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| Vol. 23, No. 20 |
| November 1, 2001 |
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Nurturing Young Spirits
by LIN FISH Texas Children's Hospital As fall approached, 4-year-old Hannah Renfro was sad to see one of her favorite summertime activities, Vacation Bible School, coming to an end. The active preschooler from Buna, Texas, thoroughly enjoyed being with her friends and learning more about her family’s faith. But when it comes to lessons in faith, Hannah may have an edge. Real-life experiences have taught Hannah’s entire family important lessons about the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit, say her parents, Jennifer and Cleve. Early last year, physicians at Texas Children’s Hospital diagnosed Hannah with dilated cardiomyopathy, more commonly known as an enlarged heart. The condition is serious and can be life threatening – in Hannah’s case, a heart transplant was required. "Nothing brings you to your knees faster than finding out that your child is near death," Jennifer Renfro reflects. "There were times when we were almost at our breaking point, but it was our faith that helped us pull through. It has been a hard journey, but we believe it was God’s will that brought us to Texas Children’s and that allowed Hannah to be helped." Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor family and the skill of the heart transplant team at Texas Children’s, Hannah received a new heart on July 24, 2000. Today, she is doing remarkably well, and, although her journey with heart problems and illness may not be over, for now she is enjoying life as a happy, healthy 4 year old. When it comes to their children’s health, the Renfros put their faith in Texas Children’s, a place with the resources and power to heal the sickest of children. Yet, like millions of other families, they also rest their faith in a higher power, seeking spiritual comfort through prayer, meditation and pastoral care. Texas Children’s recognizes this fact and has long valued spiritual support as an integral part of the overall care offered to patients and their families. Again and again, families describe how their hopes were renewed and their spirits lifted by caring and compassionate clergy. The Rev. James K. Alcorn, director of Pastoral Care at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, and his staff of eight full-time chaplains have been caring for the spiritual health of Texas Children’s patients and families for many years, offering comfort, compassion and prayer to patients and to staff. When asked, they contact local clergy of a patient’s own faith, requesting that a visit be made to the hospital. The Rev. Jeffrey Schiffmayer is assigned to Texas Children’s Heart Center – the ward where Hannah received care. "The clergy made Hannah and our family feel more comfortable," recalls Jennifer Renfro. "We became especially close to Pastor Jeff. He somehow magically appeared when we needed him the most. We would see him, and we’d know that he loved us and that he was there for us. He was a reassuring presence." Increasing emphasis is being placed on enhancing spiritual care for young patients, not just at Texas Children’s, but nationwide. The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital is leading the way in this endeavor by developing and sponsoring a national symposium aimed at strengthening the ability of clergy to minister to the unique needs of hospitalized children and adolescents. It is the first educational event of its kind. Beginning Nov. 14, nearly 150 participants are expected to attend a first-ever interfaith symposium titled "Experience the Journey: The Clergy’s Faith Walk with a Child." At the symposium, clergy of many faiths will receive insight into the diverse spiritual lives of young patients and learn new ways to strengthen the spiritual support that clergy provide to them. Those attending will learn the importance of maintaining an interfaith sensitivity and an awareness of a child’s spiritual health, as distinguished from religious faith. "The Auxiliary is to be commended for its courage and foresight in recognizing a need for an educational conference of this kind," says Mark A. Wallace, president and chief executive officer at Texas Children’s Hospital. "Their commitment of time and resources to this unique and important project is yet another way that our volunteers are helping to improve the quality of care that we provide for our patients." Betty Lunsford, the Auxiliary volunteer who chairs the clergy symposium, says that she and the entire volunteer family are enthusiastic about the project and happy to be a part of it. She emphasizes that the idea for the symposium came from the Auxiliary’s long-held desire to provide volunteer hours and significant financial support to enhance spiritual care for Texas Children’s patients. "The Auxiliary is, in many ways, the eyes and ears of the hospital," says Lunsford. "Our interaction with patients allows us to observe them and to make recommendations about their needs. It has always been evident to the volunteers that chaplains and spiritual support for children and their families is an extremely important aspect of the healing process." Lunsford and Auxiliary volunteers Jean Chapman, Dan Lynch and Laura Moorman, joined by Volunteer Services staff member Lin Fish, have dedicated more than two years to researching and planning the symposium. They were joined earlier this year by Lisa Groten-Born, Allyson Brupbacher, Drucie Cole, Tami Houston, Seanne Klingensmith, Cyndy Matthews, Bobbie Therrien and Esther Weise, who have taken responsibility for facets of the event. This committee has helped the project grow into a national event. The committee began by determining if there was a need for a conference of this kind, says Lunsford. They also had to be sure that, by sponsoring a symposium for clergy, The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital was not duplicating efforts of other organizations. The Auxiliary committee thoroughly researched the idea, speaking to clergy and members of various religious organizations and children’s health care facilities throughout the country. Excitement and support for the project grew after it was determined that no other program like it existed. Presenters include Texas Children’s own in-house experts, including Dr. Ralph D. Feigin, physician in chief at Texas Children’s Hospital, and president of Baylor College of Medicine. Other experts serving as presenters will come from medical institutions such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Duke University Medical Center, Andover Newton Theological School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. At the symposium, clergy will:
