Methodist Healthcare System | Keeping Well | Winter 2023

WELL KEEPING Methodist Healthcare—San Antonio W i n t e r 2 0 2 3 Caringforcaregivers IN THIS ISSUE: p2 Liver transplant gives veteran new life p3 Survivor: Men can have breast cancer too p6 Newest Spurs fans born at Methodist Healthcare A team of dogs offers comfort Page 4

2 SAHealth.com KEEPINGWELL —WINTER 2023 Methodist Healthcare opens freestanding emergency room in New Braunfels Methodist Healthcare has opened its newest neighborhood freestanding emergency room (FSER), Methodist ER | New Braunfels. Located in the City of New Braunfels at 1850 TX-46, #109, the facility will provide exceptional care to adult and pediatric patients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specially trained ER and trauma physicians, registered nurses and other medical staff are eager to deliver quality, compassionate care to families throughout New Braunfels and the surrounding communities. “I am thrilled that we are extending Methodist-quality emergency services to our neighbors in the City of New Braunfels,” said Michael Beaver, CEO at Methodist Hospital | Northeast. “As our community grows, we are dedicated to providing access to the highest quality of emergency healthcare close to home.” Methodist ER | New Braunfels will feature continuous patient monitoring and testing, a Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS) to digitally transmit electronic images, diagnostic equipment including a 64-slice CT scanner, a dedicated x-ray suite, ultrasound, and telemetry equipment, as well as full-service laboratory and radiology capabilities. Air Force veteran receives lifesaving liver transplant “Everyone’s [transplant recipients] journey is different, but we all have the same end-goal,” says Hector Villarreal, liver transplant recipient. It was a long and rocky road to liver transplantation for Hector, but well worth it. Not only did he cheat death several times, but he lived to see his daughter get married and meet his grandson. In 2022, he also organized a Veteran’s Day reunion for those who served with him in the Air Force in Germany. Hector moved from Houston to San Antonio in 2008. Overwhelmed by life, he turned to alcohol. A medical procedure gave him access to hydrocodone. He continued drinking alcohol and became addicted. He then was diagnosed with cirrhosis, a chronic disease of the liver. In 2016, he experienced encephalopathy, a reaction of the brain to his condition. Hector spent eight days in the ICU, where he experienced hallucinations and was near death. Hector needed to be alcohol-free to become eligible for a liver transplant. In January 2017, Hector suffered from pneumonia. His liver was worn out. The family began preparing for his passing. Hector went into septic shock in April. He did not think he would make it, but he did. In June, he was back in the hospital needing transfusion, and palliative care was suggested. On June 21, 2017, he was transferred to Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant in very poor condition. Fortunately, Hector was set for transplant surgery on July 29. Throughout his transplant journey, Hector experienced a lot of anxiety, stress, and depression; luckily, he had the support of the liver transplant team and his wife, Darlene. “I was very well taken care of by all the staff at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant,” he said. “They are very professional in what they do.” “The first thing I do every morning is thank God and ask him to help me fight the pressure to drink alcohol,” Hector said. Ready to give back, Hector is part of the liver transplant support group at the hospital and volunteers at the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, raising awareness of organ donation. To learn more about liver transplantation and other treatment options at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, visit SAHealth.com/specialties/ Liver-Cancer. Hector Villarreal (center) coordinated a Veteran’s Day reunion with Air Force companions who served with him in Germany. CHEATING DEATH

