. We are so appreciative of the generosity of Marie and Bruce with the Mystery Dog Ranch and all of the volunteers from the Hozho Equestrian Therapeutic team. This event was a huge success!

Julianne Joel—Committee Chair, Patient Parent and Board Member— did a fantastic job revamping the location and theme of this event. Thank you to our corporate sponsors: Wal-Mart, Highway 58 Fire Department, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, Henley Medical, Hollister, Ronnie J. Holden Insurance Agency, and the Tandy Leather Factory.

29th Annual Little Angels Golf Tournament

The 2013 Little Angels Golf Tournament was held in June and was a huge success. Driven by our loyal Committee Chair Bobby Logan, co-sponsored by area Teamsters and Phillips-Van Heusen, and supported by the Calhoun Georgia Elks Club, this event has raised over $900,000 since its inception. Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers—this event would not be possible without you!

Taster’s Luncheon

The generous Alpha Beta ESA Chapter hosted its 26th Taster’s Luncheon fundraiser in September with over 200 people in attendance at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

The luncheon included “tastes” of various of appetizers, salads and desserts that were prepared by the wonderful members. Attendees enjoyed a sur-prise performance by the cast of Les Miserables. Jed Mescon, the luncheon emcee, took the stage and entertained everyone throughout the Chinese Auction and the fashion show sponsored by Coldwater Creek and Catherine’s. Jed led the crowd singing Happy Birthday to a few members in the audience, including Kim Jones, who is one of the Center’s first patients.

ChooChoo Chorus Holiday Benefit Concert

In January 2013, the Choo Choo Chorus presented the Center with a check for the net proceeds of its 2012 anniversary concert. The group had made a goal to put 100 men on stage and raise $10,000 for its special anniversary, but surpassed its fundraising goal. The Center is so thankful that the group selected our organization once again to be the recipient of net proceeds from its wonderful 2013 Christmas Concert, held at Girls Preparatory School in December.

Save the Date

30th Annual Little Angels Golf TournamentSaturday, June 7th

Calhoun Elks Lodge, Calhoun, GAVisit www.boehmbdc.com for

entry forms and sponsor opportunities.

Gems for Hope

Carley and Edward Boehm did an amazing job co-chairing this elegant event in November at the Chattanooga Golf & Country Club. Over 200 people attended this unique fundraiser, which featured signature cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and silent and live auc-tions showcasing fine jewelry, gemstones, minerals, art work and gift packages. Music was provided by the fabulous Ben Friberg Trio.

Janet Horton was our energetic committee chair for the successful Gems for Hope Couples Golf Tournament that was held in tandem to raise additional funds and celebrate the Center’s 50th anniversa-ry. A big thank you to our corporate and individual sponsors whose generosity helped make Gems for Hope a huge success:

McKenzie Foundation, Carley, Rare & Refined, and RareSource, Covenant Transport, Mrs. Marie-Helen Boehm & Children in Memory of Dr. Walter M. Boehm, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Smickley, Decosimo, T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, Barry Bogo Jewelry, Rone

Regency Jewelers, Fairway Outdoor Advertising, Fischer Evans Jewelers, Wright Jewelers, Carter Distributing, Boehm & Jewell Real Estate Company, Carlisle Plastics, FSG Bank, The Haisten Group, Raymond James/Patten-Vaughn Wealth Management Group, Panoram Imports, Dr. & Mrs. Chad Smalley, Dr. & Mrs. John McCravey, Mr. & Mrs. Gary Chazen, Mr. & Mrs. William Horton, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Boehm, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Rick Montague, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Boehm, Chattanooga Neurosurgical Group, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, First Volunteer Bank, and the Mahoney Family in Memory of Dr. Walter M. Boehm.

2013 Fundraising EventsThank You for Helping Us Raise over $160K to Support Our Program!

The Boehm Birth Defects Center recognizes all of the volunteers, including event committee members and organizations, who contribute their time

and resources to make all of our events spectacular!

