ResearchRoundup | Research Briefs Research Immune Peanut Briefs System Boost Allergies in Against NEC Infants Smart’ Tool for Diabetic Medical researchers Approximately Retinopathy have long under- 2%-3% of Ameri- stood that a preg- cans are allergic to Although the Amer- nant mother’s diet peanuts. Previous ican Diabetes Asso- has a profound im- research studies ciation (ADA) advises pact on her developing fetus’s immune have suggested that introduction of the regular screening for system and that babies — especially those peanut in the first year of life to infants pediatric diabetic born prematurely — who are fed breast highly likely to develop a peanut allergy retinopathy, it’s estimated that fewer than milk have a more robust ability to fight reduces that risk by approximately 80%. half of all youth with diabetes follow the disease, suggesting that even after child- However, the best method to safely do recommendation. Without early detec- birth, a mother’s diet matters. However, this is unclear. A Johns Hopkins Medi- tion and treatment, these patients put the biological mechanisms underlying cine research team has conducted a study themselves at risk for serious vision prob- these connections have remained unclear. that shows which babies are most at risk lems or blindness as they get older. In a In a study published in the journal Nature for peanut allergy and which tests are best recent study in Diabetes Care (Mar; 44(3): Communications (Feb. 15, 2021), a Johns for diagnosing them. The team’s findings 781-787) researchers at Johns Hopkins Hopkins research team reports that preg- were reported in two papers in the Jan. and three other medical centers demon- nant mice fed a diet rich in a molecule 19, 2021, issue of the Journal of Allergy strated that autonomous artificial intelli- found abundantly in cruciferous vegeta- and Clinical Immunology. One paper gence (AI) can be used to detect pediatric bles — such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts (March 2021, pages 984-991) identifies diabetic retinopathy with high sensitivity, and cauliflower — gave birth to pups the likelihood of babies developing a pea- specificity and accuracy. The technique with stronger protection against necrotiz- nut allergy, finding that older infants and had already been approved for adults with ing enterocolitis (NEC), an inflammatory ones with moderate-to-severe eczema are diabetes by the U.S. Food and Drug Ad- condition that destroys a newborn’s intes- most at risk. The other paper (March ministration and is part of the ADA’s tinal lining, making it one of the leading 2021, pages 977-983) compares diagnos- retinopathy screening guidelines for pa- causes of mortality in premature infants. tic tests for detecting peanut allergy. tients age 21 or older. Because the AI The team also found that breast milk from “Early introduction of peanut is impor- screening does not require eye dilation, it these mothers continued to confer immu- tant to prevent peanut allergy,” says pe- takes less time to perform and is easier for nity against NEC in their offspring. In diatrician Corinne Keet. “Current pediatric patients to undergo. Therefore, earlier mouse studies, Johns Hopkins re- recommendations are that infants with the adherence of the patients in this study searchers showed that NEC results when severe eczema be exposed to peanuts early to getting regular retinopathy screenings, the underdeveloped intestinal lining in in the first year of life, but also that they as defined by the ADA, more than dou- premature infants produces higher-than- get testing before introducing peanuts to bled. “Use of autonomous AI in adults normal amounts of a protein called toll- make sure that they are not already aller- has shown extremely high levels of sensi- like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4 in full-term gic. We wanted to know what the real risk tivity, specificity and accuracy in diagnos- babies binds with bacteria in the gut and for peanut allergy was in this group, and ing referable diabetic retinopathy, when helps keep the microbes in check. How- in other potential risk groups, and what the disease is most treatable,” says pediat- ever, in premature infants, TLR4 can act tests would be best to use for screening.” ric endocrinologist and lead author Risa like an immune system switch, with ex- The researchers found that 18% of the Wolf. “So, with the rising incidence of cess amounts of the protein mistakenly infants with moderate to severe eczema pediatric diabetes — especially type 2, directing the body’s defense mechanism were allergic before introducing peanut. which is associated with an earlier onset of against disease to attack the intestinal wall They found that risk increased with the retinopathy — we felt it was important to instead. “Based on this understanding, we severity of eczema, and also increased with see if AI could make an improvement in designed our latest study to see if indole- each month between 4 months and 11 adherence to screening guidelines and 3-carbinole, or I3C for short, a chemical months of age. This, say the researchers, early diagnosis for younger patients.” — compound common in green leafy vege- suggests that introducing infants with se- Michael E. Newman tables and known to switch off the pro- vere eczema to peanuts before they reach duction of TLR4, could be fed to the age of 6 months is necessary to effec- pregnant mice, get passed to their unborn tively prevent the allergy. — Waun'Shae children and then protect them against Blount NEC after birth,” says study senior author David Hackam, surgeon in chief at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. — MEN FALL 2021 49