SAHealth.com 3 KEEPINGWELL —WINTER 2023 As a deputy for Bexar County for 32 years and a Navy veteran with over 20 years of service, Joe Villarreal says he had never been seriously ill before his diagnosis. So, when he found a lump in his left armpit, he wasn’t too concerned. But in August 2021, he went to his doctor after the lump hadn’t gone away. A scan and biopsy ultimately found three small, cancerous tumors on the side of his left nipple. He started chemotherapy, but with HER2 positive estrogen cancer, the chemotherapy wasn’t working. A Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan breast cancer surgeon performed a mastectomy, removing the tumors and cancerous lymph nodes. After surgery, Joe was treated with radiation. Now, he is in remission and taking oral medications. “I had a great experience with my oncologist, Dr. Raul Portillo, and everyone at the clinic was nice and very supportive,” Joe said. Debbie Williams, a Bluebird Auxiliary volunteer who is 11 years cancer-free, provided much-appreciated support, calling and checking on Joe regularly. “Debbie is good at what she does,” he added. Joe, 73, said that breast cancer in men is not talked about enough. “Hispanic men especially don’t want to admit they could have breast cancer; they are embarrassed,” he said. Joe said his wife and friends have been very supportive, and he is willing to talk with other men diagnosed with breast cancer. “You may not be happy to share your breast cancer diagnosis with others, but it doesn’t help when you don’t talk about it,” he said. U.S. News andWorld Report names Methodist Hospital No. 1 Best Regional Hospital For the fourth consecutive year, Methodist Hospital was named No. 1 Best Regional Hospital for 2022–23 by U.S. News and World Report. A best regional hospital ranking is determined by a hospital’s performance in the adult specialty rankings analysis. Methodist Hospital ranked as a high performer in 11 procedures/conditions, three additional categories as compared to last year. The 11 procedures and conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, kidney failure, knee replacement, prostate cancer surgery, stroke and uterine cancer surgery. “This recognition not only reflects our team members’ and physicians’ commitment to safety, clinical outcomes and patient experiences, but it also illustrates our efforts in ensuring our patients have access to the highest level of care,” commented Dan Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. Data collected from other Methodist Healthcare System hospitals, including Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital | Northeast, Methodist Hospital | Texsan, and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, contributed to Methodist Hospital’s designation. The annual Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, now in their 33rd year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. For more information, visit U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings. Male breast cancer survivor speaks out Support when you need it most. To learn more about cancer support with Methodist Healthcare, visit SAHealth.com/specialties/Cancer-Support. Joe Villarreal with Bluebird Auxiliary volunteer Debbie Williams (above) and with his granddaughter (right).

KEEPINGWELL —WINTER 2023 Caring for the caregivers: A backseat view of a frontline crisis By Cheri Love-Moceri There are only a handful of moments in life that, when reflected upon, we remember exactly where we were, and all the vivid, little details of the moment, as if time stood still long enough for our mind to sketch its picture. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, would sadly deliver one of those unforgettable moments. I think we all remember where we were when news broke that 19 children and two adults were killed in the senseless shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. And though the emotions of that horrific day can be easily recalled, I find myself more often reflecting on the day after...the day when communities from miles around rushed to the aid of a historically sleepy town to offer their skills, their hands, and their hearts. I was blessed to bear witness to that humanity swell up like a tidal wave when I was invited to travel with our EMS Relations Managers and their dogs as they ran towards the anxious, Chanel (above) and Lady (below) spread the love. broken spirits waiting for them in Uvalde. I accompanied Brandon Miller and Chanel, Frankie Trifilio and Lady, and Jason Miller and Fresca. As we drove to Uvalde, I was struck by the unexpected level of research done and the orchestration necessary to arrange for the dogs to visit the healthcare workers and first responders. Frankie had already connected with Uvalde’s Incident Command Post, Region 20 Incident Response Team, Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, and multiple first-responder agencies. Our first stop was the hospital. Once inside, the team immediately began making connections to staff, letting the dogs serve as a friendly handshake to those they approached. We first visited the ER, followed by the surgical floor, and then the rehabilitation unit. In each location, the men would read the room and pinpoint an area or person that gave nonverbal cues of being in distress. Sometimes they would go up to the staff member and introduce their dog. Other times, they would strategically position themselves and wait for the doctor, nurse, or tech to slowly engage with the dogs in their own time, often sneaking in a gentle pet or quick scratch behind the ear, careful to not draw too much attention to themselves. Time and again, I watched 4 SAHealth.com Chanel providing comfort to ICU staff. Time and again, I watched the dogs create a portal to safety, giving people permission to let their guard down, tears drop, smiles expand, and simply feel.” “

