John David Sepmoree then and now.

CROCKETT – For nearly four decades the people of Houston County have had the opportunity to experience firsthand the genuine compassion that Registered Nurse John David Sepmoree has shared with his patients and friends at the local hospital.

He started working at the hospital as a junior in high school in 1972 in the maintenance department and then moved to central supply about two-and-a-half years later. After graduating from Angelina College Nursing School with an associate degree in 1977 and Stephen F. Austin in 1986 with a bachelor of science nursing degree, Sepmoree quickly advanced through the nursing ranks.

He has held the position of charge nurse, supervisor, ICU supervisor, med-nurse and house supervisor over the 38 years he has served his profession. In 1984 he was named employee of the month and during his career he was honored with the distinction of being named nurse of the year.

“I always wanted to help people,” he said when asked why he chose nursing, adding that his grandmothers were also nurses.

A native of Crockett, Sepmoree said, “Everybody here (at the hospital) is like part of an extended family. I love the people here and I have loved working here”

Volunteer work
Following a stroke on Sept. 3, 2006 and subsequent rehabilitation, Sepmoree began volunteering two days a week at ETMC Crockett in October 2009. Those who know him describe his recovery as a miracle and the progress he has made through rehabilitation as incredible.

“It won’t be long until he is back on the floor at ETMC Crockett providing that trademarked compassionate care he is known for to patients,” one friend noted.
His recovery has advanced to the point that he is able to get around with the assistance of a walker and he regularly drives his van to and from the hospital.

“The first time I came to the hospital John David took care of me. He is a sweet person. I didn’t know who he was, I just knew that he showed extraordinary compassion for me,” said ETMC Volunteer President Sue Garrett as she described a trip to the ETMC Crockett emergency department in about 2000. Mrs. Garrett began volunteering at ETMC Crockett in 2002.

The nurses at ETMC Crockett are quick to smile when they hear the name John David Sepmoree and some, with a mischievous smile on their faces, will share stories of the great times they have had over the years.

Of course, there are the serious stories of the life-saving efforts and exemplary care that Sepmoree provided each and every patient in his charge over the years.

Sepmoree said he was amazed by the new technology that continuously emerges in healthcare and has seen an incredible amount of progress over the nearly four decades he has served the profession.

Sepmoree lives with his mother in Crockett and has an older sister in Weimer and a younger brother in Tyler.

The next time you are at ETMC Crockett, stop by the waiting room and say hello to John David Sepmoree, and thank him for his commitment to healthcare. And, while you are there, just for fun, ask him to tell you more about the “clipboard” story that the nurses were talking about. You will see firsthand, the sparkle in his eye that exudes genuine compassion, experience, caring, and fun all rolled into one great person.

A free ETMC Knowledge First forum on men’s health-related issues such as prostate disease, erectile dysfunction, incontinence and more will be held on Thursday, September 2 at the ETMC Pavilion at 801 Clinic Drive in Tyler.

ETMC urologists Dr. Matthew Kincade and Dr. William Stiles will present the latest information about these topics as well as answer your questions.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner being served at 5:30 p.m. The forum will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Parking will be available next to the Pavilion.

 Pre-registration is requested. Spouses and friends are welcome. Please call (800)648-8141 and press 2.

Pictured is Carter BloodCare representative Meedka Butler assisting donor Jerry Kellum, Jr. during the Thursday, Aug. 12 blood drive sponsored by ETMC Crockett.

CROCKETT – There were 30 people who became donors in the Carter BloodCare Bus during the blood drive held at ETMC Crockett on Thursday, Aug. 12.
ETMC Crockett Human Resources Coordinator Ruby Vasquez said, “We would like to thank everyone who donated blood during the event. This particular event set a record for the number of donors at ETMC Crockett.”
ETMC Crockett employee Glenn Adams won the drawing for a free night’s stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Marshall.

Big changes are under way at the ETMC Cancer Institute in Athens. And while those changes are certainly for the best, they will require the facility to be closed temporarily as new equipment is installed.

