Inspiring GENEROSITY Volume 7 | Spring 2023 | stelizabeth.com/foundation PAGE 8: The journey starts now to change the landscape of cancer care beyond Northern Kentucky. Learn how your generosity will bring lifesaving, innovative treatments, transforming lives and make cancer care more accessible in Southeast Indiana. PAGE 3: Dr. Manish Bhandari makes personal investment to launch St. Elizabeth Innovation Center. PAGE 4: Dr. Dan Flora explains how clinical research is bringing new treatments and improved outcomes right here at home.
reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing anticoagulant therapy and repeat surgeries. The devices are currently under clinical investigation in the U.S. and India with promising results. Another partner is Cincinnati-based Sense Neuro Diagnostics, whose non-invasive brainscanning technology will provide real-time monitoring for brain bleeding, saving precious time for stroke or traumatic brain injury patients experiencing a new or expanding bleed. Trials are ongoing in the U.S., Canada and India. The Innovation Center is also helping Salt Lake startup, Epitel, bring “cloud-enabled” seizure-detection patches to ERs, ICUs and patients’ homes, expanding EEG access and affordability, and increasing the speed of diagnosis and treatment. The wireless EEG sensors and real-time remote monitoring software have already been FDA cleared for in-hospital use, and St. Elizabeth will be the first facility in the U.S. to roll out the technology for its patients. “Our goal is to identify creative solutions to healthcare challenges faced by our patients and providers, help validate their effectiveness in realworld settings and integrate them into patient care as quickly and safely as possible,” said Bhandari. “And the more we invest in and successfully implement these high-tech solutions, the more we’ll attract smart healthcare entrepreneurs to bring their breakthrough medtech, pharma and software solutions right here to St. Elizabeth. Ultimately, the entire community has the potential to benefit from enhancing healthcare innovations.” Dr. Manish Bhandari’s passion for science runs deep, and his compassion for those in his care even deeper. As his patients will tell you, the St. Elizabeth medical oncologist is relentless in his pursuit of the best possible therapy and outcome for everyone he treats. But his commitment to a healthier future doesn’t stop there. His vision for transforming care extends beyond his own specialty to every aspect of medicine, from the solutions available today to the possibilities of tomorrow. And he’s working to bring those opportunities right here, with the newly launched St. Elizabeth Healthcare Innovation Center. “Over the past decades, I’ve seen the impact that new technologies such as immunotherapy, cell therapy, medical devices like pacemakers and implantable defibrillators, and healthcare IT have had on enhancing the life and health of my patients, my family and society at large,” said Bhandari. “There is an unbelievable amount of innovation happening every day, and I think it’s important that we support its development to help improve standard of care.” The Innovation Center includes a venture fund for investing in emerging healthcare companies focused on improving the lives of patients through faster, more accurate diagnoses, state of the art treatment options and increased cost efficiency of care. St. Elizabeth’s Board of Trustees approved $25 million in seed funding last fall, and Bhandari was quick to join the investment with a personal commitment of $5 million from his estate and charitable foundation. In appreciation of the gift, St. Elizabeth has named the fund the Bhandari Venture Fund—and Bhandari its Clinical Director. The Innovation Center has already invested $5 million in Salt Lake City-based Foldax, which has developed the first-in-human synthetic polymer heart valves. Compared to current heart valves, the polymer versions are robotically produced at a fraction of the cost, last a lifetime, and can Bringing Healthcare’s Innovation Frontier Right Here Dr. Manish Bhandari, Clinical Director of St. Elizabeth Innovation Center In 2015, St. Elizabeth launched its Clinical Research Institute, offering new hope and a better quality of life for many patients in our area. Today, thanks to the support of generous donors, we have more than 170 active and enrolling clinical trials across multiple specialties. Now we are excited to announce we are exploring yet another frontier in healthcare with the newly launched St. Elizabeth Healthcare Innovation Center. Through its venture fund — The Bhandari Venture Fund, the Innovation Center will invest in emerging companies and partner with them to bring cutting-edge clinical treatments right here to St. Elizabeth, eliminating the need to travel for world-class care. Several collaborations are already underway, which you can read about in this issue. It’s another step toward St. Elizabeth’s vision to lead the communities it serves to be among the healthiest in the nation. Bob Hoffer Chair, St. Elizabeth Foundation Managing Partner, DBL Law In this issue, we highlight the newly launched St. Elizabeth Healthcare Innovation Center. It’s not a physical space, but a focal point for collaborative problemsolving and solution development designed to make healthcare more accessible, more affordable and more effective for all. The work will be fueled by a venture fund seeded with $25 million from St. Elizabeth and a $5 million commitment from our own Dr. Manish Bhandari. His passion is inspiring and his generosity humbling. What a powerful message it sends when those who know St. Elizabeth best — our associates — believe what we’re doing in this community is worthy of their own financial support. I encourage you to read about the breakthroughs in care delivery headed our way and consider investing in the promise these future advances will bring, right here. Carri Chandler Vice President, St. Elizabeth Foundation The mission of St. Elizabeth Foundation ... is to inspire and connect our generous community with St. Elizabeth programs and projects dedicated to improving the health of our families, friends and neighbors. We will elevate St. Elizabeth to lead the communities we serve to be among the healthiest in America. Inspiring Generosity, Vol . 