<p class="article-body"> After playing baseball in high school, college and a short time in the pros — and with a current career as a football referee and baseball umpire — Chuck Harmon, 55, knows how to handle a little bit of knee pain. <br> <br> So, when he started feeling aches in his knee around his 50th birthday, the Parkville resident just took a pain reliever and waited for it to feel better. That worked for a few years, but eventually he couldn’t tolerate the pain any longer. <br> <br> One of his doctors suggested he meet with Dr. D. Allan Lanzo, an orthopaedic surgeon and the head of sports medicine at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/69c31e9dc568c6ffb3cc1695052633de.jpg" alt="Chuck Harmon hard at work"> <figcaption> Chuck Harmon hard at work </figcaption> </figure> Dr. Lanzo and Harmon decided a subchondroplasty was the best option for his painful, arthritic knee. In fall 2019, Dr. Lanzo performed the minimally invasive, fluoroscopically (X-ray) assisted procedure that targets and fills subchondral bone defects. Subchondral bone is found below the cartilage in a joint and acts as a shock absorber. <br> <br> The surgery went well, and physical therapy was a success. Harmon got cleared to return to work in March 2020. But, by the third inning of his first game back, Harmon was in pain. He went home and iced his knee. <br> <br> The next day, COVID-19 shut down the state. <br> <br> Harmon wasn’t sure what to do. The pain was getting worse; he had limited to no mobility and he couldn’t sleep at all. <br> <br> “When I became unable to sleep because of the pain, my wife, Cara, told me she had had enough,” he said with a laugh. “I had to stop complaining and figure out what was happening.” <br> <br> He called GBMC and was told there would be no surgeries for months because of the pandemic. <br> <br> “When I got through to Dr. Lanzo’s physician’s assistant, I said, ‘I am begging you, I need to see him as soon as possible,’” said Harmon. “Dr. Lanzo knows that I am not a person who likes doctors, nor am I someone who harasses a doctor for an appointment. He knew it must be bad.” <br> <br> And bad it was. <br> <br> Once Harmon got an appointment, Dr. Lanzo discovered Harmon had almost no cartilage left around his right knee. He’d never seen anything like it in 20 years. <br> <br> Harmon said, “He felt terrible and said he would do anything he could to fix the problem.” Unfortunately, Dr. Lanzo's hands were tied, and he could only help to manage Harmon's pain with medication until operating rooms were open again. <br> <br> It was a long wait, but Harmon was scheduled for the first surgery as soon as Dr. Lanzo was back at work and elective surgeries at the hospital had resumed: June 10. <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/10517b65c9a184973f942accdce334e2.jpg" alt="Chuck Harmon with his family"> <figcaption> Chuck Harmon with his family </figcaption> </figure> In accordance with GBMC's new pre-operative process, Harmon was tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantined before surgery. He couldn’t have his wife with him in recovery due to visitor restrictions made necessary by the pandemic and was told he would have to spend the night at the hospital, which he did not want. <br> <br> “Because of COVID-19 precautions, my wife couldn’t be there, (nor) my kids. You are basically going through this surgery, and you are totally alone.” <br> <br> Dr. Lanzo was the person who called Harmon’s wife to tell her surgery was a success. And, though Harmon did end up having to spend the night, his care team treated him like family, and Dr. Lanzo was back in his room at 7 a.m. to see how Harmon was doing. It turns out, Harmon was doing great: The surgery was a success and Harmon was walking just four hours after the procedure. <br> <br> Though he had to have two surgeries, Harmon said Dr. Lanzo was the only person he would have wanted by his side. <br> <br> “It’s his bedside manner. I just feel comfortable with this guy,” Harmon said. “He went out of his way for me. I could actually see the pain on his face once he knew the first surgery hadn’t worked. He went out of his way to do what he could to help. Many people don’t treat others like this.” <br> <br> Harmon felt so comfortable, in fact, that he recommended Dr. Lanzo and GBMC to his father-in-law for his knee issues. <br> <br> “Every aspect of my experience at GBMC, from the secretaries to the people taking the COVID tests, they were excellent,” Harmon said. “Everybody was professional and had a smile on their face. I felt it was as good a situation that it could have possibly been.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> As a nurse with a husband who was a podiatry resident, Jennifer thought she was prepared for anything that could happen while she was pregnant with her son, Christian. But, at just 26 weeks and 5 days, Jennifer was rushed to GBMC HealthCare where Christian would enter this world weighing only 2 pounds and 6.8 ounces. Before she delivered, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team came to talk to Jennifer and her husband, Brian. “They told us to prepare for the worst, but hope for the best,” Jennifer said. “That’s what really gets you through, hoping for the best.” <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/51010e83668585e938665880594cc9f0.jpg"> <figcaption> Christian in the NICU </figcaption> </figure> Jennifer was able to hold Christian briefly before he was taken to the NICU, where he would spend the next 62 days. “He laid on my stomach, looked right at me, and screamed. It was the best sound I had ever heard,” she remembered. <br> <br> Several hours after her delivery, Jennifer was able to visit the NICU to perform Kangaroo Care – a practice where premature babies are held directly on their parents’ skin, which is vital for their growth and development. “Christian knew exactly where to go as he laid directly on my heart,” Jennifer said. Little did she know, two and a half weeks would pass before she would able to hold her baby again. Christian was declining rapidly and had to be put on a ventilator. “We did everything we could to be sure we gave him the best chance. We even had him baptized,” she explained. <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/1f3e0452d2a2298d782564e645649ebc.jpg"> <figcaption> Christian in the NICU </figcaption> </figure> Aside from taking her daughter to and from school, Jennifer spent the majority of her time in the NICU with Christian. “I could only hold him during ‘care