HealthNetwork Magazine Spring 2021

SPRING 2021 A Month Away from Support For Life “It’s Only Brain Surgery” Life in a Wheelchair Ron and Lezah Stenger’s Jeff and Debbi Kimball know Peter Novak knew how life can grandson Grant might better than anyone how critical change on a dime. He just never never have made it to a second opinion can be. thought it would happen to him. college graduation. PAGE 14 PAGE 4 PAGE 12

How Far also been donors for almost 20 years. We’ve Come We’ve had the privilege of helping Jay with multiple generations of his family, including When I started Healthnetwork his father-in-law. 30 years ago it was like packing a snowball at the top You’ll also read stories from some of our of a mountain. And you know newer supporters, like Rick and Suzanne Lasch how that goes… the snowball (p. 9), Pete and Kasia Novak (p. 4), Jeff & Debbi starts rolling, and you’re Kimball (page 14), and Kay Cook (p. 15). I’m running in front of it, and grateful for all these families and how they have soon it’s bigger than you ever embraced our vision to sustain Healthnetwork dreamed and you’re just trying your best to for future generations. hang on. It’s exhilarating! Some of you have been part of Healthnetwork These multi-generational connections for almost as long as I have. You remember are the key to how we’re going to keep the how this all began as the Inventory of Skills, snowball rolling. As long as you continue a 30-page paper survey you filled out and giving back, and as long as you welcome your mailed back to us. Now we’re using advanced children in to be part of the Healthnetwork CRM technology to keep in touch with business community, we will continue growing, continue leaders around the world. We can even hop on cultivating relationships with the top medical a video chat with any of you at any moment! facilities and specialists in the country, and How far we’ve come. continue serving you and your family with In this issue you’ll read a few stories about expedited access to the very best medical care. people who have been with us for many, many years. We helped them with a medical issue Whether you’ve been around forever decades ago, and now we’re helping their kids or just joined us yesterday—welcome! Being and grandkids. Ron and Lezah Stenger, for part of Healthnetwork for 30 years has been example (on the cover), have been significant one of the greatest privileges of my life. donors for nearly 20 years. We were able to We have come so far together, and the future help their grandson with a major medical issue is looking bright. ✦ as an infant—and now he’s graduating from college. Jay and Mary Cleveland (p. 10) have BILL ROWLEY Chairman and Founder Healthnetwork Foundation BOARD MEMBERS EXECUTIVE TEAM William W. Rowley | Chairman and Founder | William Rowley (Donating Time) Chagrin Falls OH Megan Frankel, President Anthony Busa | Bay Village OH Lisa Herchek, Chief Operating Officer Barney Corning | Boston MA Kim Kotora, Vice President Bernardo B. Fernandez Jr., MD | Coral Gables FL Richard Cartabuke, MD, Medical Director Josh Guttman | Cincinnati OH Bill Krul | Kettering OH On the cover: As Lezah and Ron Stenger’s grandson Grant Brock Steere | Akron OH gets ready to graduate from college this Spring, they are F. William Steere | Akron OH deeply grateful for the life-saving surgery Healthnetwork Patricia Rowley McCollum | Chesterland OH helped make possible when Grant was an infant. William Babcox | Moreland Hills OH 2  Healthnetwork Foundation | www.healthnetworkfoundation.org

Healthnetwork Worldwide We are the only nonprofit organization in the world that provides business leaders and their families with expedited access to top specialists, while providing philanthropic funding for research at our partner hospitals. Our goal with this unique model is to make medicine better for all; and we are better poised to succeed at this because of your investment in our cause. It is our honor to present you with a summary of the impact that donors like you have made for Healthnetwork Foundation for all those who rely on our services. Our Network Healthnetwork now has hospital partners who also have a global presence in the following areas around the world: In 2020, we received: CANADA EUROPE NORTH & 5,195 REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE SOUTH ASIA from: 49 STATES 58 COUNTRIES LATIN AMERICA MIDDLE EAST/ SOUTHEAST ASIA NORTH AFRICA Our Expertise Cancer Ear, Nose & Throat All of the top 7 hospitals 7 of the top 10 hospitals Your requests for assistance are supported by our strong connections to our partner hospitals whose specialties are highly ranked by the US News & World Report. Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics Heart/Heart Surgery 5 of the top 7 hospitals 6 of the top 7 hospitals All of the top 5 hospitals 6 of the top 8 hospitals Neurology/Neurosurgery Nephrology Ophthalmology Orthopedics 6 of the top 10 hospitals 7 of the top 10 hospitals 7 of the top 10 hospitals All of the top 3 hospitals Respiratory Diseases Rheumatology Urology 8 of the top 10 hospitals 7 of the top 10 hospitals 7 of the top 10 hospitals One Call Starts It All +1 (866) 968-2467 +1 (440) 893-0830  3

