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Meet the Doctor
Cynthia Hoff Lives to Volunteer
IBM Grant Helps Newborns
Make Your Will Known
I N S I D E
pg.2
pg.3Robotic Surgery
Upgrades
Seton Circle Supports New Projects
Save the Date Berry Creek Golf Tournament
pg.4
A newsletter for friends of the Seton Williamson Foundation
supporting Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, Seton Northwest Hospital
and Seton Medical Center Williamson
Amy Merida was pregnant, just shy of six months to be exact. She
had the usual concerns that swim through the minds of expectant
mothers, but an accident while checking the mail wasnt one of
them.
It was a few days before Halloween in 2012. I was just walking
to the mailbox and lost my balance.
Two Surgeries + One Baby Girl = Happiest Ending
setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Read more on page 2
Thanks to your support, mom walksagain before daughters
birth
Spring2015
Amy Merida, executive director of the Greater Round Rock
Community Foundation, and daughter Lauren.
Special Insert: Seton Highland Lakes
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2 setonwilliamsonfdn.org
About eight years ago, Seton Medical Center Williamson welcomed
an orthopaedic surgeon from Alexandria, Louisiana. Dr. Erik Bruce
and his wife Dr. Jinnie A. Bruce, a general surgeon, had long been
visiting the Hill Country and knew this was the place they wanted
to be.
Dr. Bruce says the move to Williamson County could not have been
a better one. From the beginning, there has been a talented core
group of physicians, and it feels right. As a personal benefit, he
also admires the pastoral views from the hospital windows.
Dr. Bruce specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery
of the knee and shoulder, and knee reconstruction. He has brought
an element of cutting-edge medicine to Seton Williamson, supporting
the hospitals goal to be a top quality, full service medical
center. We cover cases that range from very complex to very simple,
he adds.
He and his wife have two sons, ages four and five. He says
waking them up in the morning is the best part of his day. He also
enjoys hunting, fishing, and woodworking, but more recently has
taken up cooking.
Dr. Erik Bruce, University Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine
Clinic, located in Seton Williamson Medical Plaza I, adjacent to
the medical center, (512) 388-BONE (2663)
Meet the Doctor Erik Bruce, MD Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports
Medicine
Two Surgeries + One Baby Girl = Happiest EndingContinued from
Cover
Already the protective mother, she made sure not to fall down on
the baby. That made for an awkward landing and an ugly break in the
bone just above her ankle.
When the ambulance arrived, the first thing I said was take me
to Seton Williamson. I was already a fan of the hospital from a
prior visit.
With a top medical staff and the support of donors like you,
Seton Williamson is a first choice for emergency care and home to a
Level II trauma center and a modern maternity unit. All things Amy
would need. Once at the hospital, Amy was in the expert hands of
Erik Bruce, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon.
He told me the break would never heal without surgery. My first
concern was how anesthesia would affect my baby. Dr. Bruce
genuinely cared about my fears and spent time explaining my
options. Everyone there was just as concerned about the baby as I
was.
Amy chose an epidural, a local anesthesia to block pain during
surgery. She and the baby were closely monitored during the
successful procedure to set her broken bonea great relief for Amy
and her husband Martin. Now, she was determined to recover
and walk without crutches before her due date.
Unfortunately, Amy soon faced another unexpected hurdle. She had
kidney stones. So many stones in fact, that urologist Sandeep
Mistry, MD, performed surgery to remove them. Again, Amy describes
the amazing care she received, from the surgery team to the
maternity team to her obstetrician Ingrid Brown, MD.
Seton Williamson had it all covered. I guess I could have felt
bitter about my run of really bad luck, but I never did. I only
felt gratitude for this hospital and the people who took care of me
and my baby.
Once home, Amy put all her energy into walking unassisted before
her baby arrived. She quickly went from using a wheelchair to two
crutches to one crutch. Just one week before the big day, she took
her first steps without a crutch.
Lauren was born at Seton Williamson on February 9, 2013. Today,
she is a vivacious, delightfully talkative toddler. And shes
certainly healthyonly two small colds in two years.
Its a good thing I started walking before Lauren got here,
because shes kept me running ever since! I just cannot thank Seton
Williamson enough and the people in this community who support this
hospital. Your gifts, whether large or small, make a huge
difference in others lives. They certainly did for my family.
Erik Bruce, MD
Your gifts, whether large or small, make a huge difference in
others lives. They certainly did for my family.
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Make Your Will KnownIn celebration of Mothers Day, consider
honoring a mom in your life with a pledge through your will or
estate. Your pledge will help ensure care for others and offer hope
to those not yet born. Give a gift that lasts beyond your lifetime
and help continue the tradition started in Central Texas by the
Daughters of Charity 113 years ago.