time,’ which was about every three hours to avoid over-stimulation,” she said. Christian was five weeks old before his dad, Brian, held him for the first time. “I think he was scared, and he didn’t want to take any opportunities away from me to hold him,” Jennifer explained. For Valentine’s Day that year, Brian gave Jennifer a polaroid of him holding their son that read: “Happy Valentine’s Day from your men.” <br> <br> After their many days to and from GBMC to visit Christian, including three calls in the middle of the night, Jennifer and Brian were finally able to take their son home – he still only weighed four pounds and 12 ounces. “When you leave the NICU, that’s when the hard work starts,” Jennifer said. But GBMC’s team was there to help them every step of the way, from setting up physical and occupational therapy to providing in-home nursing care. <br> <br> Christian and his parents saw their pediatrician every day for a full month after his discharge and continued these visits once per week for another three months. Christian fought hard after his discharge from the NICU and remained on supplemental oxygen until he was four and a half years old. “Everything was harder for him, but he had such drive. He wanted to be alive and well just as much as we wanted that for him,” Jennifer recalled. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/2ab1af4751ca8ddac71b5c5ea55495dd.jpg"> <figcaption> Christian now at 16 years old </figcaption> </figure> Christian’s hard work continues to amaze his parents. At 16 years old and 6 feet tall, Christian is in all Gifted and Talented Classes and is a straight “A” student. During his time in quarantine, he taught himself how to play the piano. Christian loves babies and appreciates his story so much that he hopes to pursue a career as an obstetrics nurse or an OB-GYN. “He has a brilliant mind. He is our miracle, and we don’t take it for granted,” Jennifer described. <br> <br> While it has been some time since their experience in the NICU, Christian and his family come back for a visit every year. When asked about the newly renovated unit, Jennifer said, “It’s amazing! I’m a little jealous, honestly. The team in the NICU are life savers for not only the babies they treat but for their parents as well.” <br> <br> Jennifer offered some advice for parents going through a similar struggle: “Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s impossible. Fight for everything and never give up. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and that light is in your child’s smile.” <br> <br> While it is always hard to have a child in the NICU, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made it even more emotional and stressful for parents and the NICU team. With visitors limited to one at a time and PPE required at all times, there is an increased need for emotional support for parents. You can help babies like Christian and their parents by <a href="https://www.classy.org/event/gbmc-fathers-day-virtual-5k-and-1-mile-fun-walk/e265001" target="_blank">registering for or donating to the virtual GBMC Father’s Day 5K and 1 Mile Walk</a> happening from Thursday, June 18 through Sunday, June 21 at 11:59 p.m. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<figure class="image-left"> <img src="/assets/images/greater-living/firsttimeholding.jpg"> <figcaption> Cyndi holding Jade for the first time </figcaption> </figure> Jade, who would be welcomed as their third child in September 2019, was a complete surprise for Brandon and Cyndi. About halfway through the second trimester, Jade’s growth rate began to slow, posing a great concern for the health of their child. Due to her airway being so narrow and underdeveloped, Jade was given a less than 10% chance of resuscitation if they chose to deliver. Tears were shed in abundance for what seemed like weeks on end. Cyndi had to be seen by her OB-GYN three times a week for ultrasound monitoring, knowing that at any given visit they may not hear a heartbeat. <br> <br> Combined with other risk factors, Brandon and Cyndi ultimately had "the talk" with their OB-GYN after an ominous visit for an ultrasound. They were faced with a decision that no parent should ever have to make – deliver Jade early or wait and risk the health of both mom and baby. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/assets/images/greater-living/jade1.jpg"> <figcaption> Jade in the NICU </figcaption> </figure> During one visit, Cyndi’s care team decided that the risks of continuing with gestation were higher the risk of delivering via cesarean. The scene inside the operating room was surreal. “Every member of the delivery team will forever have our gratitude for safely bringing our daughter into the world,” Brandon and Cyndi expressed. <br> <br> When Jade was born, she weighed barely over 15 ounces – including all of the life support and monitoring equipment connected to her tiny, frail body. Brandon and Cyndi only had a brief moment to glance at her before she was taken to the NICU where the next step of her journey would begin. Jade was in the NICU for four months and, during that time, Brandon and Cyndi were humbled by the care provided by the nurses who acted as if their daughter was one of their own. <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/assets/images/greater-living/jadehalloween.jpg"> <figcaption> Jade on Halloween </figcaption> </figure> Each evening when Brandon and Cyndi would visit, they were greeted with smiles. The team would explain how Jade's day went and make sure her parents understood her care plan for the next few days. After many ups and downs and spending her first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s in the NICU, Jade was finally given the green light to be discharged in late January. She tipped the scales at a whopping 8 pounds and 1 ounce, and was paraded around the NICU as every nurse, doctor, and staff member took the time to say goodbye. <br> <br> <br> It was hard for Brandon and Cyndi to sum up their experience in the NICU with just a few words. “It was a bittersweet moment for our family. Although our NICU journey was long and often overwhelming, we were the recipients of some of the most genuine and pure acts of kindness I've ever known. The GBMC NICU is home to some of the most professional and compassionate nurses, doctors, and administrative personnel I have ever encountered. Though I'm not a man of faith, our NICU experience has led me to believe that if there are angels in this world, they wear scrubs and work in the GBMC NICU,” Brandon