That means, beginning July 28, patients who would normally receive radiation at the cancer institute in Athens will instead transfer to the Tyler institute. The facility in Athens is scheduled to open again in November. It was purchased by the ETMC Regional Healthcare System this past December, having previously served the community since 1998 as the Athens Cancer Center.

“We’re committed to helping people as much as we can during this three-month period,” said Todd Sigmon, vice president of the ETMC Cancer Institute.  “We’ll be providing our patients with gas cards, and our nurses and social workers will work closely with them and their families to provide any other assistance needed.”

Both Sigmon and ETMC Athens Administrator Pat Wallace recognize that the transition period will be an unfortunate inconvenience for patients of the Athens facility. However, the end results, they say, will benefit future patients.

“There’s no question that this is another significant step forward in medical care delivery for the people of Henderson County and surrounding areas,” said Wallace. “We’ve always been dedicated to quality medical care close to home. So we’re bringing the very best equipment here.”

 The linear accelerator used to deliver radiation at the cancer institute in Athens will be replaced by a state-of-the-art dual energy machine. The dual energy linear accelerator is the most current technology of its kind available and will allow patients to receive even more precise radiation treatments with even fewer side effects.

In addition to switching out the machines, much of the time required by the renovation will involve adding more lead to the vault which will house the more powerful equipment.
During the transition period, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Heidi McKellar will continue to conduct consultations and make treatment assessments in Athens. Dr. McKellar is another example of ETMC’s second-to-none commitment. A former Stanford University professor, Dr. McKellar was trained at MD Anderson, which is widely recognized as the number-one cancer center in the United States.

“This is all part of what we consider phase one of our plan,” explained Sigmon. “We’re looking down the road at adding on to the ETMC Cancer Institute in Athens so that chemotherapy services will be located there as well. Bringing all the services under one roof would be ideal.” Chemotherapy services are currently located nearby on the ETMC Athens campus.

Come mid- to late November, when the ETMC Cancer Institute in Athens has re-opened, radiation patients in and around Henderson County will benefit greatly, said Wallace.
 

“Patients with cancer and blood disorders will be able to get care using the most advanced technology available,” he said, “without having to travel to larger cities.”
Sigmon also points out the benefits of having a nearby facility with state-of-the-art radiation delivery equipment.

“When you’re sick with cancer, the last thing you want is to have to travel long distances over and over again,” he said. “That’s a hardship not only with time and energy but with making transportation arrangements.

“By doing the modifications we’re doing right now, future radiation patients in the area won’t have to travel to larger cities to get the highest level of care. It will be available in Henderson County.”

ETMC Tyler is being recognized in U.S. News and World Report magazine as a 2010 gold plus achievement award winner for the treatment of stroke patients.

Presented by the American Heart Association, the award is currently featured in the August issue of the publication.

Listed hospitals have successfully utilized the AHA’s “Get with the Guidelines” program for coronary artery disease, heart failure or stroke.  ETMC was recognized in the stroke category for 24 months of 75 percent or higher adherence on select quality measures in addition to at least 24 months of 85 percent or higher adherence on all achievement measures for stroke.

“Get with the Guidelines” is the premier hospital-based quality improvement program for AHA and the American Stroke Association. It empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart and stroke patients according to the most up-to-date guidelines.
“ETMC implemented the AHA’s Get with the Guidelines program to expand and improve the care we provide in treating and preventing stroke,” said Jeff Thompson, vice president of the ETMC Neurological Institute.  “We are very proud of this recognition.”

ETMC Tyler was the first hospital in East Texas to become a certified stroke center as designated by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The designation indicates the hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality stroke treatment and care. To qualify as a certified center, a facility must establish standardized protocols to assure consistent care. Physicians and staff must be educated in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, and systems for continuous quality improvement must also be in place.

“East Texans face one of the highest stroke mortality rates in our state, and we are working to change that by providing stroke care and also community education that urges individuals to seek care quickly if they show symptoms of stroke,” Thompson said.  “The faster they seek care, the better their chance of survival and recovery.”