A gift to your favorite Seton project or program in honor of
your mom, grandmother, aunt or best friend through your will or
estate plan, can help continue Setons healing ministry.
If you would like information on how to plan such a gift, please
contact Tim Aronson at 512-324-4091 or [email protected]. If you
have already put Seton in your plans, please let us know so we can
acknowledge and celebrate your gift. Here is sample language that
can be used to make your will known for generations to come:
I hereby direct $___________ (or percent of my residual estate)
in cash, securities or other property to Seton Williamson
Foundation, Round Rock, Texas. This gift shall be used for the
further benefit of _______( Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, Seton
Northwest Hospital, or Seton Medical Center Williamson)______. This
gift shall be used to ________(purpose)_______ .
setonwilliamsonfdn.org 3
On a drive with her husband along Highway 183, Cynthia Hoff saw
a heavenly sign. It was the Seton cross perched atop Seton
Northwest Hospital.
I felt like that cross was calling me, and I had to respond.
Cynthia reached out the Seton Northwest volunteer office where
she was warmly welcomed. Since then, on just about every Wednesday
over that past 20 years, Cynthias smiling face has greeted patients
and guests at the Seton Northwest information desk.
I tell people where to goin a nice way! she chuckles. I like
being front and center interacting with everyone. I latch onto
people and they latch onto me, and they are comfortable sharing
their stories, hurts, and joys. People crave someone who will
listen to them.
Gail Gorman, who directs volunteer services at Seton Northwest
and Seton Medical Center Williamson, describes Cynthia as a bright
ray of sunshine and a visible reminder of Setons mission.
To Cynthia, Seton Northwest is a second homea warm place with a
homey feel and many friends. She also knows firsthand the high
quality of care offered there. She had a bilateral mastectomy in
1995 and was overwhelmed by the loving care of her nurses.
Cynthia firmly believes in philanthropy and the power of helping
others. Ive been blessed in my life, and I think it is incumbent
upon me to give back. And Ive taught my children to do the same.
She adds, This work has been immensely gratifying. Wednesdays cant
come fast enough!
If youd like more information on volunteering at Seton Northwest
Hospital or Seton Williamson, please contact Gail Gorman at
[email protected] or 512-324-6052.
New equipment at Seton Northwest was made possible through a
recent IBM grant to care for newborns who need extra help with
their first breaths. Beth Tracy, manager, IBM Corporate Citizenship
and Corporate Affairs, pictured with a baby training mannequin,
visited Seton Northwest to see the new oxygen blenders and
resuscitation carts they made possible. Thank you, IBM, for helping
us care for our tiniest patients!
Pictured with Beth Tracy are (l-r): Ed Reilly, clinical nurse
educator, Tracey Wiedenfeld, Labor & Delivery manager, and
Margaret Butler, senior director of nursing.
Wednesdays Cant Come Fast Enough Cynthia Hoff Lives to
Volunteer
IBM Grant Helps Newborns
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201 Seton Parkway Round Rock, TX 78665P 512.324.4090 F
512.324.4657 setonwilliamsonfdn.org
The Beacon is published twice each year for donors and friends
of Seton Medical Center Williamson, Seton Northwest Hospital and
Seton Highland Lakes Hospital. It is a publication of the Seton
Williamson Foundation, Donna Budak, executive director.
Seton Williamson Board of Trustees
Life TrusteesCharles N. Avery, III
Judy McLeod
Ex-Officio MembersHarsh Babbar, MD
Sister Helen Brewer, DCDonna BudakScott FullerJess Garza
Ken Gladish, PhDBrian Lidiak
Michelle RobertsonSaid Soubra, MD
Community Volunteer Leadership
Amy GanttSeton Womens Development Board
Nancy CrouseSeton Circle President
The Beacon production team includes photography by Jim Lincoln
and design by onecreativegirl.com.
Your feedback and suggestions are welcome at
[email protected]. For more information about support
provided by the Seton Williamson Foundation, visit
setonwilliamsonfdn.org.
Robotic Surgery Upgrades Increase Precision, Minimize
Scarring
Your gifts will keep patient care on cutting edge!