52 Gaming For Kids 54 A GIANT Impact 55 30 Day Miracle Movement People&Philanthropy | Section Index people&philanthropy 50 HOPKINS CHILDREN’S | hopkinschildrens.org
The Julie and Neil Reinhard Professorship in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Comes to Full Fruition By Amanda Leininger Since 2007, a grateful patient matology at Johns Hopkins Children’s been leading investigations for years on family continues its support of Center. approaches to not only treat the symp- immunologist Robert Wood and toms but also to reduce the risks. Cur- the Eudowood Division of Allergy, “We didn’t know anything about food rently, Wood oversees more than 20 Immunology and Rheumatology allergy then, and wanted the top expert studies at Johns Hopkins, with 200 to in studying allergic diseases and in the field to care for Seth and help us 300 total patient participants — many helping children and families best navigate this new territory,” Julie Rein- studies supported by philanthropy. manage them. hard says. “We soon found Dr. Wood and felt relieved as he demystified food Inspired by the compassionate care imagine being a child and never eat- allergies and explained how to best man- Seth received from Wood, the Reinhards age them on a day-to-day basis. Equally — along with Neil’s mother, Myra, and ing birthday cake at a friend’s party be- important was Dr. Wood’s genuine con- father, Eli — supported Wood’s work cause it might contain trace amounts of cern, patience and care.” with the lead gift to establish an en- peanuts or tree nuts, or being a teenager dowed professorship for him in 2007. who can’t go to a coffee shop because of Reinhard adds, “That was just the be- The professorship supports the Eudo- the milk in the air. Imagine needing to ginning. Year in and year out, Dr. Wood wood Division in perpetuity, providing read every single food label before eat- has been there for us, sharing the key in- integral funds to help reach the goal of ing snacks — because your life depends formation and facts we needed to keep arming children and parents with the on it. For children and teens with food our son safe and healthy.” ability to best manage childhood aller- allergies, these scenarios are all too real. gies, and to find comfort and confidence Pediatric food allergies are extremely For more than 20 years, Wood has — through all phases of life. common — their prevalence has nearly been at the forefront of research and tripled in the last 20 years. Food allergies treatment regarding pediatric food al- Since the initial gift in 2007, dozens can cause severe reactions and can have lergies. Therapies for food allergy have of patient families like the Reinhards an enormous impact on the daily life of traditionally revolved around avoiding have recognized the need for Wood’s a child — and the child’s family. the allergen and ensuring that medica- research to continue and have made tion is available in case of accidental contributions to the endowment. Years Julie and Neil Reinhard experi- exposure, but Wood and his team have enced the fear caused by a life-threat- ening food allergy reaction when their There’s nothing more important to us than investing son, Seth, had an allergic reaction to in research for health care, and there’s no one working peanut butter two days after his first harder than Dr. Wood to improve the lives of children birthday. After going to an emergency with food allergies. We are so grateful to all the families department, the Reinhards saw Robert whose lives he’s touched immeasurably who joined us to Wood, director of the Eudowood Divi- help make this happen. sion of Allergy, Immunology and Rheu- – JULIE REINHARD FALL 2021 51
People&Philanthropy Foundation Relations in the making, the efforts of these grateful Baltimore Guild President Drew donors finally came to fruition in 2020, Nicolo, sporting teal and purple hair, when the Julie and Neil Reinhard chosen by his donors after hitting his Professorship in Pediatric Allergy $2,500 fundraising goal in 2020. and Immunology was fully established. Wood was named the inaugural Gaming for Kids recipient. WHILE MANY EVENTS went virtual War. “Johns Hopkins Children’s Cen- “It’s a true honor to be able to see the for the first time in 2020, Extra Life, a ter is doing some amazing research support that has come in thanks to the 24-hour gaming marathon, has proven into childhood allergies, which could dedication of many families who are its success in the virtual space for over be life-changing for kids everywhere.” committed to the work that we’re doing,” a decade. Extra Lifers commit to play- Wood says. “Thanks to philanthropy, ing any video, desktop or tabletop game And it’s not only game day — we have been able to really provide the (or combination of games) of their gamers raise funds and collaborate world’s best care for patients with severe choice for 24 hours to be scheduled to year-round as part of the Extra Life allergic disease, and have taken it to the raise funds for local children’s hospitals Baltimore Guild, meeting throughout next level with our research program. At through Children’s Miracle Network the year to plan recruitment events, at- this