voice of mercy summer 2013

2 Summer 2013 Voice of Mercy

EditorDonna Wilhelm

DesignCecilia Mace

Contributing WritersJake BellLyn FogartyCecilia MaceDonna Wilhelm

Voice of Mercy (ISSN 1041-3987) is published twice a year byMercy Medical, P.O. Box 1090, Daphne, AL 36526-1090. Internetaddress: mercymedical.com

Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without expresswritten permission of Mercy Medical. Copyright 2012

Letters to the editor must be typed and signed and mailed toEditor, The Voice of Mercy, P.O. Box 1090, Daphne, AL 36526-1090 orsent via e-mail to [email protected].

c o n t e n t

From the CEO

EditorDonna Wilhelm

DesignCecilia Mace

Contributing WritersCecilia MaceDonna Wilhelm Pat Scanland

Voice of Mercy (ISSN 1041-3987) is published twice a year byMercy Medical, P.O. Box 1090, Daphne, AL 36526-1090. Internetaddress: mercymedical.com

Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without expresswritten permission of Mercy Medical. Copyright 2006

Letters to the editor must be typed and signed and mailed toEditor, The Voice of Mercy, P.O. Box 1090, Daphne, AL 36526-1090 orsent via e-mail to [email protected].

in this issue2 From the CEO

Cover Story3 Transforming: Today, Tomorrow, Together

People4 Returning CareKinesis becomes

Presenting Sponsor

5 Getting to Know Mercy’s Golf Co-Chairs

Finance6 Planned Gifts, A Caring Statement for

Generations to come

7 Lucy Eisenhower Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Quality8 Brave, Selfless Mom Blessed with daughters

9 Guardian Angel was there when we needed it most

Service10 A Minor Setback to a Major Comeback

11 Governance Awardee designates Mercy LIFEMercy Staff gets comfortable raising fundsMercy Salutes The Caring Foundation

12 Mercy’s 27th Annual Charity Golf TournamentSponsors-to-Date

c o n t e n tVoice of Mercy

Everyone likes good surprises! As CEO ofMercy Medical for the past four years, I cansay we have been blessed with multiple goodsurprises. Some of those surprises have comein the form of unexpected support for newprograms, some have come in the form ofearly successes, and some have come in theform of donations.

Mercy Medical has always been a widely known “worthy cause”on the Gulf Coast. After all, we are local and we take care of localpeople, whether they are the frailest elderly or the sickest child,they are all our neighbors. So gifts to this ministry have helped ussupport the needed care for less fortunate here for many, manyyears.

As we continue to do that through Mercy LIFE and Mercy HomeCare, the need is no less. That’s why when we learn of someone’sgracious support for our programs, we know we continue to beblessed by the very community we serve.

You will learn in this issue of the Voice of ways you can helpsupport this ministry and of ways others have already done so. Justrecently we were blessed to receive a bequeath from the LucilleDawson Eisenhower Revocable Trust. We didn’t know that yearsago Mrs. Eisenhower named Mercy Medical in her Will. Butbecause she believed in this ministry, the Mission and the goodwork that is done every day through Mercy Medical, she left usfunds to help us continue that work.

Indeed, everyone likes “good” surprises, especially when theyhelp us help our neighbors through the ministry that is MercyMedical.

On the CoverThe South’s iconic oak and the new

logo of Mercy Medical is a great analogyfor Mercy’s vision and ministry of the 64-year old company. Mercy sybolizes likethe oak, so much to so many. It isn’tuncommon for someone to mention howthey will never forget the care a loved onereceived while at Mercy Medical.

Like a live oak, Mercy’s roots are deepin the community, and like its extendingbranches, Mercy’s ministry has reached

far and wide along the Gulf Coast. The cover is another visualillustration of how diversified the ministry is and its growth andstrength because of community support.

Voice of Mercy Summer 2013 3

Anne Frank, famous author, historianand holocaust victim once wrote, “Howwonderful it is that nobody need wait asingle moment before starting toimprove the world.” This issue of theVoice of Mercy will again explore Mercy’stransformation over the past severalyears and its movement forward andhow together we can do our part toimprove the world, today and for manytomorrows ahead of us.

Mercy Medical’s legacy in this area isvast. Within its walls and inside thehomes of countless people Mercy hasproven its Mission time and time again,to continue the healing ministry of JesusChrist. The only thing that has reallychanged or transformed about Mercy ishow and where that Mission is met.Moving into solely providing home andcommunity based services was a naturalprogression for Mercy Medical tocontinue to meet the needs of thecommunity. Meeting the needs of ourcommunity in innovative ways andtaking risks along the way have alwaysbeen values that Mercy has lived by.

Today Mercy Medical may lookdifferent, but to the people we continueto serve through Mercy LIFE, MercyHome Care and Portier Place, MercyMedical’s commitment to providequality, holistic care is unchanged.

