Last May, the Josh Cares Program witnessed a major re-structuring for the betterment of its pediatric patients.

In its infancy back in 2005, the Josh Cares Fellowship program was created under the supervision of the Cincinnati Children’s Department of Child Life with the goal of ensuring that no critically ill child would endure a lengthy hospitalization alone, feeling afraid and abandoned.

Designed as a high level training program for individuals embarking on a career in Child Life, Josh Cares began with funding for two annual fellows in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Since then, the program has grown to six fellows serving patients in all critical and chronic care units of the hospital, including the Newborn Intensive Care unit. In 2011, a permanent senior level position was established to provide team leadership and consistency of care for the longest term patients. The senior position also provided important community outreach. Amy McGory, who has filled this role for the past two years, has brought a level of stability and professionalism that was successful above and beyond expectations.

This spring, after many months of planning in collaboration with the Child Life Department, Josh Cares

was ready to “take it up a notch” and is currently implementing a restructuring of the annual positions.

At its most basic level, the need for restructuring evolved from changing patient needs. Sadly, many of the Josh Cares patients are hospitalized for periods longer than one year, or are frequently readmitted over the course of several years due to a chronic condition. This has created a need for a more stable and consistent work force than the original annual term limits set in 2005 would allow.

As Josh Cares matured in its own growth and developed a steady and continuously growing donor base, it became possible to elevate the status of these positions. In the past several months, Josh Cares has hired four new Child Life Specialists, retaining Amy McGrory as the team leader and former annual fellow Mindy Barney in the NICU. All have committed to a minimum two-year term, with the opportunity for the most exemplary and passionate professionals to remain even longer.

These changes, along with salary adjustments to make the positions more closely aligned with industry standards, enabled us to recruit, and hopefully retain, the most qualified Child Life professionals to the Josh Cares program. The Josh Cares staff roles will no longer be considered training or temporary positions, resulting in the removal of the title of Fellow. Going forward the staff will become known as Josh Cares Child Life Specialists.

Josh Cares is committed to providing 100% of the funding to Cincinnati Children’s for these positions which are employed by the hospital. As TV Chef Emeril likes to say, “We’ve just taken it up a notch!”

Josh Cares, Inc., PO Box 43295,

Cincinnati, OH 45243 513-459-1991 • joshcares.org administration@joshcares.org

JOSH CARES BEAT

Words of Joy

Page 2

Siblings in Need

Page 3

The Wright Stuff

Page 4

Meet the Team

Page 5

“Event-ful” Josh Cares Moments

Pages 6-7

Link On

Page 8

fAll 2012

Annie Krause and Omar have become fast friends since she joined the Josh

Cares team in August.

Going forward the staff will be known as Josh

Cares Child Life Specialists

Taking it up a NotchBuilding a better world for Josh Cares patientsby Moira Grainger

Recent GRants ReceivedThe John and Shirley Davies Foundation

Heritage Hill Foundation

Josephine Schell Russell Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee

The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

And our ongoing thanks to the Charles H. Dater Foundation for their continued funding of one complete position designated to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Cincinnati Children’s.

 

October 2012

Dear Friends of Josh Cares,

I am very excited to introduce the new Josh Cares team in this issue! After

many months of careful planning and discussion in collaboration with the

Cincinnati Children’s Child Life leadership team, we have converted the

former “Fellow” positions to full-fledged “Child Life Specialist” positions.

You will read in Moira Grainger’s article (front page) the rationale behind

converting these positions from annual to a longer term employment

opportunity. The responses of applicants immediately confirmed our theory

that by making these structural changes we would attract an outstanding

group of candidates. We are thrilled that Amy McGrory is remaining

with the program as the Senior Child Life Specialist along with Mindy

Barney who has recommitted to the program after completing her annual

fellowship. Mindy commutes over an hour each day from her home north

of Dayton! On page 5 you will meet the four newest members of the Josh

Cares team, all of whom but one have relocated to Cincinnati to begin their

promising careers in the field of Child Life. I hope you have an opportunity

to meet them one day. They are quickly gelling together as a team, getting

to know their patients and learning their roles as members of the hospital’s

interdisciplinary team. They are also committed to sharing their experiences

so that our supporters can hear, first hand, how Josh Cares is serving as

a true lifeline to the children and families who are unable to be together

throughout a hospitalization.