A new $20 million, six-level parking garage with over 950 spaces opened recently on the east side of the ETMC Tyler campus. The skywalk now extends over Hospital Drive to connect to the new east parking garage.

“We are now directing visitors to park there,” said Bob Hampton, vice president of property services for ETMC. “The spaces are extra wide so all types of vehicles will easily be able to get in and out of their slot. Visitors will also be able to enter the hospital on the new extension of the skywalk.”

The front parking lot where the helicopters are located will now be used for handicap parking, valet and clergy as space allows.

“Another change will be no parking anymore on Hospital Drive, the street that goes around ETMC,” said Hampton. “The street will be converted to a boulevard and will have designated turn lanes. Without cars parking on Hospital Drive, it will be a lot safer for drivers and pedestrians.”

Plans for the front of ETMC involve creating a new entry way from Hospital Drive.
Over the next several months, sections of the Olympic parking garage will close so the spaces can be redesigned to make them bigger and easier to maneuver like the new east garage.

Next to the new parking garage is a new central plant for heating, cooling and supporting the hospital.

Other construction updates for ETMC Tyler
ETMC Tyler is also working to beautify the campus with more green spaces. Beautiful plants and trees, native to Texas, were planted around the new east parking garage.

Behind the hospital, the area used by the construction crews will be converted back into spaces for the Pavilion conference center. A small building was razed and that area will become green space.

The physician office on Beckham street across from the hospital moved in mid-July to a new clinic space at Fifth Street and Beckham. The old building will be leveled and a green space will be created.

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By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety, ETMC Tyler has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™.

“We are very proud of only having two direct recommendations,” commented Bob Evans, administrator/CEO of ETMC Tyler. “It was noted by The Joint Commission that this is a very outstanding result.”

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation. The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced on-site full survey at ETMC Tyler.

Evans says he’s very proud of the team work by the staff to be accredited by The Joint Commission. “We view obtaining this accreditation as another step toward achieving excellence. We are very excited to receive the Gold Seal of Approval™ because it reflects ETMC’s commitment to patient safety and quality of care.”

“Above all, the national standards are intended to stimulate continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in an organization’s performance and the outcomes of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, executive director, hospital programs, accreditation and certification services, The Joint Commission.  “East Texas should be proud that ETMC Tyler is focusing on the most challenging goal—to continuously raise quality and safety to higher levels.”

The award of accreditation is for three years.

By Toni Garrard Clay
 Since ETMC Athens kicked off its expansion project this past winter, plenty has been accomplished, though much of it isn’t apparent to casual observers.

“The bulk of what’s happened to date has been underground,” said Steve Lowe, director of engineering and safety at ETMC Athens. “They have installed all the underground plumbing works and all the foundational elements, and they’re starting to pour the concrete floor.”

A retaining wall has also been built on the west side of the building, which will serve as a basement wall. The $32.4 million, two-year project will take place in a series of phases as the southwest corner of the hospital is expanded with a 55,600-square-foot wraparound. Twelve thousand square feet of existing space will be remodeled.

While the substantial underground work may not be eye-catching, the massive stationary crane on site certainly is. The hook of the crane stands 89 feet off the ground. At a maximum reach of 246 feet, the crane is able to lift a load of up to 6,170 pounds. With the load next to the base of the crane, it has a lift capacity of up to 25,000 pounds.

“The reach of the boom is important because, at some point, it must be able to reach across existing building,” said ETMC Athens Administrator Pat Wallace.

The goal for completion has been set for the fourth quarter of 2011, and, according to Lowe, they’re off to a good start.

“We’re very excited that after so many years, this expansion is finally coming to fruition,” said Wallace. “This hospital wowed people when it opened in 1986, and we believe what we’re adding here will wow them all over again.

Upon completion, the expanded portion of the hospital will have required 100 tons of rebar, 6,745 cubic yards of concrete and 14,777 square feet of exterior glazed glass. In addition, the project requires 108,500 feet of conduit, 91 miles of wire and 32 tons of copper.