stage of my career, it’s very important Hospitals, of which Johns Hopkins tend conventions, hear from patients to to me to leave behind a legacy of trainees, Children’s Center is a member hospital. stay connected to the cause, and meet and this will guarantee our work has no Gamers can play from anywhere, con- up for fun activities like laser tag and end in sight, even beyond when I’m no necting with other Extra Lifers through escape rooms. Guild President Drew longer actively doing this.” livestreams and virtual meetups — Nicolo has raised funds for the Chil- forming a unique community with the dren’s Center through Extra Life since The endowment provides discretionary mantra, “Play Games, Heal Kids.” 2012. Each year, he sets higher goals funds that will allow investigator-initi- and keeps things fun by adding differ- ated research to continue despite poten- Since 2010, more than 5,000 gam- ent incentive levels for his fundraising tial changes to other funding sources. ers have raised over $900,000 for the goals — like letting his donors pick his Endowment funds will also support Children’s Center through Extra Life, new hair color. training of the next generation of pediat- with an impressive $181,314 raised in ric allergists and immunologists, ensur- 2020 alone. This year, Australian You- “Extra Life is not just a fundraiser, ing that they have the resources they need Tube streamer and influencer Legend it’s a whole community. It’s an event, to be successful. of Total War joined in supporting the but it’s also a yearlong journey to meet Children’s Center, livestreaming for 24 new people, spreading the word and “I’m so incredibly grateful for the com- hours to raise funds for pediatric food championing for kids and families who bination of the brilliant mind and the allergy research — he even dueled a might be at the lowest points of their tremendous compassion and empathy Children’s Center patient during his lives and need people like us out there that Dr. Wood gave to Seth and my en- stream, raising more than $32,000. fighting for them,” Nicolo says. tire family,” Julie Reinhard says. “There’s “There’s really no downside to signing nothing more important to us than in- “We wanted to celebrate the mile- up or coming to a meeting; it’s laid vesting in research for health care, and stone of reaching 300,000 subscribers back, all about playing games, having a there’s no one working harder than Dr. on YouTube, and chose to do that by great time and raising money for a great Wood to improve the lives of children hosting a 24-hour livestream for char- cause.” —AL with food allergies. We are so grateful to ity. Because our audience is spread all the families whose lives he’s touched across the world, it was important to Save the date for this year’s game day on immeasurably who joined us to help us to choose an organization that helps Nov. 6, 2021. Sign up at make this happen.” people worldwide,” says Legend of Total bit.ly/JHCCExtraLife21 or email [email protected] for more Hear from our patients and care providers information on the guild. firsthand: bit.ly/HopkinsFoodAllergy. 52 HOPKINS CHILDREN’S | hopkinschildrens.org
People&Philanthropy | Radiothon There’s No Place Revealing Like Radiothon Radiothon's second highest total ever raised, from left to right, Mix 106.5’s Kramer, Jess and Priestly. IN SHOW BUSINESS, “the show must go on,” and when a pan- We raised more than $1.3 million for demic swept the globe, radio shows – and fundraising events Hopkins and restored faith and hope to a – were no exception. Despite much uncertainty, when the time community who desperately needed it, as came to plan Mix 106.5’s 32nd Annual Radiothon benefitting did I. It was pure magic! Hope in the face Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, everyone’s creativity went of adversity. #MoStrong! into overdrive with one common goal: making Radiothon as – PRIESTLY, MIX 106.5 DJ successful as possible for the patients and families who need it most. the surrounding community helped raise, patient families, care providers, and donors alike eagerly tuned into Facebook to Mix 106.5’s new morning show hosts, Kramer and Jess, watch the live card parade, which revealed the event’s second joined by veteran DJs Priestly, Maria Dennis from 101.9 highest total ever raised: $1,328,335.32. WLIF and Jeremy Conn from 105.7 The Fan, held virtual interviews with Children’s Center patients and families to gear “In a time when the world was flipped upside down, life as up for the event. While broadcasting from the hospital wasn’t we knew it was paused. I witnessed a city unite for a common an option this year, the DJs stayed connected during the two- cause – our sick kiddos and Miracle Makers at Johns Hopkins day broadcast via Zoom, sharing stories on-air of the strength Children Center. With a new morning show and the recent and resilience of the patients, families and care providers at the passing of our beacon of light, Mo Gaba, we overcame what Children’s Center asking listeners to call in and donate. experts said would be impossible numbers in a virtual environ- ment during times like this,” Priestly says. “We raised more A central theme in this year’s stories? There’s no place like than $1.3 million for Hopkins and restored faith and hope to home. While many people spent more time at home than ever a community who desperately needed it, as did I. It was pure this past year, patients and families at the Children’s Center magic! Hope in the face of adversity. #MoStrong!”—AL would love nothing more than to be at home rather than in the hospital. From the teenager who had a traumatic longboard- Save the date for Mix 106.5’s 33rd Annual Radiothon, ing accident to the parents whose daughter was born with her Feb. 24 – 25, 2022. umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, all echoed the same sentiment: if they couldn’t be at home, they were thankful for the care they received at the Children’s Center, made possible by funds raised through events like Radiothon. When the time came to announce how much Baltimore and FALL 2021 53
