2. C O N T E N T S
Magic through a
Most girls aren’t con-
cerned with prom before
their 16th birthday, but for
3-year-old Olivia Pierce of
Hobart, Ind., the dress
shopping and magical
evening arrived much
sooner than expected.
On May 7, 2010, Olivia
and more than 325 Riley
Hospital cancer patients,
their families and staff
danced the night away at
the inaugural Riley Cancer
5 Riley hits high note with Center Prom. Women for
Evansville family Riley, Riley Children’s
Lifesaving care inspires dad to Foundation and the Riley
give back. Cancer Center organized
the event to give patients
and families an enchanted
7 Riley’s driving force evening to celebrate life.
“We wanted to provide a special night for them,” said Krysta Fox, a
John Andretti, Jeff Gordon
Women for Riley member.
and Tony Stewart join in Boys and girls of all ages including Olivia were fitted with prom
supporting Riley. attire three weeks before the big day during “Promingdales.” Riley
social workers and Women for Riley members helped each child find
11 Creating rhythm for Riley the perfect outfit from the more than 1,000 dresses, suits, shoes, purses
and accessories that were donated. Patients also enjoyed special treat-
Indiana students dance for Riley.
ment right before prom as local stylists provided manicures, makeup and
hair styling.
13 Instant bonds and lifelong Fairbanks Hall was transformed for the big night with Harry Potter
friendships inspired touches. Inpatients arrived via “Hogwarts Express,” the
Riley families find comfort and monorail connecting Riley to Fairbanks and other locations. Prom
attendees enjoyed dancing, face-painting, a magician, food and much more.
support from each other.
But it wasn’t the disco ball or spinning lights that made the dance
floor sparkle; it was the bright and shining smiles of children. Olivia
16 Hope amid destruction was particularly gifted on the dance floor. Pretty in pink, she was
Riley pediatric cardiothoracic accompanied by her mother and grandmother, a first-time experience
surgeon Dr. John Brown helps a for all three.
At 3 months old, Olivia received a shocking diagnosis of retinoblas-
Haitian earthquake survivor.
toma, cancer in her left eye. Her mom Shannon had noticed something
odd about Olivia’s eye in photographs. The family left their Disney
Cover: NASCAR champion and Riley advocate vacation early to see their pediatrician. Olivia was immediately referred
Jeff Gordon takes a moment to meet Camp to Riley Hospital. Tests confirmed the heartbreaking news. “I felt
Riley veteran Matt Goodsman. completely helpless,” added Shannon. “My 3-month-old had cancer.”
Within weeks Olivia was scheduled for surgery to remove her left

3. child’s eyes
eye, as her cornea was a massive
tumor. Her Riley surgeons, Dr. David
Plager and Dr. Daniel Neely, believed
the cancer had been present since
birth and that she never had full
eyesight. They also discovered Olivia
had cancer in her right eye – bilateral
retinoblastoma.
Surgery was postponed to begin
chemotherapy coupled with Exam
Under Anesthesia (EUA) procedures
every three weeks to monitor the
tumors. Her left eye was successfully
removed, and doctors continue to
watch her right eye.
“Today, Olivia is still fighting her
battle, but she’s leading a normal
life. She plays basketball and soccer,
and loves to ride her bike,” says
Shannon. “She has overcome so
much in her short life.”
At prom, Olivia wasn’t a girl who Upper right: Olivia Pierce
had endured 29 eye procedures. There enjoys being dipped by Riley
Children’s Foundation staff
were no IV’s, monitors or hospital
member Elizabeth Jacques.
gowns – just three generations of
Middle: Riley families enjoy the
women dancing the night away. And
Riley Cancer Center Prom.
for a few hours, cancer didn’t exist.
Bottom left: Jalaia Anderson is
picture perfect.
Bottom right: Olivia Pierce and
Emma McCalister dancing on air
together.
Visit
RileyKids.org/prom
or email
RileyProm@RileyKids.org
for information on
the 2011 Riley Cancer
Center Prom.
Autumn 10 2