Jim Schwertner Chairman
David Hays Secretary
Troy Rodriguez Treasurer
John S. Avery, Jr.Cliff BlountNancy CrouseBob Eskridge
Bryan FarneyDan GattisKen GrahamRandy HowryFrank KrenekBetty
LordNyle MaxwellJim NyquistLaura RobinsonJeff RuskBonnie SellsDavid
Singleton
Shortly after Seton Williamson opened, generous donors like you
supported the purchase of a da Vinci robotic surgical system, a
game-changing innovation in surgical precision. It was the first
hospital is Central Texas to secure the latest generation of the da
Vinci robot available at the time. To stay on the cutting edge of
patient care, Seton Williamson plans to secure new upgrades for its
da Vincithe da Vinci Single Site Surgery and the da Vinci
Fireflythat will bring greater benefits to patients. And, once
again, your support will be vital. With the da Vinci, the most
complex of surgeries can be performed through multiple incisions
the size of keyholes. But with the da Vinci Single Site,
surgeriessuch as the removal of a gall bladdercan be performed
through a single incision at the belly button. Theres minimal pain
and virtually no scar. The da Vinci Firefly is one of the greatest
recent enhancements to robotic surgery. The Firefly enables
surgeons to use a special video
camera and fluorescent dye to clearly see blood flowing through
vessels and tissue during surgery. With this tool, healthy tissue
with blood flow appears bright green, while tissue without blood
flow looks gray. Doctors also can view the bile ducts in real-time.
Real-time, precise images will give our surgeons the best
visualization during robotic surgery, leading to optimal results
for our patients, said Brian Lidiak, Seton Williamson vice
president and chief operating officer. Community support, including
the more than $1 million raised for the original da Vinci system,
have put Seton Williamson on the leading edge of technology and
patient safety. Your support of these new, top-quality upgrades
will help keep the highest level of care available to all. To find
out more or to make a donation, please contact Tim Aronson at the
Seton Williamson Foundation, [email protected] or (512)
324-4091.
17th Annual Berry Creek Cancer Fund Golf Tournament June 6, 2015
Berry Creek Country ClubYour support benefits cancer care in
Williamson County. Proceeds from this event help fund the cancer
patient navigator position held by Cindy Fawver, RN. Cindy helps
ensure that individuals with cancer receive high quality treatment
through coordination of care.Its a personal and supportive hands-on
approach during a stressful time in a patients life. Last year,
nearly $60,000 from the event went to fund the cancer patient
navigator.You can help continue this important service! If you
would like to participate as a sponsor, volunteer, and/or a donor,
visit www.berrycreekcancerfund.org or contact BCCF Committee Chair
Katy Quinn at [email protected].
Your Gifts, Your Vote Seton Circle Selects New Projects to
Support
Gifts from Seton Circle members totaling $12,137 will fund: Two
Quick Move patient transfer
devices One Stryker wheelchair Radiology accessories Cardiac
Gentle Flow Movement,
balance and strength class
Chaired by Seton Williamson Foundation board member Nancy
Crouse, the Seton Circle is a society of community friends and
Seton associates who donate $250 or more annually. Members gather
for social events and annually vote on projects to support with
their generous donations.
We welcome you to join the Seton Circle! For more
information,please contact Karen Garbaccio at [email protected]
or call (512) 324-4092.
Help others and have fun!
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It started out as an ordinary night. Long-time Marble Falls
resident Kay Buckley settled in to watch television with her dog
Snoopy when she felt a terrible tightening in her chest. It was so
frightening. I couldnt breathe in or out, she describes. I used my
life alert system to call for help. Thank goodness I got the care I
needed in time, including a stent to open up an artery in my
heart.
Following her surgery, Kay would need comprehensive
cardiopulmonary rehabilitationa vital piece to her recovery. She
felt fortunate to find those services close to home at Seton
Highland Lakes Hospital, and more fortunate still to receive
financial help from the Seton Assistance Program.
I really was scared to exercise. I kept thinking about having an
attack while I was just sitting watching TV. What would happen to
me while exercising?
Her fears were quickly put to rest. Under constant monitoring
and the caring attention of cardiac nurses, Kay joined the Seton
Highland Lakes Cardiac Rehabilitation Program last June and
attended tailored sessions twice a week.
She felt encouraged by the care team and her fellow patients who
worked side-by-side with her on the stationary bikes and gliders.
And most importantly, she felt safe. The staff was very
conscientious. They carefully monitored my progress and taught me
how to take better care of my heart. I couldnt have been more
pleased with how I was treated.
Kay graduated from the Seton Highland Lakes program in October,
and her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren couldnt
be happier.
Im enjoying time with my family and anticipating the birth of a
new great-grandbaby. I feel good. Before rehab, a walk down the
hill to my mailbox took so much out of me, but now that trip is
easier. Its those simple things that I appreciate most.
Cardio Rehab Team: (l to r) Thomas Brooks, Nancy Lewis, Charlie
Fox, ACNP, Erica Hughes, MD, and Chad Pearce.