said. <div class="split"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/assets/images/greater-living/jadegraduate.jpg"> <figcaption> Jade graduating from the NICU, ready to go home! </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/assets/images/greater-living/jade.jpg"> <figcaption> Jade, happy and healthy, at home with Brandon and Cyndi </figcaption> </figure> </div> <br> <br> <br> <br> You can help GBMC’s NICU and their tiniest patients by <a href="https://www.gbmc.org/5k" target="_blank">donating to or participating in the 33rd Annual Father’s Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk</a>. We encourage our community to sign up for either distance and participate. Feel free to invite friends and family to join you in registering! All proceeds from this event benefit the NICU. <br> <br> Watch below as Brandon, Cyndi, and Jade explain why they are involved in the 5K. <div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"> <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/556340678?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Baby Jade" class="hidden"> </iframe> </div> <script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"> </script> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> What does it feel like to learn that your first child will be born during a pandemic? Tara Brown and Ari Mittleman know better than most. After five years and eight in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts, they finally got pregnant – only to learn that their child would be born during the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Knowing that family and friends couldn’t be present for the birth was a difficult pill to swallow. “We had been so looking forward to having a big celebration,” said Tara. “So many people were rooting for this baby and now none of them would get to meet her.” <br> <br> Despite their plans having to change, Tara and Ari maintained a remarkably positive attitude. They were worried, of course, but they felt that their only choice was to make the best of the situation. Tara attributes much of her calmness to the relationship she had with her OB-GYN, Dr. Laura Erdman. During the last month of the pregnancy, Ari wasn’t allowed to come to her appointments, so Tara had to lean on Dr. Erdman for support. “She reassured me that everything was going to be okay,” Tara explained. “I knew I wasn’t alone, and I trusted her so much that I wasn’t as panicked as you would expect.” <br> <br> Their primary concern became preparing to have a child when all of their plans were falling apart. Breastfeeding classes had to be cancelled and the Newborn Care Specialist who was supposed to come down from New York no longer could. Tara and Ari had decided not to find out the gender of their child, so they were also concerned that they may have to hold a bris without guests if the baby was a boy. A bris is a Jewish tradition that happens eight days after a boy is born and it’s not something that can be postponed. “We were worried that no one could come,” said Ari. <br> <br> When it came time to go to the hospital, they were surprised by how safe they felt. “The screenings at the front door showed us that GBMC really cared about our safety,” Ari explained. Every person interacting with them was in full personal protective equipment (PPE) and Ari washed his hands hourly in the bathroom of their private room. The extra precautions felt odd, but they put the couple at ease. “I didn’t even recognize Dr. Erdman when she walked in the room,” Tara remembered, “we could basically only see people’s noses.” Still, they could feel the warmth and compassion of those caring for them. “We bonded with these people from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. – we felt like we knew them even though we never saw their faces.” <br> <br> The nursing staff was able to push all of the negatives aside and let Tara and Ari focus on the birth of the child they had worked so hard to conceive. Even when shifts changed during Tara’s labor, they felt so much support from their nurses. One actually made the incoming nurse promise to text her and let her know the gender of the baby. <br> <br> On the evening of April 19, 2020, Eliora Galit Mittleman was born. Her name translates to “wave of divine light” in Hebrew, and it couldn’t be more accurate. Both mother and daughter made it through without any complications and they were finally able to take their miracle baby home. <br> </p> <div class="split"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/d5978af0f24f4b18e76a3033313514e7.jpg" alt="eliora_first_baby_4.jpg"> </figure> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/aa092925bb94bfdbfa73ab34260b32d9.jpg" alt="eliora_first_baby_3.jpg"> </figure> </div> Becoming new parents during a pandemic isn’t exactly easy, but Tara and Ari are doing the best they can. They’re sad that Eliora’s grandparents haven’t been able to hold her and it’s difficult not having help with caring for the baby in their home. That being said, it isn’t all bad. “It’s been kind of a blessing because the three of us are getting to know each other in a much more intimate way. We don’t have a choice but to take care of her and grow together,” said Tara. <br> <br> Their lives don’t look anything like they thought they would, but they’re so happy that they get to raise their beautiful child. The family is looking forward to throwing a huge party to celebrate Eliora’s first birthday. Tara and Ari expressed gratitude for the care they received at GBMC. “They made us feel at home. We could feel their smiles under their masks and that meant everything to us.