Connections - Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Office for Mission and Spiritual Care! January/February 2010 - Page

AdvocateGood Samaritan Hospital

May/June 2010Volume 1, Issue 3

Office for Mission & Spiritual CareAdvocate Good Samaritan Hospital630-275-1185GSAM-SpiritualCare

@Advocatehealth.com

Our Hours: The Office for Mission and Spiritual Care provides spiritual care for patients and their families 24 hours a day every day of the year. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. During those times, you may contact us at 630-275-1185. Evenings and weekends call 630-275-5900, and ask the operator to page the on-call chaplain.

Our Faith Partnership for HealingThis Connections lifts up a vision of providing guidance, comfort, and meaning in service of God’s people. One example is that Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital recently renovated the viewing area outside of the morgue so that families would have a more compassionate environment during the most difficult of times.

Members of faith communities and others entrust themselves to healing relationships in health care, and health care entrusts its patients to a continuity of healing within the community.

I hope our partnership for healing is that the calling, the vocation, of each of us is to strengthen and support those who are served by us, as well as those of us who serve.

Someone said that you know you have a vocation if it keeps making more out of you, rather than taking more from you. I pray God grants us all vitality to do God’s will to aid those who suffer.

Rev. Jim Christian,Vice President, Mission & Spiritual Care

The Advocate Parish Nurse Ministry, which is part of Advocate Mission & Spiritual Care, was begun in 1984 at Lutheran General Hospital (now part of Advocate Health Care) by Rev. Granger Westberg, a clergyman with years of experience serving in medical schools and hospitals. It was the first such program in the country.

The parish nurse integrates faith and health and in every interaction promotes the connection between the two. Often she or he discusses health issues and both

physical and spiritual concerns about aging, grief and death with congregants. The parish nurse makes home, hospital and nursing home visits and has had special training in handling end-of-life issues with comfort, honesty and grace.

“Today there are 33 in the Advocate Parish Nurse Ministry,” said Nancy Durbin, Director, Advocate Parish

Nurse Ministry and Parish Nurse Network. Half a dozen are serving congregations in the service area of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.

(From left) Deb Stankiewicz, 1st Congregational Church of Western Springs; Nancy Durbin, program director; Debbie Haugen, 1st Church of Lombard, United Church of Christ; Mary Beth Buschmann,

Grace Lutheran, River Forest; Saralea Holstrom, Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Naperville; and Ann Gornik, Grace

Lutheran, LaGrange. Not pictured, Sheila Cusack.

The Parish Nurse Ministry

Connections - Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Office for Mission and Spiritual Care May/June 2010 - Page 2

Community Faith Leader: Reverend Rhonda Kral

Reverend Brenda Kral was straightforward when asked about Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. “I love this place,” she said unabashedly. “I had my CPE training here, I’m close to the staff and I have seen up close what the hospital does for its patients and their families.”

She is especially pleased with the pastoral care offered here. “The whole Mission & Spiritual Care Office puts a real emphasis on the mind-body-spirit connection, so I’m happy that Good Samaritan is the primary hospital for many of our parishioners. Even when one of our pastors is not available, I am confident that our people are always well taken care of here.”

Rev. Kral is associate pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Downers Grove at 4501 Main St., just down the road from the hospital. She has worked at Gloria Dei, her first church, for three and a half years with Rev. Dr. Michael Rothaar.

This year, Rev. Kral helped put together a Good Friday worship service at the Good Samaritan Chapel. The ecumenical service of hymns, music, scripture and meditations was jointly led by the Downers Grove-Woodridge Ministerium.

Recently, Gloria Dei began a grief support group. “We realized that love and support were being offered at wakes and that celebrations happened at funerals, but it seemed as if the support waned after that,” observed Rev. Kral. “What Next” meets on Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3 p.m. and is open to everyone.

Although being in the clergy is obviously the right place for Rev. Kral, being a minister is actually her second career. She was a speech pathologist for 20 years, then completed her Master of Divinity at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago when in her 50s. After reflecting, Rev. Kral said, “Most people aren’t able to find one career they love. I’ve found two. I feel so blessed.”

Prayerfrom the

Upanishads, texts of the Hindu

tradition

From the unreal lead me to the real.

From darkness lead me to light.

From deathlead me to immortality.

