<h4> David Kaye's story, in his own words. </h4> In 2010, I was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer. My local primary care physician referred me to Dr. Califano at the Dance Center at GBMC. <br> <br> In preparation for my treatment, Dr. Califano admitted me to GBMC to perform several procedures: a relocation of my left salivary gland from the submandibular to under my chin, a surgical biopsy and the insertion of a feeding tube. <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/61bca9b16af033d47cb85b04117519f5.jpg"> </figure> I was then referred to Dr. Mei Tang, a medical oncologist at GBMC, for chemotherapy and Dr. Eva Zinreich for radiation therapy. I received radiation twice daily for seven weeks and chemotherapy weekly. During this entire time, I was always amazed at the level of care and caring given by the GBMC staff. <br> <br> I never felt so physically miserable in my entire life. I was extremely fatigued and was losing weight at an alarming rate, but the GBMC staff found a way to stabilize my weight loss and made plenty of valuable suggestions to ease many of my symptoms. Having served 25 years in the U.S. Army, I had no problems following the medical staff's orders. <br> <br> I am elated because I was at GBMC on November 25, 2014, and am still cancer-free. <br> <br> Because I am cancer-free, I decided to add some new dimensions to my life. I now devote a great deal of time to volunteering with the American Cancer Society. I speak at many of their fund raising events, especially Relay for Life events. In my mind, speaking as a survivor represents hope for cancer patients. I am committed to helping others struggling with cancer and hope to make a positive impact on as many lives as I can. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<h4> The story of Thomas Stack, in his own words </h4> As I was getting dressed for work one morning, I sneezed while bent over and felt a sharp pain in my back. I made it to the bed and had to stay there for most of the day. The pain seemed to get slightly better, so I went to work the next day, but my condition got progressively worse over the following couple of days. Soon I was no longer able to walk. I started getting back spasms, too, which intensified the pain. I rapidly went downhill. <br> <br> Within the next few days, I went for an MRI to get an assessment of what had happened to my back. I am not sure what happened after that, but between that day and the following Wednesday, I know that I was not able to get relief. Finally, on Thursday, August 13th, I was able to get an appointment to see Minal Rami, MD, the neurosurgeon at GBMC. He had a copy of my MRI and saw that there was a place where a disc had ruptured in my lumbar area. <br> <br> At that time, I was in a wheelchair, unable to walk due to the intense pain. Dr. Rami was able to fit me in for surgery the next day and treated my situation as an emergency due to what he called "intractable pain." I was admitted to the hospital at GBMC that night and was operated on the next day, Friday, August 14th. Dr. Rami told me afterward that my condition would not have healed on its own and that the surgery was completely necessary. He was right: I felt relief almost immediately and was able to walk the next day after surgery. <br> <br> I feel immense relief that Dr. Rami was able to completely fix my problem. I have absolutely no residual back pain or any problems at all. The recovery time was quick, and the convalescent time was minimal. Because of this experience, I realize the importance of keeping fit and not allowing myself to get overweight because that would put further strain on my back. I am able now to exercise with no restrictions and I am not limited in any way from physical activity. <br> <br> Looking back, it was quite an experience to be incapacitated for almost two weeks. I’ve never been in that situation before or experienced that level of pain. It seems like a miracle that something that seemed so serious could be fixed so quickly and easily. I am fully recovered today thanks to Dr. Rami and my care at GBMC. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Twenty-eight years ago, my son, Justen Michael Peeling, was born. He would not be here today if it were not for Dr. Khouzami and Dr. Claire Weitz and the care they gave in 1986-1987. <br> <br> I was a very high-risk patient. Two other hospitals turned me away and suggested I terminate my pregnancy due to my blood pressure history. I had already had a daughter; she was five years old at the time, and my pregnancy with her was a close call – we both almost died. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5d331941d215f6d066e16daa7bd808d4.jpg"> </figure> Six years had gone by since my first child was born, and I really didn't think I would be able to conceive again. I was 26 at the time, and Justen would be my second child, I was frightened and so happy at the same time. I knew I would be under strict orders because of my previous complications, but I never thought I would be turned away by doctors and hospitals because of thoughts that I would not make it through the pregnancy. <br> <br> I was referred to Greater Baltimore Medical Center by two specialists from St. Joesph's. I was told to ask for Dr. Victor Khouzami. <br> <br> My husband and I met with Dr. Khouzami and were introduced to his then-partner, Dr. Claire Weitz. Dr. Khouzami had strict rules: no ice cream, no pickles, no salt whatsoever, no cheese, and everything I ate was to be baked or broiled. I met with a dietician, had frequent medical visits and was bedridden from my fourth month to my eighth month. Dr. Khouzami told me that if I expected to live through this pregnancy and birthing the baby, I had to listen to every word, every instruction. <br> <br> I did listen to my doctors – every single command, every