"One of our main goals is to help clergy understand that it is the sick child who should be at the center of all efforts," says Lunsford. "Sometimes clergy may forget to focus on the patient, but instead speak directly to the parents or other family members." Committee member Laura Moorman agrees. As a "Patient Pal" volunteer, Moorman sees the positive effects that sensitive and caring clergy can have on a sick child. She also learned about the importance of spiritual care firsthand when her son, John, developed cancer and was treated at Texas Children’s. Moorman recalls how some clergy were more apt to focus on her needs and those of her husband, often overlooking the needs of their son. "A chaplain’s primary mission should be to relate to the child and to hold his or her hand through that journey," says Moorman. "The child should be allowed to direct the visit and to teach the chaplain how he or she can best be of assistance." St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital chaplains at Texas Children’s echo these sentiments. Through years of practice and observation, they have learned the ins and outs of relating to children and teens on a spiritual level. At Texas Children’s Hospital, caring for the whole child involves more than replacing a damaged heart, curing cancer or mending broken bones; it involves a complete support system that can help calm fears, nurture the spirit and encourage hope and healing. "I believe that clergy can serve as living reminders of love and hope," says the Rev. Schiffmayer. "If they see us often, maybe they’ll associate us with God’s love for them. Sometimes that’s all they need." For more information, visit http://www.TexasChildrensHospital.org/ClergySymposium or call (832) 824-2262. An excerpt from WATCH Magazine, 2001, The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital: "Experience the Journey: The Clergy’s Faith Walk With a Child" Sponsored by The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital Nov. 14 through 16 The Marriott Medical Center, Houston The Association of Professional Chaplains will grant 1.6 Continuing Chaplaincy Education units for attendance at this symposium. Scheduled Topics and Speakers Keynote address: A Child Packs for Life’s Journey How Faith Develops and Hope Heals: Children and Spirituality A discussion of the role of a belief system in shaping a child’s response to adversity, such as hospitalization. Dr. Bruce D. Perry, medical director of Provincial Programs in Children’s Mental Health for the Alberta Mental Health Board, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Our Journey Begins: Walking With a Child of God How do you relate to individual patients and their unique spiritual needs? Join a chaplain experienced in ministering to children and coaching other clergy, as he shares his experiences of learning firsthand from the children. Learn to make initial contacts with patients more meaningful for you and the young patient, opening the door for future ministry. The Rev. James K. Alcorn, director of Pastoral Care & Education at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital The Journey Becomes More Complicated Teens are experiencing dramatic change even when healthy. Not children, yet not quite adults, adolescents are not just big kids. Some must now encounter unknown circumstances during a hospital stay, instead of being at home and spending time with their peers. Hear from those who deal daily with the special needs of teens, and hear some advice on relating appropriately with them. Dr. Amy Middleman, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine; Adolescent Medicine & Sports Medicine Section at Texas Children’s Hospital Dr. Paula Dobbs-Wiggins, associate professor of Pastoral Care, Perkins School of Theology-Southern Methodist University; private-practice psychiatrist, Dallas Fellow Travelers on the Road What other professionals will you meet, and how can you communicate more effectively with them to enhance your role in the young patient’s recovery? Take part in this panel discussion to gain an in-depth view of the patient’s temporary world in the hospital. Representatives of Social Services, Child Life, Nursing, and Pastoral Care at Texas Children’s Hospital will discuss how they have developed a strong partnership to benefit the children for whom they all care. Moderator: Susan Distefano, vice president of Patient Care Services at Texas Children’s Hospital Experienced Travelers: Who Has the Road Map? Stress is very real to hospitalized children. Their life is like a traffic jam: stop, wait for doctors; go, take more tests; wait, receive results; stop, take treatments; go, get back to normal activity; stop. Repeat. How can you help? Learn from the experiences of a child once hospitalized, from parents of a child hospitalized often and from those who provide services to patients from other cultures. This panel discussion will provide a realistic view of children living with grace and dignity as they face illness, one day at a time. Moderator: Pat Dolan, director of Volunteer Services, Family Relations and International Patient Services at Texas Children’s Hospital What Happens When Recovery is Not Part of the Journey? It’s been said that children are too young to die, yet death sometimes is the destination. How can you better prepare yourself and the young patient coping with terminal illness? Share ideas on celebrating life and dealing with end-of-life issues. The Rev. Bebe Guill, clinical faculty associate at Duke University Medical Center and core faculty for the Institute on Care at the End of Life at Duke University Divinity School, Durham, N.C. Caution: Injuries May Occur Not all children are hospitalized due to illness. Some young patients might have been injured in accidents, while others may have suffered abuse. How will your role differ when dealing with these special cases? An inner-city hospital chaplain and a child life specialist often involved in such tragedies will offer guidance on ministering in the midst of these delicate situations. The Rev. Kathy Corbett, chaplain, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md. Erin K. Munn, certified child life specialist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital Children’s Center, Baltimore, Md. Warning: Dangerous Curves Ahead You may become emotionally involved with some patients whom you encounter. What can you do to handle the stress that may result from these relationships? A noted expert on care for the pastoral caregiver will offer professional advice and personal insights to ease your journey down this potentially perilous path. The Rev. Dr. Henry W. Strobel, associate dean of Faculty Affairs, assistant dean of Student Affairs, and professor at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston Begin Your New Journey With a Well-Stocked Bag The road is now more familiar. Use new insights gathered along the way to meet the many challenges of ministering to teens and children. Listen to final thoughts from a noted expert on ways to touch a child’s heart by being open, honest, caring and loving. Dr. Brita L. Gill-Austern, professor of Pastoral Care and Practical Theology at Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, Mass.; and volunteer chaplain at Children’s Hospital-Boston.
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