A Month Away from Life in a Wheelchair A s a 30-year veteran of the life insurance industry, Peter Novak saw again and again how life can change on a dime. He just never thought it would happen to him… As the chief executive of a financial services Peter Novak and his wife Kasia relax together company with 200 advisors and $20M at home. commissions in sales a year, Peter Novak was always on the go. He’d always been active and became a GOLD supporter. “I figured that an enjoyed exercise, and in 2011 he ramped it up extra level of support might come in handy if and began cross training and watching his God forbid, my kids got sick one day.” Little did diet. “I was in the best shape of my life.” he know it was he himself that would need that extra support. And then something happened that took him from 100 mph to a painful and scary standstill. Peter called and spoke with one of Healthnetwork’s seasoned medical coordinators, It started with a few stomach issues, which who consulted with Healthnetwork’s Medical seemed minor and Peter ignored them. Then Director. They thought that his symptoms he started getting tingling and cramping in could indicate a spine issue. A spine specialist his legs, which was also relatively minor. But at a partner hospital confirmed neuropathy it quickly got worse and soon the pain in his and gave Peter a different diagnosis than what hips and legs made it impossible to exercise. his local doctors had suggested. Peter was told to seek a specialist close to home for treatment. He went to his primary physician, to the But Peter still wasn’t satisfied. Things had local hospital, to a physiatrist—everyone and gotten so bad, so fast. “I needed to go beyond everywhere he could think of. All the doctors said the second and third opinions and wanted essentially the same thing: “They all looked at to find the right answer,” he says. my MRIs and said basically I had a bulging disc and neuropathy and I needed rehab.” Answers at Last A Call for Help Peter asked his Healthnetwork medical coordinator to help connect him with another Within a few months, Peter recalls, “I couldn’t spine specialist. This time he saw Dr. Robert walk more than 20 feet before collapsing, and E. Wharen Jr., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic I was losing basic control of body functions.” Florida, (now retired) and one of Healthnetwork’s While fly fishing, he collapsed in the river. Service Excellence Award recipients. “I was desperate,” he says. “I had exhausted all of my medical resources, but I knew I was not close to the right answer.” Peter knew it was time to call Healthnetwork, a Foundation he now supports each year as a Lead Donor in their Annual Appeal campaign. Peter was introduced to Healthnetwork through his membership in Legatus; he immediately recognized the value of being well-connected for medical care and he 4  Healthnetwork Foundation | www.healthnetworkfoundation.org