SAHealth.com 5 KEEPINGWELL —WINTER 2023 the dogs create a portal to safety, giving people permission to let their guard down, tears drop, smiles expand, and simply feel. Whatever the feeling under the surface, it was ushered out. Our next destination was the Uvalde Police Department. Smiles and wagging tails seemed very out of place with the emotional heaviness of the station, but Jason, Brandon, and Frankie respectfully persisted, finding common ground to initiate conversations with the guarded, subdued staff. Lady marched to the center of the tense room, rolled over and lay motionless on her back. I’m told that she uses this tactic frequently, waiting people out until they finally give in as she shamelessly beckons for belly rubs. After four solid minutes of patient stillness, an officer approached and caressed her face. For the first time in several minutes, her tail wagged and the energy of the room began to shift. Chanel and Fresca used Methodist Hospital | Atascosa encourages good neighbors Methodist Hospital | Atascosa and the Pleasanton Express partnered to encourage the community to celebrate Good Neighbor Week, encouraging residents of Atascosa County to be good neighbors now and always. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter officially named September 28 National Good Neighbor Day, recognizing that human values and consideration for others are essential to our system of civilization. National Good Neighbor Week is a special time to care for neighbors to form or maintain friendships. As part of the observance, Methodist Hospital | Atascosa provided free breakfast and lunch for first responders at their cafeteria. “We know that the community has been through many trials and tribulations over the past few years but taking care of one another and lifting each other up makes a big impact. National Good Neighbor Day encouraged us all to be kind to one another and maybe find a way to pay it forward! One small act of kindness can make a big impact in someone’s life,” said Greg Seiler, Chief Executive Officer at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa. First responders pick up meals at the hospital. From left, Celeste Brizzee, Interim CNO; Greg Seiler, CEO; and Joe Vasquez, CFO. Lady, Fresca, Chanel and their humans helped ease stress at the police department as well. their superpowers too. Able to read body language and detect energies, they each assessed the humans in the room and made a beeline for those experiencing the most emotional distress. As the tensions eased, each EMS manager stepped through the gate left propped open by their dog and went deeper into their conversations with the officers. “My wife can always tell what kind of day I’ve had just based on the behavior of Chanel when we get home,” commented Brandon. “On days when the dogs encounter staff feeling particularly anxious or down, the dogs will often display more exhaustion and retreat to bed early. They really do absorb the energies of us humans. It’s like they unburden us from our darkest feelings and selflessly take them on themselves.” “You can’t underestimate the power of judgment-free love,” added Jason. “Most people don’t know the intensive training and skill involved because they only see a panting, welcoming face. These dogs are such masters of their craft. They are the cure to a sadness many didn’t allow themselves to realize they had.”

6 SAHealth.com KEEPINGWELL —WINTER 2023 Methodist Healthcare introduces the newest San Antonio Spurs fans, babies born the first week of basketball season. Spurs Sports & Entertainment gave the babies their first set of sports gear. For the past seven seasons, Methodist Healthcare has been the official healthcare partner of the San Antonio Spurs and San Antonio FC. The partnership helps educate the community on the importance of health and wellness. Methodist Healthcare partnered with the Spurs during the pandemic to highlight the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine to help end the pandemic. When Joni Roquet was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), she was initially depressed and worried she would end up in a wheelchair. A monitor tech at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, Joni first began having symptoms such as back issues in 2017. Then, at the height of COVID-19, she knew something was seriously wrong when she struggled to get out of her chair, using her desk for assistance. Pain radiated down her back, and she swayed when she walked. Testing revealed that Joni wasn’t just suffering from a bad back; she had multiple sclerosis. Working with her doctor, she chose daily medication to eliminate back issues and pains. Though she was never really into exercise, she knew that exercise would help her stay mobile. Then one day, while at work, Joni saw an advertisement asking employees to participate in the Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River, a two-day bike ride from San Antonio to New Braunfels. Joni thought this would be an excellent opportunity to be more active in combating her symptoms and raise awareness for MS herself, so she joined the MH vs. MS team, a partnership between the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., and Methodist Healthcare. She then purchased a Rad Rover bike, an electric bike for people needing assistance. Joni would ride after work and on her days off, working up to 35 miles a day. Riding her bike helped her sleep, made her feel better, and gave her a sense of accomplishment that was mentally rewarding. The ride taught Joni a lot. “Listen to your body,” she said. “Don’t let people tell you it’s nothing until it can be proved. Also, don’t let the diagnosis define you. It is very easy to be bummed out and worried as I was for the first few months. Just keep going.” Team MH vs. MS—comprising Joni and 54 other members, including staff and board members from Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.—raised more than $100,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition to setting a fundraising record, the team also won an award for Best Jersey promoting the mission. Bike ride helps employee cope with MS Methodist Healthcare debuts Spurs’ littlest starting lineup I am proud to work for a hospital that supports MS. They matched my donations, and their support made me feel grateful to work for an employer who truly cares about people.” “ Team MH vs. MS Joni Roquet