People&Philanthropy A GIANT Impact ROOTED IN A LONGSTANDING belief associate director of development, re- who were thinking of our care providers, that it’s important to make a difference ceived an unexpected phone call: The kids and families when they themselves where you operate, The GIANT Com- GIANT Company wanted to donate were also on the front lines.” pany, based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, $50,000 to support COVID-19 efforts has been giving back locally since the at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Pivoting in this time of crisis, The company’s founding as a butcher shop in GIANT Company remained commit- the 1920s. Now 187 stores strong, The “In a time when the world stopped ted to its annual fundraising efforts, GIANT Company has supported Johns and we were all in crisis, we weren’t sure implementing a contactless version of Hopkins Children’s Center through its how we were going to raise money for our its Round Up campaign in support of partnership with Children’s Miracle Net- kids, whose needs didn’t stop — and in CMN Hospitals. Despite the challenges work (CMN) Hospitals for more than 20 some cases, increased — in the middle of faced throughout 2020, The GIANT years. Each year, the company hosts the a global pandemic. Getting that call was a Company surpassed its fundraising goal, largest golf tournament on the East Coast, ray of sunshine in the middle of a storm,” raising nearly $40,000 for the Children’s spanning 13 golf courses and more than Palacz says. “We are so grateful for amaz- Center –– a 19% increase from 2019. 2,000 participants. The event supports ing partners like The GIANT Company eight CMN hospitals, including Johns “Our team members love supporting Hopkins Children’s Center. From June Our team members love the Children’s Center. After more than 1 through Aug. 31, the organization also supporting the Children’s 20 years, it’s ingrained in who we are. holds its “Round Up” campaign, during Center. After more than 20 Our team knows that they’re part of a which customers are asked to round up years, it’s ingrained in who company culture that isn’t just selling their total to the nearest dollar at check- we are. groceries. They’re connecting families for out. At stores in Maryland, 100% of the a better future,” says Groves. “The donations stay local to help patients and — JESSICA GROVES, GIANT GIANT Company is dedicated to chang- families at the Children’s Center. ing children’s lives, and we’re honored to be able to raise funds and get them to or- In March 2020, when the COVID-19 ganizations like Johns Hopkins who can pandemic swept America, essential work- make a difference in the lives of kids.” – ers — like those at The GIANT Com- AL pany — were on the front lines. At a time when panic-buying was rampant, shelves were empty and lines were long, leader- ship at the company was keenly aware of how the pandemic was impacting not only themselves, but others as well. “When we saw the work that was being done by our health care partners and the pictures of overcrowding of hospitals, am- bulances, the stress and long hours, the shortage of PPE, we knew that we needed to step up,” says Jessica Groves, social impact manager for The GIANT Com- pany. “We felt it was important that they knew that we were there for them. We were in the enviable position to be able to help, and we knew we needed to act fast.” In late March, Cynthia Palacz, senior 54 HOPKINS CHILDREN’S | hopkinschildrens.org
People&Philanthropy ‘Kids Can’t Tracy Newman Wait’ For the ‘30 Day Miracle Movement’ THROUGHOUT THE PAST YEAR of uncertainty, one thing re- Chilcot, founder and owner of Core Cycle Studios. “So many mained decidedly certain: Kids can’t wait. During the global people who come into the studio or join us virtually are quietly pandemic, children couldn’t wait for a cure or vaccine, or for fighting things we know nothing about, just like we have no the curve to flatten, and funds still needed to be raised to provide idea what the families are going through at the Children’s Cen- resources for our patients and families. ter. Fundraising is important, but so is garnering awareness and education in the midst of a crisis. I’m so proud of how our team Johns Hopkins Children’s Center merged two beloved sig- came together to be part of this.” nature, in-person events into one virtual happening: Kids Can’t Wait — 30 Day Miracle Movement. Kicking off with the “It felt like in the midst of COVID, this event brought a sense Team Hopkins Kids Race and ending with Baltimore Boogie, of normalcy,” adds Tracy Newman, one of Core Cycle’s spin the Children’s Center’s annual dance marathon, participants — instructors. “People were smiling, clapping and singing along known as Miracle Movers — joined