That’s why today, even more than ever,Mercy Medical needs the support of ourcommunity. Mercy’s path oftransformation was very much a strongcalling to care for more of the poor andvulnerable in our community. MercyLIFE is a perfect example of that calling.Mercy LIFE, the first PACE (Programs ofAll-inclusive Care for the Elderly)program in the state of Alabama, servesthe underserved, very frail elderly thatsociety often forgets. It cares for thosewho lack adequate services simplybecause they are poor. But with thatcommitment comes a need to financiallysupplement the cost.

Along with Mercy LIFE, Mercy HomeCare cares for the other spectrum, the

very young, through the Pediatric HomeCare and Hospice. This program alsoserves the very frail and underserved.For many of these children, their onlyinsurance is Medicaid, which pays verylittle towards home health and hospice.But, through our Guardian Angelprogram, we are able to fund the carefor many children who are critically orterminally ill.

Mercy Medical’s hospice, the oldestand only faith-based, not-for-profit

hospice in the area, serves those withterminal illness. Mercy Hospice, a long-time Mercy ministry, provides terminallyill patients and their family members thehighest-quality care. Hospice for many isnot covered by their insurance or theyare uninsured. Support for hospice careis always needed and allows Mercy tocontinue its Mission through care for thedying.

Mercy Medical also provides day-to-day administration functions for ProjectLifesaver, which includes enrollingparticipants, managing and raisingfunds, and providing education on theprogram. Project Lifesaver is the nation’smost effective program for locating andrescuing individuals that wander and aremissing. Mercy Medical throughfundraising, only charges $10 a monthfor people to participate in ProjectLifesaver.

Mercy Medical has indeedtransformed, but did so in an effort tomove in the direction our Missioncalled. Oliver Wendell Holmes oncewrote, “The great things in this world arenot so much where we stand, as in whatdirection we are moving.” And Mercy ismoving in a new direction that todaymay be small in scope, but will shapeour community’s tomorrow by being thechange that healthcare needs.

Together, with our colleagues, ourvolunteers, and our donors, we willcontinue to carry the Mission forward,to continue the healing ministry of JesusChrist. We hope you will also supportthat Mission and choose to come alongwith us in shaping a better today andtomorrow. Let’s not wait anothermoment to start improving the world!Help us do that!

Mercy Medical has been sustainedover the years by those who believed inpaying it forward, protecting the futureand sustainability of this ministry.Please consider paying it forward andgive to strengthen Mercy Medical’sfuture. Give to Mercy Medical’s AnnualCampaign. –DW

c o v e rVoice of Mercy

Transforming: Today, Tomorrow, Together

“Someonesuggested thatMercy Medicalhad a goodpediatric homecare programwhich is why Ichose Mercy; I’mso glad I did,”

stated Brittney.

“Guardian Angelwas the good thatcame out of ouranguish; welearned how muchour communitycares in theirsupport of ourfamily,”

“It was like God sentGuardian Angels tohelp us. I would belost without Mercy LIFE,”

said Sophia, Joe’s sister.

said Luther, Lukes father.

[page 8]

[page 10]

[page 9]

One of the area’s oldest and mostpopular charity golf tournaments, MercyMedical’s 27th Annual Charity GolfTournament is scheduled for Friday,Sept. 27 at Rock Creek Golf Club inFairhope, Ala. Returning SponsorCareKinesis announced shortly after thefirst golf committee meeting that it willbe this year’s Presenting Sponsor.

Since 1986, the Mercy tournament hasraised hundreds of thousands of dollarsfor charity care of families in Mobile andBaldwin counties. This year the golftournament will benefit Mercy’sGuardian Angel program that fundspediatric home care. Players andsponsors not only win on the course butexperience the winning spirit offundraising for Mercy’s critically andterminally ill children. Last year alone,tournament proceeds contributed toMercy Medical’s ability to provide nearly$1 million in non-reimbursed care inMobile and Baldwin counties.

“Orsula Knowlton, president ofCareKinesis said they would be honoredto be Mercy’s Presenting Sponsor for theCharity Golf Tournament. We are proudto have CareKinesis as our presentingsponsor this year. They truly dounderstand the good work of MercyMedical and support Guardian Angel,the program that funds our pediatrichome care and hospice. Mercy’sGuardian Angel program ensures that allchildren, no matter of their familiesability to pay, receive excellenthealthcare in their home, a place wherethe child may not even know how sickthey are,” said Donna Wilhelm, vicepresident of marketing and governmentrelations for Mercy Medical.

Highlights of this year’s tournamentinclude a raffle with resort stays,weekend passes, collectible artwork andsigned memorabilia plus flighted teamsand great prizes. Sponsorship packagesoffer great promotional opportunities forbusinesses in the form of pre- and post-event publicity, event banners, golf teesignage, and business promotions, aswell as players in the tournament. Multi-level sponsor packages vary from adiamond sponsorship at $5,000; to a teesponsor at $150.

Individual registration is $150 perplayer which includes lunch, greens fees,cart fees, range balls, a great player gift,food and beverages on the course, post-tournament refreshments, and theopportunity to win terrific prizes. Early

bird player registration offers players aone in 10 chance of winning a golfoutings or other great prizes. Thetournament format will be a four-personscramble with an 8:30 shotgun followedby lunch and a brief awards program.Online registration is available now.