After reviewing Peter’s records, Dr. Wharen when I needed it most. I would never have said he was 99 percent sure Peter was suffering known how to reach the right specialist from Spinal Dural AV Fistula, an abnormal or meet with him so quickly without their connection between arteries and veins in the assistance. Healthnetwork gave me a chance outer lining of the spinal cord. It’s a rare to have this successful surgery and a life- disease that occurs in only 5–10 patients per changing outcome. million, primarily men. An embolism in Peter’s spinal cord had caused it to become extremely Quality of Care, Quality of Life swollen. Peter had surgery the very next day, and a second surgery a few days later. Working in the life insurance business for decades gave Peter a close-up view of death In the Nick of Time and mortality. “Something people don’t understand is that the likelihood of dying is “After the operation, Dr. Wharen told my wife that much lower than becoming disabled,” he says. if I had waited another month, I might have had “We really shouldn’t be thinking as much an aneurysm in my spine and could have been about dying, but more about our lifestyle, how wheelchair bound for life. She broke into tears!” we want to live our lives.” Dr. Wharen reassured Peter that Spinal Dural That lifestyle is what was at stake for Peter. AV Fistula is easy to misdiagnose. But in his For an active man, husband, father, and serial case, they got it right. The surgery was a success. entrepreneur, the idea of life in a wheelchair With the pressure on his spinal cord removed, was unbearable. Peter’s pain lessened significantly. “Quality of care is extremely important He regained his ability to walk and move. because quality of life is extremely important,” He got himself a hound dog because he wanted he says. “To have Healthnetwork as a an active companion for long walks. He’s resource to help protect you and your family walking 25,000 steps a day these days. He still is quite amazing.” ✦ has some minor neuropathy in his feet but compared to where he was and where he could Peter’s beloved hound dog Glenia waits patiently have been, it’s nothing. “If not for Healthnetwork for him to return. and Dr. Wharen, I likely would have had an aneurysm and been paralyzed from L3 or L4 down,” he says. “That’s the level of your gall bladder, and I wouldn’t have been able to walk. It’s a scary thought.” Quality of care is extremely important because quality of life is extremely important. To have Healthnetwork as a resource to help protect you and your family is quite amazing. Mysterious Ways “God works in mysterious ways,” says Peter. “I know He was guiding my surgeon and medical teams. Healthnetwork helped me One Call Starts It All +1 (866) 968-2467 +1 (440) 893-0830  5

impressed with not only the streamlined operation, but the passion and commitment that was present in their interactions with members. Cleveland Clinic and Healthnetwork have had a fruitful relationship over the years, and I’m glad to be in a position to help make it even stronger. Richard H. Cartabuke, MD, is a well-loved physician In recent years you’ve focused on at Cleveland Clinic in Executive Health. He also Executive Health. What about that consults as Healthnetwork’s Medical Director. appeals to you? Introducing You’re not often afforded the opportunity in Dr.Richard Cartabuke medicine to spend an hour with a patient. One of the great things about Executive Health is Healthnetwork’s Medical Director that I can spend extra time talking to patients about things that may not be related directly ichard Cartabuke planned on being to health but are certainly connected—like job stresses, family, food, exercise, and lifestyle. R a history teacher. The kids missed We amalgamate that information with out—he would’ve made a great diagnostics, imaging studies, and blood work teacher! But the medical community to piece it all together in a meaningful way is fortunate he changed course. Dr. Cartabuke is a for patients. My conversations then reflect physician at Cleveland Clinic and he now assists this. I can say to a patient, “Here are some in an advisory role as the Medical Director at opportunities to pay attention to now so Healthnetwork Foundation. that 5 or 10 years from now we’re not treating a disease but rather discussing continued Tell us about your connection prevention.” Executive Health gives me the with Healthnetwork. chance to help head things off and prepare people for what the next 10 years of life When I started to do some work with Executive might look like. It’s proactive, patient-focused, Health here at Cleveland Clinic, Bill Rowley and educational—and that very much invited me down to Chagrin Falls to see what energizes and engages me in patient care. Healthnetwork was accomplishing in the business community. I had a tour of the office Speaking of education, you didn’t start and met the wonderful team there and was out planning to go into medicine… That’s right. I never intended to become a physician. I was a history major in college, and I got my masters’ degree in history with a focus specifically on the history of medicine. I would’ve been comfortable being a middle school or high school history teacher. But in college people were nudging me toward considering a career in medicine, and I’m glad that they did. What changed my mind was seeing the opportunities to engage with patients. I have found that the same educational principles are applicable to patients. Still, I’m always on the lookout for a good biography or historical fiction book. 6  Healthnetwork Foundation | www.healthnetworkfoundation.org