4. N E W S B R I E F S
Accomplished Hoosiers join
Board of Governors
Two business leaders joined the Riley Children’s Foundation Board of
Governors in May. The Foundation is fortunate to have their astute leadership.
John T. Thompson is the chairman and CEO of First Electric Supply
Company, LLC; Thompson Distribution Company,
Inc.; CMID, Inc.; and BC Countertops, Inc. He
is a graduate of Cornell University and Columbia
Camp Riley builds
University. He serves on numerous nonprofit
boards and government committees. His role confidence that lasts
with Riley Children’s Foundation includes serving a lifetime
on the Camp Riley committee. John resides in
Camp Riley for Youth with
Indianapolis.
John T. Thompson Physical Disabilities has provided
Rick Johnson is the president of Johnson
new experiences, new friends and
Ventures. He is a graduate of Indiana University.
new achievements to kids for 56
The Johnson family has philanthropically sup-
years. Camp Riley takes place at
ported the IU Kelley School of Business, site of
Bradford Woods, Indiana University’s
the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and
outdoor recreation center located 20
Innovation. He will serve on the Riley Children’s
miles southwest of Indianapolis.
Foundation finance committee. Rick resides in
Nearly 225 children attended six
Columbus.
different Camp Riley sessions during
Rick Johnson a five-week span this summer. Each
session focused on a different theme,
but all included traditional camping
activities like horseback riding, arts
Indiana communities and crafts, canoeing, swimming and
celebrate Riley Hospital outdoor games. With the help of a
$1.75 million Lilly Endowment
Riley family reunions, annual luncheons and ice cream socials are popping
grant through Riley Children’s Foun-
up throughout Indiana thanks to regional Riley leadership teams. The events
dation, future campers will soon
celebrate Riley families, local referring physicians, regional Riley clinics and
enjoy an indoor riding facility and
generous donors. The goal is to unite Riley families and create greater aware-
covered sports court.
ness of Riley’s partnerships around the state.
I On June 26, the Lafayette community hosted a Riley family reunion at
Columbian Park with ice cream and free passes to the zoo/waterpark. Beat the summer heat
I On August 4, Evansville Riley families and business leaders gathered for with a Blizzard
dinner and a special program at Old National Bank overlooking the Ohio During the fifth annual
River. Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville offers nearly 20 Riley Miracle Treat Day on
clinics. Thursday, August 5, proceeds
I On September 30, the second annual Fort Wayne Luncheon will from Blizzard® sales
take place on the IPFW campus. Local Riley families and referring benefited Children’s Miracle
physicians will share their stories. Network hospitals. Last
year, Dairy Queen locations
I On November 17, 1,300 donors and partners will attend the Riley throughout Indiana raised
Annual Luncheon in Indianapolis. This year’s luncheon will celebrate nearly $200,000 in one day
the successful completion of the Hope Happens Here campaign. for Riley Hospital.
3
3 R ii ll e y M e s s e n g e r
R ey Messenger

5. KCS is back in season
Administrators and faculty will
again teach students the value of
philanthropy through Kids Caring &
Sharing (KCS) this
year. Last year,
We Love nearly 600
Riley! schools raised
more than
$600,000 for Riley
2009 Riley Champions (L to R): Cleat Winkler, Tatum Parker, Jac’Quel Jones, Nick Long, Sarah Heimann and Joel Paschen
Hospital. Is your
school involved? Become
Nominate your Riley Champion a Miracle School by raising $1 per
Riley Children’s Foundation launched the Riley Champions program in student. For free fundraising supplies
2008 to honor Riley Hospital for Children patients who have inspired com- and assistance to start a KCS
munities with their courage and commitment to help others, despite facing program at your school, visit
difficult medical challenges. Do you know a deserving Riley kid between www.RileyKids.org/kcs or contact
8 and 18? Visit www.RileyKids.org/champions to nominate your Riley the KCS coordinator at Riley
Champion. Nominations are accepted year round. 2010 Riley Champions Children’s Foundation at
will be announced in November. 877-867-4539.
Proceeds from golf tournament aid purchase of diagnostic camera
A new diagnostic camera in the Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic at Riley
Hospital is the result of a dare made years ago by a Greencastle, Ind., man.
Blind in one eye from a childhood injury, Terry Clodfelter challenged his
friends to wear bandanas while playing golf after he was chastised for his poor
performance. That was 17 years ago and the beginning of the One-Eyed Golf
Tournament held every summer in Greencastle. Clodfelter recently delivered a
$15,500 check to help cover the cost of a new diagnostic camera. The camera
can photograph the eyes of patients as young as 2, making their visits to the
ophthalmologist less stressful. The 2010 tournament will be held on September
11. For information visit www.clodysoneeyegolf.com/.
More than 4,000 expected at Don Schumacher
Racing Open House
For the fifth-straight year, Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) is teaming
up with its NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series sponsors and drivers
to provide another spectacular Open House for NHRA fans and sup-
porters. The event will be held at its Brownsburg, Ind., race shop before
the U.S. Nationals on Friday, September 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With
more than 4,000 attendees expected, the Indy Hi-Winders Car Club will
highlight the event with its popular Car and Motorcycle Show as DSR
aims to exceed a five-year event total of $100,000 in funds voluntarily
raised for Riley Hospital for Children.
Autumn 10 4