single word. After all, it wasn’t just about me and the new baby; I had my daughter and my husband to think about, as well. <br> <br> I will never forget that time of my life. It was in August of 1987, a week before Justen decided to make his appearance to the world, that I was given permission to have one scoop of ice cream. You would have thought I had won a million dollars! I had only gained 23 pounds at the time – a total of 25 pounds when I gave birth. <br> <br> My son's birth was a planned cesarean, and he was not supposed to make his appearance until September of 1987, but Justen decided to come a bit earlier. I was having contractions, so I had a stress test on August 25, 1987, and was sent home. But, my contractions never stopped. I came back to GBMC later that night and Dr. Weitz delivered my son because Dr. Khouzami was out of town. <br> <br> I was wide awake, my blood pressure was monitored the entire time and the entire OR crew that night was awesome. I had my own cheerleaders in the OR that night, and Justen was born at 12:43 a.m. on August 26, 1987. My second miracle was given to me, and we both were going to be just fine. I held him and kissed him and still thank God for giving all of the beliefs and knowledge we needed to get us through that tumultuous time. <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6b4c2502ccf7f7e05d62549cb3f30513.jpg"> </figure> If it were not for GBMC, for Dr. Khouzami taking a chance on me and being the greatest doctor I have ever known, or the amazing assistance of Dr. Claire Weitz, neither my son nor I would be here today. I thank God every day for both of my miracle babies that are now 34 and almost 28 years old. Both are very successful and have grown up to be great adults. <br> <br> GBMC has doctors that don't give up on people, and I was treated with the utmost respect and compassion. I just want to say thank you, still, to Dr. Khouzami, even after all these years. Though I'm sure he would not know me today, I have never forgotten him and his team. I now work for GBMC and have been here for about two years. I would never have thought I would be here after all these years, but it felt like coming home. <br> <br> Because of GBMC, I was able to see my son, Justen, graduate not only from high school, but also from college and grow up into a wonderful man. I still tear up every time I think about the entire event of my pregnancy, and feel so very grateful, blessed and thankful for the outcome. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> <em>Image: Helen Roby with Dr. Elizabeth Dovec and Dr. Gustavo Bello. Roby has lost 165 pounds with a combination of bariatric surgery and healthy lifestyle choices.</em> <br> <br> Two years ago, when Helen Roby went for a dip in the pool at her son’s house, it took four men to get her out. At 335 pounds, she couldn’t get into or out of a chair, needed a walker and because of her weight, suffered from diabetes, gout and high blood pressure. <br> <br> Today, the 71-year-old former school principal has lost 165 pounds and her obesity-related conditions are gone. “Last Fourth of July,” she said, “I got up that pool ladder and danced on the deck. I have so much energy.” <br> <br> It wasn’t a miracle drug or crash diet that got her there. It was a combination of bariatric surgery and a total commitment to lifestyle change — the key elements of the Comprehensive Obesity Management Program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> People don’t have to live with these conditions or with depression related to obesity. We need to increase public awareness that there are good, safe options. </blockquote> “People don’t have to live with these conditions or with depression related to obesity,” said Elizabeth Dovec, M.D., bariatric surgeon and director of the program. “We need to increase public awareness that there are good, safe options.” <br> <br> To qualify for the program, a patient’s body mass index — a calculation based on height and weight — must be at least 40 kg/m2, or 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 with an obesity-related medical condition. <br> <br> Advances in Cancer Care: GBMC offers personalized treatments that match patients with the most effective leading-edge procedures When patients enroll in the program, bariatric surgery is not the first step. Participants must first spend between three and seven months learning about health and nutrition while developing what must become permanent new eating and exercise habits. Roby, for example, lost 40 pounds before she even had surgery. <br> <br> When it’s time for surgery, Dovec and fellow bariatric surgeon Dr. Gustavo Bello provide two options. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy removes most of the stomach leaving only a “sleeve” about the diameter of a garden hose. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass sections off most of the stomach, leaving a pouch that’s smaller than the sleeve and restricts food intake even more. Dovec and Bello also offer a variety of revisional surgeries to patients who may have had a previous failed procedure or who need surgical adjustments such as from inadequate weight loss or weight gain, medical complications or unresolved co-morbidities. <br> <br> “I usually allow patients to pick their own surgeries because I really want them to do their homework,” Dovec said. “When they do, they own it more and do better.” <br> <br> Before entering the GBMC program, it’s important for patients to understand that surgery alone is not the answer. <br> <br> “The first year is a honeymoon. Everybody loses weight and gets close to their goal within 12 to 18 months,” Dovec said. “That’s when the hard part sets in. If you go back to old behaviors, you're going to gain the weight back.” <br> <br> The only way to maintain the weight loss, she explained, is by