Medical research is a pillar for both treatments that prolong lives. It will be Cleveland Clinic and Healthnetwork. interesting to see what primary care will look What kind of research are you involved like ten years from now as we use genetics to with these days? personalize healthcare. In fact, that’s something that our Executive Health program is looking I’m very much interested in medical education to bring into our mainstream offering over the and training the next generation of physicians. next six months in an effort to learn even We’ve been running studies looking at more about our patient population. leadership skills—How do we evolve residents to become leaders in their respective profession? What are you enjoying about your When we started we were uncovering what new role with Healthnetwork? skills make an excellent chief resident. I thought it would be heavily weighted to Healthnetwork members are always interesting patient care. But what we found is that the to talk to. They have very diverse backgrounds most critical thing is being able to work and businesses. I love hearing how they came effectively in a team which turns out to be the to be in their respective roles. A common biggest predictor of success. This is interesting theme I’ve noticed is that Healthnetwork but not surprising; it’s reflective of where members tend to be engaged and invested in medicine has evolved. So now we’re looking their health. Many are in positions of leadership, at what this means for medical school—things and they’re used to the responsibility falling like adding more team-based learning earlier to them to be sure things are running smoothly. and focusing on multi-disciplinary approaches I’m always glad to see people utilizing that to patient care. same approach to their health. If you’re not looking after it and making sure it’s running The philanthropic donations that smoothly, no one else is going to. As I often individual physicians and institutions remind my patients, you’re the CEO of your secure from donors have a profound own health. ✦ impact on the landscape of how we will Dr. Cartabuke and his wife Jenna have two children, practice medicine in the future. two-year-old William and six-month-old Adeline. You’re a practicing physician and you consult with a philanthropic foundation. Talk about your point of view on medical philanthropy. Philanthropy is critical to continue developing new treatments and new modalities. Getting people the care they need for the diseases they have can be cost prohibitive. What’s exciting for you in medicine right now? In terms of medicine in general, we are doing a better job of identifying disease processes earlier and earlier, and there are better One Call Starts It All +1 (866) 968-2467 +1 (440) 893-0830  7

Executive Health: You are the CEO of Your Own Health When you’re busy running a company and you’re on a good path. But it’s also quite raising a family, it’s easy to let your health slip possible the results could change your life— through the cracks. But as Healthnetwork’s or even save it. Medical Director, Dr. Richard Cartabuke, likes to say, “You’ve got to be the CEO of your own Maybe this all sounds good to you, health. No one else is going to do it for you.” but you still have questions. We’ve teamed up with many of our Centers of Excellence across the country to facilitate Which program is right for me? When should customized, comprehensive executive health I go? What tests should I have? What questions physicals for our members. But don’t think should I be sure to ask? of your typical annual physical, where you’re sitting on crinkly paper in a small office Executive health programs vary depending waiting to see your local general practitioner. on factors such as the scope of care, type This is a head-to-toe audit of your entire health of diagnostic testing offered, length of time from physicians who are uniquely experienced required for appointments, and cost. in the challenges CEOs face daily. Best of all, Healthnetwork is here to make it easy for the whole experience is tailored to you, taking you. Contact us and we’ll work with you to into account your lifestyle, family health history, streamline everything. genetic profile, and your health priorities. Your health and well-being are inextricably At minimum, an executive health physical tied to your ability to lead—your family, your will establish a baseline for you and ensure business, and your community. Safeguard your future health with an executive physical. ✦ Call to learn more about executive physicals: +1 (866) 968-2467 “The true value of executive physicals is two-fold. First, it allows busy individuals to streamline their preventive care in an efficient manner in order to save them time. Second, it focuses on patients having adequate time with their providers to assess their health risks, interpret their results with a focus on trends, and set health goals for the future.” BIMAL ASHAR, MBA, MD Clinical Director, Division of General Internal Medicine Director, Johns Hopkins Executive and Preventive Health Program Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore MD 8  Healthnetwork Foundation | www.healthnetworkfoundation.org