Memorials & HonorariumsIndividual Donors

Angela & Ashley Burgess Mary B. LambertAnne Lindsey Mary J. NelsonAshley & Terry Stroud Mary OwnbeyBilly & LaDora Nesbitt Matthew & Kelly GoodBobby Logan Michael & Debra CookBrad & Sara Millaway Michael & Gloria O’RearCarol Crawford Michael & Sandra JenkinsCarol W. Langston Michael PlummerCarolyn Maum Michael ShafferCathie Cox Mike ScottCharles & Millie Hawk Mr. & Mrs. David ThompsonChristy & Chad Smalley Mr. & Mrs. GriffinCJ Dodd Mr. & Mrs. James T. SchwisherD. Stephen Sorenson Mr. & Mrs. Pete RittenberryDave & Dana Beaty Mr. & Mrs. SchillingDavid & Angie Logan Mrs. H.U. MartinDavid & Elizabeth Patten Nancy J. CollumDavid & Susan DiStefano Nancy MaynorDavid Tolley Nathan CombsDenise & Hal Wilson Patricia BrattonDennis & Donna Anderson Paul BartonDonna & Larry Adkins Paul Zmaj & Marianne LorrenDoug Thomason Polly BrooksDouglas M Graydon, DDS R. Gail EslingerDr. & Mrs. John McCravey Richard D. SpanglerDr. & Mrs. Peter Boehm, Jr. Rick & Cannon MontagueDr. & Mrs. Peter Boehm, Sr. Rob & Jennifer StickleyDr. & Mrs. Peter Lund Robert & Geraldine ConnDr. & Mrs. Timothy Ballard Robert & Laurie SmickleyDr. Joseph C. Portera Robert & Sarah MingusDuffy & Judy Franck Roger & Pamela DicksonEddie & Lawanna Hardin Ronald E. LavenderEddie & Tina Fair Ronnie HoldenEdward & Carley Boehm Roy & Shelly McCarterElizabeth Criswell Sandra & Wayne BabbEric & Meg Buchanan Sarah & Jeffrey LorborbaumEugene & Mary Ellen Logan Sara TannerEunice C. Hodges Scott RobertsGail Sprouse Scott & Maureen BrenerGary & Carol Little Scott & Susie McGinnessGary & Karen Cooper Shanna BrooksGary & Sally Chazen Sharon MillsGene & Gayle Pike Shawn FosterGene Walker, DVM Sheila OrmesGeorge & Pat Post Sonia YoungGladiola Griffin Stacy & Lemuel DuckettGlen Wagner Steve GreenwellGregory & Elaine Hayden Steve NoblesHal & Linda Morris Steven & Vivian BettisHarlon & Debra Garner Surf RussianJack & Barbara McMillen Susan HamnerJack & Belle Crawford Tammy AdamsJames & Diane Wolford Tena & Steven W. HetzelJames & Julia Ann Thomason Tena BoehmJames T. Newby Theresa HallJane & John Killebrew Thomas & Jennifer DuffyJeffrey D. Boehm, Attorney Thomas W. & Joanne SwansonJim Ganem & Mike Ganem Tim & Paula BrymerJoan Rose Tim PratherJoel & Wanda Blake Timothy & Eleanor MahlaJoel, Tammy & Julie Phillips Tom & Ave HenleyJoesph & Katherine White Tommy BryantJohn & Cindy Tang Harris Tressley GerenJohn & Elaina Smith Vanessa MadisonJohn & June McCollum Venkata & Swarna BareddyJohn Templeton Vicki BowenJoy Akunna Nwadike, MD Vicki LongJudy & Thomas Goepfrich Vivian RaitzJulie Clark W.C. Smith, DirectorJulie D. Phillips Wallace ClementsKatie Valentine Walter & Eleanor HodgesKim & Matt Driver Walter & Sandra PresleyLadies Auxiliary Warren LarkinLarry & Lori Lively Wayne RogersLarry House William & Ann AikenLarry Thomason William & Anne KernodleLinda I. Chung William & Janet HortonMA Boggess-Pace William C. BrooksMargaret Green Wilton Baker

HONOREE DONOREdward Boehm Jonathan D. Woody, MD FACSJennifer DeCoursey Timothy HowellMr. & Mrs. J.R. Dynesius Dr. & Mrs. John R. McGauley, Jr.Kaki Hetzel Tena & Steven HetzelDr. Daniel Kueter Dr. & Mrs. John R. McGauley, Jr.Cheyenne Lingerfelt Vicki LongElizabeth Myers Eleanor & Steve DobsonMichael Tachenko Dr. & Mrs. John R. McGauley, Jr.Joel Westbrook Epsilon Sigma Alpha