As we approach the holiday season, many of us are giving thanks for our

blessings in life. I continue to be thankful for the wonderful volunteers

and supporters with whom I interact each day. I am also thankful for the

opportunity to feel as if my work is making a difference in the lives of the

children and families we serve. Just after Thanksgiving you will receive our

annual fund campaign mailing, The Gift of Time. Please join me in making a

contribution to “buy time” so that no child has to suffer through traumatic

times without a trusted caregiver by their sides.

Sincerely,

Joy Rowe Blang

Joy Rowe Blang

Josh caRes MissionJosh Cares provides companionship and comfort to

children hospitalized in critical care units in children’s hospitals. Josh Cares Child Life Specialists serve as surrogates for, and links to, the families who

would be with their children in the hospital if they could.

Josh caRes visionJosh Cares ensures that no critically ill child feels

alone and afraid while hospitalized.

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Siblings Noire and Noah both inherited the same rare genetic condition, Krabbe Disease, a devastating disease which effects muscle tone and movement and can lead to vision and hearing loss. The children were treated at Cincinnati Children’s for several months while receiving and recovering from bone marrow transplants- the best known treatment for this condition which can stop, but not reverse, the debilitating effects of the disease.

The siblings were admitted to Cincinnati Children’s when their single mother, who resides in Dayton, Ohio, was nine months pregnant. Josh Cares Child Life Specialists supported Noah and Noire in many ways throughout this challenging time when their mother was pulled in many different directions and could not be with them including giving and recovering from childbirth, at home in Dayton, while she was at the Ronald McDonald House resting and caring for the newborn, or spending time with the other sibling in the hospital. Both Noah and Noire were in isolation at times and were unable to be together or around any other children. Josh Cares organized private play times for each sibling. Both children relied upon Josh Cares for comfort and distraction during medical procedures which were often frightening and/or painful. Noire, the older of the two, looked to Josh Cares for emotional support as she coped with

the effects of the disease and the separation from her mother and brother as well as the rest of her family and friends back in Dayton.

Both transplants were successful and the children were able to be transferred to Dayton Children’s Hospital for their final recovery. Josh Cares Specialists shared information about the children and their family with Child Life professionals in Dayton to ease the transition of care and threw a celebratory farewell party for them. We have been told that Noah and Noire’s treatments have been successfully completed and they have returned home where they are enjoying getting to know their new baby brother, King, who thankfully did not inherit the disease as well.

Cincinnati Children’s and Josh Cares share a commonality of interestsby Moira Grainger

Per f ec t Pa r tner s

Achieving a perfect partnership is often a product of identifying and merging compatible interest, goals and ideals. Although the Josh Cares organization and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center resemble David and Goliath in respective size, they share identical goals in their vision and mission of providing the best in patient care and a family centered treatment.

A visit to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital internet home page reflects an ongoing goal and desire to deliver the best in medical and quality-of-life outcomes and patient and family experience. This commitment to patients and families has established CCHMC as a leader in improving child health.

With Goliath size, Cincinnati Children’s has resources at their fingertips which they gladly share so that Josh Cares can better support them back. This includes the guidance and support of

professionals within the following departments: Child Life, Marketing and Media Relations, Community Relations, and Development-allowing Josh Cares to achieving their goals at a very low operating expense.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center CEO Michael Fischer recently acknowledged this special relationship, stating, “Over the years, Josh Cares has become an important member of the Cincinnati Children’s family. The organization’s ongoing support of our Josh Cares Child Life Specialists helps ensure that our hospitalized children have a trusted companion throughout their stay. This level of care provides great comfort to our patients as they heal and strong connections to our families who are unable to be by their sides. Josh Cares helps make Cincinnati Children’s a unique and special place, and we are grateful for all that they do.”