“While there are many great advances taking place every day in healthcare, what good are they if you aren’t aware of them or able to access them? Healthnetwork is a great model to address these gaps as well as to provide focused philanthropic resources to leading institutions that make a difference. Bill Rowley has assembled a team of highly qualified professionals, including my health coordinator, Julie Brasfield, who make navigating the confusing maze of healthcare straightforward and less stressful.” – RICK LASCH Rick Lasch and his wife Suzanne elected to make a donation to Healthnetwork because of the successful and timely connections Rick received to top-level medical experts. The Halfway Point particular test. I wanted experts by my side to say, ‘Yes, those are the right tests to get. ick Lasch pushed himself hard for Yes, you’re doing the right protocol.’” R a long time, working 12–16 hour Right around that time, Rick was introduced days, six days a week for years. As to Healthnetwork Foundation through his he approached 50 and started to membership with CCC Alliance. He reached slow down his pace, Rick decided he wanted to out and asked for help organizing a complete get a “stem-to-stern physical.” executive physical at Cleveland Clinic. “I’m He says, “50 was kind of a turning point for sure glad I did!” he says. Among a number of me. At 40 you figure I’m still not halfway there. appointments that day, Rick met with Dr. Dermot But at 50 you figure I’m probably at about the Phelan, a cardiologist who specializes in athletes halfway point now. I just wanted to get ahead and their heart issues. Rick had coronary calcium of anything that might be going on. Why wait scan, which is a specialized X-ray test that provides till I’m older to figure it out?” pictures of the heart to help doctors measure The business Rick co-founded is a publicly calcium-containing plaque in the arteries. traded healthcare IT company, focused on finding inefficiencies in healthcare systems. “They want to see scores under 100,” explains So, knowing how easy it is for things to slip Rick. “Three of my arteries were under 100. through the cracks, Rick has a healthy One had a score of 1,021.” skepticism for all medical systems. Between that and his own lack of experience navigating Sometime during that whirlwind of helping the medical world as a patient, the idea to build a multi-billion-dollar company, Rick of coordinating that stem-to-stern physical had developed coronary artery disease. he wanted felt overwhelming. “I was afraid I would miss something,” he “I didn’t enjoy hearing that news, but it was says. “You don’t know what you don’t know. the catalyst that got my health back on track,” I was afraid I wouldn’t know to ask for a says Rick. “Healthnetwork helped me navigate the process of choosing the right cardiologist, who got me on medication and told me to lose 15 pounds which I did. I got my cholesterol back to normal. My diet and exercise were okay before but they are much better now.” ✦ One Call Starts It All +1 (866) 968-2467 +1 (440) 893-0830  9

For the says Jay. “Whether you’re 19 or 79 they know Next Generation what to do. The doctors were phenomenal, and the quality of care was really good.” Jay’s ay W. Cleveland, Jr. is the third father-in-law went on to live and enjoy time with the family for another 12 years. He was J generation of Clevelands to 91 when he passed away last year. manage Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc., a company As anyone who is part of a long-standing that supplies CAT equipment to the mining, family business knows, lending a helping hand agriculture, forestry, marine, oil, gas, electric, to those in your sphere of influence has ripple highway truck, and healthcare industries effects that endure for generations. Jay gives in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. back to Healthnetwork for many reasons, “It’s been an exciting 33 years sustaining including the support for individual doctors it and watching it grow,” he says. “It will be and their research and because he rewarding to pass it down to the next understands that private philanthropy is vital generation and watch it grow even more.” for innovations at Healthnetwork hospitals. Jay has been connected with Healthnetwork And because, put simply, “It feels good when Foundation for almost as long as he has you are able to help someone.” ✦ been in the family business. He linked up with Jay Cleveland, Jr. and his wife Mary know the Healthnetwork about 20 years ago while value of Healthnetwork connections and they he was in YPO, back when Healthnetwork was support the foundation for future generations. in its infancy. As his family business grew over the years, Jay gave to Healthnetwork as a GOLD supporter and benefitted from its connections. “I’ve used Healthnetwork probably 35 times for family and colleagues,” he says. “It’s been a good resource for my family and me and for my company.” I’ve used Healthnetwork probably 35 times for family and colleagues. It’s been a good resource for my family and me and for my company. One of the most meaningful medical requests Jay ever made was on behalf of his father-in-law. He needed a quadruple bypass, but he was in his late 70s and “Where he was located in Pennsylvania, they didn’t see a lot of those types of cases,” says Jay. “The doctors there didn’t want to do a bypass operation for a 79-year-old.” Healthnetwork helped Jay get his father-in-law in to see specialists at Cleveland Clinic. “That’s right up their alley,” 10  Healthnetwork Foundation | www.healthnetworkfoundation.org