For information about Mercy’s 27thAnnual Charity Golf Tournament, tosponsor, volunteer or register visitwww.mercymedical.com/golf or contactdevelopment at (251) 621-4884.

CareKinesis is the first national PACE-centric, medication management anddistribution pharmacy that provides andcoordinates all medication managementand pharmacy needs for PACE (programof all-inclusive care for the elderly)organizations countrywide.–CM


p e o p l eVoice of Mercy

The 27th Annual Mercy Medical Charity Golf Tournament committee are standing fromleft Bradley Sanders (Phelps Dunbar), John Strope (Dogwood Productions), JonathanJones (Bryant Bank), Kevin Whitney (Rock Creek), Justin Crews (Mercy Medical), Sr.Marilyn Graf, RSM (Mercy LIFE); sitting from left are co-chair Randy Burgan (Gulf CoastBroadcast Network), Debbie Clolinger (Portier Place), co-chair Hudson Sandefur (Zaxby’s)Donna Wilhelm (Mercy Medical), Mike Maskill (Aflac) and Flora Chamberlain (volunteer).Not pictured are co-chair Russ Wood, Chad Leonard (Rock Creek) and Cecilia Mace.

Returning CareKinesis becomes Presenting Sponsor

Nancy Raia donated a collaborative piece“Guardian Angel” to the golf silentauction. The piece was drawn by Bart,who just graduated from the RegionalSchool for the Deaf and Blind and waspainted by Nancy. When asked why Bartchose to draw an angel, he responded,“Because everyone deserves a fightingchance.”

Nancy (and Angela Underwood, WeeksBay Biologist) also deserves KUDOS forrecently winning third place in the USEPA’s Gulf Guardian Award for SqueakySneakers, a program that promotesconservation of estuaries and othercoastal resources through immersion inexperiential environmental education andinnovative forms of artistic expression.

Up for Auction

Golf Committee Co-Chair Russ Wood, his wifeKelly and two children Hunter Russell (17) andMary Frances (11) live in Spanish Fort. Russ’saltruism reaches far into the community. Currentlyhe serves or has served on many committeesincluding Fellowship of Christian Athletes (BaldwinCo board chairman), Acts 100 board member,Snook Family YMCA board member, Baldwin County HomeBuilders, Associate Builders and Contractors (ABC) boardmember and a legislative committee lobbyist for federal andstate levels, Associated General Contractors, Gulf Coast Branchof Alabama Chapter (USGBC) US Green Building Councilmember, Team Jesus Fishing Ministry board member,TimberCreek Property Owners Association board member andEastern Shore Baptist Church member and three-time electeddeacon. His foundation for leadership was mentored by CoachPaul W. Bryant when he became a scholarship player with theUniversity of Alabama. He played all four years, lettered threeyears and made All–Bowl team in 1982. Based on hisleadership and performance, Russ as a senior was chosen asgame captain more times than any player that year by CoachBryant. His best college football memory came at the LibertyBowl, when he sacked Illinois’ Tony Eason with less than aminute to go in Coach Bryant’s final game. A year later, Russserved as an honorary pallbearer in Coach Bryant’s funeral.

As a free agent Russ tried out with the KansasCity Chiefs and was drafted by the BirminghamStallions.

Russ received his BS in communications with amajor in advertising and a minor in marketing. Hiscareer path has included sales at MotorolaCommunications; dealer development and district

management at Adesco, Inc. (Nissan, Mazda, Isuzu); chainaccounts and area management for Mobile Beer and Wine;sales for Jenkins Brick; and sales and management forseventeen years at Reynolds Ready Mix.

“The reason I am so supportive of Mercy Medical’s golftournament over the years is I have always liked playing inthe event so when my good friend Bailey Rowden asked me toserve as a committee member and later as a co-chair, therewas no way I could turn it down. My grandmother was apatient at Mercy Medical and my mom, grandfather andwhole family were so impressed with the care she receivedthat I always remembered it.

At the University of Alabama, we won several SECchampionships. What a great opportunity it is for me toagain be on a championship team like the Mercy Medical golfcommittee. I am truly blessed.”

– Russ Wood


p e o p l eVoice of Mercy

Golf Committee Co-Chair Hudson Sandefur, hiswife Leslie and their three children live in Daphne,Alabama. Hudson received a BBA in marketing fromValdosta State University in 1990. For eight years heserved as the Operations Manager for AAA TankTesters, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia.

Believing in Zaxby’s delicious menu and familyfriendly atmosphere from being a regular patron in Atlanta,when the opportunity arose in 2004 to open a Zaxby’sfranchise along the Gulf Coast, Hudson took it. It paid off asHudson and his family today own and operate the Zaxby’slocations in Daphne, Foley and Malbis. This fall they will open

their fourth location in Gulf Shores.

“I first got involved with Mercy Medical in2005. At Zaxby’s we sponsored a fundraiser forProject Lifesaver called Chicken for Charity. Isaw first-hand the commitment Mercy Medicalhad to helping people in our community and I

wanted to be a part of that. Getting involved with the golftournament was no different. The Mercy staff working hardto help others less fortunate in our area was inspiring andstill is today. I value my relationship with Mercy Medical.”