in various virtual events and to the music –– it was the perfect opportunity to connect our raised funds from home over the course of 30 days. communities and do something that mattered.” Individuals and businesses in the community stepped up to Other virtual events included a wine tasting hosted by the rally behind the patients, families and care providers at the Chil- Kendall Burrows Foundation, beer tasting with Team dren’s Center by hosting and supporting the events, sponsoring Abby May and Oliver Brewing Co., and a Charm City activities, and asking friends and family members to donate via Trivia event. Throughout the monthlong program, more social media. Core Cycle Studios in Lutherville, for example, than 525 Miracle Movers participated in daily activities and hosted virtual and socially distanced in person spin and barre events from 31 states across the country, raising more than $207,700 for the Children’s Center. So many people who come into the studio or join us virtually are quietly “We loved participating in the Kids Can’t Wait campaign to fighting things we know nothing about, give back to the Children’s Center in honor of our son, Bobby, just like we have no idea what the families who was a patient in 2018,” says Liz Soper. “We love that our are going through at the Children’s friends and family got to be involved in our team from wherever Center. Fundraising is important, but so is they are and share in Bobby’s legacy. We can’t wait to participate garnering awareness and education in the this year!” —AL midst of a crisis. I’m so proud of how our team came together to be part of this. Save the dates for the second annual KIDS CAN’T WAIT — 30 Day Miracle Movement! The — HEATHER CHILCOT, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF CORE program will happen Oct. 8 – Nov. 6 of this year. CYCLE STUDIOS FALL 2021 55 classes as part of the Miracle Movement. The fitness studio was founded on the principle of building relationships and a strong community. “Giving back is important to us, and we want to be interwo- ven into the community. So when I heard about the Miracle Movement, it really pulled at my heartstrings,” says Heather Mo and his mom, Sonsy Gaba
People&Philanthropy Knock Knock— The ‘Art Lady’ Is Here By Gary Logan AS A STUDENT at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Linnea The power of art, notes Linnea Payne at right, gives parents of Payne wanted to pursue a career in art with the goal of patients in the hospital a sense of control in an environment working with emerging artists. With a master’s degree in where they may often feel little control. modern and contemporary art, she did just that, working at Christie's auction house with the David Rockefeller Collec- cart room-to-room where she meets parents at their child’s tion and then at Sotheby’s. In doing so, creative forces within bedside to pique their interest in a creative project. The goal? her were reignited and led her back to Annapolis and her own studio where she now pursues her art fulltime — almost. “To engage them with meaningful art activities that some- times inspire them and distract them if only for a brief while, “I’ve always had a love for creation so, in working with in a medium that can help them process what they are going these amazing works of art, I decided I should probably cre- through,” says Payne. “My main goal is for them to have ate art too,” says Payne. “I’ve been absolutely loving it. I’m fun.” a people and pet portrait artist, it’s kind of my bread and butter.” Payne’s translation of Mennonite folk art into large-scale works of glitter art is her passion, and often the realm in Payne also saves a day each week to uncover the emerg- which parents find themselves. Bracelets, facemask lanyards, ing artist in parents of patients at Johns Hopkins Children’s ornaments, inspirational picture frames and wooden tea lights Center. As an artist in residence with the hospital’s Child Life are among the parents’ projects. Whatever the undertaking, Healing Arts program, each Tuesday she travels with her art explains Payne, it gives parents moments of focus and control in an environment where they may often feel little control. To engage [patients and parents] with meaningful art activities that sometimes “Sometimes the parent is feeling kind of low,” says Payne. inspire them and distract them if only “In the process of creating something they’re excited and, for a brief while, in a medium that can after finishing the project, they’re happy. The process helps help them process what they are going redirect their focus.” through. My main goal is for them to have fun. Payne, the self-described “Art Lady,” can relate to these parents in recalling her own childhood when she often vis- ited her sister in the hospital. She also spent time in Kuwait, where she worked with children with disabilities. “I have a tender heart for families facing such circum- stances,” says Payne. “Being able to come into the hospital and share my love of creating art with other people is truly a highlight of my week.” — LINNEA PAYNE 56 HOPKINS CHILDREN’S | hopkinschildrens.org