SAHealth.com 7 KEEPINGWELL —WINTER 2023 Sibling volunteers set record at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak For the very first time, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak has five sets of sibling volunteers. “I’ve been working with our volunteers for more than 15 years,” said Kathy Black, Director of Administrative Services. “We have had one sibling come one summer and then another sibling the next summer, but we have never had five sets at the same time.” Kathy said that all the siblings are very good students as well as exceptional individuals. “They are interested in furthering our mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God,’” she said. Most of them worked from June through August, and Kathy expects some to return during Christmas break and spring break. They provide support in many areas, from pulling expired supplies to reading to and visiting with patients to helping at the front desk. “We want them to have an experience that is educational and rewarding and to give them an opportunity to give back to the community,” said Kathy. She combines their assignments between work in areas they want to learn about and areas where she needs support. For information on volunteer opportunities at Methodist Healthcare facilities, scan the QR code or visit Volgistics.com/ ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=164692205. Supriya and Sushant Ganji’s older sister, Suma, is currently doing her residency in emergency medicine in Houston. She volunteered at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak when she was in high school, so they thought they would do the same, since they are both interested in learning more about the medical field. Supriya attends The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Sushant is at Reagan High School. Both Isabella and David Lerma are very much interested in the medical field. Isabella is at Texas A&M and David is at the International of Americas High School. David’s interest started when his mom suffered a cardiac arrest when the siblings were in elementary school. When David’s teacher suggested Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak as a place to volunteer for community volunteer hours, he and Isabella remembered when their mom was a patient there. He was impressed by the wonderful care she received and the kindness and compassion of the staff. The siblings love their volunteer work, as it is an opportunity for them to help the staff and return the favor. Twins Kaelin and Jacalyn Mireles are sophomores at Texas A&M University in College Station. Both are pursuing degrees in nursing. They felt volunteering at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak would be a great opportunity to learn more about nursing operations. Christopher Chaung volunteered at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak when he was in high school and suggested the idea to his sisters since they are interested in the medical field. So, the three of them registered to volunteer together. Emily and Jennifer both attend Reagan High School. Christopher is at the University of the Incarnate Word. Christopher’s interest is biomedical engineering, so he has learned a lot with his volunteer work with the biomedical department. Emily is interested in becoming a nurse in the NICU, and Jennifer is interested in becoming a pharmacist. A friend of Katie and Kyle Chong volunteered at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak and had a wonderful experience, so they followed suit. Katie is at The University of Texas at Austin and Kyle is at San Antonio Christian School. They are both interested in the medical field. Katie wants to become a surgeon.

METHODIST HEALTHCARE 8109 Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, TX 78229 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit No. 1409 Call-A-Nurse forChildren from MethodistChildren’sHospital 210-22-NURSE (210-226-8773) Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Weekends and major holidays. When your child has a medical need, Call-A-Nurse for Children from Methodist Children’s Hospital has specially trained pediatric nurses to assist you with medical advice concerning your child. HealthBus andWellWaldo’sWheels 210-MHS-RIDE (210-647-7433) HealthBus for adults and Well Waldo’s Wheels for children and expectant moms provide transportation from your home to your doctor’s office or hospital and then pick you up later and take you home. This service is especially helpful for adults and children with special needs that require extra transportation assistance. For information on how to schedule a ride and the specific hospitals and ZIP codes served, please call 210-MHS-RIDE. Medical Advice for Adults 210-575-0355 Available 24/7 Articles in Keeping Well do not necessarily represent the opinions of doctors practicing at Methodist Healthcare facilities. Methodist Hospital campuses include: Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, Methodist Hospital | Texsan, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, and Methodist Hospital | Northeast. Additional Methodist Healthcare hospitals are Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak and Methodist Hospital | Atascosa. Information in KEEPING WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in pho- tos and illustrations. 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. KEEPING WELL is published as a commu- nity service for the friends and patrons of Methodist Healthcare, 8109 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, telephone 210-575-0355, website SAHealth.com. Allen Harrison, President and CEO Palmira Arellano, Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Cheri Love-Moceri, Associate Vice President of Communications Good to know Rocky Burke, here with his wife, Katy, at Methodist | Texsan Hospital, is recovering from a stroke he didn’t realize he was having. Knowing stroke symptoms saves lives Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. According to the American Heart Association, every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Like many patients, Rocky Burke did not realize he was having a stroke, nor did he know the symptoms. “I was just living my normal life,” said the military veteran and retired teacher. “Suddenly I woke up in an ambulance.” He had suffered memory loss and wound up on the side of the road when highway rangers found him and called his wife. Memory loss is a sign of stroke, but Rocky was unaware. As a result of the stroke, his right leg, right arm, and the left half of his face were paralyzed. He was taken to Methodist Hospital | Texsan, where he is recovering and undergoing physical therapy. Rocky said the team at the hospital, which included speech, physical and occupational therapists, has been “awesome and very helpful.” “I am super lucky,” he said. He walks with assistance and has no trouble speaking. We encourage everyone to learn the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911. Other stroke symptoms include sudden numbness of the face, arm or leg; confusion; trouble seeing; trouble walking; and severe headache. Stroke is largely treatable. It’s a matter of getting the right treatment, right away.” “ For more information about our rehabilitation services, visit SAHealth.com/ locations/methodist-hospital-texsan.

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