– Hudson Sandefur, Zaxby’s Restaurants

Getting to know Mercy’s Golf Co-Chairs

Golf Committee Co-Chair Randy Burgan hasbeen a sports broadcaster and in media for over 15years and is the president of RGB Marketing & USSports Today which broadcasts high school andcollege sports. He hosts the popular Golf RadioShow, “Tee Time on the Gulf Coast” on FM Talk1065 and The Golf Broadcast Network and is editorof “Tee Time on the Gulf Coast” Golf Magazine. Randy is also aboard member of the Mobile & Baldwin Counties Fellowshipof Christian Athletes. A stand out high school football andbaseball athlete, Randy went on to play college baseball. Hehas been the radio voice of The Spanish Fort Toro’s, The

Bulldogs of UMS-Wright, and is currently the voicefor Bayside Academy Admirals and Faulkner StateSun Chiefs. Randy resides in Fairhope and has twochildren, Taylor (21) and Kaylee (18).

“There are a number of reasons that I havecommitted to be co-chair of the Mercy MedicalGolf Tournament but I think the main reason is

for the Guardian Angel Program. As a father, I am blessed tohave healthy children and I would be devastated if one of mychildren had a major illness. This program provides care toany child in need, no matter of their family’s ability to pay.”

– Randy Burgan, RGB Marketing & US Sports


f i n a n c eVoice of Mercy

Planned gifts can be athoughtful way for adonor to make a lastingstatement about theirvision for ourcommunity’s futurewhile receiving fulladvantage of taxdeductions and taxsavings. A gift to MercyMedical will create alegacy of caring forgenerations to come.

Mercy Medical hasalways sought to be afaithful steward of theresources provided, butthe ability to providequality services has onlybeen possible through the generouscontributions of those who believe inMercy’s mission and its invaluable work.

Planned gifts provide the donor withthe opportunity to make a significantcontribution to Mercy Medical in abequest or over a long-term period,rather than in the immediatecommitment of a sum, which mayreduce the donor’s annual income.Planned gifts can produce a sizableamount of money over time for anorganization, while providing continuingbenefits to the donor and his family.Planned or deferred gifts allow donors,who may not otherwise be able to do so,to contribute sizable gifts to a charitableorganization.

Individuals who have thought aboutproviding a planned or estate gift oftenbegin with a financial advisor or estateplanning attorney, or even with theorganization itself. Many organizationshave educational materials to assistdonors and also often have relationshipswith estate planning professionals whoare available to assist prospectivedonors.

There are numerous planned givingvehicles available to prospective donors,each of which has benefits to both theorganization, and to the donor and hisfamily.

Perhaps the simplest form of planned

giving, the bequest is a provision of theLast Will and Testament that providesfor a distribution from the estate to thecharitable organization. Benefits to thedonor include the avoidance of capitalgains taxes and a reduction of both giftand estate taxes.

Gift Annuities are a simple contractbetween a donor and a charity.Establishing an annuity allows the donorthe opportunity to make a charitable giftwhile maintaining a stream of incomefor life. Upon the death of the donor,the remaining principal is retained bythe organization. Annuity benefits to thedonor include an increase in spendableincome; avoidance of capital gain taxes;a reduction in income, gift, and estatetaxes; and lifelong payments to thedonor and his spouse.

Charitable Remainder Trusts are verysimilar to annuities in that they pay thedonor and another beneficiary anincome for a fixed time period or forlife. When the Trust expires, theremainder of the principal is distributedto a charitable organization. By creatinga charitable remainder trust, a donor canenjoy a number of benefits includingprofessional management of the trust’sassets; a degree of financial protection;increased spendable income; avoidanceof capital gains taxes; a reduction ofincome, gift and estate taxes; andlifelong payments.

Appreciated Real Estate, Securities,and other Similar Personal Assets arepopular ways for many donors to leave alegacy to an organization while receivingpersonal benefits. When a donorbequests real estate or other propertiesto an organization, the donor is allowedto keep using the property, while gettinga potential current reduction in incometax and removing all or part of theproperty value from the donor’s estate.The donor avoids capital gains taxes, aswell as receiving a reduction in gift andestate taxes.

Life Insurance may be the easiest wayfor a donor to make the greatest impacton a charitable organization because thecost for a generous life insurance policycan be relatively low. Many donors uselife insurance to replace wealth given toa charitable organization or a charitabletrust. An attorney or financial advisorcan assist a donor in understanding thebenefit of life insurance as a vehicle forproviding a planned gift for anorganization.

While there are other ways for anindividual to provide a planned gift,those mentioned are among the mostpopular. To learn more about MercyMedical Planned Giving, please visitwww.mercymedical.com/donate orcontact the development office.–PS

Have you remembered Mercy Medicalin your estate planning?