Margaret HammerHenry Alden Wood Joann & Doug WoodLisa Youngblood Mary & Connie Woody

MEMORIAL DONORWalter M. BoehmAndrea Brener Brose Jenny & Rob StickleyAngela & Ashley Burgess Jerry & Tommy HeidenreichAnn & William Aiken Joan & Dan FriersonAnne & William Kernodle Joe & David MardkhaAnne Bosshart Joel & Paula RindBill & Judy Eiselstein John & Clare HetzlerBill, Ann & Billy Cowan John & Jamey JonesBruce & Jerry Young John Paty, Jr.Charles & Katherine Dupree Joseph W. ThatcherChuck & Libby Dietzen Joyce WilliamsDeloris Rissling Kevin & Mary MahoneyDr. & Mrs. Charles A. Kirby Lucia & Tommy HopperDr. & Mrs. Charles A. Sternbergh Maggie & Winston EatonDr. & Mrs. Charles Portera Margaret & William WhiteDr. & Mrs. Max D. Brener Marie-Helen Boehm & ChildrenDr. & Mrs. Phillip Megison Martha & Bill CarrigerDr. & Mrs. William E. Rowe Mary J. NelsonDr. James M. Gallagher, Jr. Maureen & Scott BrenerDr. Jo Anne Horton Hardy Michael PareDr. Thomas D. Fullbright Morrow & Sue ChamberlainElaine Boehm Nancy CollumFrank & Dottie Brock Pamela KirbyFrank & Eloise Robbins Roger & Pamela DicksonGeorge & Bonnie Pettway Sara TannerGeorge & Cathy Lawson Sarah & Wayne BabbGloria Miller & David Bowman Shanna BrooksHal & Linda Morris Sharon MillsIsabel & Ralph McGraw, Jr. Sharree & Craig StokerJan Childress Sonia YoungJane McNabb Tena BoehmJanet & Bill Horton Venkata & Swarna BareddyJennifer & Thomas Duffy Vicki BowenChristy Brown Burr Julia OliverMarian Caldwell Phyllis GoodmanCarolyn Congdon Nancy CollumJames “Lucky” DeCoursey Timothy HowellJohn & Anne Dunbar Mr. & Mrs. James F. DunbarMary Duran Nancy CollumEugenia Henry Nancy CollumMary Boehm Maher Barry MaherAngela Morris Kathy ChildsMary Nouse Chuck & Libby DietzenAgnes Rogers Chuck & Libby Dietzen

Sharree & Craig StokerDeborah & Bob Moon

Raymond & Patsy Simpson Nancy CollumRandall D. Smith Staff at Unum

Sponsors

Alpha Beta ESAAlbert Levy, PCAmerican Paper & Twine CompanyAtlantic CorporationAutomated Benefits ServiceBaab & Dennison, LLPBoehm & Jewell Real Estate CompanyBogo JewelryBox 1 Inc.Calhoun Elks LodgeCalhoun Plastics & Chemicals, Inc.Calhoun Spine CareCarley, Rare & RefinedCarlisle Plastics Co.Carter Distributing CompanyChattanooga Allergy ClinicChattanooga Bakery, Inc.Chattanooga Neurosurgery & SpineChoo Choo ChorusCornerstone BankCovenant TransportCulligan Water SystemsCumberland Trust CompanyDecosimoDixie Labels & Systems, Inc.Donnna’s HallmarkDoug Hess InsuranceFair’s Auto Service & RepairFairway Outdoor AdvertisingFirst Volunteer BankFischer EvansFlowers by Gil & CurtFSGBankGCC/IBT District Council 3Godfrey, Hammel, Danneels & Company, PCHenley MedicalHollisterHorton, Ballard & Pemerton PLLCInternational Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersJoint Council of Teamsters #87 - Jackson, MSLarry Thomason Egg Farm, Inc.Lewis Dobson ConstructionMcKenzie FoundationMerchant ServicesMerck Partnership for GivingMillenium TechnologiesMoccasin Bend Golf CourseMystery Dog RanchOlsten StaffingPanoramPepsi Bottling GroupPhillips Van HeusonPlumbers & Steamfitters Local #43RareSourceRaymond JamesRetirees Chapter Local 515Rogers Exterminating CompanyRone RegencyRonnie J. Holden Insurance Agency, Inc.Schilling Investment ConsultantsState Farm Insurance, Bobby EmerlingState Farm Insurance, Brownie AuSudler Insurance Services, Inc.Sugarman & Susskind, P.A.T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at ErlangerTandy Leather FactoryTeamsters Local 528 - Atlanta, GATeamsters Local Union 745 - Dallas, TXTexpak, Inc.The Haisten GroupThe Segal CompanyTwisted ScissorsUBSUnited Way of Bradley CountyUnited Way of Greater ChattanoogaUnited Way of Northwest GeorgiaUnumWagner Truck & Trailer RentalWal-mart FoundationWright JewelersYates Bleachery Company