The first order of business in the project is to complete the new emergency department, which is scheduled to open this time next year. The brand new ER will boast 22 spacious exam rooms, including two state-of-the-art trauma rooms and a spacious, private waiting area. Outside the new emergency room, a multi-lane canopy will provide shelter for two ambulances and from six to eight cars at a time.

Occupying the very corner of the new space will be the intensive care unit, which will have two more patient beds than its current eight.

The third department to occupy the new space will be surgery, where there will be a new prep-and-hold area, five operating rooms (up from the current three), a recovery area and day surgery space.

Once the ICU is relocated into the new space, the OB department will expand its footprint to include the area currently being occupied by the ICU. Among the gains for the OB department will be eight additional “labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum” rooms. The department currently has one LDRP room, which provides a spacious environment where expectant moms can, in most cases, stay throughout their hospital stay. All the existing postpartum rooms will be refurbished.

The radiology department will also expand, thanks to space made available by the adjustment of departments.

The front parking lots have already been expanded, and visitors may have already noticed a courtesy patrol to assist, as needed, individuals using the emergency and front parking lots.

ETMC has won several national marketing awards including three national “Videographer Awards,” two “Asters” and four “Telly” awards for materials produced by the marketing department under the direction of corporate director Carroll Roge and vice president Mike Thomas.

ETMC won a silver “Telly” award for the home health campaign, and a bronze telly for the walking the walk campaign, diagnostic imaging campaign and ETMC First Physician Minute. The Telly awards received over 13,000 entries from ad agencies, production companies, TV stations and corporations worldwide. A silver award is the highest an entry can receive followed by a bronze.

ETMC won a gold “Aster” for the ETMC Pittsburg grand opening invitation and a bronze “Aster” award for the television commercial for home health. The Asters allow healthcare organizations to compete globally against similar sized hospitals.

A corporate video profiling an ETMC team member who celebrated 40 years with the hospital and the ETMC First Physician Minute videos received the highest designation from the “Videographer Awards” with the “Award of Excellence.” ETMC WOW! customer service training video for employees received the “Award of Distinction.”

Only 14 percent, of the over 1,800 entries, received an award. The “Videographer Awards” recognize pieces produced, shot and edited in a high standard of excellence.

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ETMC Crockett employees gathered on Thursday, June 10, to congratulate First Quarter ETMC WOW! Super Hero Award recipients Patricia Davidson and Donna Williams.  The recipients are pictured cutting the celebration cake. The two nurses were recognized for their outstanding service and each received a $100 gift card.

To raise money for the traditional pinning ceremony slated to be held in December, these Angelina College Nursing School students host a bake sale in the main lobby of ETMC Crockett on Friday, June 4. The nursing school students attend class full time and will graduate as LVNs. Pictured are Chelsea Murray, Taneshia Reece, Daphne Cook and Christy LeBlanc.

Henderson, Texas – Beginning Monday, June 7, the emergency room entrance at ETMC Henderson will be closed and all ER traffic will be directed to the hospital’s main entrance on Wilson Street.

The changes are in preparation for the first phase of a much larger construction project to renew ETMC Henderson, full details of which will be announced later this month.
“We are excited about the changes coming to ETMC Henderson,” said Mark Leitner, ETMC Henderson’s administrator. “They will allow us to provide the

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residents of Henderson and Rusk County with high quality care for years to come. Our goal is to make these changes with as little inconvenience as possible for our patients. The changes in traffic flow and parking surrounding the hospital, while we undergo construction, are designed to do just that.”

Entrance directions
Vehicles will be directed to enter at the east end of the main entrance drive and exit at the west end, a reversal of the current traffic flow. Automatic doors have been installed at the main entrance to ease access to the facility. As well, an attendant will be stationed at the main entrance during regular business hours Monday through Friday to assure the continuous flow of traffic through the area. Hospital visitors will be able to use the covered area at the main entrance for drop off and pick up, but vehicles should not be left unattended.