Planned Gifts, A Caring Statement for Generations to come Gift Increase Reduce Avoid Provide Reduce Reduce Estate Insure theOpportunities Spendable Income Capital Lifelong Gift Settlement Future of Quality

Income Tax Gains Tax Payments Taxes Costs Health CarGift Annuities

CharitableRemainderTrusts

Real Estate

CharitableLead Trusts

Appreciated Securities &Personal Property

RetirementPlan Assets

Bequests/Giftsby Will

Life Insurance

In 2013, Mercy Medical received asubstantial distribution from the Lucille(Lucy) Dawson Eisenhower RevocableTrust. Planned gifts have been a vitalkeystone in sustaining Mercy Medicalcharitable programs throughout timeand Lucy Eisenhower’s generous gift willprovide countless families of Baldwinand Mobile counties continued excellenthealthcare and spiritual comfort forgenerations to come.

Lucy Eisenhower was never short ongenerosity, community service andadvocacy. Throughout her life shepassionately welcomed the manychallenges set before her both politicallyand spiritually. She seemed to haveinherited her father’s drive and zest forlife. Her father, James Dawson, wasmaimed in an industrial accident losingboth his hands after having his thirdchild. He went on to have four morechildren, buy a farm, drive a car andraise a family and grandchildren. Hisdisability never held him back fromliving a normal life and a life of service.He instilled in his children his samerobust work ethic, self-reliance andambition to live your true aspiration.

Lucy followed her dream to beeducated in New York and left BaldwinCounty after high school graduation.She became very interested in law andsoon found herself moving toWashington State to pursue working at alaw firm. Her boss, Edgar Eisenhowerwho was a widower and quite older,became very fond of Lucy. They marriedin 1950 just in time to help Edgar’sbrother, Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower,enter the 1952 presidential race on theRepublican ticket, thus becoming the34th President of the United Stateswhich he won by a landslide. Lucy waswell prepared for the service life of beinga member of the presidential family.

Lucy was married to Edgar for twenty-one years when he passed away in 1971and never remarried. She resided in theNorthwest for 23 years and stayedpolitically active. She later moved toHouston, Texas for 27 years where sheretired from Occidental Chemical

Corporations InternationalDepartment.

During her lifetime, Lucywas very active in theFoundation for AmericanChristian Education forChildren, Free EnterpriseInstitute, The HeritageFoundation and the FreedomFoundation of Valley Forge.She was awarded the GeorgeWashington Honor Medal forher achievement of developingand producing the TuesdayForum in Houston and washonored for her continuedefforts and contribution to thepreservation of theconstitutional form ofgovernment established uponspiritual principles. She wasdirector of the economicextension program ofNorthwood Institute inHouston, a Trustee and Director of FreeMarket Education foundation, and anadvisor and presenter of EconomicEducational Programs. Lucy was also azealous writer throughout her life andwas awarded and recognized for“American Pen Women”, one of her shortstories.

Lucy’s family persuaded her to return

to Baldwin County in 1997so she would have supportwhile aging. She continued tobe a leader in serving hercommunity and was aprominent speaker fordifferent venues as well as amember of the WelcomeWagon. Eventually herarthritis and other physicalafflictions made her decline.When the time came for help,Lucy and her family choseMercy Medical’s communityfor care. Although shebecame debilitated, shecontinued her service workby packaging layettes as giftsfor the hospitals to give newmothers.

“My aunt was veryoutgoing, loved people andloved to help others. Whenwe liquidated her estate, she

had twelve filing drawers full of herwritten materials. If she didn’t agree withan issue, she wrote letters advocating forchange,” said Barbara Hughes, the nieceof the late Lucy Eisenhower.

Lucy passed away at age 91 in lateNovember of 2012 at a local healthcarefacility with family and friends by her side.–CM


Lucy Eisenhower Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Photo 1: Pictured before an election rally in Tacoma, WA are presidential candidate Dwight“Ike” Eisenhower (left), Lucy (center) and her husband Edgar Eisenhower (right). Photo 2:Lucy dressed in her elegant gown in anticipation of the Presidential Inaugural Ball when herbrother-in-law Dwight Eisenhower became the 34th President of the United States.

f i n a n c eVoice of Mercy

[PHOTO 1] [PHOTO 2]

It would be highly unlikely for mostparents to have to discern about theirchild’s life as much as Brittney had whenit came to her first born. Brittney wouldbe the one in 10,000 that would learnher unborn child had holoprosencephalyat her four-month check up. Instead ofdiscovering the sex of her baby, Brittneywas told by her doctor that her childwould not live.

Holoprosencephaly is a disorder inwhich the embryo’s forebrain fails todevelop into two hemispheres. In mostcases of holoprosencephaly, themalformations are so severe that babiesdie before birth. When the embryo'sforebrain does not divide, it causesdefects in the development of the faceand in brain structure and function.Brittney’s baby would have severe facialdeformities including a cleft palate, lackof a nose and close set eyes. Her doctoralso explained that her daughter wouldprobably not survive to full-term orthrough delivery. He then discussed withher the option to terminate herpregnancy.

“As a Catholic, I did not believe inabortion so that was never an option forme,” recalled Brittney.