We Gratefully Acknowledge Our 2013 Donors

2013 Financials Audit Year Ending December 31, 2012

PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE United Way Allocations $83,161 Associated Organization Contributions $39,087 Private Contributions $54,722 Insurance Reimbursements $34,080 Special Events $47,512 Contributed Services $226,512 Total Public Support $485,074 REVENUE Investment Return $18,897 Total Support and Revenue $499,324 EXPENSES Program Services $354,971 Management and General $25,009 Fundraising $19,070 Total Expenses $357,747

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $141,577

NET ASSETS-beginning of year $191,052

NET ASSETS-end of year $335,629

2013 Board of Directors

President Co-Medical DirectorPeter E Boehm, MD

Co-Medical DirectorTimothy Strait, MD

Staff PhysicianPeter E. Boehm, Jr., MD

Administrative ChairDenise Wilson

SecretaryJack Johnson*

Assistant SecretaryJulianne Joel

TreasurerNancy Collum*

Chair EmeritusJenny Stickley

DirectorsEdward BoehmAnne CowanJulie Clark Susan DistefanoCarolyn FletcherJanet HortonJulianne JoelDeborah KnowlesCarol LangstonLindsey Wolford

Lifetime Members*Bill HortonBetty JollyBobby LoganJed Mescon

STAFFExecutive DirectorElizabeth Myers

Clinical Care PractitionerErin Martin, FNP-BC

Medical AssistantLe’Keura Coker

Medical Office AssistantSharita Raby

Disclaimer:Bright Beginnings is annually published by the Walter E. Boehm Birth Defects Center, Inc., a non-profit agency, located at 975 E. 3rd Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403. The newsletter is mailed under U.S. Postal Permit #837 in Chattanooga, TN. Specializing in Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

This was one of the hardest things our family has ever faced. Dr. Boehm and the Center’s staff made us feel comfortable and confident that they would do their best to get her condition under control. The shunt did help her cyst decrease in size, but little did we know that the cyst was just the beginning of Carli’s prob-lems.

Carli has “non-textbook” symptoms and problems, battling massive, debilitating headaches, which often land her in the ER with unbearable pain. She has had multiple surgeries revising her shunt, because shunts do go bad sometimes through no fault of the doctors. She even developed an acquired Chiari malforma-tion —something that is typically congenital - but for whatever reason, hers was not present at birth. All of her health problems have taken a toll on my daughter and on our family. Our 11-year-old son —now 16—spent many days in the hospital at Carli’s bedside, giv-

ing up his Fall Break to be there for his sister. Carli has given up many of her school breaks for surgeries. While other kids her age are on their Spring Break or learning to ride their bikes, she was in the hospital recovering from one of her many surgeries. I have cried many times to Dr. Boehm, because I cannot help my own child. He has always listens with genuine concern. As parents we all want to see a “quick fix,” immediate relief, or even a cure. However, the unfortunate reality is that sometimes that is just not possible. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but Dr. Boehm has been fighting right beside our family for our daughter.