Enhancements Coming to Cardio-Rehab Program
Seton Highland Lakes Hospital operates the only cardiopulmonary
rehabilitation program in the Highland Lakes area. Its a vital
resource to patients, like Kay, working to achieve the best
possible recovery following a heart attack or other
cardio-pulmonary event. Hundreds of Highland Lakes residents are
relieved to find these services at home, avoiding burdensome
travel.
How You Can Make A Difference
To enhance the SHL Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, the
hospital is raising funds for a state-of-the-art Cardiopulmonary
Telemetry Monitoring System. For information on how you can help,
contact Becky Fox, senior development officer, at [email protected] or
(512) 715-3367.
Your support can save a life!
A Change of Heart: Cardio Rehab Helps Grandmother Gain New
Strength
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For more information, please contact Becky Fox at 512-715-3367
or [email protected].
Project SEARCH Coming to Seton Highland Lakes
Beginning in the Fall of 2016, Seton Highland Lakes will proudly
welcome Project SEARCH, an innovative best practice for preparing
and training young adults with intellectual disabilities for the
competitive workforce. Through yearlong internships, Project SEARCH
offers each participant the opportunity to develop their vocational
skills in a business setting, while building a solid foundation of
professional experience.
The first of its kind in Texas, Project SEARCH was initially
piloted at Seton Medical Center Austin in 2007 and has grown each
year to four additional sites within the Seton network.
Project SEARCH at Seton is a collaboration involving many
community partners including Seton, the Texas Department of
Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and disability service
providers. It is vocational rehabilitation with a competitive edge,
and is driven by business.
To date, Project SEARCH at Seton has graduated 82 interns. Of
those graduates, 39 have been hired by Seton and an additional 30
have successfully transitioned into roles of competitive employment
with community employers.
Collectively, this translates to a competitive hire rate of 84%,
a remarkable outcome as compared to the national unemployment rate
for individuals with disabilities of 79.7% (US Bureau of Labor
Statistics).
An exciting endeavor for the Seton Highland Lakes community,
Project SEARCH will focus on working with a group of 8 to12 young
adults, developing the vocational skills they need to be
competitive in todays challenging workforce, and helping them
achieve a greater level of independence in the community. For
questions, please contact Becky Fox, senior development officer, at
512-715-3367 or [email protected].
Youre invited! Venetian Masquerade Gala Hosted by Horseshoe Bay
seton associates
Benefitting Project search at seton Highland lakes Hospital
Thursday, October 1, 20156 to 8 p.m.Escondido Club House211
Plaza EscondidoHorseshoe Bay
Celebrating the 24th anniversary of the Horseshoe Bay seton
associates!
Watch for further details coming soon.
Jack Keefer, a 2014 Seton Williamson Project SEARCH graduate, is
now employed in the hospitals Sterile Processing department.
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Thanks to donors like you, A Night on the Red Carpet netted more
than $468,000. Amazing! More than $353,000 raised will fund
building and equipment needs to provide excellent, person-centered
healthcare at Seton Medical Center Williamson. The Paddles Up
portion of the event raised $115,000 for Project SEARCH, a
year-long internship for individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. Project SEARCH provides professional
experience to interns through hands-on training in complex,
systematic internships with the ultimate goal of competitive
employment.
This annual event, hosted by the Seton Womens Development Board
featured an Oscars theme, live and silent auctions, sumptuous
dinner, and dancing.Thanks to Gala Chairs Mary Steger and Karen
Cumberland, and the hard work of our wonderful board, this years
event was wildly successful, said Amy Gantt, SWDB president. Our
heartfelt thanks to Mary and Troy Rodriguez, Emerson Process
Management, The Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, and all our
generous sponsors.
Your Generosity Shines at Annual Gala
Thank you for supporting better care in Williamson County.
PHOTOS
1 - Mary and Troy Rodriguez
2 - Seton Womens Development Board
3 - Project SEARCH Graduate Jack Keefer and mother Kelly
Keefer
1
3
2
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The Seton Cornerstone Society recognizes the generosity of those
who support the work of Seton Medical Center Williamson. These
businesses and individuals are part of the legacy to further the
mission of Seton and our founders, the Daughters of Charity.
You, too, can become a member of the Seton Cornerstone Society.
For more information, please contact Karen Garbaccio, 512-324-4090,
[email protected].
Thank you to our 2014 Seton Cornerstone Society Members!