Knowing the outcome of her baby’sfate, Brittney anxiously endured a full-term pregnancy and a C-section. OnNovember 11, 2010 Brittney gave birthto Aliyah Nicole who weighed sixpounds seven ounces and was 18 incheslong. Aliyah’s severe deformation createdproblems for her breathing and she wasimmediately placed on a ventilator. Aftertwo days, the hospital staff askedBrittney if she would take Aliyah off themachine. Brittney prepared herself forthe impact of her decision to take herdaughter off life support.

“They told us to prepare for Aliyah todie. It was very agonizing but she madeit through. She was a fighter,” saidBrittney.

Strong Aliyah continued to breathe onher own and after 6 days in the hospital,Brittney wanted to take her daughterhome.

“I was ready to go home and I wasn’tleaving without Aliyah. Someonesuggested that Mercy Medical had agood pediatric home care programwhich is why I chose Mercy,” statedBrittney. “I’m so glad I did.”

Upon her arrival home the Mercy staff,Shawn (Mercy’s chaplain), Kathy(Mercy’s Hospice nurse) and Kim(Mercy’s pediatric nurse) were alreadythere preparing the house for Aliyah.

“Everyone was so sweet to me.Basically they explained everything insimple terms so I really understood whatwas going on. Aliyah had a special bottlefor her cleft palate. If she wouldn’t takeit, I would have to feed her through herfeeding tube. They showed me multipletimes how to put her tube in, then letme feed her so I would be comfortabledoing it myself. They explained howcommon her seizures would be andwhat to expect,” said Brittney.

Brittney also had great support fromfamily, friends and co-workers. Brittneyis a certified nursingassistant at a long-term carefacility and knew first-handhow important support is inyour time of need.

“People from work wouldcome visit just to holdAliyah. Kathy from Mercywould come to rock Aliyahall the time and bring methings including diapers.

She told me if I ever needed anything Icould always call her.”

On November 30, 2010, Brittneyplanned to take Aliyah to a doctor’sappointment.

“We were asleep. I had just gotten upto get us ready for Aliyah’s appointmentwhich was an hour away. And when Itried to get Aliyah up, she was cold. Shehad died in her sleep.

There is nothing like loosing a child.You don’t expect it even when it iscertain. You always expect to outliveyour children,” lamented Brittney.

Aliyah lived for 19 days. Co-workersof Brittney’s raised money to buy Aliyaha headstone.

“All of us from Mercy felt Brittney wasamazing and very mature for such ayoung mother. She never took the easyway out and brought Aliyah into thisworld and into her home, because shewanted to be her mom. She had to makesome really tough decisions. She pouredso much love into Aliyah’s life and death.

She planned a beautifulmemorial service. Brittneyexemplified a mother’sunconditional love,” statedKathy, Mercy’s hospice nurse.

Nearly a year and a half later,Brittney would give birth toher second child, AubreyKlaire, a healthy baby girl.Brittney and Aubrey visitAliyah’s graveside often . –CM


q u a l i t yVoice of Mercy

A Brave, Selfless Mom blessed with daughters

Left photo: Aliyah Nicole suffered from holoprosencephaly, a condition where the malformations are so severe most babies die before birth.

Against the odds, Aliyah lived 19 days and was cherished by mom Brittney.

Right Photo: A year and a half after Aliyah’s death, Brittney gave birth to Aubrey Klaire, a healthy baby girl.


Aimee, her husband Luther and theirfive children, Hannah age 11; Jacob age9; Noah age 6; Luke age 4; and Zackeryage 3; never imagined how quickly theirlives would change when a memberbecame critically ill. Luke, the secondyoungest was almost two-years old whenAimee first noticed a couple of knots onhis head. Although concerned, everyonethought it was probably due to histoddler ways of constantly bumping intothings. But when the two knots turnedinto six knots, mom and dad were bothalarmed. “All of a sudden, Luke couldn’tstand or walk. He would fall every timehe tried to stand. His lymph nodes wereswollen,” shuddered Aimee.

They quickly brought Luke to hisprimary pediatrician who sent themimmediately to the hospital for furthertesting.

In November of 2010, Luke wasdiagnosed with Acute LymphocyticLeukemia. According to the Mayo Clinic,Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is the mostcommon type of cancer in children andtreatments result in a good chance for acure. The term acute means that theleukemia can progress quickly, and if nottreated, would probably be fatal within afew months. Lymphocytic means itdevelops from early forms oflymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

“You never dream this can happen toyou. Life changed so quickly,” recalledLuther.

Luke would spend the next sixmonths in the hospital. Although themedical team had Luke in remissionwithin 15 days, he would have to endureanother four years of chemotherapy andthe road to recovery would be long andfrightening for his family. A hugeblessing for Aimee and Luther was theirclose knit family and Luther’s parents.

“When Luke was first hospitalized, wespent 95% of our time living at thehospital. It was such a difficult time forour kids but Nanna and Paw helpedtremendously. I don’t know what wewould have done without them,”claimed Luther.

“Once Luke did come home, he wouldget infections easily. It wasn’t until Luke’s

doctor referred us toMercy’s Pediatric HomeCare that we finallystarted feeling stability.Once Kim started Lukeon infusions, hestabilized and wasn’treadmitted to thehospital like before,”stated Aimee.