MEET NEPHI, a long term Josh Cares patient. Nephi stays in the Transitional Care Center for patients with pulmonary conditions that require tracheotomies and long-term ventilatory support. The recently renovated TCC Unit includes a fabulous outdoor garden where patients and families can catch a breath of fresh air quickly. Nephi and her Josh Cares Child Life Specialist Amy recently did some gardening together, to Nephi’s delight!

Meet the Josh caRes Patient

Mother Pulled in Many Directions

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Susan Wright: Why the world needs 1,000-watt bulbsby Moira Grainger

volunteeR sPotliGht

You Can Volunteer, Too!Calling All Special Event Lovers!Special events are a great way to engage new supporters in a fun atmosphere. They provide a good opportunity to connect with and build upon relationships with supporters and are a critical part of the development program. But it is no secret that they are labor intensive to plan. The Josh Cares Strategic Events Planning Committee is focusing on identifying long term signature events that are targeted to achieve fundraising goals, reach a broader audience, and promote awareness of Josh Cares to a variety of identified demographics. We are always seeking new volunteers to help plan and implement events throughout the year. If interested, please give us a call!

student advisory council expands in Year 2!The SAC is growing exponentially in both numbers of students involved, schools represented and breadth of engagement in the community. The following is a list of all schools represented on the council. If you know of a school not currently participating, we welcome the opportunity to connect with students seeking to improve their leadership skills. Students in grades 7-12 for the upcoming school year are encouraged to apply.

Anderson HS

Archbishop McNicholas HS

Cincinnati Country Day School MS

Cincinnati Country Day School HS

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

Covington Catholic HS

Indian Hill HS

Indian Hill MS

McCauley HS

Milford Jr. HS

Mount Notre Dame

Northern Kentucky University

Seton HS

Sycamore HS

Turpin HS

Ursuline Academy

Villa Madonna Academy

Walnut Hills HS

Truly dedicated volunteers shine their energy and light on a group or community that is then reflected back on a good cause. Some organizations are lucky enough to have “1,000-watt bulb” volunteers whose enthusiasm and drive brighten and enliven their team members while helping to grow a project or event. Josh Cares volunteer Susan Wright is a welcome addition to its volunteer team as liaison for the Josh Cares Student Advisory Council (SAC) and co-chair of the Josh Cares Chain of Love event in December.

Susan’s first contact with Josh Cares came through students from Cincinnati Country Day who performed at the 2010 Holiday Open House for Josh Cares Chain of Love event. The event reinforced Susan’s growing admiration and respect for fellow Kindervelt #50 member Lynn Pierce and her passion for the Josh Cares mission and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She added, “I was also drawn to Josh Cares because of my interest in working with an organization that has direct involvement with students.” Susan is excited that it is the first year of involvement for her CCDS 6th grade daughter Maggie, who is looking forward to being a part of the SAC and the Chain of Love event.

Says Susan, “Another strong influence in our family’s choice of Josh Cares was the story I read about Josh Cares Fellow Whitney Groth in Indian Hill Living a few years ago. It drove home for us the Josh Cares mission statement of “leaving no child alone” as patients and

families deal with a difficult illness. My husband Gordon’s brother passed

away from a heart condition when he was only 13. Gordon’s mother made endless trips to Cincinnati Children’s in order to be with him in those final days. No child should

ever be left alone when they are critically ill. That loss solidified our

family’s wish to help a greater cause.”

It is in giving that we receive, and Susan sums it, “I hope that being involved in the Student Advisory Committee for Josh Cares will inspire more young leaders and greater awareness among the younger generation for the need to serve others.”