6 | St . Elizabeth Foundation | Spring 2023 2 3 Contact Us: (859) 301–3920 | stefoundation@stelizabeth.com | stelizabeth.com/foundation
endocrinology, orthopedics and oncology. Currently, more than half of these trials focus on oncology. One motivating factor for the Zembrodt’s to support to the Clinical Research Institute is making an impact that will change lives for years to come. “The major impact will hopefully bring in renowned scientists and physicians that will open the door to treatments that were not available to the St. Elizabeth network before. In the past, these were only available to larger academic hospitals and cities that were out of reach financially and not easily accessible to many in the Northern Kentucky community,” said Dr. Zembrodt, “Having the courage to branch out is admirable. Lowcost and nearby facilities make it possible for more people to improve their quality of life.” For Dr. Flora, oncology research is also about hope. Hope for patients now and for patients in the future by improving patient outcomes, providing new treatment options, and hopefully one day providing cures for cancer. One breakthrough example is the positive results he’s documented by integrating immune therapy treatments with oncology patients. “If we can look at certain types of cancer and certain types of immune therapy treatments, perhaps we can find the right key for the right lock, and it fits and it works,” added Dr. Flora, “So that’s what research is all about — trying to find the right treatments for patients.” If you would like to support the work of the Clinical Research Institute, visit stelizabeth.com/supportresearch. To support Cancer Research at St. Elizabeth, visit stelizabeth.com/cancerresearch. Continue discovering new treatments that are just as effective, or more effective as traditional treatments but may produce BETTER OUTCOMES with fewer side effects. Expand patient participation rates to 10- 15% Use research to discover how to engineer the body’s immune system to FIGHT CANCER FUTURE GOALS: Meet The Doctor: Dr. Dan Flora, Medical Director Oncology Research • Dr. Flora was a pharmacist before return- ing to medical school to earn a second doctorate to practice in Medical Oncology/ Hematology. • His wife, Dr. Sarah Flora, is also a physician at St. Elizabeth Healthcare practicing Family Medicine in Edgewood. Sarah and Dan met at Wright State University — Boonshoft School of Medicine. What does he like to do outside of work? • Music has been a lifelong passion for him. He learned to play the guitar after his mother died of breast cancer when he was a teenager. Dr. Flora says it helped him get through her diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately her passing. Since then, he learned to play several different instruments and uses music to decompress. A few years ago, he started playing with a band and often performs in fundraising events. • Dr. Flora and his wife have three children who have developed a passion for soccer. He also enjoys playing golf and tennis. What drew him to Cincinnati? • While he moved around a lot as a child, Dr. Flora’s roots are here in the Cincinnatiarea. After his brother, Dr. Doug Flora, started practicing in Northern Kentucky, he saw St. Elizabeth’s commitment to build a Clinical Research program from the ground up and an exciting opportunity to build a leading-edge program. “Without clinical research, without clinical trials, there will be no cure,” says Dr. Flora. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is changing the face of cancer care by integrating new ways to treat some of the most prevalent forms of cancer with new and innovative approaches. The heart of many of these advances start with clinical research and the clinical trials conducted right here by top doctors and researchers at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Dr. Dan Flora, Medical Director Clinical Research and Oncology explained, “Every one of us has been impacted by cancer, so we understand just how important it is to develop better treatments with lower side effects. We want to limit toxic side effects of treatment and produce treatments that are as effective but may be kinder and gentler to the patients.” St. Elizabeth Healthcare first started clinical research trials at the end of 2014 before establishing the Clinical Research Institute in July 2015. With the support of generous donors, the Clinical Research Institute has increased the number of patients in studies tenfold, more than doubled its staff and opened a dedicated building for the Clinical Research Institute on St. Elizabeth’s Edgewood campus. “We are actively enrolling patients into clinical trials, making great strides and progress with cancer treatments, and we want patients to understand these are available now and they don’t have to wait until the next generation of drugs comes out, we have access to those things now,” continued Dr. Flora. The generosity of community members such as scientist Dr. Tony Zembrodt and his wife, Gerry, is integral in moving life-saving clinical research forward at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Dr. Zembrodt believes we must investigate as many opportunities as possible. “I know that research can often bring about answers,” said Zembrodt. “But, more importantly, it can result in new discoveries that allow surges ahead. These advances are a requirement, not a wish.” Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Flora and Clinical Research administrators, in conjunction with the daily work by researchers, doctors, nurses and the patients participating in studies, St. Elizabeth had nearly 170 active and enrolling clinical trials in 2022. Research conducted includes cardiology, electrophysiology, Research Brings Hope Generosity paired with innovation improving patient treatments and outcomes Inspiring Generosity, Vol . 6 | St . Elizabeth Foundation | Spring 2023 4 5 Contact Us: (859) 301–3920 | stefoundation@stelizabeth.com | stelizabeth.com/foundation
ooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooo MAKING A DIFFERENCE Together From Left: Merwin Grayson, John Domaschko, Dick Tapke and Bob Hoffer, All Foundation Chairs From Left: Joe and Valera Koester with Susan and Ron Lovan The models from the 2022 Winter Wonderland Holiday Style Show line the runway. Ashleigh DuBois models a beautiful dress from Inspired Fashion. From Left: Shad Sletto, Adam Russell, Patrick Crowley, Dan Ruh From Left: Dr. Doug Flora, Executive Director of St. Elizabeth Oncology Services and Dr. Dan Flora, Medical Director Clinical Research and Oncology From Left: Alex Thal, Lori Tenhundfeld, Linda Wince, and Eric Vibberts Summit Hills Golf ParTee, Tony Helton From Left: Harry Watson, Bruno Giacomuzzi, Cary Graham, and Brent Nibert From Left: Casey Adams, Beverly Hearn, Angela Brunemann, and Debbie Couch Golf Classic Golf Classic Golf Classic Golf ParTee Golf ParTee Golf ParTee Winter Wonderland Holiday Style Show Winter Wonderland Holiday Style Show Samaritan Celebration Samaritan Celebration From Left: Sarah and Marie Krumme From Left: Katie McNeely, Julie Tapke, Melissa Koester, Leeann Smiser, MaryEllen Farrell, Ashley Hulsey and Stacy Tapke Samaritan Celebration Winter Wonderland Holiday Style Show Connect With Our Generous Community by Joining Our 2023 Events! Inspiring Generosity, Vol . 6 | St . Elizabeth Foundation | Spring 2023 6 7 Contact Us: (859) 301–3920 | stefoundation@stelizabeth.com | stelizabeth.com/foundation
Comprehensive Cancer Care Coming to Southeast Indiana St. Elizabeth Healthcare is bringing comprehensive cancer care, including access to innovative therapies and clinical trials, to Southeast Indiana next year. St. Elizabeth Cancer Center—Dearborn will offer a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating cancer patients, with enhanced screening capabilities, advanced technologies and treatment options, and some of the most talented clinicians—all under one roof in Greendale, Indiana. The three-story, 66,000-square-foot facility will improve access to leading-edge cancer care for residents of Dearborn and surrounding counties, with the goal of diagnosing cancer earlier and increasing survival rates. “We are excited about the building, but the most important part of this isn’t the bricks and mortar,” added Flora. “It’s the talent we’ll be attracting to treat these patients, the clinical trials we’ll be opening, the access to good genetic counselors, dieticians and patient educators—all so that we can hopefully change the trajectory of cancer in Southeast Indiana.” The new Cancer Center will offer many state-of-the-art technologies, including on-site radiation oncology to treat a broad range of cancers, which will be integrated with other treatment approaches such as infusion services. In February, the wrap for the final beam of the Center was circulated and signed by physicians, associates, donors and community members, before it was installed atop the new building. The messages of support and healing added a personal touch from those who will be working at the Center and whose lives will be changed by it. Dr. Matthew Kotlove, a medical oncologist and hematologist serving patients in Lawrenceburg, has witnessed firsthand the benefits St. Elizabeth Healthcare has brought to patients in Southeast Indiana and is enthusiastic about expanding those services. “I’ve seen what a lack of access to care can do and how people are affected, and it makes me all the more appreciative of what St. Elizabeth is bringing to the area,” said Kotlove. “There’s a lot of community buy-in for this project; people are excited to see it coming to fruition. And once the doors open and they see all that we have to offer, they’ll realize they truly have a new home for cancer care, closer to home.” Front view of St. Elizabeth Cancer Center—Dearborn Construction of St. Elizabeth Cancer Center—Dearborn will cost an estimated $30 mi llion. Donors looking to support the Center can contribute to the Dearborn Cancer Center Fund through the St. Elizabeth Foundation by scanning the QR code. Right: Jim Mansfield, the Executive Director of the Dearborn County Home Builders Association and 31-year cancer survivor, was the first to sign his name on the wrap placed on the final beam of the future St. Elizabeth Cancer Center — Dearborn. Above: Supporters, donors, community members, and St. Elizabeth Foundation staff attend the raising of the final steel beam of St. Elizabeth Cancer Center— Dearborn on February 28, 2023. 9 8 Inspiring Generosity, Vol . 6 | Summer 2022 St . Elizabeth Foundation | stelizabeth.com/foundation
