the

Beacon 2 00 9
a n e ws l e t t e r f o r f r i e n d s o f t h e s e to n w i l l i a ms o n f o u n dat i o n
summer

suppor t ing Seton Medical Center W i l l i a m so n , a m e m b e r o f th e Se to n F a m i ly o f Ho s p i t a l s

Jukon Wong credits a good

Samaritan and Seton Medical
Center Williamson with saving
his life last September

Highlights
Physician Profile p. 2 How to Save a Life p. 3 Wild About Seton p. 5 Community Support pp. 6‑7

www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org 1
 New Technology Takes

Incredible
Physician Profile:
Dr. Said Soubra

Voyage •
Why would an esteemed faculty
member at Houston’s Baylor College
of Medicine drop everything to
practice in Williamson County? “It
was a chance to help create a new
If you remember the movie, The Incredible Voyage, where a team
and innovative ICU at Seton Medical
of scientists and their spaceship are reduced to microscopic
Center Williamson,” says Dr. Said
size for a journey through a human body, you get the idea of
Soubra (Si-eéd Soó-brah). Working in
the view through Seton Williamson’s new Super Dimension
the heart of Houston’s renownedTexas
bronchoscope. This amazing technology—the first of its kind
Medical Center, Dr. Soubra took part
in the Austin area—gives Seton doctors a 3-dimensional, non-
in important medical research and
invasive view of the outer portions of the lungs. At a time when
innovation. He was medical director
75 percent of cancer diagnoses are attributable to lung cancer,
of the ICU at the Michael E. DeBakey
according to pulmonologist and Seton ICU Medical Director,
VA Medical Center, supervising
Dr. Said Soubra, that can be life-saving.
clinical research and trials, and was
a valued member of the Baylor lung
Watching the moving image on an LCD monitor, Dr. Soubra
transplant team.
steers the scope through hair-width pathways of a patient’s lung.
“We overlay the image from the lung CT scan within a magnetic
Dr. Soubra is now Seton Williamson’s
field around the patient,” Dr Soubra explains. “We can take a tiny
medical director of Intensive
biopsy from a suspicious spot that showed up on the CT scan,
Care Services. He has also opened
without the risks that come with surgery.”
Williamson Pulmonary and Sleep
Associates, located in the Seton
This new tool not only assists with diagnosis, but it marks the
Medical Office Building. Dr. Soubra’s
exact location so future treatments can be more precise. In the
three children, ages 10, 8 and 3, have
past, the best approach for a small spot on an otherwise normal
settled into Round Rock schools,
lung CT scan was to watch and wait, as it may be a minor
while his wife, Lima, is enjoying the
infection. “Earlier diagnosis means much better survival rates,”
amenities of Avery Ranch. How did
Dr. Soubra says. “When we can get up to a two-year jump on
Seton lure Dr. Soubra to Williamson
treating cancer in its early stages, it is significant.”
County? “Open spaces, beautiful
scenery, less traffic and good schools,”
Mary and Troy Rodriguez generously sponsored the Super
Dr. Soubra says. Sounds like the same
Dimension through a gift to Seton Williamson Foundation. In
reasons many of us came here.
gratitude for the many patients and families that will benefit, Dr.
Soubra says, “Having a community of donors willing to invest in
the latest skills and technology is vital to saving lives.”

2 www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org
 Save
How to

a Life
Reuniting at the Seton Women’s Development Board Gala
are, from left to right: Chad Henrichs, Dr. Said Soubra,
Jukon Wong, John Malvarose, and Dr. Brian Aldred.

Like most 40-year-olds, Jukon Wong wasn’t thinking about from his defibrillator. In fact, he’s feeling so good that he’s
his heart as he jogged near his house last September. Likewise, training to run in a 5 K and in January, he fulfilled his dream
as John Malvarose was running nearby, he was mulling over of becoming a U.S. citizen.
the small events of the day. But as he followed his usual path
through the quiet suburban neighborhood, Malvarose saw He believes that through all this, he’s been given a gift.
something he’d never forget. “I happened to glance out of “Whenever I hesitate to do something, like jumping onto the
my peripheral vision,” he says, “and saw a man running on dance floor with a woman, all my friends have to say is, ‘Hey
the sidewalk, then stop and fall straight backward, hitting his
man, life is short,’ and I do it. It means something completely
head.” It was Wong. different now.” Today, he’s very grateful to be alive and grateful
to the heroes that helped him, from doctors Brian Aldred and
Thinking quickly, Malvarose called 911 as he crossed the Said Soubra at Seton to EMS Technician Chad Henrichs, all
street. When he realized Wong wasn’t breathing, he started the way to Malvarose, the good Samaritan who first helped
CPR, which he had learned 20 years earlier. It wasn’t until him.
the ambulance came five minutes later that he discovered
that Wong had been felled by a full cardiac arrest. When this At the Seton Medical Center Williamson gala, Jukon had an
happens outside a hospital, it often means death. emotional reunion with the doctors and EMS technician, as
well as with Malvarose. “The only other time I had seen him
Judging by Wong’s grim condition when the ambulance left, was when I was doing CPR,” says Malvarose.
Malvarose assumed the worst.