eating a high-protein diet, minimizing carbohydrate and sugar intake, and exercise. Roby, who had not been able to get out of a chair, now works out at the gym three times a week. Another of Dovec’s patients runs half marathons and is training for her first full marathon. <br> <br> According to Dovec, the national average for weight loss maintenance after surgery is 85 percent — a huge difference from the national average for weight loss maintenance with diet and exercise alone, which is just 5 percent. <br> <br> One reason for the program’s success is GBMC’s ongoing support system, which includes lifetime follow-up visits. There are also special events for patients, as well as an online support community in which Dovec and Bello participate daily. <br> <br> “We’re there for the newcomers,” Roby said, “encouraging them and giving them all the help we can.” <br> <br> The results transform patients' lives. “They have more confidence and get better jobs," Dovec said. "They can buy clothes off the rack. They can even fit into those little seats at Orioles games.” <br> <br> <em>- Maxine Nune for Greater Baltimore Medical Center</em> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Joyce Myrick was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer in the summer of 2014, and her journey to recovery had a difficult beginning. She was referred to a local hospital for chemotherapy, but her calls to schedule appointments went unanswered. “I asked my daughter, who’s a lawyer, to get involved so my treatment could begin,” she says. Losing her hair took an emotional toll also, prompting her daughter to suggest attending the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good Feel Better” lecture series. The series, which is held at GBMC, offers support and teaches cancer patients and their families about beauty techniques. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> At the lecture, I was listening to another attendee talk about her positive experiences in GBMC’s Infusion Center and was just baffled. I thought that all cancer treatments were the same, that everyone had a hard time feeling cared for or getting the information they needed. </blockquote> After the lecture, Mrs. Myrick spoke to Paul Celano, MD, a GBMC oncologist, about her treatment and immediately transitioned to GBMC. “It was an excellent experience from start to finish.” <br> <br> Now cancer-free, one of Mrs. Myrick’s favorite aspects of care at GBMC is the Survivorship Program, which is designed to help cancer patients and their families navigate the changes and challenges that come with a diagnosis of and treatment for cancer. “The current accepted definition of survivorship is the process of living with, through and beyond cancer,” says Felicity Kirby, Oncology Nurse Coordinator for Oncology Support Services at GBMC. “Cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis and includes people who continue to have treatment to either reduce risk of recurrence or to manage chronic disease. It also includes their families.” <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/ecb0eceadedf73ed36b032aab997d3eb.jpg"> <figcaption> Joyce Merick, cancer-free, thriving and surviving! </figcaption> </figure> According to the American Cancer Society, the number of people with a history of cancer in the United States has increased dramatically, from 3 million in 1971 to about 13.7 million in 2014. GBMC works to aid that population by providing supportive services such as rehabilitation, nutrition, counseling, palliation of symptoms and care coordination, among others. By using a Resource Guide provided at diagnosis, patients can organize all of the information they receive throughout their care, including education materials, treatments, medications, pain management, test result logs and support resource listings. Patients who complete treatment and transition to follow-up care are eligible to meet with Ms. Kirby to receive a customized treatment summary and care plan. Surveillance, screening, prevention of recurrence and new cancers, follow-up guidelines, risk reducing strategies, how recovery is going and more are reviewed during this visit. <br> <br> “During my first appointment at GBMC, everything was handled for me,” Mrs. Myrick says. “I kept the packet they gave me when I started my treatment, and still use it to store my test results and information. Everyone is so kind and always there to answer my questions. The funny thing is that I rarely have problems because Felicity anticipates my needs before a problem can come up.” <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> In January 2011, I got the exciting news that my husband, Robert, and I were going to be parents again. My son Evan was 2 years old at the time, and we were more than ready to add another member to our family. To our surprise, soon after we got the initial news, we found out that our joy was going to be doubled: I was pregnant with identical twins. <br> <br> Robert was thrilled, but I was very nervous. In a few short months, our family of three would become a family of five. I knew we would need help adjusting to this drastic change. Some of my friends who have twins recommended that I hire a postpartum doula for the first six weeks, so I did some research about what services this type of doula offers. <br> <br> I was impressed to learn that GBMC’s specially trained postpartum doulas assist with everything from breastfeeding support and sibling care to housekeeping and running errands. Lanny Dowell, Doula Program Coordinator, helped set us up with the perfect doula for us -- Georgeanne Saddington. <br> <br> I gave birth to my twin daughters, Grace and Quinn, on July 29, 2011, and Georgeanne started working with us on August 2, 2011. Each night, she would arrive at 10 and stay until 6 a.m. She fed and changed the girls, which