Brightening and

enlivening others

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It is often difficult to quantitatively assess the impact that the Josh Cares program has on the lives of the children and families we serve and the quality of care they receive at Cincinnati Children’s. Often we rely on the input of the interdisciplinary team working alongside Josh Cares. We recently received this letter of kudos from a medical professional on the Newborn Intensive Care Unit:

“I just wanted to let you know about a great job your Josh Cares (CLSs) did with a patient that we recently had…We had a patient from the Middle East, whose father was the only family member that came with him. This poor baby was in pain most of the time and had to have dressing changes every other day that lasted 2-3 hours. He had been on a lot of pain medication and the medical pain team wanted him off medications because he was due to get a bone marrow transplant. (Josh Cares) helped a lot with distraction therapy and helped soothe him during dressing changes. They also collected toys and mobiles and things for his bedside. We were able to wean off his pain medications to a more acceptable level with the help of these (CLSs).

This baby, at times, was challenging to comfort because of the pain he was in due to his medical condition and dressing changes, but they did a great job with him. I know that they made his hospitalization just a little better. Just thought you would like to know, they were and are great to have on the unit.”

—Patsy Uebel, Certified Nurse Practitioner

Kudos from the NICU Staff!about Josh caRes

WelcoMe neW staff MeMbeRs!

Annie DrehkoffPLACEMENT: Newborn Intensive Care

UnitALMA MATER: Lafayette College and

Erikson InstituteDEGREES: BA in Anthropology &

Sociology, MS in Child Development & Child Life

INTERNSHIP: Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

HOMETOWN: Chicago, IL

Beth Kopp ALMA MATER: Indiana UniversityDEGREE: BA in Psychological

Brain Sciences, Minor in International Studies

INTERNSHIP: Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Falls Church, VA

HOMETOWN: St. Louis, MO

Annie KrausePLACEMENT: Critical Care UnitsALMA MATER: Pittsburg State UniversityDEGREE: Bachelor’s in Early

Childhood Development, Emphasis in Special Education

INTERNSHIP: Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO

HOMETOWN: Shawnee, KS

Mari Kate StonePLACEMENT: Critical Care UnitsALMA MATER: University of AkronDEGREE: BA in Family and Child

DevelopmentINTERNSHIP: Cincinnati Children’s

Hospital Medical CenterHOMETOWN: Cincinnati, OH

We would like to express our profound appreciation for the leadership and guidance of former Josh Cares Child Life Fellow Supervisor Lynn Sanner. Lynn’s compassion for patients and families under the care of Cincinnati Children’s is unending and the kindness and respect she shares with each and every person with whom she interacts is an example for us all. While Lynn will no longer serve in an official capacity with Josh Cares, she will remain a critical resource for the program. Thank you, Lynn, for all that you have contributed to the advancement of Josh Cares!

Special thanks to Debbie McQuade of T&D Graphics in producing this newsletter.

Mindy is pictured here with Josh Cares patient, Carianna.

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It was a beautiful fall day at Terrace Park Country Club for the 2nd Annual Ryan Korengel Golf Outing to benefit Josh Cares on September 20th. The sold-out field raised over $35,000 to very nearly fund an entire Child Life Specialist position for the upcoming year. Players had a chance to walk in Ryan’s shoes in the One-Armed Chipping Contest. Only 16 of 92 players were successful in landing a 30 yard chip shot within 7 feet of the hole. Special thanks to Committee Members: Don Korengel, Todd Dewitt, Maria Korengel, Pete McConney, Greg Schweppe, Kim Seichter and Matt Werner for putting on such an outstanding event and to the friends and family of the Korengels for their continued support.

Josh caRes events

saMe GuY, diffeRent sox!While Youk’s Kids is unable to come to town this year to throw another great event for us due to Kevin’s move to the Chicago White Sox this season, their continued commitment to Josh Cares is overwhelming. This summer, Board Members Tina Cantu and Dave Blouin came to town to present us with a check for $70,000! Josh Cares would like to express our profound appreciation for this most generous contribution!.

MakinG an iMPact… one

closinG at a tiMe

In an industry not necessarily known for customer service, Comprehensive Title has found its niche. But owner Charlie Johnson does not limit his desire to help others to just his clients. In addition to supporting military veterans with fee waivers, Comprehensive Title has identified Josh Cares as a way to give back---one transaction at a time. At each closing, for each party represented, Comprehensive Title donates $10 to Josh Cares. Comprehensive Title has already given nearly $1,200 this year to fund 60 hours of 1-1 time devoted to children in need.