Amen

Meet the Staff: Chaplain Anna Lee Hisey PiersonSince May 2005, Anna Lee Hisey Pierson has been on staff at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. Prior to moving here, Anna Lee, along with her husband Willie and daughter Taylor resided in the Milwaukee, Wisc., area. When Anna Lee began working at Good Samaritan Hospital she would drive to and from Wisconsin – daily.

Anna Lee’s background is quite diversified. She worked her way through college and grad school holding a number of positions along the way, including that of limo driver.

Her passion for God was born out of life’s adversities. Anna Lee was raised in a loving home in rural Virginia. Through her youth, her family faced a number of challenges. Her parents dealt with chronic health issues, and her younger sister was born with cerebral palsy. Early on, Anna Lee learned to pray and trust God.

During her formative years, God blessed Anna Lee with a great capacity for loving people. It was that which led her to become a LPN and pursue a degree in social work. As Anna Lee’s faith continued to grow, it became clear to her that God was calling her to ministry. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary and was ordained in the Church of the Brethren in 1992.

In daily walks through the hospital, Anna Lee is well known for her sunny disposition, encouraging hugs and willingness to come alongside anyone in need. Here her ministry has encompassed the Center for Behavioral Health, oncology,

palliative care and the hospital ethics committee.

Because of her compassion, experience and expertise in dealing with people who are hurting,

she is often sought when it comes to end of life issues. Anna Lee’s down-to-earth style is disarming, and her empathy gives her the opportunity to touch lives with God’s love wherever she goes. She is a person who always sees the cup half full.

When asked, Anna Lee will officiate at weddings, baptisms, funerals and she preaches

when invited in various congregations in the western suburbs. She also serves as the

certification chair in Illinois and Wisconsin for the Association of Professional Chaplains.

Self care is important to Anna Lee whose schedule can be demanding and stressful. She reenergizes herself with daily exercise at Good Samaritan's Wellness Center, reading and debriefing with friends. She enjoys the companionship of her husband, teenage daughter and Annie, her sitzhu dog.

Connections - Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Office for Mission and Spiritual Care May/June 2010 - Page 3

Linking Domestic Violence to Health CareFriday, May 7, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

This symposium is geared for both medical providers and faith leaders. The keynote speaker is Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell, Ph.D., R.N. of Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Campbell is a national speaker, expert and researcher in the area of domestic violence and health and is co‐creator of the Danger Assessment Tool. The event is free of charge and will be held in the Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Oak Rooms. An optional light lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m. To register, phone 630-221‐8290 x7133 or e‐mail jamiee@familyshelterservice.net.

Classes Help Children Prepare for a New Baby Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital has a class for children whose families are expecting new babies. During the one and a half-hour class, children learn what to expect when mom goes to the hospital, what it means to be a brother or sister, and how to help out at home. There is even a tour of the Good Samaritan Hospital nursery! All this helps a young child cope with a newborn in the house.

Big Brother/Big Sister is for children 3 - 6 years, and Me, Too is for children 18 months - 3 years. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent.

There is a $10 fee for Big Brother/Big Sister, but Me, Too is a free class. Both classes require advance registration. Please register the child (not the parent) attending.

Each class is offered several times during May and June. Check on line for specific dates and times, or call 1-800-323-8622 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and request Class Code 4PO4 for Big Brother/Big Sister and Class Code 4P02 for Me, Too.

Asthma 101 LectureThursday, May 13, 7 - 8 p.m.

Asthma is a chronic breathing condition that affects nearly 5 percent of the American population. Join Dr. Asya L. Segalene to learn about asthma and the various treatment options, including how to know if you have asthma, how to control it, what happens to your lungs during an asthma attack, foods to avoid, and how to perform lung-strengthening exercises. For more information, go to www.advocatehealth.com/goodsam/wellness using the Event Calendar link, and search words “Asthma 101.”

Functional Fitness, Lecture and DemonstrationFriday, May 14, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Christine Cornell, Arthritis Foundation certified instructor and personal trainer, examines different aspects of functional fitness through a lecture and exercise

demonstration. We will review exercises that will help improve muscular strength and flexibility, joint mobility and balance. Our goal is to help preserve independence and allow you to have the energy to enjoy hobbies and family activities. Using journaling techniques, we will document your current functional fitness levels and set realistic goals for your continued health. Fee: $2 per person (includes a continental breakfast). Reservations are required. Call 1-800-323-8622, and ask for class code 4S15. This is part of the Senior Advocate Education and Fitness Program.