Today, my daughter still struggles with her condition. She fights daily with headaches that just refuse to go away and new medications that have unpleasant side effects. Through every bit of her struggle, we have NEVER felt alone thanks to the doctors and staff at the Boehm Center. They truly listen when I tell them something just isn’t right. They try everything in their power to help my daughter cope with her condition. They visit her hospital room and bring gifts just to put a smile on her face. These small gestures make a huge impact.

My daughter will never be cured of her condition, but I am confident that she is receiving the very best care at the Boehm Center. She would not be where she is today if it weren’t for the doctors and staff there. Our daugh-ter’s journey is far from over, but I know that the Boehm Birth Defects Center will be right by our side making sure they do everything they can to make her quality of life the best it can be. They truly care about each and every patient. They have been a blessing to our family and to the community. Despite her problems, I have watched my daughter grow and flourish into a vibrant little five year old. None of which would have been pos-sible without the Boehm Birth Defects Center. Thank you for everything you do!

Beth Oliver

Carli Oliver: Flourishing into a Vibrant Little Girl

   

 

Shop  at  AmazonSmile  and  Amazon  will  make  a  donation  to  the  Walter.  E.  Boehm  Birth  

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Toy DonationsWe are now accepting new small toys and

stuffed animal donations for our toy box! Toys are given to children who are hospitalized to

help brighten their day.

In 2013, with support of our community partnerships, our volunteers and donors, we were able to serve 685 patients across the Southeast.

Counties Served

Tennessee: Bedford, Bledsoe, Bradley, Coffee, Dekalb, Fentress, Franklin, Giles, Grainger, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Sequatchie, Union, Warren, White, Williamson Georgia: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Ham-ilton, Houston, Murray, Polk, Taylor, Union, Walker, Whitfield Alabama: DeKalb, Madison; Mississippi: Harrison North Carolina: Cherokee, Clay, Perquimans South Carolina: Cherokee, Oconee, Richland

William Joel shows off his new wheelchair.

Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of children born with birth defects of the brain and spinal column,

such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Program Services

• 507 outpatient physician clinic visits with no co-pays charged to clients• 310 diagnostic Tests (CT scans, shunt series, MRIs, lab work)• 186 meal vouchers distributed to parents with hospitalized children• 57 gas cards distributed to clients who drove more than 30 miles to attend the Boehm Center clinics• 70 surgeries related to patients’ diagnoses were performed• 27 referrals to other physicians • 38 new patients enrolled• 7 hospital admissions assistance• 5 shunts reprogrammed on hospital floor• 2 family emergency assistance provided• 16 additional medical bills paid for surgeries and other appointments related to diagnosis• 2 new wheelchairs purchased for families• 2 children sponsored to attend Camp Horizon• 1 transportation grant for family to attend education conference• 13 education sessions and literature to potential clients• 158 additional services coordinated related to the continuity of care of our patients.

Tammy Baab • Dr. Walter M. Boehm • Amanda Hembree •

Angelica Luna • Stephen Mann • Debra Rogers

This issue is dedicated in loving memory to:

Bright BeginningsWalter E. Boehm Birth Defects Centerat Erlanger Health System975 East Third StreetChattanooga, TN 37403Phone: 423.778.2222Fax: 423.778.6191www.boebmbdc.com

Non-ProfitOrganization

U.S. POSTAGEPA ID

Chattanooga, TNPermit No. 837

Return Service Requested

To the Current Resident or:

Your Support Makes a Difference!

Your donation — whether through volunteering or a monetary gift — makes a difference in someone’s life. Contributions may be made in memoriam, to honor the accomplishments of a friends or loved one, or to celebrate a special life event. To make a donation, please use the enclosed envelope or visit boehmbdc.com to donate online.

• A single gift of $25 pays for 3 meals for a parent whose child is in the hospital overnight.• A $100 donation pays for 10 gas vouchers for families who must drive long distances to see a physician

at clinic.• A $500 contribution helps pay for durable medical equipment, such as a wheelchair, which can costs

families hundreds or thousands of dollars, even after insurance pays. • $2,500 per year provides partial assistance with two wheelchairs.• $5,000 per year will pay for 25 families to receive assistance with bills related to radiology and other

testing fees.

We value our volunteers— we couldn’t do it without you. If you are interested in volunteering your time at any of our events or in the office, please contact Elizabeth Myers at 423.778.2222.