allowed us to rest and recharge. I myself was recovering from a C-section and also had a root canal shortly after we brought the babies home, so her help was greatly appreciated. <br> <br> Even more valuable than the extra sleep we were able to get was the helpful advice Georgeanne offered. She provided expert tips on taking care of twins and the importance of keeping them on the same schedule. She taught us how to get them to sleep in their cribs and so much more. She really became part of our family. <br> <br> We were so pleased with the services she provided that we expanded our eight-week contract by 12 more weeks! </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4nJKkuCLcMU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Clinical research, education and treatment for Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), a group of inherited connective tissue disorders for which there is no cure, took a significant step forward with the establishment of the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation Center for Clinical Care and Research at GBMC's Harvey Institute for Human Genetics. The Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation (EDNF) supports a virtual center at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) under the direction of Clair Francomano, MD, GBMC's Director of Adult Genetics. The Center provides comprehensive clinical care for patients and professional education for physicians. </p>
<p class="article-body"> Strokes can occur at any given moment and can be frightening. They usually occur when a blood vessel leading to the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke) or is blocked by a blood clot (ischemic stroke). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, costing the country an estimated $36.5 billion annually. <br> <br> Baltimore resident Carol Pijanowski unfortunately had an ischemic stroke last summer, and was rushed by her husband, Don, to GBMC’s Emergency Department for treatment. “I was experiencing all of the major symptoms of a stroke like dizziness, double vision, blurred vision and my left side was feeling numb,” explains Mrs. Pijanowski. “My neighbor noticed the symptoms and informed my husband, who took quick action.” <br> <br> At GBMC, Mrs. Pijanowski was treated with Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), which dissolves blood clots after being injected. This medication helps to significantly reduce disability from a stroke but does not decrease a patient’s chance of having another stroke in the future. <br> <br> “After I was given the shot, I had a complete turnaround of my symptoms,” says Mrs. Pijanowski. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> “Within 24 hours, my mobility and sight came back. It was like the stroke never happened! My family and friends still can’t believe I had one.” </blockquote> James Bernheimer, MD, Medical Director of the Primary Stroke Center at GBMC, says that there are some uncontrollable factors that contribute to having a stroke such as age, sex, race and previous stroke or heart attack. However, there are many risk factors that can be controlled. He advises people to watch their blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and eating habits to decrease the likelihood of having a stroke. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img alt="Dr. James Bernheimer" src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/bc98efca59a0458b1ca057c39a0d9e34.jpg"> <figcaption> Dr. James Bernheimer </figcaption> </figure> “The best thing to do when you experience unusual sensations such as a sudden numbness or weakness on one side, confusion or trouble speaking, dizziness or trouble with your vision is to call 911 or be taken to a hospital immediately,” says Dr. Bernheimer. “Three things that accurately indicate a person is having a stroke are drooping of one side of the face, inability to hold up the arm on that side and slurred speech. When someone has these symptoms, it is best for a doctor to treat the patient as soon as possible.” GBMC is recognized as a Primary Stroke Center by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medicine Services Systems (MIEMSS) and is dedicated to providing care and education for stroke patients, their families and the community. <br> <br> Today, Mrs. Pijanowski is monitoring her cholesterol and blood pressure as well as eating a healthy diet. Performing simple tasks like these can help lower her risk of having another stroke. “Thanks to Dr. Bernheimer and his stroke team at GBMC, I am still able to do the things I enjoy like caring for my neighbor’s children during the day, cooking for my family and spending time with my three granddaughters.” <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<h4> The story of Caroline Broomell, in her own words. </h4> I have been a nurse at GBMC for more than 15 years. Both of my children were born here, and I had a fabulous experience both times. It is my experience with my second child, however, that I really want to share. I was given the option to have this second baby at another hospital, because my husband works at another institution. I could not imagine having my babies anywhere but at GBMC, and I am so happy that I made that decision. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/9930e23107e8442300401a913709da16.jpg"> </figure> Almost from the time that I found out I was pregnant, my GBMC family cared for me. I have been blessed to work in Labor & Delivery, the Newborn Nursery, Postpartum, and most recently in the Women's Surgical Center, so I know a lot of people here. Everyone, from the Genetics team to people I would see in the hallway, expressed joy when I would see them during my pregnancy. My fellow nurses and surgeons were supportive and caring. I got to dance, pregnant belly included, in the GBMC Overcomer video, which was such a positive experience. I worked full time until past my due date, and when it came time to have the baby, my water broke at work. Bev Anderson, my coworker in PACU that day, got everyone to pitch in and get me to Labor and Delivery. I felt like I was given the royal treatment. I was wheeled to L&D, greeted at the desk, and given superior care. My doctor, Dr. Dominique Allen, was scheduled to go on vacation that evening, but the other doctors covering for her made sure I knew I'd be well cared for. My primary nurse, Lisa Bachman, was my preceptor when I came to GBMC in 1999, and she was also present at the couples' weekend getaway in Cape May when my husband and I got engaged. I was so lucky to have her there; she, as always, provided stellar care and emotional support. Dr. Tom Pesar provided the best anesthesia! So many others came in to help and to cheer us on. My beautiful daughter, Elizabeth, was delivered by Dr. Allen, in the attendance of Lisa, Dr. Pesar, and many of my GBMC family members. It was amazing. <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e665e915933746cc4598a5eb687a09f2.jpg"> </figure> My entire stay at GBMC was incredible, but it didn't end there. After we went home, baby Elizabeth and I both developed complications. We came back and forth to GBMC many times while I was on maternity leave. The lactation department and parent education were very helpful. Elizabeth suddenly quit breastfeeding, and I wasn't ready to give up. This went on for days, during which I talked to Marla Newmark many times on the phone, and she helped get us through. One of my friends, Tina Gambrell, who I met when she was a lactation consultant at GBMC, made a home visit to help us. She and I suspected a tight posterior frenulum, which causes major difficulties with breastfeeding and is tricky to diagnose. Dr. Andrew Goldstone was recommended to us, and his staff members were so caring and competent with baby Elizabeth. After our visit to Dr. Goldstone, Elizabeth was able to breastfeed without difficulty! I had issues with abdominal muscle separation. Dr. Frank Rotolo and his office, and the CT scan department took great care of me. Dr. Allen and my children's pediatrician, Dr. Mary Jo Minton, were also very helpful during these difficult times. Elizabeth and I did well, due to the care we received. <br> <br> I am so glad that I was able to have both of my babies at GBMC. I felt truly cared for by my GBMC family. I feel very blessed. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> For Bill and Audrey Sento, retired education professionals from Ridge, Maryland, chronic hip pain due to osteoarthritis robbed them of the active life they had planned for themselves. Both patients of Leroy (Lee) M. Schmidt, MD, Bill had his left hip replaced in August 2013 and his right replaced in July 2014, and Audrey had her right hip replaced in February 2014, which has given them the opportunity to enjoy their retirement. This is their story, in their own words. <br> <br> <strong>BEFORE SURGERY</strong> <br> Bill: “Life was pretty painful and I had a difficult time being mobile because of that. I couldn’t go fishing and had trouble walking and getting around in general. Dr. Schmidt was recommended to us by a nurse we know and after some tests and discussion about my left hip, he recommended surgery. I had a lot of respect for his opinions — he even predicted that I might need the right side done.” <br> <br> Audrey: “I didn’t have much quality of life in terms of pain and ability to navigate or move in a way that I wanted to. In the days before my surgery, I couldn’t sleep at all during the night. Painkillers didn’t work for me, and my pain radiated all the way up and down the leg from my ankle through the buttocks area. We came to our hero, Dr. Schmidt, and he helped us both tremendously.” <br> <br> <strong>SURGERY AND RECOVERY</strong> <br> Bill: “I’m pleased about our decisions to go through with the hip replacement surgeries at GBMC. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Dr. Schmidt and the people who work alongside him. Joint replacement surgery is a major surgery, but neither of us had complications. After a short hospital stay and several weeks of physical therapy, we were up and moving again.” <br> <br> Audrey: “Dr. Schmidt and all of our caregivers were helpful with their explanations of what they were doing, and they all had a way of making you feel comfortable, even though what you’re going through is traumatic. I’m sure that our quick progress is because Dr. Schmidt gives you the opportunity to set the parameter of what you want to do and then he assists you in that direction.” <br> <br> <strong>LIFE AFTER SURGERY</strong> <br> Bill: “We decided that we wanted to golf when we retired, and are now well on our way to that goal. I am also now able to ride a bicycle and fish, both of which I had a difficult time doing before surgery.” <br> <br> Audrey: “I sleep much better now and am able to go for walks and garden, two things that I really enjoy. We also got a puppy about a year ago, a chocolate Labrador named Nali after one of our favorite vacation spots, Denali, Alaska. She requires a lot of exercise — we wouldn’t have been able to keep up with her before surgery.” Of all the things Mr. and Mrs. Sento appreciate about their experiences at GBMC, the accessibility and caring of the staff are the most prominent. <br> <br> Audrey: “If we called with questions, Dr. Schmidt got right back to us, just like a family member would. We have a good life, physically, because we’ve had so many good experiences with the medical team at GBMC.” <br> <br> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> The wool shawl is knitted in bands of yellow and lavender. It's big enough to wrap around your shoulders, which is the first thing Carol Leonard had done