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> As a financial professional, sewing isn’t typically a part of Insung Kim’s daily schedule – until now. Like all of us, Insung’s life has been drastically impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and she now dedicates an hour or more per day to sewing masks for cancer patients, their families, and the dedicated healthcare workers caring for them. <br> <br> GBMC has a special place in Insung’s heart – it’s where she received her breast cancer treatment last year. Her diagnosis came during a time of upheaval in her personal life and she described herself as “being in a very dark space spiritually.” She simply wanted to hide and weather the storm without having to depend on anyone else. “I was stubborn,” she said, “I didn’t want to feel weak because I couldn’t get through it by myself.” <br> <br> Despite her resolve, Insung learned to accept help from her friends and neighbors during her treatment. She was surprised by how much she bonded with the infusion nurses who were caring for her during her chemotherapy. “They were just so wonderful,” she said, “I tell my friends that all the nice people in Maryland must be working at GBMC.” <br> <br> After her first treatment, Insung decided that she wanted to bring more color into the infusion center, so she came with her own quilt and wore clothes she had sewn herself. “I was hoping that the bright colors and patterns would bring some happiness,” she explained. She was right. As soon as her nurse saw the beautiful pieces Insung had brought, she called over Cathy, another infusion nurse who loved crafting and sewing. Cathy and Insung connected over their shared interests and stayed in contact even after Insung had finished her treatments. <br> <br> When the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Maryland, Insung joined a collective in Baltimore that brought local sewers together to make and donate masks to local hospitals. She also reached out to Cathy to see if the infusion center needed masks for themselves or their patients. When Cathy answered yes, she dropped everything – even taking personal leave from work – to sew as many masks for GBMC as quickly as she could. <br> </p> <div class="split"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6ea77ea40d03e96379d332ace5ed9462.jpg" alt="infusion_patient_story_mask2.jpg"> </figure> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/32ec15d6f6c4776d1daf2c38435f8341.jpg" alt="infusion_patient_story_mask3.jpg"> </figure> </div> <br> Cathy described them as “simply amazing.” The infusion center ran out of masks fairly quickly, so Insung came back with another 50. “She brought a playful eye to the fabric selection and they are just so joyful. We offered to pay for the supplies, but she refuses. She just wants to give back and help,” said Cathy. <br> <br> Insung has donated hundreds of homemade masks to local hospitals and she has no plans of slowing down. “I never thought my sewing skill would be needed for this kind of task, but this is something I can do, and I want to do anything to help.” She insists that she is just a small part of the movement to support healthcare workers and patients, but her efforts have made all the difference in the world at GBMC’s infusion center. <br> <br> To learn more about how you can give back during this time, please visit www.gbmc.org/donations or donate to the <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/277949/#!/donation/checkout" target="_blank">GBMC HealthCare Workers Fund</a> to support our healthcare heroes. <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i_dck_c3osM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Thirty years ago, when they first started being used, cochlear implants were reserved for patients with no hearing. But a lot has changed in the past three decades. Regina Presley, AuD, Senior Audiologist at the Presbyterian Board of Governors Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence at GBMC, shared the innovations that have made it possible for cochlear implants to change the lives of even more patients. <br> <br> “When we started, cochlear implants were only used for patients who could not hear at all,” Dr. Presley explained. “Now, patients of all ages are getting implants for assistance with hearing when hearing aids are not working for them.” <br> <br> Dr. Presley explained that hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells send information to the brain, which then gives meaning to the sounds you hear. When they’re damaged, the brain can’t interpret the sounds. <br> <br> For some types of hearing loss, hearing aids can help amplify sound, but when the hair cells are severely damaged, hearing aids just increase the volume of the sounds coming in, but the brain can’t interpret them. That’s when many people consider cochlear implants. <br> <br> The devices are surgically implanted during a 90-minute outpatient procedure that requires very little recovery time. Three weeks later, patients return to the audiologist and the devices are activated. The implants bypass the hair cells and send sound in the form of electrical current, which the brain learns to interpret over time. One of Dr. Presley’s patients, Robert Pullo, shared how cochlear implants changed his life. “I began losing my hearing and it became harder and harder for me to follow and be part of conversations at work and at home. I changed my lifestyle so I wouldn’t be embarrassed by saying the wrong thing, which led to me be more and more isolated. After I retired, I lost my hearing entirely. I tried hearing aids, but I still couldn’t distinguish words from background noise. After I received my cochlear implants, it’s been a complete renewal of my ability to communicate and interact with the world around me. These implants don’t just change your hearing, they change your life,” he said. </p>
Annette knew that something was off with her health, she just couldn’t figure out what it was. For the past week or two she had lost her appetite and became increasingly fatigued. As a working mother of three, she was used to being tired, but this was different. After going to urgent care twice with no diagnosis, Annette and her husband decided that it was time to go to the Emergency Department (ED). This exhaustion was beyond anything she had ever experienced — it was so bad that she fell asleep in the waiting room. When she woke up, the ED physician asked her if she knew that she had diabetes. Annette was shocked, especially when she learned that her A1C was 17.2% (three times higher than what is considered normal). “Never in a million years did it cross my mind that I might have diabetes,” she said, “in my mind I just wasn’t the picture of what diabetes looked like.” Reflecting back, Annette admitted that she had simply missed the warning signs. Her grandparents, parents, and sibling all had diabetes and, at 48 years old, she was in the average age range for diabetes symptoms to occur. On top of that, she had fallen into several unhealthy eating patterns that significantly exacerbated the problem. Annette had placed herself at the bottom of her priority list. She always put her children first and made sure that all of their needs were met before attending to her own. This led to meal skipping and replacing foods with sugary drinks. It had become habit to cook for her family and eat their leftovers as her own meal and she would