EMS continued trying to resuscitate Wong as they transported “To see him standing and
him to Seton Medical Center Williamson. On arrival,
walking and healthy was
emergency physician Dr. Brian Aldred immediately ordered
induced hypothermia, lowering Wong’s body temperature amazing and overwhelming.”
to 89 degrees. Seton’s Arctic Sun equipment provides body
cooling technology to limit brain swelling, which decreases – John Malvarose
odds of brain damage or death. After 24 hours, Wong’s body
was slowly warmed back to its normal temperature, and he So, what’s next for Wong? “I have a responsibility to the people
had surgery to implant a defibrillator.Ten days later, he walked who saved me to lead a good life from now on,” he says. How
out of the hospital. to do that? He says he’ll start by learning CPR, the skill that
saved his life on that warm September evening, just in case he
Today,Wong claims that the only reminder of this life-changing ever gets a chance to return the favor.
experience is the “lump on the top left corner of my chest,”

www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org 3
 Seton Medical Center Williamson

Milestones
Since opening in February 2008, Seton Medical Center
Williamson has accomplished many things. As of June
2009, these are the milestones you have helped us reach:

Emergency Department
• 100% of respondents to an independent survey said they would
return or refer a friend to SMCW’s Emergency Department
• Patients treated in the Emergency Department: more than 16,000

Surgical Services
• Open heart or valve procedures: nearly 100
• Outpatient surgeries: more than 800
• Inpatient surgeries: more than 1,000

Women’s Center
• Babies delivered at the Women’s Center: more than 300

Volunteers
• Volunteers donated 28,000 hours from June 2008 through
March 2009. Calculating the national average in monetary value
of $19.51 per volunteer hour, this translates to $546,000 in service
given to Seton Williamson and our community.
4 www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org
 Wild About Seton
Seton Women’s Development Board
Gala Committee Chairs, from left:
Judith Manriquez, Kyra Quenan, Lucretia
Crenwelge, Holly Coe, Betty Lord,Victoria
Lippman, Mary Rodriguez, Jenni Ratliff, Gala
Co-chair, Nancy Crouse, Marsha Farney,
Gala Co-chair, Kristi Stephens, Linda Schmitt,
Carole Burke and Amy Gantt.

The Seton Women’s Development Board held their annual Gala, “Wild About Seton,” at Cimarron
Hills Country Club. This year’s Gala marked the first anniversary of Seton Medical Center
Williamson. The evening included a live auction, dinner and dance. The event netted nearly
$300,000, which was given to Seton Medical Center Williamson to help in its mission to provide
the best of complex medical care to all in Williamson County. The Foundation would like to
thank the Development Board for their hard work and commitment to the Seton Williamson
Foundation throughout the year.

1
1: Joyce Fritz, a Seton Women’s Development Board member, Mark
Fritz, and Stephanie and Ken Morgan arrive at “Wild About Seton.”
2: Gala Co-chairs Marsha Farney and Jenni Ratliff enjoy the results
of their hard work and dedication. 3: Lee and Cindy Jarrard, Melissa
Dietz, a Seton Women’s Development Board member, Mark Dietz,
Shari and John Ramming, Amanda McIntosh, a Seton Women’s
Development Board member, and Lee McIntosh take part in the
Gala festivities.
3

