171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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February 2009
Dear faculty, Children's Hospital staff and other friends,
As many of you know, we were recently informed that our state allocation has dwindled down to 40 percent of last year's appropriation. This has caused us to have to consider the possibility of reducing services and/or faculty. Of course, in typical MUSC spirit, we have had a number of people provide much needed support by raising money or by giving back to the department by offering up to 10 percent of their income for this year. We are so grateful for their dedication and generosity.
While we were all worried about the solvency of the Department of Pediatrics and the College of Medicine, our annual Radiothon, sponsored by Clear Channel, took place January 29-31 and generous donors throughout the Lowcountry did their part to help support our cause. I'm happy to report that this year's event raised more than $140,000 for MUSC Children's Hospital.
During Radiothon, our residents helped to kick-off another unique fund raising initiative called Beards for Babies. This program will run through March 1 and is geared toward raising money for a Simulation Lab that will provide training for residents by enabling them to practice on simulated babies and children. It will eliminate the need to do procedures on live children while trying to figure out what angle is needed to start a line, how to give cardiovascular resuscitation, etc. The idea behind this project is that anyone in the community or on campus who spies a person with a Beards for Babies button can immediately make a donation to this meaningful cause.
It is comforting to know that while we are all trying to make our way through this difficult time of cut-backs and job losses, there is a group of dedicated doctors, led by chief residents, Dr. David Mills and Dr. Sanjiv Pasala, that are going above and beyond to support the hospital and the children and families we serve. The chiefs and their team have already shaved their beards, assembled their followers, and are looking forward to gaining your support and donations.
I am so proud of our residents and thrilled to work with - and sometimes guide - this thoughtful, creative and sensational program. Beards for Babies demonstrates that philanthropy is not just the domain of the rich. It highlights the importance of giving back to the institution that has provided our residents with a stellar training program. I ask everyone who reads this to give at least $25 to help further our cause. Remember, we are all in this boat together; so let's continue to support one another the best that we can.
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Sincerely,
L. Lyndon Key, MD
Chair, Department of Pediatrics |
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