every morning since she received it. <br> <br> The shawl is cozy and warm but it was also, to Leonard, a patient at Stella Maris Hospice, "a work of love. It's such a comfort that someone made this for me." <br> <br> "Mom is very pleased" with the shawl, said Kathleen LeNoir, one of Leonard's eight children. "She asks for it all the time." <br> <br> LeNoir traveled from her home in Texas to be with her mother, who died March 28. <br> <br> On a breezy March day, Sister Kathy Dauses, of the Order of St. Francis, and head of pastoral care, surveys the prayer shawls stacked in her office at the hospice in Timonium. Sometimes she has a lot, sometimes only a few. Today, there are a half-dozen on a shelf and a bag with at least a dozen more that Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Towson just delivered. <br> <br> Pam Tillman, of Timonium, a volunteer, founded the Stella Maris Hospice Prayer Shawl Ministry in 2006. She and Dauses run it, rounding up volunteers, buying yarn and, even, printing a brochure with knitting and crocheting instructions and prayers to be said before starting thehandiwork as well as when finishing it. <br> <br> The hospice's prayer shawl ministry is one of many. Nearly a dozen churches in the Towson area alone have similar ministries, some of which donate their finished items to Stella Maris Hospice. <br> <br> Dauses gives a prayer shawl to patients as soon as they enter the hospice. But she doesn't just drop it on their bed, or hand it to a family member if the patient is unresponsive. <br> <br> She turns the event into a "spiritual ritual," in her words, with family and friends gathered around their loved one while she tells the patient that the person who made the shawl was praying for them even before they came there. <br> <br> The response is as emotional as you'd expect. <br> <br> "It's hard to explain the comfort prayer shawls bring," Dauses said. "Patients ask, 'Can I keep this? Is this mine?' They want to put it around themselves immediately." <br> <br> "My feeling is, this is the last gift the person will receive and it helps them on their journey," said Tillman, who estimates Stella Maris Hospice which is run by the Sisters of Mercy, distributes 1,200 prayer shawls annually to patients and their family members. <br> <br> </p> <h2> 'A spiritual process' </h2> Indeed, so meaningful are the prayer shawls that it is not unusual for people to be buried in them or have them laid over their casket. They become family heirlooms, a last treasured reminder of mom or dad. In fact, when Leonard died her family asked Dauses for their mother's prayer shawl. <br> <br> The shawls are even attributed with healing power, as one cancer patient who went into remission did. <br> <br> "She handed it to another cancer patient. I recently came across it and it's now with a third cancer patient," said Maureen O'Brien, chaplain at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. <br> <br> St. Joseph is one of two Towson hospitals that area churches frequently mention as recipients of their prayer shawl ministry's items. The other is Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). <br> <br> At St. Joseph, O'Brien distributes about 500 prayer shawls annually, primarily to critically and terminally ill patients in the intensive care and cancer units. Similarly, GBMC gives out 600 prayer shawls annually to patients in those units. <br> <br> GBMC Chaplain Joe Hart, an ordained minister, runs the prayer shawl program with Sue McKenna. As popular as the shawls are with patients, they are equally meaningful to the people who make them. <br> <br> "They joyfully donate what they have created. The prayer process benefits them," Hart said. <br> <br> If there is a national association of prayer shawl ministries, none of the churches is aware of it or belongs to any such organization. However, all seem to follow the same practices and that may well come from a grassroots group called Prayer Shawl Ministry. <br> <br> Victoria Cole-Galo and Janet Severi Briscow cofounded the grassroots group in 1998, the result of a program they took on applying feminist spirituality at the Hartford Seminary in Connecticut. <br> <br> "We wanted to share what we'd learned with other communities," said Cole-Galo, whose website, <a href="http://www.shawlministry.com/" target="_blank" alt="Prayer Shawl Ministry Home Page">http://www.shawlministry.com</a>, has instructions, patterns, suggested prayers, a message board and more. The two women also publish a series of books on prayer shawl ministries. <br> <br> "It's not just the knitting and crocheting, it's not just a craft project," she said. "It's a spiritual process." <br> <br> Cole-Galo doesn't know the number of prayer shawl ministries. "It's very popular among churches," she said. Her website lists hundreds in the U.S. although thousands more exist that aren't listed. They're also popular abroad, from Canada to South Africa. <br> <br> Whatever the number, Cole-Galo believes prayer shawl ministries are increasing. "We started our website through word-of-mouth," she said, "and now we get millions of hits per year." <br> <br> <h2> 'Way of showing God's love' </h2> Hunt's Memorial United Methodist Church's Prayer Shawl Ministry dates to 2009. Lucy Otto, a co-founder, had read about them and loves to knit. <br> <br> "The minister was enthusiastic. We sent around a clipboard at a service and 20 people signed up," Otto said. <br> <br> The group meets regularly in members' homes. The oldest member is 97; the youngest, 12, the daughter of a member who learned to knit so she could make prayer shawls, too. <br> <br> As they work, the women pray for the future recipient. At the end of the meeting, a blessing is read over all the shawls. The finished shawls are wrapped and tagged with a printed prayer. <br> <br> The shawls are given to