Burns Family Gives the Gift of Music Above: Carri Chandler, Vice President St. Elizabeth Foundation and Dr. Doug Flora, Executive Director of St. Elizabeth Oncology Services with Karen Burns and her family at the piano blessing ceremony at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center recognizing the family’s donation. Cancer care at St. Elizabeth is not just about treating the disease. It’s about treating the whole person by creating an experience making patients feel truly cared for and cared about. At the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, patients are welcomed by warm natural light, friendly personal greeters and the soothing sounds of a beautiful baby grand piano, generously donated by the Burns family. Terry Foster receives 2022 Kenton County Pioneer Award; named president of global Emergency Nurses Association St. Elizabeth Foundation recently welcomed Melissa Koester as Donor Engagement Director. Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience building strong client relationships and, as a longtime Foundation volunteer, a deep passion for the St. Elizabeth mission and vision. As Donor Engagement Director, Melissa works to build and strengthen relationships with individuals and organizations aligning their philanthropy with St. Elizabeth’s mission. In addition, she oversees Foundation fundraising events, guides community relations and manages donor relations activities. Melissa has been a treasured part of the St. Elizabeth family for more than 12 years, serving on the Foundation’s Community Relations Committee and Samaritan Committee. She lives in Crestview Hills with her husband, Ted, and their two sons, Wade and Tate. Please join us in welcoming Melissa to the St. Elizabeth Foundation team! Melissa can be reached at melissa.koester@stelizabeth.com or 859–301–5426. Long-time St. Elizabeth associate and St. Elizabeth Foundation Ambassador, Terry Foster RN, received the prestigious Kenton County Pioneer Award. Recognizing those who demonstrate servant leadership combined with awareness of the needs of fellow Kenton County residents, it is only awarded to those who provide outstanding service to the community and exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity. This year Terry begins his tenure as President of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), a global organization comprised of more than 50,000 emergency room nurses. He has been a member of the ENA for nearly 40 years and has served on its board of directors since 2018. Terry has been an associate of St. Elizabeth Healthcare since 1975 and serves a dual role as Ambassador for St. Elizabeth Foundation and Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Emergency Department. Join us in congratulating Terry on this well-deserved honor and his new role as president of the ENA! Vision 2020 Campaign Making a Difference for Associates For 30 years, the St. Elizabeth Foundation Vision associate campaign has been uniting the St. Elizabeth family in support of the local community and one another. Every three years, a new campaign is launched to target specific community health needs and support the Associate Crisis Fund. Since the launch of Vision 2020: Our Vision for a Healthier Community, St. Elizabeth associates have contributed to provide scholarships to local students, fund an anti-vaping education initiative, and offer emergency financial assistance to fellow associates during times of unexpected personal need. With the generosity of associates in 2022: • More than $128,000 distributed to 120 St. Elizabeth associates from the Associate Crisis Fund • 26 scholarships awarded to high school students pursuing healthcare careers • A series of anti-vaping educational resources have been distributed for students ages 8–14 This summer, the Foundation will launch a new three-year campaign, once again building on our legacy of healing, by joining together with a common purpose: to support those among us in need while identifying how we can lift up an important cause. Foundation Welcomes Melissa Koester as Donor Engagement Director Karen Burns, whose husband, Fred, received care at the Center, started playing the piano not long before his passing in 2021. Her new hobby inspired her to share the calming and restorative power of music with the patients and families who walk through the Center’s doors. “We know this gift will bring healing, hope and joy to all who hear it,” added Dr. Doug Flora, Executive Director of St. Elizabeth Oncology Services. “And we’re grateful to the Burns family for supporting us as we work to deliver cancer care that truly touches hearts and souls; the kind of care our patients need and deserve.” While the Center is fortunate to have several talented volunteer pianists, the piano is also equipped to play itself, filling the atrium with calm and uplifting melodies throughout the day. Inspiring Generosity, Vol . 6 | St . Elizabeth Foundation | Spring 2023 10 11 Contact Us: (859) 301–3920 | stefoundation@stelizabeth.com | stelizabeth.com/foundation
1 Medical Village Drive | Edgewood, KY 41017 Together, we’ll make a lasting impact --- right here at home. Golf ParTee Tuesday, September 12 Host Courses: Highland, Summit Hills, Triple Crown, Traditions Samaritan Celebration Saturday, October 28 North at Hotel Covington Style Show & Luncheon Monday, November 20 MegaCorp Pavilion Save the date! Mark your calendars for the following St. Elizabeth Foundation events:
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