First Physicians Clinic
ETMC First Physicians family medicine clinic, outpatient and other hospital visitors are encouraged to utilize the ground floor entrance at the northwest corner to access the facility as well.

Visitors also will notice a change in parking surrounding the hospital as construction fencing will be erected along the west side of the hospital extending around the southern side of the facility. Designated ER guest parking will be added in the parking lot at the hospital’s northeast corner and the existing helipad will be relocated to the southern side of this lot. Parking for the ETMC First Physicians orthopedic clinic and physical therapy will not be affected.

Extensive signage will be placed throughout the campus to guide patient and visitor access to the hospital.

Construction on this phase of the project will be complete by May 31, 2011.

New digital mammography equipment just installed at ETMC Fairfield offers clearer images of the breast, taken in less time.

With the purchase of the Selenia™ digital mammography system from Hologic®, ETMC Fairfield provides the same technology used in leading breast imaging centers nationwide.
“Digital mammography is quickly becoming the standard in breast imaging,” said Anne Brooke, radiology department director. “Mammography is the best tool for early detection of breast abnormalities, giving patients a much better chance of survival and leading a long, productive life.”

For patients, receiving a digital mammogram is much the same as before -- both use X-rays to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert the X-ray energy into a digital image. It’s similar to the evolution between film-based photography and digital photography, in that film development is no longer necessary and the digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for evaluation.

The radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors to enhance their clarity, reducing the likelihood of patients needing to come back for additional images. They can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.

To further help with interpreting mammograms at ETMC Fairfield, the R2 ImageChecker Computer-Aided Detection system will be used to scan images and mark areas of calcification, distortion and small masses, producing a video display for the radiologist that indicates potential abnormalities requiring further study.

In addition, women undergoing mammography at ETMC Fairfield can appreciate that the hospital uses the MammoPadR, which dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram.

“The discomfort many women feel during mammography compression is widely known to be a reason that some don't get regular screenings,” Ms. Brooke said. In addition to compression, the cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography device can make the experience uncomfortable for some patients.

“The breast cushion answers these complaints by providing a soft warm cushion for the breast during mammography,” she explained. "And because women are more relaxed during the exam, it makes it even easier for our mammography technologists to get the best possible image."

To schedule an appointment for a mammogram at ETMC Fairfield, please call 903-389-1625. Women undergoing screening mammography at ETMC Fairfield must meet these criteria: at least 35 years of age, not experiencing any symptoms of breast disease, not pregnant or nursing, and they cannot have undergone a mammogram within the last year.

Scott Saddler, Ron Schwartz, and Dr. Bill Moore, with ETMC EMS, present two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Camp Tyler Executive Director Alan Byboth and Dena Todd, RN.

Camp Tyler is receiving two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to a donation from East Texas Medical Center EMS.

Since 2004, EMS has donated AEDs to over 120 fire departments in East Texas and helped several businesses purchase the units at cost. EMS also donated units to the Smith County Courthouse, Smith County Jail, City of Tyler and Cotton Belt Building. “

“Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of 220,000 people each year in the U.S. alone.  With proper treatment, early defibrillation, thousands more of these people could survive,” said Tony Myers, vice president/COO, ETMC EMS. “Our goal is to build a cardiac safety net for East Texas with our Heart Safe AED Network.” 

Automated external defibrillators
An automated external defibrillator (AED) enables ordinary citizens to provide treatment to victims of sudden cardiac arrest.  AEDs are small, portable devices that use computer-driven diagnostics to analyze heart rhythm and deliver a defibrillation shock if needed.

While AEDs are safe and easy to operate, they must be used immediately to be effective. Survival rates are highest when defibrillation occurs within three minutes following collapse. Unfortunately, over 90 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die simply because they don’t have timely access to this lifesaving procedure.

Statistics
Each year in Smith County, over 150 people will suffer sudden cardiac arrest. “With every passing minute before defibrillation is administered, survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest decrease by about seven to 10 percent,” explained ETMC EMS Medical Director Dr. William Moore.  “Although not everyone can be saved from sudden cardiac arrest, increased access to early defibrillation can help save thousands of lives a year.”