parishioners or their family and friends. "We always have a few in the church office," Otto said. "People call and ask for them." <br> <br> At Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jeanette Beck heard about the Stella Maris Hospice group. "I thought it was a good idea for our church," said Beck, founder in 2008 and chair of its prayer shawl ministry. <br> <br> The Towson United Methodist Church Prayer Shawl Ministry makes it as easy as it can for its dozen members. "We provide needles, directions and yarn," said Carol Matlin, a co-founder of the group, and accept "any stitch, size and color" shawls they make. <br> <br> Holy Cross Lutheran Church hosts three services a year at which the finished prayer shawls are blessed. They are also available during services several times a year, or any time through the church office. <br> <br> "I do it because it's a way of showing God's love," said Lynne Funck, who founded and runs the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Prayer Shawl Ministry. <br> <br> Central Presbyterian Church calls its ministry "The Hands of Love." "Some people knit, some crochet. We meet twice a month and we pray as we work," Patti Richardson said. <br> <br> Denise Noll started the prayer shawl ministry at Church of the Holy Redeemer in 2011. In the past two years alone, the group has given 81 shawls and lap robes to parishioners and others. <br> <br> The St. Joseph Parish and School Prayer Shawl Ministry doesn't have meetings. Its dozen-plus members are elderly so they knit or crochet at home. But every morning, six members meet for 8:30 Mass and then segue to a nearby Panera Bread restaurant where they eat breakfast and make prayer shawls, lap robes and baby blankets. <br> <br> "They're retired and they enjoy it," said Ann Marie-Labin of St. Joseph Parish, which donates finished items to St. Joseph and GBMC. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> I was referred to Dr. Claire Weitz with Perinatal Associates shortly after moving to the Baltimore area. I have what is called uterine didelphys, which is a uterine abnormality. Because of this abnormality, I was considered a high-risk pregnancy from the get-go. My husband and I went to Aruba for our baby-moon and I ended up in the hospital with pre-term labor at 26 weeks. We managed to get back to Baltimore and I was, from then on, closely monitored by my doctor and the hospital. <br> <br> I had to come in to GBMC and do an NST, ultrasound and doctor's visit twice a week. I was admitted to the hospital numerous times for further monitoring, as I was very much dilated and effaced. The quality care I received during this time helped me to make it to 36 weeks and two days! No one thought I would make it that far in my pregnancy. <br> <br> On February 9, 2015, I came to a regular doctor's visit and I was told that my water had broken. I didn't know exactly when that had started, so my doctor said that we were going to have the baby that day. I wasn't scheduled for a c-section until February 23, so this was very much a surprise. She told me to call my husband and my family and tell them to get to the hospital as soon as possible. I was then sent down to Labor & Delivery. Nurses are given 2 hours to prep patients for c-sections, and we did it all in under 20 minutes! <br> <br> After arriving in Labor & Delivery, my baby boy was born at 5:43 p.m. – only about 40 minutes after getting there! Those present during the surgery and in recovery were amazing and very comforting. I had an uneventful c-section, thanks to the talented staff. My baby was four pounds 10 ounces, and 18.5 inches long. He was a teeny little guy, but very strong, and had a very high APGAR score, considering he was almost a month early! <br> <br> Because I had a c-section, I had the privilege of staying in the hospital for three nights. We had such a wonderful experience staying at the hospital! The rooms were comfortable, the staff was amazing, the food was awesome and everyone was so helpful and willing to give us tips and advice on everything from breastfeeding to diapering. My husband and I laugh now, because we know we wouldn't be anywhere near ready for this baby if we hadn't had those few days in the hospital, soaking up all the knowledge and advice everyone had to give! If we are still in the Baltimore area for our next child, we will be delivering at Greater Baltimore Medical Center! <br> <br> My husband and I went through so much to even get pregnant. It was a long journey. Once we got pregnant, we had many hurdles to jump and difficult situations to deal with. Because of the amazing care that I received at GBMC, I was able to deliver a healthy baby boy. We were told that having a baby might not have happened for us, but with the help of GBMC, we were able to fulfill our dream! </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a5ou8FPXeoU?list=PLyZD8LRG_xb23No9ceuBmmFjQXtZ0dmnw" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Follow Ms. Wilson's journey from pre-weight loss surgery through her experience with the GBMC COMP program and to the present. </p>