often go an entire day drinking only her morning macchiato and some juice. She knew that it wasn’t good for her, but she didn’t feel that she had time to fix it. After being stabilized in the ED, Annette was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she spent the next four days. “I basically slept the entire first two days,” she recalled, “I felt amazing when I woke up.” She assumed she’d be going home soon, but she didn’t have any idea how bad her condition was or how drastically she would need to change her lifestyle. Annette was devastated to learn that she wouldn’t be discharged in time to see her children go to their high school dance. Seeing how important being with her kids was to her, Meena Khan, MD, the endocrinologist who treated Annette in the ICU, decided that Annette could go home if she promised to follow all the guidelines she had been given. As she left the room, Dr. Khan turned to give Annette a quick thumbs-up and said, “you can do this.” This seemingly small gesture was pivotal for Annette. Knowing that Dr. Khan had such confidence in her made her hopeful and motivated her to do everything she could to get her diabetes under control. “Those four words changed my life,” Annette said. The weekend after her hospital discharge, she and her husband spent several hours grocery shopping and completely overhauled their pantry. “I knew I needed to immediately change how I was eating,” she said, and she was determined to do everything in her power to make that happen for both herself and her family. While she experienced rapid improvements in her A1C, Annette continued to have issues keeping her blood sugar levels consistent, so Dr. Khan referred her to the Geckle Diabetes and Nutrition Center at GBMC to work with a certified diabetes educator. Annette followed her advice and scheduled an appointment with Rebecca Denison, RD, LDN, CDE. Rebecca met with Annette, discussed the challenges she was having, and went through her entire diet in detail. She found some gaps in Annette’s eating habits, specifically with dairy. Annette had never included much dairy in her diet because she simply didn’t like many dairy foods. Finding something she would enjoy required a little creativity on Rebecca’s part. She did some research and found a specific brand and flavor of yogurt that would work for Annette. When Annette later told her that the yogurt wasn’t filling enough, Rebecca suggested some nuts that she could mix in. This level of care and detail went beyond anything Annette had expected. Annette, happy and healthyAbout a month later, at her follow-up appointment with Dr. Khan, Annette’s A1C had dropped to 10.1%. This was an incredibly fast change and the team was legitimately surprised at how quickly she had improved. At her next appointment at the Geckle Center, she shared the news with Rebecca who exclaimed, “Your A1C was what?!” The following month, her A1C was down to 5.6%, which is considered within the normal range. She has been able to cut her insulin doses from four times a day down to one dose and an oral diabetes agent. Rebecca points her out as one of the most proactive patients she has ever seen. When asked what motivates her, Annette responded by saying: “It’s about improving my overall health — diabetes affects everything. I decided that no cookie was worth losing my eyesight and that no piece of pie was worth losing my foot. I want to be the best wife and mother that I can possibly be, and I need to be healthy to do that.”Annette credits much of her success to the support that she had from her friends and family and to the education provided by the Geckle Center. “They gave me the tools I needed and helped me every step of the way.” Her family now refers to her as the “diabetes police” because she makes sure to keep everyone on track when they are together. The way she approaches food has completely changed. She no longer skips meals and is very intentional about what she eats and drinks; her mindset towards life and health has dramatically shifted. While they may find her insistence annoying at times, her family, especially her children, are incredibly proud of Annette and are grateful for her influence on their own health. Annette successfully turned a frightening diagnosis into a better life for herself and for her family. “I feel like I’ve been given a second chance” she said, “I want to honor that.” UPDATE: As of October 29, 2019, Annette is officially off insulin!
<p class="article-body"> As Nancy Amato prepared to donate a kidney to her sister at the age of 48, her OB-GYN suggested getting a precautionary colonoscopy to ensure she was a viable donor. That voluntary colonoscopy (performed 2 years before the recommended age) uncovered a large mass in her colon that would later be diagnosed as Stage 2 colon cancer. <br> <br> Immediately following the colonoscopy, Nancy made an appointment at GBMC, the same hospital where both of her parents received treatment when they battled cancer. While Nancy reflected on the previous 24 hours and what the next few days, months, and years would entail, she resisted the urge to feel sorry for herself, instead adopting a new mentality that she would do everything in her power to fight this cancer. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/c6d45ea227390200716a81092badb170.jpg" alt="Nancy_Amato2"> <figcaption> Nancy, right, and fellow cancer survivor, Sandi </figcaption> </figure> After embracing this new attitude, Nancy called the office of colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. George Apostolides, who was able to bring her in the next morning and schedule her surgery within two weeks. Nancy was committed to fighting her cancer, so when her medical oncologist Dr. Paul Celano presented her with treatment options following the successful surgery, Nancy chose the clinical trial she was eligible for and began 12 rounds of chemotherapy, occurring every other week for six months. <br> <br> “The commitment from the doctors at GBMC impressed me from my first visit,” explained Nancy. “Although it might not be the answer you want to hear, the doctors will be sure to talk you through every diagnosis, prognosis, and decision – good or bad.” <br> <br> Although Nancy was trying to save her sister by donating a kidney, her sister actually saved her. <br> <br> Nearly nine and half years after her cancer diagnosis, Nancy has continued to give back to the <a href="/node/2190" target="_blank">Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC</a>. As Nancy has told many of her