People&Philanthropy PICU ‘Superheroes’ Come to Harrison’s Rescue A lifesaving event inspires the Carter family to give back. By Leslie Feldman “SUPERHEROES LANDED on the roof on Maryland’s Eastern PICU fellow Jessica LaRosa helped and saved my son’s life.” Shore. During the trip, reintubate Harrison, in the photo he stopped breathing with his family below, to increase his That’s how Mike Carter describes and his condition wors- oxygen level for the emergency flight to the lifesaving event that allowed his ened. After Harrison was Baltimore. 6-year-old son, Harrison, to still be triaged at the hospital in re- alive today. spiratory failure, and following able to respond to others. After Harrison several attempts at intubation, spent two days dependent on a breathing Residents of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- emergency medicine physicians tube, his condition improved dramati- vania, the Carter family spent much of determined that he needed to be im- cally, and on his third day in the hospital their time at their vacation home in St. mediately airlifted to Johns Hopkins he was able to go home. He now takes Michaels, Maryland, during the onset of Children’s Center to save his life. The medications to control the seizures and the COVID-19 pandemic. On the night Johns Hopkins Children’s Center Pedi- remains under Latimer’s care. of Sept. 4, 2020, the family was gathered atric Transport Team, including pedi- around their dinner table when Harri- atric intensive care unit (PICU) fellow In gratitude for Harrison’s lifesaving son, according to his mom, Meredith, Jessica LaRosa and pediatric transport care, his family established an education suddenly “shut down.” She explains, nurse Brittanie Coleman, arrived by fund for the pediatric critical care fellow- “He just froze. His eyes were open, but helicopter and were able to reintubate ship and pediatric transport team. he was unresponsive. We panicked and Harrison, immediately increasing his called 911.” “Their contribution will support con- oxygen level so he was prepared to tinuing education for pediatric critical Harrison was transported by ambu- make the flight to Baltimore. care fellows and allow them to conduct lance to the nearest hospital research that will benefit patients like “We could not go [in the helicop- Harrison in the future,” says Corina ter] with him, so we made the jour- Noje, the PICU attending physician ney by car while the transport team and medical control physician for the flew with him and stabilized him,” emergency transport. explained Meredith. “After 45 min- utes, we received a call that he was “If the Hopkins team did not come to stable. We were so relieved.” Harrison’s rescue that night, I would not have my son here today,” says Mike. At Johns Hopkins Children’s “The helicopter transport is equipped to Center, under the care of pedi- handle these pediatric emergencies and atric neurologist Christopher is vital to saving lives.” Latimer, Harrison received nu- merous tests including CT scans, a spinal tap and extensive blood- work, which resulted in a diagno- sis of focal onset seizures. When some people experience focal sei- zures, they are fully awake, alert and able to recall events during the seizure. Others, however, are frozen during the seizure and un- FALL 2021 57
People&Philanthropy Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiologist Natalia Diaz- Rodriguez By Christina Frank AS A PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIOLOGIST at the Blalock-Taussig- Children are very receptive to listening Thomas Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Johns Hop- and understanding that the procedure is kins, Natalia Diaz-Rodriguez has a short window of time something that they need and that we're in which to meet her patients before they undergo surgery. going to try to make it as best as we Understandably, children are often scared, and their parents can for them, so you can push forward anxious. knowing that you're doing what's right for them. At the same time, they're loving Diaz-Rodriguez tries to ease the tension with a little bit of and they're funny and they make you levity. “We had a child coming for a big surgery last week,” laugh. They’re perfect. That’s why I chose she says. “He was a bit hesitant to let me get close to him at to work with children, and I wouldn't first, but with the help of our Child Life specialist, we made change it for the world. his experience fun. She brought him a bubble blower and after playing with bubbles for a few minutes, he let me carry him to — NATALIA DIAS-RODRIGUEZ the OR, all the while laughing and smiling.” dren who are very sick with congenital heart problems that Diaz-Rodriguez received her MD from the University of may require cardiac bypass surgery or open-heart surgery. But Pennsylvania. In 2012, she began her residency at Johns Hop- just as she eases the fears of her young patients, she credits kins — which is, coincidentally, where she was born. (Her them with inspiring her. father was doing his pediatric residency at the University of Maryland at the time.) The family then moved back to Puerto “Children are very receptive to listening and understanding Rico, where Diaz-Rodriguez grew up. After a number of years that the procedure is something that they need and that we're working in finance in the United States, she decided to follow going to try to make it as best as we can for them, so you can in her father’s footsteps and pursue pediatrics. Diaz-Rodriguez push forward knowing that you're doing what's right for had originally considered specializing in critical care medicine, them,” she says. “At the same time, they're loving and they're but was ultimately drawn to pediatric anesthesiology. funny and they make you laugh. They’re perfect. That’s why I chose to work with children, and I wouldn't change it for the “It was a combination of the procedures, the physiology, world.” and being able to take care of children in the operating room,” she says. Diaz-Rodriguez feels privileged to be part of the recently opened Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center. Going for- ward, she plans to combine a clinical career with an academic career, focusing on pulmonary hypertension research. Diaz-Rodriguez acknowledges that it can be hard to see chil- 58 HOPKINS CHILDREN’S | hopkinschildrens.org