www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org 5
 •Community
Community Spotlight: Trisun Healthcare
When the Seton Women’s Development Board approached
Trisun Healthcare for support for its inaugural Gala in
2008, Trisun didn’t hesitate. “Trisun Healthcare is a faith-
based organization that wholeheartedly agrees with the
Seton mission,” says Mary Beth Thompson, vice president of
marketing. And, for both 2008 and 2009, Trisun has been a
major sponsor contributing to the success of the gala.
This Austin-based company manages 30 skilled nursing and
rehabilitation facilities and four assisted living facilities in
Texas. Its newest facility, Park Valley Inn, is located in Round
Rock and is one of four Trisun facilities in Williamson County.
Each facility works closely with nearby hospitals, helping
elderly clients maintain optimal health through access to
health care and rehabilitation services. Trisun takes its role
as a good corporate citizen seriously and is confident in its
investment in Seton Williamson Foundation.
Four Minutes for Philanthropy
By Charley Scarborough, vice president and executive director
of the Seton Williamson Foundation
Sounds funny that they call it a “blind
procedure,” but if you have ever been on the
“business end” of an IV needle stick, you can
appreciate what I’m talking about. Thinking
about trying to poke a vein by feeling and sort
of seeing that narrow ridge under the skin
conjures up a vision of your nurse approaching
with a blindfold on. Even the best nurses and doctors can
miss. For those with particularly difficult veins to locate –
infants and the elderly – this can be unnerving, painful and
just plain scary. My own mother dreads getting blood drawn
and usually comes home from these visits with tender, bruised
arms.
One of our physicians, Dr. Malik Merchant, recently
explained how much a new device, the VeinViewer, could
help our patients and staff. The portable Vein Viewer shines
an infrared light on the surface of a patient’s skin, highlighting Charley’s blog “Four Minutes for Philanthropy” can be found on the
the vascular system beneath. “Seeing” the vein helps the nurse Foundation’s website at www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org.
6 www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org
“We work closely with Seton Williamson and are impressed
with the level of care that our clients receive. The
professionalism of the staff is remarkable. They are very good
at what they do, ” says Thompson. Trisun’s professionals
work closely with hospital social workers and healthcare
professionals to coordinate discharge planning and access to
Medicare benefits and rehabilitation therapies—all important
steps for clients to live their lives to the fullest. She is proud
of Trisun’s commitment to excellence and says decisions are
made according to what is best for their residents.
“Trisun’s support of Seton’s healthcare ministry is a significant
vote of confidence in the importance of healthcare in
Williamson County,” says Nancy Crouse, president of the
SetonWomen’s Development Board. “Their generosity enables
Seton Williamson to deliver the highest quality of services to
patients and families. We are thankful for their support.”
get the right insertion on the first try, helping reduce pain,
anxiety, treatment delays and infection risks.
Generous donors Marsha and Bryan Farney, through the
efforts of our Seton Women’s Development Board, helped
us purchase one recently. Turns out, this family’s 3-year-old
grandson has experienced many medical challenges lately
and has had to personally suffer through many such sticks. The
little fellow, Braden, has even resorted to reminding himself
out loud, “Be brave, Braden, be brave,” while waiting. Braden
and his family recently moved from the area and won’t get to
benefit from this VeinViewer. Even more generous then, is
the gift from these friends, knowing it will be a godsend for
grandbabies and grandparents from all over our community.
I think, when Sister Nancy Sullivan blesses it, we should
dedicate it, “Braden’s Vein Viewer.”
Suort•
We have enjoyed spending time with our
supporters this spring and summer. We were
delighted to join them for lunches with Seton
leadership and the dedication of patient rooms
sponsored by our generous donors.Thank you
for making Seton Medical Center Williamson
the outstanding hospital that it is.

1
1: Clark Thurmond, Don Martin, trustee, Charley
Scarborough, Bill and P.D. Chapman, Linda Scarbrough and
Sister Nancy Sullivan at a Seton Leadership Lunch

2 3
2: Frank Krenek, Jr., trustee, Nancy Krenek, Ann Krenek and Frank Krenek, Sr. at a room dedication
3: John Yearwood, Priscilla Yearwood, a Seton Women’s Development Board member, Robert Berryman and Pat Berryman, a Seton
Women’s Development Board member, and Bethany Leffingwell at a Seton Leadership Lunch

4 5
4: Charles Avery, trustee, Beth Avery, Luke Fritz, Mark Fritz, GeNelle and Gene Beck and Will Cleveland at a Seton Leadership Lunch
5: Mike Martin, Abbe Boring, Rhonda and Bill Farney, Marsha Farney, a Seton Women’s Development Board member, and Suzy Rusk, a
Seton Women’s Development Board member, at a Seton Leadership Lunch

www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org 7
 Mission of the
Seton Family of
Hospitals
Our mission inspires us to care
for and improve the health of
those we serve with a special
concern for the sick and the poor.
We are called to be a sign of God’s
unconditional love for all and
believe that all persons by their
creation are endowed with dignity.
Seton continues the Catholic
tradition of service established
by our founders: Vincent de Paul,
Louise de Marillac and Elizabeth
Ann Seton.
GoodHealth Commons is located at Seton Medical Center Williamson
and is a unique integrated health and wellness center for the Central Texas
community. We combine both Eastern and Western health practices under one roof.
Visit us online at www.goodhealthcommons.com or call us at 512-324-4803.
YogaYoga Seton Diabetes Education
• Hatha Yoga - Fundamentals • Gestational Diabetes Class
• Hatha Yoga – All Levels • Diabetes Type II Class
• Hatha Yoga – For Strength and Vitality
Seton Nutrition Services
Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin • Good Food Cooking Series
• Acupuncture • Nutritional Counseling
• Qigong and Meditation
GoodHealth Commons Free Monthly Seminars
Seton Cove • July 28, 6 p.m.: Family and Children’s
• Book Discussions, Classes, and Lunches Wellbeing
• Individual Spiritual Direction • August 25, 6 p.m.: Women’s Health

All classes and services (unless noted otherwise) are held at GoodHealth Commons,
located at Seton Medical Center Williamson’s Medical Plaza 1, Suite 203, two miles
east of I-35 and University Boulevard in Round Rock, exit 256.

Board of Trustees
Jim Schwertner, Chairman
Charles Avery, III
David Hays
Jimmy Jacobs
Frank Krenek 201 Seton Parkway
Don Martin Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 324-4090 Phone
Judy McLeod
(512) 324-4657 Fax
Steve Peña www.setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Laura Robinson Return Service Requested
Troy Rodriguez
David Singleton

Ex-Officio Members
Gene Attal
Charles Barnett
Amy Gantt
Mark Hazelwood
Dr. William Reitmeyer
Charley Scarborough
Sr. Nancy Sullivan
Seton Medical Center Williamson
Seton Family of Hospitals
(512) 324-4000
www.seton.net/williamson