Succession confident your children and grandchildren will Planning for Your continue to benefit from access to top medical Family’s Health care—not just today but for decades to come. Many of you reading this have been part of The second way to ensure the Healthnetwork Healthnetwork for a long time. If you would connections you value will remain strong for like to see your children and grandchildren future generations is through your gifts of continue to benefit from access to top medical retirement assets, a gift through your will or care—not just today but indefinitely—we invite trust, or other types of planned gifts. Many you to join us in one of two strategies to of these estate gifts carry tax advantages for secure Healthnetwork’s connections to top you and your heirs. If this interests you, I would medical facilities far into the future. be honored to work with you and your advisors to craft a planned gift that is functional and First, is to take a look at our newly established meaningful for your family. Family Legacy program. As a GOLD supporter, you know you can call us anytime on behalf This year marks 30 years since Healthnetwork of yourself or your family, and we are here for began—and with your support we intend you. But if you like the idea of your children to continue going strong for another 30 years getting established with their own direct and beyond. connection to us, you may wish to transition to supporting Healthnetwork at the Family Legacy If you’d like to learn more about Family Legacy level. Under your sponsorship, your children or discuss an estate gift, I welcome a call from or other significant family members will have you anytime. ✦ their own GOLD support status. They will be included in the ongoing communications and MEGAN FRANKEL updates about Healthnetwork and our partner hospitals, so that they will remember that we President are always here for them. And, they also will Healthnetwork Foundation have the opportunity to call us directly for +1 440-264-1923 themselves or for their families. You can feel mfrankel@ healthnetworkfoundation.org Sustaining Healthnetwork for Future Generations “Healthnetwork Foundation is the most important medical resource I have. I’ve used it countless times and shared it with family and friends. I’ve decided to gift my IRA to Healthnetwork. It is a certain and tax-efficient way to sustain this great foundation. I am hopeful that other members will consider planned gifts to ensure Healthnetwork will be here for future generations.” – GREG FOSTER CEO & YPO Gold One Call Starts It All +1 (866) 968-2467 +1 (440) 893-0830  11

Ron and Lezah Stenger, who have been connected with Healthnetwork and YPO for decades, have four children and fourteen grandchildren. Support For Life his spring, Ron Stenger’s grandson Baby Grant had surgery within 24 hours of his birth at UCSF Medical Center under the T Grant will graduate with a degree steady hands of Michael Harrison, MD. in applied math and computer Dr. Harrison is widely regarded as the father sciences from University of Southern of fetal surgery and was one of, if not the, top California, where he attended on a full scholarship. fetal surgeons in the country at the time. While Ron proudly watches grandchild number Dr. Harrison removed the mass and a damaged five (of fourteen) receive his diploma, he will part of Grant’s little lung. Soon the family remember how this accomplished young man was home snuggling their new baby, and the with a bright future might not have made it past surgery was only a memory. the first day of his life. Ron and Lezah Stenger were in Rome for a YPO A Hand to Hold conference when they got a phone call from their son and daughter-in-law, who had just Over the years Ron and his family have utilized had a sonogram. There was a problem. The the connections from Healthnetwork a couple baby had a lesion on one of his lungs. He dozen times. “It’s a big scary thing when you’re wasn’t in immediate danger, but it would need just a regular person going to a massive to be dealt with immediately after birth. medical complex for a major operation,” says Ron. “You don’t know what’s going on. If you While scary to think about a newborn baby have an appointment someplace, you don’t needing surgery, Ron and Lezah assured their even know where to go, how to find the right kids not to worry. They would make a phone office. What Healthnetwork does is they have call. The baby would be in good hands. a person who schedules your appointments, meets you at the hospital to show you where Ron knew about a resource available to YPOers like himself. IOS, which would eventually Healthnetwork has the ability to become Healthnetwork Foundation, frequently direct you to the best solution—and helped YPO members make connections for they have the access. With healthcare, medical care on behalf of themselves, their loved ones, or their employees. If his baby that to me is as good as it gets. grandchild needed surgery, Ron wanted him to have the best surgeon. And he knew that Healthnetwork’s connections would be able to help make it happen. 12  Healthnetwork Foundation | www.healthnetworkfoundation.org