People&Philanthropy For the Chief Residents, aYear Unlike Any Other By Rachel Hackam IN YEARS PAST, chief residents at Johns Hopkins Children’s Chief residents Kristen Center have cited the thrill of not knowing what each day will Cercone, taking steps, and bring. As one former chief noted, “You sort of walk into the Jeanette Beaudry and Sam day with your scheduled meetings, your to-do list, but you real- Gottlieb on the platform below. ize an email or someone at your door can completely change the way you thought your day was going to be.” Fast forward “I was in the first year of my ID fellowship when the pandemic to 2020–2021, the pandemic-infused year devoid of normalcy. hit. At that time, our understanding of transmission, prevention, manifestations in children, and management was changing rap- “In some ways, taking on a leadership and teaching role in idly,” says Beaudry. “While it was enormously challenging to such an unprecedented time has meant that we have tackled keep up with the latest information and to manage patients who challenges that we never would have imagined — like conduct- had a new disease process that we were just learning about, it ing family-centered rounds when the whole team couldn’t be at was also exciting to watch the process of discovery unfolding for the bedside,” says chief resident Kristen Cercone. “Through a novel virus, and it reaffirmed my love for infectious disease.” trial and error, we learned how to use new technology and find solutions that would allow us to continue to provide high-qual- What they may have learned about themselves in working ity care and education for our patients and residents.” together, the chiefs say, is their flexibility. While some chiefs decide to “divide and conquer,” these three have taken an “all Such resourceful thinking is required of the job, agree Cer- hands on deck” approach in supporting each other and the resi- cone’s fellow chiefs Jeanette Beaudry and Sam Gottlieb. dents they lead. That includes adding to their weekly menu of This is part of what drew them to pediatrics, they say. Other responsibilities a cooking class, candy rounds, origami lessons factors that pushed them on that path include an underlying and a new snack cart in the chiefs’ office — what they consider appeal in working with children and families longitudinally over special resiliency-building endeavors for pediatric residents dur- decades. Unlike what they perceive in many adults, they cite “an ing a pandemic. inherent joy” and optimism in children. “Though COVID often added an extra layer of complexity to “Kids are resilient in facing serious illnesses,” says Gottlieb, a many of the events we planned and the day-to-day life of our- Georgia native who plans to pursue a career in pediatric hospital selves and our residents,” Cercone concludes, “these opportuni- medicine. “As pediatricians, we appreciate the opportunity to ties to learn and grow we will remember for years to come.” impact a child’s health over a lifespan.” Beaudry, who grew up in Philadelphia and attended Colum- bia Medical School, is taking a different tack through a fellow- ship in infectious disease (ID), which she plans to complete following her chief residency year. That area of medicine turned out to be especially timely given the coronavirus pandemic. Though COVID often added an extra layer of complexity to many of the events we planned and the day-to-day life of ourselves and our residents, these opportunities to learn and grow we will remember for years to come. — KRISTEN CERCONE FALL 2021 59
Obituaries In Memoriam William Howard Zinkham, M.D. James C. Harris, M.D. Pediatric hematologist William Howard James Harris served for 50 years at Johns Zinkham was a beloved mentor to many Hopkins as a distinguished clinician, educa- residents, fellows and faculty members, re- tor, mentor, scholar, investigator, and advo- vered by residents for his diagnostic acumen cate. He received his medical degree in 1966 and his ability to solve problems. His career from George Washington University and at Johns Hopkins spanned five decades, first as an undergradu- trained in pediatrics at the University of Southern California ate student at Johns Hopkins University and then as a student Children’s Hospital and the University of Rochester before at its schools of medicine. After graduation, he rose from intern joining Johns Hopkins for his psychiatry residency and fellow- to chief resident in pediatrics, and then as a faculty member ship in child psychiatry from 1972–1974. His research focused in 1954 focusing on diseases of the blood in children. He was on behavioral phenotypes in neurogenetic disorders and psy- the first recipient of the Alexander J. Schaffer Award for excel- chopharmacology in neurodevelopmental disorders. His many lence in clinical teaching