November 2008
Dear faculty, Children's Hospital staff and other friends,
It is nearing Thanksgiving and each of us has many things for which we are thankful. In this month's feature story, you read the story of a boy, Teddy Schmidt, who in the midst of a very difficult seizure problem, highlights the technology, caring, and heart of the patient, family, community, and healers. Teddy's story is a true symbol of the first-rate medical care provided at MUSC Children's Hospital. These healers come in many shapes and sizes. We have therapy dogs, child life specialists, and compassionate and gutsy doctors. I say this because many of the therapies that we use are new or experimental. We also have researchers who are developing new treatments and surgical procedures. What a wonderful place to see Thanksgiving all around.
The MUSC Children's is not a building, it is the people. It matters little whether the Children's Hospital is in our current building or at a new facility, it is the care of the staff and physicians who make the difference. We have been working for us to be able to create miracles for "a lot of little reasons" for almost 30 years. During the last year, we have had a great influx of caring staff in the clinics and on the ward. We have recruited physicians and surgeons who help us to create the best care in the country.
I am very thankful for the people in the community who help us to raise money, volunteer, and the supporters who encourage us by writing letters and letting us know when we are doing well and help us to find out when we need to do better. I am very Thankful for Dr. Darby, Tommy Baker, Frank Bullard and our whole Children's Hospital Fund group (volunteer and paid) who are able to build new ways to help children.
As we bow our heads on Thanksgiving, we should all give thanks for the caring people of the world who want to see all of our fellow citizens of Charleston and the world to share in the bounty that we enjoy. Teddy is certainly a lucky child who has a chance for the future. We are thankful not just for the hospital, but for the caring families, friends and agencies that make it possible for us to give thanks for the many blessings we, and our patients, enjoy.
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Sincerely,
L. Lyndon Key, MD
Chair, Department of Pediatrics |
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