Della Vallejo of THA presents a membership award to Jerry Echols of ETMC BHC.

East Texas Medical Center Behavioral Health Center in Tyler is being honored as a long-time member of the Texas Hospital Association. The hospital is one of four throughout the state to receive a 25-year membership award from the Association this year. The award was officially presented to administrator Jerry Echols by Della Vallejo, THA’s membership manager, during a recent visit to the facility.

“ETMC Behavioral Health Center has joined the ranks of an elite group of Texas hospitals that have achieved 25-year membership status in THA,” noted Vallejo. “This is a significant milestone, and THA thanks the hospital for its long-term support.”
 
Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state’s acute-care hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 355,000 health care professionals statewide. Learn more at www.tha.org  or follow THA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/texashospitals.

Jerry Caddenhead, an avid marathon runner, looks over nutritional supplement in the ETMC cafeteria pantry.

CROCKETT – When most people think about taking a morning jog, they have a trip around the block in mind. When an ETMC Crockett dietitian, his friend and a doctor talk about a morning run, they usually mean something in the neighborhood of 10 miles. And that is just their morning jog. The evening run is usually another 5-10 miles.

Of course, a 25-mile run during the course of one day is nothing for marathon runners Jerry Caddenhead, Jason Currie and Dr. Christopher Haeckler.

Caddenhead, an ETMC dietitian, and Currie ran together in the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19. Currie also has a connection to ETMC: his mother, Margie Currie, has been a volunteer at the hospital for the past several years. Dr. Haeckler has qualified to run the race in 2011.

The 42-year-old Caddenhead ran the 26.22 mile event in 3:42:36, which was only 10 minutes faster than his 49-year-old investigator friend Currie, who finished in 3:56:22.

Running in the oldest annual marathon
The Boston Marathon ranks as one of the world's best-known road racing events.
The event is the oldest annual marathon and attracts an average of about 20,000 registered participants each year. At the 100th running in 1996, the number of participants reached 38,000.

The marathon is open to all runners, male and female, from any nation, but they must meet certain qualifying standards. To qualify, a runner must first complete a standard marathon course certified by a national governing body affiliated with the International Association of Athletics Federations within a certain period of time before the date of the desired marathon.

Besides the Olympic trials, it is the only major American marathon that requires a qualifying time and is considered one of the more difficult marathon courses.

Dr. Christopher Haeckler is pictured running in a 2002 marathon.

Although Dr. Haeckler did not run in the Boston Marathon this year, he did run in the Texas Marathon in Kingwood on Jan. 1, finishing with an impressive time of 3:42:13.

A member of the 50 States Marathon Club
As a member of the 50 States Marathon Club, he has participated in marathons in all but four states: Vermont, Wyoming, Minnesota and South Carolina. To finish his quest he competed in Vermont on Memorial Day weekend. The following weekend he is scheduled to run in Wyoming, and then two weeks later he will go to Minnesota.

The 58-year-old doctor has been running since the eighth grade, and says he has always enjoyed it.

“Each race is an adventure,” he said as he described various trips and connecting flights he has made to reach certain destinations to run marathons. He said one holiday weekend he ran three marathons; one in Pocotello, Idaho, on Saturday, Sunday found him in Albuquerque, N.M., and then it was off to Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday for another 26-mile jaunt. Sometimes he even flies his own Mooney airplane to events.

Dr. Haeckler, who has 56 marathons under his belt said, “As we train for all of this it is amazing to see what the human body can do.” He said his wife, Kathy, is a half-marathon runner who goes a distance of 13.1 miles. He said she runs locally with a group and she participates in the Fifty States Half Marathon Club.

Marathon runner Jason Currie is congratulated by his wife Sandra and daughter Morgan after qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

On an average day he runs about six miles and perhaps cross-trains in the afternoon, noting the specifics of the training depend on the particular event you are training for and what works for the individual. About he and his wife, he said, “We are regular runners, we put our time in and enjoy it.”