$2,500+Acadian Ambulance ServiceKathleen and Tim AronsonAustin
Skeletal Trauma Specialists, PAValerie and John Avery Jr.Patricia
and Robert BerrymanCardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, PAChampion
Site PrepClinical Pathology Associates, IncExtraco Banks, NAFirst
Texas BankGail Gorman and John FieldsTammy and David HaysH-E-BJudy
Wolf HindelangLynne MooreKaren Kahan and MariBen RamseyAmanda and
Lee McIntoshSharon and Brent New, MDNorthstar Bank of
TexasPediatrix Medical Group of Texas, PACindy and Michael
PfeiferNancy RabbShari and John RammingRandolph-Brooks Federal
Credit UnionMary and Perry StegerSuanna and Kenneth
TumlinsonUniversity Federal Credit UnionWells Fargo Bank Texas,
NA
$1,000+Laura and Brian Aldred, MDJanet and Thomas
AlexanderPhilip AnnisAustin Foam PlasticsJudy and John Avery,
Sr.Michelle and A. Nelson Avery, MDBank of America Charitable
FoundationRebecca and Ty BarhoBrenda and Don BeardFayruz Benyousef
and Malek Ben-MusaPatricia and Jim BethkeLinda and Louis BosiSara
and Michael BottomMargaret ButlerCapital Surgeons Group, PLLCAnne
and Robert CastleHaley and Troy Chapman
$50,000 +Mary and Troy Rodriguez Patti and Jim Schwertner
$25,000+Alpha Painting and Decorating Company Emerson Process
ManagementNyle Maxwell Family of DealershipsNeel Ware, MD
$10,000+Austin Radiological Association, PAQuen and Jess
GarzaShana and Dan Gattis Kathleen and Chaz GlaceNicole and Glenn
Harper, MDCarol and Steve HickersonKeystone Concrete PlacementNancy
and Nyle Maxwell ReitPath Pathology Texas A&M College of
NursingTexas A&M Health Science CenterTexas Methodist
Foundation
$5,000+Advanced Pain CareAustin CyberKnifeAustin Regional
Clinic, PABeth and Charles Avery IIIAvery Center DevCo, Inc.Susie
and Jim AwaltBBVA Compass BankCapRidge PartnersDonna and Bryan
BudakCapitol Anesthesiology AssociationEmergency Service Partners,
LPSharon and Michael DaggettEmbree Group of CompaniesDr. Marsha and
Bryan FarneyAmy and Jay GanttEura Mae and Johnny GanttJavonne and
Hugh Gilmore, MDHeather and Gary HillHowry, Breen & Herman,
LLPIBM Corporation Independent BankNancy and Frank KrenekJoni and
Brian LidiakKelly and Scott LinebrinkLone Star Circle of CareBetty
Lord and David DotsonKathleen and R. Griffin LordJoanie and Ryan
LudwickMercedes Benz of GeorgetownMelissa and Bo McKinneyQuenans
Fine JewelersMichelle and Scott RobertsonJo Ann and Michael
StanleySuzy and Jeff RuskTECO-Westinghouse Motor Co.
Comerica Bank-TexasNancy Crouse and Craig McCurdyKaren and
Michael CumberlandTricia and Richard CusterViet Dinh Do and Robert
Bonar Julia DavisMelinda and Grant FolsomMelanie and Steven
FoxFrost BankDiane and Scott FullerValerie and Thomas GammonGentiva
HospiceKendal and Kenneth Gladish, PhDGeorgetown Health
FoundationSuzanne HindelangKarlene and Paul HohlsteinHumana
Carole and John JebensRonald JiedeLeslie and David Laverty,
MDJanet and Theodore LobsenzRachel and Chris LogueLott Brothers
Construction CompanyTracy and Mark Malone, MDJill and Paul
MarshallDr. Michelle McClintock-Von Bieberstein and Glenn Von
Bieberstein Cynthia and Tom McCordArlene and Terrence McKennaClaire
and Ian McLoughlin, MD Medical Jets InternationalPowell Financial
PartnersCrystal and Keith OdomHeather and James ParsonsPolkinghorn
Group Architects, Inc
Geovanna RicaldiSusan and Steven RichmondKatherine RinehartRJ
Precision Machining, IncCyndee and David RustRuth and Nolan
RyanLinda and Ty SchmittJennifer ShieldLori SingletonSandy and Brad
StewartTasus Texas CorporationDollene and Donald ThompsonTurnco
Tool and Instruments, IncHope Van der HeijdenWallie Lock Charitable
FoundationJeanne and Bob WhetsellLarry WoodZoll Lifevest
Corporation
SMCW_beacon_SPRING2015Beacon_SHL_Insert2015Beacon_Insert2015Spring