Every two weeks to amonth, Kim, Mercy’spediatric home carenurse, would take labsand administer anIntravenousimmunoglobulin orIVIG infusion toLuke to boost hisantibodies and hisimmune system. Hisfour-hour infusions helped preventinfections in Luke’s body.

“Luke is such a trooper. When he firststarted getting poked and prodded, hewould get so upset but now he doesn’treally even flinch. He loves Ms. Kimbecause she takes her time and reallyconnects with him. She brings him treatsall the time,” said Aimee.

Although it has been extremelydifficult financially for the family, Mercy’sGuardian Angel program has supportedLuke and his family since January 14,2011. Because no child is turned away atMercy and medicaid and manyinsurances cover less than 30% of a

child's medical costs,Mercy must raisemuch-needed fundsthrough GuardianAngel to help ensureevery child receivesexcellent healthcare intheir homes. Since1998, Mercy'spediatric home careprogram has treatedmore than 2,000children with chronicillnesses includingcystic fibrosis,leukemia, othercancers and diseases,or severe conditionsresulting from a birthdefect or injury.

“Guardian Angelwas the good that came out of ouranguish; we learned how much ourcommunity cares in their support of ourfamily. The program makes sure theunexpected and unimaginable healthcaresituations from a financial aspect, istaken care of. During Christmas,Guardian Angel sponsors provided ourkids gifts from their Santa wish list. Itcouldn’t have come at a better time forus as we just needed a break from all theworry. You just never think it willhappen to you, but when it did,Guardian Angel was there,” explainedAimee and Luther.–CM

Guardian Angel was there when we needed it most

Luke’s family: from left are Luther, Jacob, Zackery, Noah, Luke, Hannah and Aimee.

q u a l i t yVoice of Mercy

Luke rides his new Christmas car given along with gifts for his siblings by a

Guardian Angel sponsor.


s e r v i c eVoice of Mercy

On February 1, 2012, Joe at age 62enrolled in Mercy LIFE, Alabama’s firstPACE (program of all-inclusive care forthe elderly) center. It was the answer tohis prayers, and according to hisprimary caregiver and younger sisterSophia, is a program they can’t livewithout. Before enrolling, Joe, a one-time seaman who traveled the world,was struggling to find comfort andquality in living.

In 2011, Joe was first diagnosed withtongue cancer and began chemo andradiation treatments. He was alreadydisabled from another illness, but thecancer made him loose his ability to eat,breathe, talk and be comfortable. Afterradiation treatment, Joe experiencednecrosis of his tongue from scar tissuebuild up. He had difficulty swallowing,couldn’t move his mouth and quicklystarted losing weight. A feeding tube wassurgically placed into his stomach. AsJoe’s health declined, Sophia couldn’thelp him alone. She had difficultygetting him back and forth to treatmentsso the Mobile County HealthDepartment referred them to MercyLIFE.

“It was like God has sent GuardianAngels to help us,” explained Sophia.“Mercy LIFE angels watch over Joe anddo anything and everything to help us,including the dishes.”

Today Joe goes five days a week.“Mercy LIFE is home,” explained Joe.Daily he meets his friends for someserious dominos, exercise or for a paradeor other monthly events. But it’s not allfun and games, as Joe is looked atcarefully by his physician, the MercyLIFE medical director, and otherspecialists including hyperbaric oxygentreatment specialist, optometrists, speechpathologists, etc.

“I would be lost without Mercy LIFE.They pick Joe up and take him to hisappointments. They provide all hismedications and supplies,” said Sophia.

“Joe’s throat swelled and he wasunable to sleep. Mercy LIFE got us ahospital bed to keep his head elevated

and reduce his swelling. Theyalso gave him a walker, a showerchair, supplies, medicines andhelped simplify our lives. Theysent us a private duty nurse afterhis tracheotomy to watch himaround the clock. Now that wehave Mercy LIFE, I don’t see howwe could live without it. I knowit is all God but we couldn’t havemade it without Mercy LIFE,”stated Sophia.

At Mercy LIFE Joe is a favoriteamong staff members as somecall him Uncle Joe. “He’s soinspirational with a wonderfulspirit and strong faith,” recalledhis enrollment specialist. “Whenfirst enrolling Joe, he told me,‘This is a minor setback for amajor comeback.’ Little did Iknow he was absolutely right.–CM

In 2012, Mercy LIFE provided more than $850,000 inunreimbursed Medicaid/Medicarecosts to participants.

Kay Young, Mercy LIFE LPN Day Center Supervisor, hugs Joe after the Mercy LIFE Mardi Gras Parade. Mercy LIFE helps seniors 55 or older who are eligible for nursing

home care, stay living in their homes safely.

A Minor Setback to a Major Comeback!

Keeping participants active both mentally andphysically helps slow the process of aging. Top

photo: Joe (left) and Herlin play dominos at MercyLIFE, Alabama's first PACE center. PACE is a prepaid,

dually capitated (Medicare and Medicaid)community-based model in which care is integrated

by day center–based interdisciplinary teams.