to go, basically holds your hands and takes you and the fourth is married to a YPOer. “We’ve around. That, to me, is a tremendous benefit.” got YPO all over!” he says. In addition to surgeries, Ron opted to have The whole family has strong ties to a complete executive physical at Mayo Clinic Healthnetwork Foundation, as well. Ron and when he turned 65. “And I mean complete! Lezah have been annual supporters above GOLD I saw seven doctors in three days, which is support levels for nearly 20 years, and all four impossible to coordinate on your own,” he says. of their children also support Healthnetwork “Healthnetwork and Mayo Clinic had it all at the GOLD level. scheduled so it worked well. We even got an overnight sleep apnea test while I was there. “Healthnetwork has the ability to direct you We did everything you can imagine in those to the best solution—and they have the access” three days.” says Ron. “With Healthcare, that to me is as good as it gets.” Supporting Healthnetwork “I’m 75 now,” says Ron.“I’ve got friends having is Now a Family Tradition health issues. I tell them,‘Go join Healthnetwork. They’ll take it from there.’ They come back and The Stenger family understands the value tell me about their experiences and they’re just of long-lasting, far-reaching connections, and amazed at the level of access and treatment they are loyal to the networks that have served they’re getting.” them well over the years. Ron, a YPO Gold member, was one of the charter members of “One call does it all is true,” says Ron. “I call, the Ozark chapter of YPO in 1989 and has been I get someone who takes care of everything a YPOer ever since. He and Lezah have four and deals with it at the highest level. I don’t adult children, three of them are now YPOers know how Bill Rowley has done it. But I know he couldn’t have done it so well for so many years if it weren’t a passion.” ✦ The Healthnetwork staff cherish all the notes, After seeing the benefits of Healthnetwork emails and voicemails we get from grateful for their parents over the years, the Stengers’ four families, like this letter Ron Stenger wrote to adult children, Stu, Stephanie, Shannon and Zack, our founder Bill Rowley 23 years ago. are all now supporters, as well. One Call Starts It All +1 (866) 968-2467 +1 (440) 893-0830  13

Jeff and Debbi Kimball learned of Healthnetwork through their longtime membership with YPO. “It’s Only Brain Surgery” Jeff and Debbi Kimball know better than anyone how critical a second opinion can be. efore having surgery for a chronic Post surgery, Jeff remembers asking Dr. Lim, “How soon will I know if it worked?” B pain condition called trigeminal neuralgia, Jeff used to joke with his “You’re done,” said Dr. Lim. “It worked.” kids, “It’s only brain surgery. The surgery, which moved a nerve away from What’s the big deal?” an artery, was a success. This was a tremendous But of course it was a big deal. And despite relief for Jeff, since trigeminal neuralgia can having a good rapport with his local physician, cause excruciating pain and can get worse Jeff felt it would be wise to get a second over time. opinion for such a major procedure. “I just happened to have recently seen a Help for the Whole Family flyer from Healthnetwork,” Jeff recalls. “I was thumbing through it and saw one of their Years earlier, Jeff’s wife Debbi had her own experts was a neurosurgeon who specialized experience with getting a second opinion. in trigeminal neuralgia at Johns Hopkins.” Local doctors were advising her to have a As a longtime YPO member, Jeff was familiar hysterectomy to address fibroids. But she with Healthnetwork and had taken advantage had heard about an embolization treatment of the medical referral service previously for available at Johns Hopkins. Healthnetwork his family, but never for himself. He made the made the connection, Debbi had the treatment, call and was introduced to Dr. Michael Lim, and she avoided a hysterectomy. a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins and a 2016 recipient of a Healthnetwork Service Later, Debbi encountered other women Excellence Award. who’d had similar symptoms and had Jeff chose to go with Dr. Lim. “I felt more hysterectomies. “I felt so sorry for them. One confident in him and his team.” girl started crying right in front of me,” she remembers. “She had a hysterectomy, and here I am walking around perfectly fine.” 14  Healthnetwork Foundation | www.healthnetworkfoundation.org