<h4> The story of Hugh McKenna, as told by his wife Susann </h4> It seems that the older we get, the more we seem to pick up the habit that we thought was ridiculous when we were young. The habit? Starting each day with the newspaper and reading the obits. We are looking for friends, loved ones, former classmates or working associates, etc. At that time, I don’t think we put much thought into having to write one ourselves for a loved one. That, sadly, is what I had to do recently as my husband of 40 plus years died in September. In fact, as I look at a calendar, in a few weeks, it will be our 48th wedding anniversary. <br> <br> So, as you will read, even though I have wonderful and loving memories of the staff of GBMC, not every story, particularly in a hospital, has a happy ending. Mine definitely does not, as my husband died after spending several days and weeks at GBMC over a four-year period. The last was 32 days at GBMC and seven days in Gilchrist. <br> <br> Actually, my husband’s story (our family’s GBMC story), began over four years ago when he was first diagnosed with tongue cancer. It started with the staff at the Milton J. Dance, Jr., Head and Neck Center. We received exceptional care through counseling, education, home health care coordination, support groups, professional voice and nutritional care, head and neck cancer care, interdisciplinary patient care conferences and more. Every step of the way, my husband and I experienced compassion, loving and concerned care from GBMC staff and volunteers in a healing, supportive environment. <br> <br> My husband’s next steps were with an extremely professional, knowledgeable and compassionate medical oncologist and radiologist and their staff members. Their treatments over several months gave my husband positive results as his cancer went into remission. Throughout the next two years, they were always available to listen and respond to our cares and concerns and to continually follow-up. <br> <br> Then, unfortunately, the cancer returned and metastasized to my husband’s lungs. Our next step was to see a doctor who specialized in diagnostic radiology, and then the staff within interventional radiology. The procedures did work, but, unfortunately, my husband got more cancerous tumors. As I indicated before, after 32 days at GBMC and seven days in Gilchrist, my husband died. <br> <br> While I am always saddened that my husband is deceased, not a day goes by that I don't think of and pray for him and to him. I also pray that God will bless other families in similar situations at GBMC, that they also will be blessed with the care, concern and genuine love of the staff at GBMC. <br> <br> I'm a volunteer at GBMC. I can't begin to explain my humility and the grace-filling experience I have knowing I'm doing some small things for those who are ill and thus more vulnerable at this time in their lives. <br> <br> Life goes on; it has to go on even when you lose a loved one. That experience gives you time to reflect on the past, of course, but more importantly on the present and the future. What can your experiences do to make those with whom you come in contact better? What joys, love and blessings can you share with others that will make your spouse ever present to you and to them? <br> <br> I show that love by giving my time to the folks who enter GBMC, the patients, family members and staff that I help. How do I spell LOVE? G-B-M-C!! <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Mary Frank, a 49-year-old substitute teacher from Baltimore, suffered from heartburn for years, frequently experiencing the burning sensation of acid reflux in her chest after eating. She learned that a hernia was the likely culprit behind her discomfort. Until recently, her symptoms were well-controlled with prescription medication and over-the-counter antacids when she needed extra relief. <br> <br> One afternoon last summer, Ms. Frank’s symptoms took a frightening turn; she was having lunch at a restaurant and suddenly began having severe chest pain and shortness of breath. She called 911 and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room of a local hospital. “I had horrible pain in my chest that extended into my shoulders. I knew it had to be related to the hernia,” Ms. Frank notes, adding that this was the worst her symptoms had ever been. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/a913ade9b3e36afa586a58855be387c8.jpg"> <figcaption> Dr. Timothee Friesen </figcaption> </figure> Ms. Frank was admitted to the hospital, where a battery of tests revealed that her hernia was so advanced, it would require surgery to repair it. After being discharged, she was referred to Dr. Timothee Friesen, a general surgeon at GBMC’s Finney Trimble Surgical Associates office, in early October 2013. <br> <br> “I loved Dr. Friesen right away,” she says. “He drew pictures to show me exactly what would happen during the surgery, explained everything and answered all of my questions.” <br> <br> “Mary was suffering from the effects of a paraesophageal hernia” says Dr. Friesen. “This is the least common type of hernia. It occurs when the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes is larger than usual, allowing the stomach to push up into the esophagus. It’s dangerous because the stomach’s blood supply could get cut off, causing the tissue to die.” To fix the problem, the surgeon performs a laparoscopic procedure to wrap the herniated portion of the stomach around the esophagus, closing the hole. <br> <br> Dr. Friesen states that hernias like Ms. Frank’s are rare. “It’s more likely for women to experience ventral or incisional hernias, which are caused by a weakened abdominal wall.” These hernias commonly show up as a bulging mass below the skin’s surface and can develop at the site of an incision from a previous surgery. Symptoms of hernias frequently include pain in the abdomen and acid reflux, but some go undetected. <br> <br> “If acid reflux is a problem and it is not responding to medication after a year, consult with a physician. It could be a symptom of a more serious condition,” adds Dr. Friesen. <br> <br> Following Ms. Frank’s surgery in December 2013, she was placed on a post-operative liquid diet for two weeks. After that, she was able to resume a normal diet with no problems. “Before the surgery, I was afraid to eat. Every day I had stomach pain, chest pains and difficulty breathing. Thanks to Dr. Friesen, all of the heartburn and reflux completely disappeared,” says Ms. Frank. “I couldn’t be happier with the results!” <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