Another Birdie for the Korengels!

During the upcoming holiday season you will receive a request to support the time of a Josh Cares Child Life Specialist so that no child has to cope with a lengthy hospitalization feeling alone and afraid—at the holidays or any other time of the year. At a time of year when many of us are joyous and thankful, won’t you consider a donation to bring comfort to a child and peace of mind to families during these painful times of separation?

Some Children Won’t Be Home for the Holidays This Season...But with your help, they won’t be alone.

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Josh Cares... and Look Who Else Does, Too!on the toWn

For more information and to view additional photos from these spectacular events, visit the Cincinnati page at www.joshcares.org.

Young Professional Council Members Todd Gailar and Tom Howard coordinated Josh

Cares’ effort as the beneficiary organization of the spring Bacchanalian Society Event.

Bacchanalian Society guests enjoy a Chardonnay wine tasting to benefit

Josh Cares.

Josh Cares volunteers enjoy Andrew’s Art Auction, the annual fundraising event for the Heritage Hill Foundation, where a check was

presented to Josh Cares for $10,000.

Shelly’s team of volunteers cheerfully greeted golfers upon arrival

Board member and corporate sponsor Pete McConney (left), of Premier Mail and

Fulfillment, enjoys lunch with his guests.

The men behind the scenes, Greg Schweppe, Don Korengel, and Matt Werner get ready to

tee off with Ryan.

In Mike Collette’s typical classy style, he wins the raffle drawing for an

autographed Bengals ball and hat and immediately hands it over to Ryan.

Guests of corporate sponsor Systems Evolution, Inc. are having a great time!

The lady behind the lens is much more than a photographer and writer—she is a true

face for Josh Cares at all of our events and throughout the community. Thank you,

Moira Grainger!

SAC member Phoebe Chaiken (2nd from left) led a group of student volunteers during UGIVE’s Step Up Cincinnati event in creating special fall gifts for families of our patients.

Madeira High School students participated in UGIVE’s citywide day of service in

September at CCHMC.

Madeline and Katherine Martini, of Villa Madonna Academy, co-presented a break-out session with Chain of Love Volunteer Chair Susan Wright at the Mayerson High School

Service Learning Workshop at UC.

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link on and feel the love

Students of all ages, throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, are linking on to the Chain of Love by organizing their own creative ways to engage their peers in support of Josh Cares. From dodgeball and volleyball tournaments and swim lap-a-thons to penny wars, movie nights, and bake sales, Josh Cares Student Advisory Council members are motivating others to have fun while helping others. All projects will be completed by Thanksgiving so the individual chains can be connected and hung in one massive display during the month of December in the east atrium of Kenwood’s Sycamore Plaza, outside the entrances to Barnes and Noble, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Macy’s Furniture.

On Saturday, December 15th, the SAC will host an open house in celebration of the success of the projects. All participating schools are eligible for inclusion in the musical program. Please plan to drop by during your holiday shopping. Special thanks to Susan Wright and Julia Mayeux for coordinating the event and to Tom Howard and Regency Centers for hosting the display site.

Josh Cares, Inc.P. O. Box 43295

Cincinnati, OH 45243

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE PAID

Cincinnati OHPermit No 7312

uPcoMinG events:

chain of loveCelebration Open House

Saturday December 15th 11am-2pm

Sycamore Plaza-Kenwood

fiRe & iceA Gourmet Affair of Japan

Saturday April 20th 7pm-Midnight

Chain of LoveConnecting Students in Support

joshcares.orgCheck out our new FB Page! http://www.facebook.com/joshcaresforchildren

boaRd of diRectoRsKatrina Baliva Ann HelfrichJim Barney Dan PierceLaura Bohn Lynn PierceMike Collette Chris ShepardDave Devita Mike YoukilisPete McConney

executive diRectoR Joy Rowe Blang

neW Website-coMinG soon! WWW.JoshcaRes.oRG

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