The Kimballs also utilized Healthnetwork Healthnetwork helps you find the for help with two of their daughters. One best medical care. You may not even daughter was told she had a rare tumor, “one you only read about in text books.” The doctor know these medical advances suggested an immediate hysterectomy and are out there. We owe a lot to them. chemo. But Jeff and Debbi reached out to It’s why we support the Foundation. Healthnetwork, who facilitated a referral to Duke University Hospital for a second opinion was a better alternative. I had more confidence with a specialist known for his research on going into it.” this type of rare tumor. He concluded that she did not have a tumor, and the issue was Having confidence in your doctor is a big deal. resolved without such drastic measures. Studies have shown that when patients have Another daughter suffered from terrible confidence and trust in their medical providers, eczema. After all sorts of treatments failed, they experience more contentment, satisfaction, the family wanted her to see a doctor in and overall well-being and quality of life. San Francisco, known for his long waiting list and for only taking the very worst cases. And of course in some cases, a second opinion can be a game-changer. For Debbi and “We never would’ve gotten in,” says Debbi. one of her daughters, it helped them avoid “But Healthnetwork took care of it.” life-altering surgeries. As for the daughter with eczema, the doctor in San Francisco discovered The Value of a Second Opinion she was having a reaction to the steroids which had been prescribed by her doctor at home. He Because of their experiences, Jeff and Debbi took her off the steroids and prescribed another are big believers in getting a second opinion. treatment, giving her relief at last. “People tend to just trust what their primary “Healthnetwork helps you find the best care physicians say,” says Debbi. “But the new medical care. You may not even know these advances take time to make their way out medical advances are out there,” says Debbi. to everyone. It helps to get other opinions and “We owe a lot to them. It’s why we support see what the rest of the world is doing.” the Foundation.” ✦ “It probably would have been okay to have had surgery at the first place,” Jeff says about his brain surgery. “But where I ended up Dr. Lim A Lifeline When Kay and Jerry Cook’s adult son was very sick and needed immediate care from multiple specialists, Dr. Cartabuke and one of our Medical Coordinators, Carol Akromas, sprang to action and got them set up to see five doctors at Cleveland Clinic the very next day. Kay and Jerry Cook have “There’s no way in the world we could’ve done this without been married for 57 years Healthnetwork’s help. Coming from a little town going into a big and got connected with hospital system… maybe I could manage one doctor, but not for Healthnetwork through something as complicated as this. Healthnetwork has been our a friend. lifeline with facilitating connections and making us feel at ease. They called us constantly to check in and even brought us a blanket in the hospital. That personal contact in a crisis situation— it’s been a godsend.” – KAY COOK One Call Starts It All +1 (866) 968-2467 +1 (440) 893-0830  15

3550 Lander Road, Suite 225 Pepper Pike, OH 44124 (We’ve Moved) If Healthnetwork has been there for you, please be generous with your support. 1-866-968-2467 U.S. Toll Free Together we can make medicine better for all—today and for future generations. 1-440-893-0830 International [email protected] Donate online at healthnetworkfoundation.org/donate Tax ID # 04-3804600. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. tax laws. Your Benefits as a GOLD Supporter Receive fast access to top doctors Extend Healthnetwork access Access customized travel advisor and hospitals in the country beyond immediate family reports for overseas travel Work with your own personal Trigger a high priority medical request Gain exclusive access to experienced medical coordinator through the GOLD Access phone number educational events for the duration of your request and proprietary GOLD Access app Contribute to Healthnetwork’s To become a new GOLD supporter or renew your support, please donations to medical research contact Kimberly Kotora at [email protected] Tax ID # 04-3804600. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. tax law.