Caddenhead said he would like to run the Boston Marathon again in a couple of years. “We ran the Boston Marathon the first time just to enjoy the experience. Next time we will concentrate on our finishing time,” he said.

His next marathons are scheduled in Houston in January 2011 and in Groveton in April 2011. He said he was introduced to running by a friend and has been running seriously for the past 10 years, averaging 50-100 miles per week. Prior to becoming a serious runner, Caddenhead studied Tae Kwon Do and earned a black belt in the sport.

He would like to compete in the World Marathon Majors which consists of marathons in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. “It is something I would like to do. You have to have goals,” he said.

When training he said he consumes 3,000-6,000 calories a day and that preparation for a marathon involves running, nutrition, and time, adding that he enjoys training by himself because he likes the peace and solitude of being on the road.

Running seriously for 10 years
Currie, an investigator for a law firm, has been running seriously for the past 10 years, and on an average day will cover about 5-10 miles. If he is in training for a marathon, he could increase his distance to 45-50 miles per week, he said.

While he has always enjoyed running, at the age of 34 was inspired by a photograph of Dr. Haeckler taken during a marathon. He said that is when he began to take running seriously. On his first day he said he lasted 12 minutes, but continued training and has participated in five marathons.

About the Boston Marathon he said, “It was really a very neat experience.” His fastest marathon was in November 2009 with a time of 3:23:20.

His training paid off, Currie said, when his wife worked at a school in Crockett and one of their cars had somehow been left in town. So he ran from Kennard to Crockett, taking dirt roads to cut a little off the 16-mile trip, and drove the car home.

Ironically, Currie and Caddenhead grew up within a quarter mile of each other in Kennard and in recent years have re-connected through running.

Currie said there are times that the family dog, a miniature Dachshund named Jack, will accompany him to a certain point in his running pattern and then wait for him to return.

When traveling the roads of Houston County you might see one of these men fulfilling their love of running.

Trinity Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors President Larry King, ETMC President/CEO Elmer G. Ellis,ETMC Trinity Administrator Warren Robicheaux pose at the recent groundbreaking event.

TRINITY, Texas – Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Monday, April 26, in celebration of a construction project to build a new patient wing, entrance and cafeteria space at ETMC Trinity by the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System and members of the Trinity Memorial Hospital District board of directors.

“We are very pleased that construction is beginning on the new patient wing and other areas of expansion at ETMC Trinity,” said Larry King, president of the Trinity Memorial Hospital District board of directors. “This groundbreaking ceremony marks the latest in a long list of accomplishments, which the hospital district board and ETMC have achieved by working in partnership to benefit healthcare services in Trinity County.”

 Previously the two entities partnered to renovate the emergency department and create a comfortable waiting area for its patients and families. Last year, they opened the new ETMC First Physicians clinic, which cares for hundreds of patients each month.
 
ETMC's Mission
“ETMC’s mission centers on advancing healthcare to the highest level possible in the home communities we serve,” noted Elmer G. Ellis, president/CEO of the ETMC Regional Healthcare System. “This groundbreaking is rewarding, as we see another dream on its way to becoming a reality for ETMC Trinity and all the people it serves. We are proud to recognize the benefits of the community partnership that makes this expansion possible.”
Patients and their families will benefit from the new construction.

 “The highlight of our construction project will be a new patient care wing, offering 15 private, comfortable patient rooms --- each with its own bath. Each room is designed for efficient nursing care, and to provide a comfortable, attractive space for our patients and their families during their hospital stay,” said ETMC Trinity Administrator Warren Robicheaux. “This is an exciting day in the life of our hospital.”

New Main Entrance
The construction project will also include the creation of a new main entrance for the hospital, offering a drive-through canopy to protect visitors from the elements. Inside, a new lobby and registration areas will comfortably accommodate visitors. An additional canopy will be built for the ambulance entrance of the emergency department.
A new kitchen, specially equipped with commercial food service equipment, will be complemented by a hospital cafeteria capable of seating 50.