Medicare UpdateFriday, June 16, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Dan Cantu, Blue Cross Blue Shield, facilitates as you learn more about the Medicare Supplement changes that go into effect June 2010. Fee: $2 per person (includes a continental breakfast). Reservations are required. Call 1-800-323-8622, and ask for class code 4S16. This is part

of the Senior Advocate Education and Fitness Program.

Mark Your Calendar

Advocate Hospice1441 Branding, Suite 200Downers Grove, IL 60515630-963-6800

Special Memorial Service for Recently BereavedSunday, June 20, 4 - 5 p.m.Advocate Good Samaritan ChapelA special memorial service will be held for the hospice and patient families of Good Samaritan Hospital who have recently lost a loved one. Good Samaritan Hospital Mission & Spiritual Care and Advocate Hospice join together in leading this service as a comfort for the families they serve. For more information, contact Penelope Gabriele at 630-963-6800.

Widow to Widow Support Group3rd Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.Women who have lost a partner are welcome to attend this monthly support group, held in the Advocate Hospice Downers Grove office. In addition to sharing healthy self-care and coping skills, attendees will learn about the grief process and discover ways to adjust and reinvest in life. There is no charge, but registration is required. For further information and to register, call Penelope Gabriele at 630-963-6800.

HOSPICE CORNER

Connections - Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Office for Mission and Spiritual Care May/June 2010 - Page 4

Friends of Share Continues SupportMore than $55,000 was raised at this year’s Friends of Share Benefit Luncheon & Fashion Show: Share our Strength. At the March 6 event at Ashton Place in Willowbrook, surviving Share brothers and sisters showcased spring fashions from Lord & Taylor while walking the catwalk for the 350 luncheon attendees.

The 22nd annual event was co-chaired by perinatal support services coordinator Pat Vaci, R.N., and Share parent Kimberly Thompson.  Thompson is a local author who, after going through several challenging pregnancies, has become active in the organization. Thompson donated 5 percent of sales from her book, “Toulouse on the Loose,” to Share, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s perinatal support program.

At the luncheon, Share parent Kelly Wygonski was presented with the 2010 Share Honoree Award for her work within the organization. Wygonski became an active member of Share after post-birth complications of her first son in 2001. She has since chaired many of the group’s subcommittees and two successful past benefit luncheons.

 “I have made so many new friends and learned so much about the power of love for a child through my participation in Friends of Share. I cannot imagine this program not existing for others in their time of need,” said Wygonski.

Q: Can you explain some of the specific differences between palliative care and hospice care? My congregants often ask.

A: Typically, palliative care continues for one to two years. Some hospice care may

be included in that time. Palliative care may include some aggressive treatment as well as comfort and allows the terminally ill patient some goal setting and symptom management until death comes closer. Hospice care, on the other hand, is for the last six months of life and is comfort only. You might check the website getpalliative.org for more information.

Clergy plays a vital role in hospice care, offering spiritual support to patients and caregivers. Our hospice clergy work with a patient's preferred clergy or, if requested, refer patients and caregivers to other faith organizations in the community or to the hospice chaplain.

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital3518 Highland AvenueDowners Grove, IL 60515630-275-5900www.advocatehealth.com/gsam

Office for Mission & Spiritual Care630-275-1185GSAM-SpiritualCare @Advocatehealth.com

Vice President:Rev. Jim Christian

Chaplains:Jill Bates Robin CaldwellCarole DiZeo Kathy GingrichAnna Lee Hisey Pierson Maggie LhotkaClaire Marich Stan StephensCathy Stewart Mike WillisAdrienne Zervos

Chaplain Educators:Amy Snedeker Sarah Sainsbury

Department Secretary:Betty Kosinski

Advocate Good Samaritan outpatient facilities:

6840 S. Main St., Downers Grove, IL 630-275-6840

15900 W. 127th St., Lemont, IL 630-243-7100

Advocate Health Care Other Advocate Health Care Facilities:

Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak LawnAdvocate Condell Medical Center, LibertyvilleAdvocate Eureka Hospital, EurekaAdvocate Good Shepherd Hospital, BarringtonAdvocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center,

ChicagoAdvocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park RidgeAdvocate South Suburban Hospital, Hazel CrestAdvocate Trinity Hospital, Chicago

Children’s Hospitals:Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital, Oak LawnAdvocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital,

Park Ridge

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ClergyQ & A

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