in 1970, and in 1974 he became the contributions to the field include serving as lead author of the founding director for the Pediatric Hematology Division. His DSM-5 criteria for intellectual disability, and serving on the designation as the first Rainey Professor of Pediatric Hematol- President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities ogy in 1987 recognized the importance of his work as a physi- during the Clinton administration. “Jim Harris worked dog- cian scientist. Jerry Winkelstein, former director of Pediatric gedly to burnish the legacy of Dr. Leo Kanner, penning won- Allergy and Immunology, called Zinkham “the heart and soul derful appreciations of his one-time Johns Hopkins professor, of the department” from the 1970s to 1980s. To honor his the discoverer of autism,” said John Campo, director of Child legacy, donations can be made to the Ernest C. Brown Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, and James Potash, director of the Hematology Fund at www.hopkinschildrens.org/givenow. Department of Psychiatry, in a joint statement. “All of us will certainly remember Dr. Harris, whose revels may have ended, Kwang Sik Kim, M.D. though his spirit remains vital.” Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Dis- eases at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Eric Jelin, M.D Kwang Sik Kim’s major scientific contribu- Eric Jelin came to Johns Hopkins from tions were in the area of central nervous sys- the Children’s National Medical Center in tem infections. His work was amongst the Washington, D.C., where he was a fellow in earliest to demonstrate the mechanisms used by pathogens to pediatric surgery from 2013-2015. He served penetrate the blood-brain barrier and cause neurologic disease. as director of the Johns Hopkins Children’s His model has been used by investigators throughout the world Center Fetal Program, where he performed prenatal, neonatal to understand central nervous system infection and inflamma- and pediatric surgery, as well as counseled parents with preg- tion, and was the basis for establishing novel concepts such as nancies complicated by fetal anomalies. His research interests the neurovascular impact of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to focused on improving outcomes after fetal therapy for congeni- his scientific rigor, he was committed to mentorship and train- tal hernia, and device development for fetal therapy. He led the ing. Since arriving at Johns Hopkins in 2000, he maintained trailblazing Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) study a T32 training grant that has led to the development of many with a prestigious R01 grant. He was also awarded the Judah nationally recognized leaders in the field of pediatric infectious Folkman Prize from the American Pediatric Surgery Associa- diseases. “Dr. Kim individually impacted each of our lives,” says tion. “Eric’s loss leaves a huge hole in all of our hearts. He was Deborah Persaud, interim director of the Division of Pediatric a consummate surgeon, a brilliant scientist, and a wonderful Infectious Diseases. “He was a gentle and warm person, a true human being,” says pediatric surgeon-in-chief David Hackam. pioneer in CNS infections, and an inspiring leader for our team “Through his hard work in caring for patients, and the devel- who gave young faculty the autonomy to allow them to learn opment of a major trial in fetal therapy, Eric helped to elevate and develop.” A lectureship fund, in collaboration with the the field of surgery, and to put the Johns Hopkins Children's Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, has been established Center on the worldwide map for fetal care.” Among the con- to honor Kwang Sik Kim’s legacy. dolences from patient families: “Dr. Jelin, words fail me. You are amazing and you saved my baby. You are kind, compassion- ate and so funny. I will forever miss you. I am so grateful for your work, but most importantly for your heart.” 60 HOPKINS CHILDREN’S | hopkinschildrens.org
For their future, and yours. There are many ways to support Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, options that benefit you and your family, too. A charitable gift annuity provides you or a loved one with guaranteed income and tax benefits — and helps us continue to transform young lives through the best pediatric treatment and care. Melissa, with her great-granddaughters, Elle and Emme, patients at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center Read their story at bit.ly/JHCCEmmeElle To learn more, contact the Office of Gift Planning: Phone: 410-516-7954 or 800-548-1268 Email: [email protected] Website: giving.jhu.edu/giftplanning
Hopkins Children’s Office of Communications & Public Affairs 901 S. Bond Street / Suite 550 Baltimore, MD 21231 The Charlotte R.Bloomberg Children’s Center building n Opened in 2012 n S upersized sculptures and n D edicated pediatric trauma n 2 05 private rooms with sleeping literary themed art distract bays from the hospital experience accommodations for parents n 4 0-bed Pediatric ICU n A coustical ceiling tiles and n F amily amenities like n 4 5-bed Neonatal ICU on-demand meals,family n Dedicated PCICU rubber flooring help create a lounges and multiple play rooms n 1 0 state-of-the-art pediatric quiet healing environment n E xpanded,easy-to-access surgical suites Pediatric Emergency Department
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