January 14, 2008
Johns Hopkins Bayview employees understand the meaning of "It's better to give than receive." In 2007, several departments and staff members went above and beyond to reach out to their patients, co-workers and communities.
Generosity Shines in Neonatalogy
Demonstrating service excellence and the spirit of giving, Cheryl Harrow, CRNP, newborn nursery, teamed up with Ravens Nest #6: O'Hara's Irish Pub and donated more than $6,400 to the Medical Center's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The donation will be used to purchase new equipment and parent education supplies, as well as to start a fund for a neonatal photo gallery.
Harrow, a member of the Nest and a 28-year veteran of Johns Hopkins Bayview, suggested that the money from its annual summer benefit be given to the NICU. "Donating to the NICU was important to me, because I would be able to see where the money was going and how it would be used," she says.
This is the second year Ravens Nest #6 contributed to the NICU. In 2004, they donated to the Johns Hopkins Burn Center and in 2005, they gave to the American Cancer Society.
"Not everyone realizes what happens in the NICU," says Maureen Gilmore, M.D., director of neonatology. "It's wonderful to have people recognize and support what we do for these babies and their families on a daily basis."
Burn Center Celebrates the Holidays with Burn Survivors
2007 marked the tenth year of the annual burn survivor holiday party, hosted by the burn rehabilitation department. More than 170 guests attended, including burn survivors, their families, Burn Center staff and the Metropolitan Firefighters. The department works year round preparing for the event-compiling the list of invitees, scheduling entertainment, hiring a caterer and most important, making sure Santa can make an appearance.
"The burn survivors look forward to this party every year," says Michelle Ober, OT, burn rehab. "For many of them, it's the only time they can see each other, so--in a sense--the holiday party also serves as a reunion."
She adds that the party also allows Burn Center staff to reconnect with former patients, some of whom they haven't seen in years. "Seeing the survivors interact with each other confirms the staff's commitment to the burn field," Ober says. "It makes us realize that we really are making a difference."
Members of the burn support group, the New Life Burn Society, also assist with the event, particularly making sure that any newcomers feel welcome. Ober says that their involvement illustrates the importance of the support survivors provide to each other. "It proves that they're all in this together and are connected by the trauma they survived," she adds.
Medical Center Employees Reach Out to Those in Need
Carisa Wolfe, occupational health services, submitted a Shining Star nomination about all of the employees at Johns Hopkins Bayview for their generosity during the holiday season. Below is an excerpt from her nomination.
"Now that we are upon the holiday season, I have noticed the generosity of my co-workers. From collecting food and toys for local children and families, donating money to buy wounded soldiers plane tickets home to my own department collecting items to send in care packages to Iraq, I am in awe at the selflessness of these employees.
"It may seem like a small gesture to donate a toy, but to the child who receives it on Christmas morning, it's a miracle. For the troops who are far from home, it offers them a little taste of home, even if just for a moment.
"I think it is awesome to see people willing to help others who are less fortunate or who are fighting for something halfway across the world. I am proud to be a part of Team Bayview and wish to commend everyone who has donated something to someone else, whether it's a toy, food or just simply their time."