friends, “The prep for the colonoscopy might not be pleasant, but it sure does beat 12 rounds of chemotherapy and everything else that comes along with a cancer diagnosis.” <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/8eb374f37577b472735c1319a5cc6442.jpg" alt="Colonoscopy Cab"> <figcaption> Nancy driving a friend in her "Colonoscopy Cab" </figcaption> </figure> Nancy is now known by many for running the “Colonoscopy Cab,” where she’ll pick up her friends for their colonoscopy, wait through the procedure, treat them to lunch, and then ensure they are comfortable when they get home. Nancy understands the bother a colonoscopy might be for some, but it was a colonoscopy that saved her life. It allowed the doctors at GBMC to treat her cancer before it grew any further and gave her the opportunity to participate in future life events, like seeing her daughter graduate college. <br> <br> As she has every year since 2011, Nancy will be joining GBMC staff, other cancer survivors, family, and friends at the 19th annual <a href="https://legacychase.org/" target="_blank">Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs</a> on September 28, 2019. The day will be full of steeplechase races, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more to benefit the <a href="/node/2190" target="_blank">Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC</a>. Purchase your parking pass now at <a href="https://legacychase.org/" target="_blank">LegacyChase.org</a>. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xU-KHJUyzw" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Meet George and learn more about the evaluation process for Supracricoid Laryngectomy with Ray G. Blanco, MD FACS and Barbara P. Messing, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S. </p>
<p class="article-body"> As Robin Ferguson, a nursing assistant trainer, stood in front of her classroom, she received a call that brought her to her knees. While Robin’s doctor explained to her that she had breast cancer, her students, the ones that she’d been teaching to be compassionate, caring, and kind nursing assistants, surrounded her with positivity and reassured her that she would overcome this unexpected battle. <br> <br> After hearing this gut-wrenching diagnosis, Robin picked herself up and made an appointment at GBMC, despite living outside of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania. This was an easy choice for her as GBMC had been her go-to hospital for previous procedures. Robin decided GBMC was the best place for her during the cancer journey she was about to begin. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/7616f973f2eb96f018780ece5b7c7999.jpg" alt="Robin_and_lisa"> <figcaption> Robin with her good friend and nurse, Lisa </figcaption> </figure> Walking into her first appointment with Dr. Lauren Schnaper of <a href="/node/2336" target="_blank">The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center</a>, Robin ran into an old friend, Lisa, who was an oncology nurse at GBMC. When Lisa realized why Robin was there, she immediately dropped what she was doing and took Robin to meet the staff, nurses, and doctors within the Breast Care Center while giving her a run-through of what to expect in the coming months. <br> <br> Through the initial appointments, surgery preparation, a lumpectomy, and recovery, Lisa never left Robin’s side, both as a nurse and a friend. When Robin faced her next phase of treatment, it was Lisa who was the nurse assigned to administer chemotherapy. <br> <br> While everyone might not be as lucky to find themselves a Lisa, Robin explained that, “No matter the doctor or nurse you are working with, they all have the same kind and caring demeanor and provided you with all of your treatment options. Because at the end of the day, it is my life I was fighting for.” <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/973a173ed0520060221004b158187ac8.jpg" alt="Robin_photo2"> </figure> On September 28th, Robin and her family will join Lisa, doctors and nurses, and other cancer survivors at the 19th annual Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs. Join us with your friends and family from across the region for steeplechase races, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more! All proceeds benefit the <a href="/node/2190" target="_blank">Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC</a>. Purchase your parking pass now at <a href="https://www.legacychase.org" target="_blank">LegacyChase.org</a>. <br> <br> <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> When Sandi Haertig noticed something wasn’t right with her tongue, she decided without hesitation to visit the <a href="/node/2427" target="_blank">Milton J. Dance Jr. Head and Neck Center at GBMC</a> to check it out. After battling breast cancer in 2005, Sandi knew not to ignore the signals her body was giving that something might be wrong. When her doctor at the time scheduled an appointment first thing in the morning, ahead of a holiday weekend, Sandi immediately saw the commitment and dedication from the GBMC team to help. </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/3d4c6e8f9bf707de9513391594939377.jpg" alt="Sandi_GBMC"> <figcaption> Sandi and her husband, Chuck, at Legacy Chase </figcaption> </figure> <br> <br> After another prognosis of cancer, Sandi was quickly surrounded by a comprehensive care team including a social worker, dietitian, speech therapist, radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist, nurse oncologist, and her husband, Chuck. This group of doctors, staff, and family quickly assembled and met often to ensure all parties were informed with the most up-to-date information and treatment plans. <br> <br> Sandi had surgery to remove the cancer from her tongue and began chemotherapy and radiation treatment. She required a feeding tube prior to radiation, since the treatment would affect her ability to eat, swallow, and talk. <br> <br> Although Sandi suffered from PTSD during her second battle with cancer, her social worker and the entire GBMC team were instrumental in her positive spirit, leading to a second victory against the disease. <br> <br> “From my first appointment to my yearly checkup, it is obvious that the staff isn’t just caring for you, they care about you,” explained Sandi. <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/49aaa77cf40250ae684702eb1b019174.jpg" alt="Sandi_GBMC2"> </figure> <br> <br> Following Sandi’s treatment, she had to relearn how to swallow and talk, but has since made a full recovery. Sandi now works with her social worker to mentor other patients battling the same cancer, and has been on multiple advisory boards and committees to help give back to the cancer center that saved her life. <br> <br> Since 2015, Sandi has attended <a href="https://legacychase.org/" target="_blank">Legacy Chase</a> alongside other cancer survivors and GBMC staff and doctors. We encourage you to grab your friends and family and join Sandi on September 28th at Shawan Downs for steeplechase races, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more! All proceeds benefit the <a href="/node/2190">Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC</a>. Purchase your parking pass now at <a href="https://legacychase.org/" target="_blank">LegacyChase.org</a>. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> <em><strong>Four-time cancer survivor, Arnie Honkofsky</strong></em> <br> <br> Arnie Honkofsky, who turned 75 years old at the end of August, is currently battling cancer for the fourth time, but it isn’t putting a damper on his life, his passions, or his desire to help others. <br> <br> Arnie started his career with GBMC when he worked as a pharmacist manager at the GBMC Community and Family Health Center before he moved on to the GBMC Physicians Pavilion in Owings Mills, which opened its doors in 1990. He finished his career at the GBMC outpatient pharmacy on its main campus in Towson, where he is very well known in and around GBMC among doctors, staff, and volunteers. </p> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/982cb5484d27cfabbf3905df273cbf9a.jpg" alt="Arnie and Marlene"> <figcaption> Arnie and his wife, Marlene </figcaption> </figure> <br> <br> Arnie witnessed firsthand the exceptional care that GBMC provided his friends, family members, and patients throughout the years, so he knew he was in good hands when it was discovered that he had CLL - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Although the diagnosis was Stage 0, and the treatment only involved active surveillance, He was reminded that “God’s gift to us is our life, how we live our life is our gift back to God.” <br> <br> After his first cancer diagnosis, Arnie returned to GBMC for additional treatment as he battled colon cancer, a kidney tumor and, most recently, prostate cancer. Although his doctors joke “Arnie is the luckiest guy in the world,” he credits his team of doctors and their dedication to finding answers and providing him with the most comprehensive care. <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/305cf5fe582633daf21c107ba9930d15.jpg" alt="Arnie Picture 2"> </figure> <br> <br> “I would and have recommended GBMC to all of my family, friends, and even strangers, no matter the diagnosis they are facing,” explained Arnie. “It is not only a phenomenal health care facility, but you are treated as family with dignity, professionalism, courtesy and attention.” <br> <br> Despite the challenges in his life, Arnie has served as Clinical Director at Wellness Solutions, a spokesperson for Death with Dignity and a strong advocate and volunteer photographer for GBMC events. <br> <br> On September 28th, Arnie will be joining former colleagues and other cancer survivors at the 19th annual <a href="https://legacychase.org/" target="_blank">Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs</a>, as he has done for the past 12 years. Join Arnie, the GBMC team, and friends and family from across the region for steeplechase races, food trucks, family-friendly activities and more! <a href="https://legacychase.org/" target="_blank">Purchase your parking pass now</a>. All proceeds benefit the <a href="/node/2190">Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC</a>. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mFD9yUNrc0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> For older individuals and patients with serious illnesses, going to their many doctors appointments can be a huge burden and a barrier to receiving the help they need. The Gilchrist Elder Medical Care program steps in to bring care to patients who are unable to or have difficulty leaving their homes, ensuring that they receive the care they need, when and where they need it. <br> <br> Darlene, a patient in the program who suffered a stroke several years ago, describes her experience this way: "When I got involved with Beverly and Gilchrist, everything for this stroke and what I have to go through with it has absolutely changed. Without them, I don't know where I would be today." Nurse Practitioners, like Beverly, serve as the Primary Care Provider for the patients in Gilchrist's Elder Medical Care program. They administer and manage medications, discuss symptom management, and do everything they can to make sure the patient is as comfortable at home as possible. </p>
<figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/1b450e784b0ed8e35aa9eae047fbfe79.jpg"> <figcaption> Journey in GBMC’s NICU at one day old </figcaption> </figure> July 18, 2013 was the scariest day of our lives. Our daughter, Journey, was born at 23 weeks and 1-day gestation. She only weighed 1.3 lbs., just a little more than a can of beans. <br> <br> My husband James and I were completely unprepared for the possibility of having a “micro-preemie.” We fully expected Journey to arrive near her due date on November 12. No one told us there was a chance our baby would be born with underdeveloped respiratory and nervous systems. Unable to breathe on her own, Journey needed a surgical procedure called a tracheostomy; her doctor made an opening in her windpipe and inserted a tube for her to breathe through. Her breathing challenges meant that she also struggled with feeding and gaining weight, so another surgical procedure placed a gastrostomy tube (or “G-tube”) directly into her stomach, allowing her care team to deliver proper nutrition. <br> <br> We were understandably overwhelmed and anxious, but felt comfortable in GBMC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where Journey spent the first six months of her life. The family-centered environment made things easier for us. The entire NICU staff always went above and beyond the call of duty to educate us and keep us updated on our baby’s condition. They involved us in her care, making sure that we got to do the little meaningful things that all parents want to do for their babies, like bathing them, changing diapers, and dressing them. Diapering and dressing such a tiny infant was an experience – even the diapers made for preemies were too big for Journey! Everyone we encountered seemed to care as much about us as they did about our daughter. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/8a904b33ceab4d571b571738c40fb442.jpg"> <figcaption> The three of us at one of Journey’s doctor’s appointments when she was a little over a year old. </figcaption> </figure> Journey’s nurses were Kelly, Amanda, Lauren, Kim (Wiltshire), Katie, and Corin, who were all amazing. Each one always made herself available to us and answered every single one of our questions as if we were the only people in the unit. They were all patient, taking a very scary experience and turning it into something beautiful and memorable. No matter how sick our daughter became, the NICU staff always gave us hope and for that, we are forever grateful. <br> <br> The most surprising thing to us about having a child in the NICU was how resilient preemies are. Journey was born at such a fragile gestation, but she fought day and night throughout her hospital stay. When the statistics were stacked against her, she prevailed proved that here is where she belongs. We thank God for keeping and protecting her! We’re happy to say that her tracheostomy tube was removed in July 2016 and we’re hoping her G-tube will be removed soon. <br> <br> <div class="split"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/7e4921702b33144c5af6e86db25520fe.jpg"> <figcaption> Journey is now a happy, healthy 5-year-old girl thanks to the GBMC NICU! </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5259b3056dbfb9a8d5795679020ddca4.jpg"> <figcaption> Journey on Halloween, dressed as a pediatrician, which is what she wants to be when she grows up. </figcaption> </figure> </div> The NICU team at GBMC will always hold a special place in our hearts. We thank God for their knowledge and willingness to help and support families like ours in such a loving and caring way. We will never forget! <br> <br> Please help us support the team that cares for premature infants by registering now for the <a href="http://gbmc.healthcare/5k/" target="_blank">31st Annual GBMC Father’s Day 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk</a>. All proceeds benefit the GBMC NICU. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Our fraternal twins, Dylan and Reagan, were born at 33 weeks and 2 days on October 14, 2018, and their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey started the same day. My husband Chris and I felt helpless and it seemed as if nothing could’ve consoled our heartache and worry. <br> <br> Thankfully, GBMC has an excellent NICU team that supported us throughout our babies’ time there. I genuinely considered them to be my personal cheerleaders. Whether it was a hug, a kind word of encouragement, or a pleasant conversation to help ease my racing mind, the staff was always there for me. Caregivers explained every alarm and necessary action, down to what each needle was meant for. My family’s journey was long and tough, but the most heartwarming thing was how much everyone truly cared for my twins. They had just met Dylan and Reagan, but they treated them like their own. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/259d793849e72f5b6d6a89b01482c206.jpg"> </figure> On November 1, Dylan was released from the hospital. We were beyond ecstatic and grateful to finally welcome him home, but it was a bittersweet day because our daughter, Reagan, was not yet released. Having two children in the NICU was extremely hard, but having one at home and one at the NICU took a huge toll on us. <br> <br> One challenge rolled into the next – my breast milk supply began decreasing. The NICU team patiently gave me advice about how to help restore my supply. After many trials and errors, we were presented with the option to obtain donated breast milk for the twins. Although we were skeptical at first, the staff explained the screening process and how the milk would be cleaned, assuring us this opportunity would greatly benefit both babies, but especially Reagan. <br> <br> Our NICU experience totaled 40 days, and in this span of time, not only did we receive support from the doctors, nurses, and staff in the NICU, but also from the parking attendants, cafeteria staff, and pharmacy staff. Parking attendants always asked, “How are the twins doing?” I would visit the cafeteria nightly to satisfy my Snickers bar craving, and the manager was swift to pick up on my habit. One night, the cashier noticed I was leaving without a Snickers because they had run out. As I passed through the checkout line, the cashier said, “Ma’am, are you the one with twins in the NICU? My manager asked me to give these to you.” I looked down and there sat three Snickers bars, which the manager had personally bought for me. When I visited the on-campus pharmacy to have my medication refilled, I was unable to wait for the prescription because I needed to relieve Chris in the NICU. To my surprise, one of the pharmacy staff members delivered the prescription to me in the NICU later that day. Words can’t express how much these small gestures meant to me as an anxious mother. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/53062885403993b634aaaf4c5a0f735f.jpg"> </figure> On Thanksgiving Day, I convinced Chris to come home from our alternating hospital shifts so we could share a meal together. Four hours later, my personal cheerleaders blessed us with a “Thanksgiving miracle” -- we received a phone call that finally made our family complete: “Kelley, your daughter is ready to go home, Happy Thanksgiving!” And just like that, Reagan was home safe in our arms. Thanks to everyone’s care and dedication, we now have two healthy, happy, and very chunky babies at home. They are eight months old – Dylan is 28 lbs., wearing 24-month clothes and Reagan is 18 lbs., wearing 12-month clothes, so that breast milk is no joke! Yes, our twins were premature, but they are capable of amazing things because they had the best care from the GBMC NICU staff. <br> <br> We couldn’t have asked for a better team to care for the twins, and us, too. Unfortunately, I cannot remember all the names of doctors, nurses, and other staff members that assisted us, but we would like to extend a sincere thank you to them. Please consider registering for the <a href="http://gbmc.healthcare/5k/" target="_blank">31st Annual GBMC Father’s Day 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk</a> to support the outstanding NICU staff that will forever be a part of our lives. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