Mercy Medical employees empowerthe mission and values as a faith-basedhealthcare ministry. Mercy values includereverence for each person, community,justice, commitment to those who arepoor, stewardship, courage and integrity.One way staff members have shown theircommitment while enjoying simplecomforts is by participating in “FridayJean Day.” Employees pay to wear jeanson Fridays knowing their contributionswill be matched quarterly by Mercy

Medical to benefit a charitythey can actually be vocal indirecting funds to. SinceFriday Jean Day started, Mercyand its staff have contributed$2,600+ to charitableorganizations includingDisabled Homeless PersonsProject, a Catholic SocialServices program; One Meal;Suicide Prevention; OutbackAmerica; and Hope Clinic.–CM

Mercy Staff gets comfortable raising funds

From left are some members of Friday Jean Day: RandyHarrison, Necie Borroni, Vanessa Bradley, Dawn Everette,Linda Mayton, Phyllis Creel, Barbie Bullard & Cecilia Mace.


The Excellence in Governance Awardhonors an individual who serves on aboard of a Catholic Health East (CHE)regional health corporation or jointoperating agreement. The recipient mustdistinguish himself or herself as avisionary leader, collaborator andstrategic thinker. The awardee isprovided a $10,000 grant designated to aprogram of the recipient’s choosing.

This year the Excellence inGovernance Award was presented to SueMartino who joined the Mercy Medicalboard of trustees in December 2001. Shewas elected as chair of the board in May2009 and served the organization untilDecember 2011. In addition to serving asthe chair of the board, Martino alsoserved as planning and finance chair forthree years; nominations committee chairfor a year; and CEO search committee

for two years.Martino’s strong, effective governance

guided by her commitment to Mercy’smission and core values was a leadershipquality that made her an excellentnominee.

Sr. Barbara Wheeley, RSM, highlyrecommended her for this award andstated that Martino accepted the boardchair position at a most difficult time andled Mercy Medical through the hiring ofits current CEO and through some of themost strategic changes ever faced by theorganization.

Mercy Medical’s transition from acontinuum of post-acute care to aprimary focus on home and community-based services was one that required agreat deal of visionary leadership. As thechair of the board of trustees, SusanMartino, in collaboration with Mercy

Medical’s CEO, the Sisters of Mercy, andother members of the board,demonstrated exceptional leadership.

Martino chose Mercy LIFE of Alabamato receive the $10,000 grant. –CM

Governance Awardee designates Mercy LIFE

s e r v i c eVoice of Mercy

Pictured with Sue Martino (center) displayingher award are Jake Bell, and Sr. BarbaraWheeley, RSM at the Governance-ManagementConference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Since 1936, Blue Cross and BlueShield of Alabama has been a trustedname in thehealthcareindustry. One ofthe core values atBlue Cross involvesgiving back to thecommunity. Forthat reason, the Caring Foundation wasestablished in 1990. This philanthropicarm of Blue Cross supports charitableorganizations throughout Alabama.

For over a decade, The Caring

Foundation has been a faithfulcontributor to Mercy Medical’s Pediatric

Home Care Program whichensures seriously ill children ofall ages in Mobile and Baldwincounties have access tocritically needed healthcare.Thanks to the generosity of TheCaring Foundation, Mercy’s

pediatric patients are able to receiveservices at home instead of in a hospitalsetting.

Mercy Medical salutes The CaringFoundation for its commitment to the

many nonprofit organizationsthroughout Alabama who workdiligently every day to serve the needs ofour community.–PS

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield ofAlabama and The Caring Foundationare dedicated to responding to the needsof the community and making adifference. Giving back to thecommunity is one of our core values,and we are proud to partner with MercyMedical to support their Pediatric HomeCare Program.”

–Emily Benson, SR Program Coordinator

Mercy Medical SalutesThe Caring Foundation

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Proceeds benefit

Presenting Sponsor | CareKinesis

Tent Sponsor | CPSI

Gold SponsorsArchangel Radio • Hospiscript • International Shipholding Corporation • James B. Donaghey, Inc.

Dr. Chris McManus • Springhill Medical Center

Silver SponsorsBryant Bank • Horne, LLP • Kullman Firm • Lad Drago State Farm • Newman Healthcare Solutions • Saad Realty Group, LLC

Urology & Oncology Specialists • Zaxby's

Merchant SponsorTyndall Federal Credit Union • CK Collections • DS Waters of America, Inc.

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Kelly Plantation Golf • Linda Ledet • Lord & Ladies Salon • Men’s Wearhouse • Missi's Nails • Mr. Gene’s BeansOriginal Oyster House • Paint N Parrot • Polished Nail Bar • Prince Wimbley Productions • Renaissance Battle House • Ruth’s Chris

Smokehouse Café • Southern Sounds • Sport Clips • Star Nails • Stampin Up • The Happy Olive • The Little Gym • Thirty OneTwist Cupcakes • Vulcan Binders • Waggy Tail • Wind Creek Casino Hotel • Winn Dixie • Zebra Marketing • Zekes Lady

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voice of mercy summer 2013

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