Archive for November, 2011
Epic supports World Prematurity Day
Each day at Epic, we are fortunate to hear happy stories from our field nurses working with our medically fragile clients. We receive family photos from birthday celebrations that took place - despite a doctor’s prognosis - and our nurses get to see a child’s face beam as they accomplish a task that took weeks to master. Pediatric home care is a challenging yet amazingly rewarding field. A child’s smile makes it all worthwhile. Unfortunately, not every obstacle can be overcome. Today, November 17th is World Prematurity Day - designated to honor the 13 million babies born too soon, worldwide, who died this year and 12 million more struggling to survive. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, and to help raise awareness on World Prematurity Day of the millions of babies born too soon each year please click here: http://on.fb.me/nartrr. You’ll be glad you did!
Epic’s Austin team believes in “Preemie Power”
On Sunday, November 13th, Epic’s Austin team was all decked out in support of Hand to Hold’s annual “Premie Power” event. Hand to Hold is a non profit organization that provides support, education and resources to parents whose child was born pre- maturely. Hand to Hold also uniquely fills the support gap that exists for families who have had a child in the NICU or have experienced a loss. The organization created the Preemie Power event – consisting of a photo/essay contest, team 
fundraiser and family celebration – to recognize these tiny super heroes for the amazing obstacles they have overcome. The event also educates the community about the challenges preemies and medically fragile children may face during and after the NICU, sometimes for years to come. Our Austin team is proud to honor and serve these small but mighty super heroes and their families – who never give up despite the many obstacles they face. We had a wonderful time at this event and were truly inspired by these very special children who have no idea just how “super” they are! To see more super heroes – big and small – click below:
http://photos.beverlydemafiles.com/Events/Preemie-Power-2011/20098776_RhrpT2#1585942762_6MMvB9D
On Giving Thanks
By Melissa V. Sirola, RN, BSN, MBA – Clinical Director – Private Duty Nursing
I am blessed with three beautiful children and many wonderful friends. Like many of you, my children are the most important aspect of my life and I am so proud of them They are all different and unique. I love them unconditionally and completely.
I am also thankful for my job. We all spend so much of our lives at work and should love what we do. I raised my children to understand that they should choose a profession that fills their souls. They should do something useful with their lives; something that makes a significant contribution to the world. I am a homecare nurse. I love my job. On a daily basis I get to help people. I get to help children and adults live the fullest lives they are capable of living. I help families keep loved ones at home where they belong. I help parents understand what is happening with the disease process affecting their child and help them cope. Wow….what an honor to be able to serve and help. People may not realize that that the nurses who help their family need support and assistance to do their jobs effectively. As a Clinical Director, I support and encourage our many nurses who then help more clients. What a privilege. I have been a nurse for fifteen years and have been humbled and honored the entire time.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I invite you to find something to be thankful for each and every day. Whether it is the simple joy of time shared time with your child(ren) or a beautiful sunset, take a moment to reflect and be thankful. And, if a friend, relative or nurse is caring for you or a loved one, perhaps take a moment to say “thank you” to someone who may seldom hear those words but is thankful each day for the opportunity to care for others.
Medically Fragile Children Can Party, Too!
Every parent loves to celebrate their child’s birthday. And I don’t think I’ve ever met a child that doesn’t enjoy having a special birthday party. For families with medically fragile children, birthdays can be even more precious and are never taken for granted. Many of our pediatric clients face multiple medical challenges. It can take years, after a child is born, for pediatricians and disease specialists to completely and accurately diagnose a child’s condition(s). This is a very stressful time for new parents who desperately want to understand their child’s illness(es) and related prognosis.
Medicine is, at times, an art and a science. Sometimes the doctors get it wrong … which can be a good thing. Epic’s client, Lindsey F., recently celebrated her 11th birthday and had a wonderful party with a princess theme. When sharing Lindsey’s picture with us, her mom said “We are very excited to celebrate her 11th…..she was only given 6 months to live when born….proved them wrong huh?!”.
Sometimes it’s so right to be wrong! Our entire Epic family wishes Princess Lindsey a very happy 11th birthday … and many more.
Stepping Up To The Plate
“Stepping up to the Plate” words from Nathan Capehart.
Epic Health Services – the #1 provider of pediatric home care in Texas – believes that the Houston Ronald McDonald House is an amazing organization with respect to the services they provide to support special needs children and their families. In that sense, their mission is similar to ours. As the Houston Regional Director, I have decided to put my feet where my mouth is and run the full Houston marathon to support the organization. Yes, all 26.2 miles on January 15th, 2012.
The Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit organization that provides a “home-like” environment to families who have a child undergoing extensive surgeries or chemotherapy. What does it take to run things at Ronald McDonald House?
- The average cost to host a family for one night: $85
- Daily electricity for an average House per day: $125
- Daily gas bill to keep appliances working: $60
With three different locations, the Houston Ronald McDonald House holds various charity events throughout the year to help raise money for their organization. The Houston marathon is a way for us to prove we are up the challenge in helping organizations that assist our families.
To get updates on my training and race performance, and to learn how to pledge your support, please check out our Facebook page from now through race day.