The project will also include creating shell space for a future surgery department with two surgical suites, a post-anesthesia care unit, and areas for patients to be prepared for surgery. A new mobile technology pad will also be added to the hospital, and additional hospital parking will be created.

The project is estimated to be a $7.4 million investment into healthcare services in Trinity County, and is a joint effort of the ETMC system and the Trinity Memorial Hospital District.

Members of the Trinity Memorial Hospital District board, in addition to Mr. King, are: Carlyn Bluis, Jim Rippey, Jerry Russ, Lois Saldana, Cheryl Spearman, Travis Starr, Dave Ward and Marguery Williams.

Members of the ETMC Trinity board of directors are: Mr. Ellis, Mr. King, Jerry Massey, Byron Hale, Terry Cutler, Jessica Parish, and Pam Weaver.
The East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System is East Texas’ largest healthcare system. ETMC facilities include hospitals in Athens, Carthage, Clarksville, Crockett, Fairfield, Gilmer, Henderson, Jacksonville, Mount Vernon, Pittsburg, Quitman, Trinity and Tyler, in addition to the ETMC Rehabilitation Hospital and ETMC Specialty Hospital.

Members of the ETMC MASH Out Cancer Team pause for a moment during the festivities held at the Lovelady Football stadium on Friday, May 21. Pictured are B.J. Krenek, Karla Burdette, Julie Smithhart, Lenetha Carter, Charlette Neumeier and Nancy Vickers.

CROCKETT – MASH Out Cancer team members and ETMC Crockett volunteers were out in force Friday night, May 21, for the Annual Relay for Life event held at the Lovelady Football Stadium.

According to Survivor Events Chairman Jennifer Bond, 92 survivors and caregivers participated in the annual “Survivors’ Walk” to kick off the night’s festivities. Mrs. Bond said survivors were treated to a special dinner donated by Don Rafa’s Restaurant following the walk. Many of the survivors returned to the track after dinner and continued to walk. A few even stayed all night. “We were delighted to see that about a dozen more survivors were able to attend this year over last,” she said.

Luminaria Chairman Amanda Pugh said a soft glow generated by 750 luminaria lit the track during the special ceremony honoring those affected by cancer. A poignant mood surrounded the event as each of the names of the honorees was read.

MASH Out Cancer co-captains Karla Burdette and B.J. Krenek said the ETMC team raised $5,533 this year for the American Cancer Society.

The overall event included participation by a total of 19 teams that raised $75,876, which exceeded the 2010 goal for Houston County.

For the hundreds of people attending, there were plenty of activities to enjoy during the all-night event. In the 20-foot MASH Unit tent members of the ETMC team enjoyed games broadcast by KIVY Radio as well as dancing to toe-tapping tunes. For even more fun, attendees had the opportunity to have their hair spray-painted or acquire a temporary tattoo. And, there was plenty of Silly String to go around for that added touch of frivolity.
 “Each year employees and volunteers representing ETMC Crockett willingly give of their time and talent to make the hospital’s team one of the event’s most successful,” Mrs. Burdette said.

ETMC staff participating included Survivor Events Chairman Jennifer Bond, MASH Out Cancer Co-captain Karla Burdette, MASH Out Cancer Co-captain BJ Krenek, Carolyn Ramirez, James Platt, Jewell Fennell, Roy Choate, Kalie Kendrick, Charlette Neumeier, Julie Smithhart, Dana Lamb, Kay Hardy, Jessica Hodges, Lindsey Floyd, Heath Bridges, Tammy McCreight, Lenetha Carter, Kim Burris, Terry Cutler, Terri Cutler, Garrett Lamb, Chastity LeBlanc, and Nancy Vickers.

Mrs. Krenek said, “I have been involved with Relay for Life for the past four years. Each year members of the ETMC staff make a significant contribution to this worthwhile cause and I am delighted to be part of that team.”

Among the winners of the MASH Out Cancer baskets were Darlene Taylor, Carolyn Ramirez, Lisa Cathey, Judy Skalicky, Cindy Delarosa and Melissa Fennel.