6. Riley’s care strikes a chord
with Evansville family
N
No one would call a stroller collapse their appointment with a surgeon. follow-up, and her facial scar is fad-
a fortunate incident. But for 2-1/2- Ella’s cyst ruptured that night at ing. “You wouldn’t really even know
year-old Ella Dyer, a seemingly in- the hotel. Unfamiliar with the city it’s there unless you got up close,”
nocent bump on the nose led to and panic-stricken that the break Logan says.
early treatment of a potentially would open Ella’s brain to infection, “She’s the coolest little cucumber
serious medical condition – and her Logan called an ambulance to take ever,” Sarah adds. “Miss Cool”
father’s musical thank you to Riley her to the Riley Hospital emergency wears pink strap-on sunglasses
Hospital for Children. room. “At that point, we didn’t know around the house, totes a purse and
After Ella and her twin sister if the situation was life-threatening,” loves dressing up in big shoes. “I’m
Emma tumbled from their stroller Sarah recalls. worried about when she’s 16,” her
in May 2009, their parents, Logan Within days, Ella underwent sur- mother laughs.
Dyer and Sarah Karim, thought the geries to remove the cyst from two Logan is a talented musician who
mark on Ella’s nose was a bruise. directions. Pediatric otolaryngologist plays saxophone and several other
But the little red bump kept grow- Bruce Matt, M.D., worked first instruments, gives private lessons,
ing. Her concerned parents took through an “H”-shaped incision and works as a woodwind and
Ella to the emergency room at their across her nose. Then pediatric brass repair technician. Last fall, he
hospital in Evansville and then to an neurosurgeon Laurie Ackerman, organized a concert to benefit Riley
ear, nose and throat specialist. A CT M.D., accessed Ella’s frontal lobe Hospital and is planning an even
scan confirmed missing bone and a through a wavy incision from ear to bigger one in September. He has
saclike growth called a dermoid cyst. ear across the top of her head. contacted potential sponsors, and
An MRI through Deaconess Riley “She was blind for 24 hours, and local music stores are helping him
Children’s Specialty Center in that was the worst part of it for me,” promote the family friendly event.
Evansville revealed that the growing Sarah says. “But she didn’t miss a “I hope it will keep growing every
cyst had pushed toward Ella’s brain. beat. She was released from the year,” he says. “I feel like I should
Faced with their daughter needing hospital four days later, and we give back for what Riley did for Ella
pediatric neurosurgery, the family went to dinner on the way home.” – they saved my daughter’s life.”
drove to Indianapolis a day before Ella was “all clear” at her one-year While he’s practicing, two little
girls are underfoot and making
music, too – blowing raspberries
Visit RileyKids.org/stories to watch Ella’s story. on their hands in pretend trumpet
practice.
Emma Dyer sweetly
hugs her twin sister
Ella, who received
lifesaving care at
Riley Hospital.
5 Riley Messenger

7. “
I feel like I should give back for what
Riley did for Ella – they saved
my daughter’s life.”
- Logan Dyer
Autumn 10 6

8. Noah Sowder and John Andretti Jeff Gordon and Bailey Moore Braden Tamosaitis and Tony Stewart
Andretti, Gordon and Stewart
drive home support for Riley
C heckered flags wave in Indy
during May and July, but
racing’s support of Riley
Hospital is a year-round
spectacle. Riley benefits
from close relationships with drivers
John Andretti, Jeff Gordon and
Tony Stewart – not just financially, but
“There are a lot of great things to
give to, but to me, there’s nothing
more important than making a child
well,” he says. “Now it’s a real mis-
sion to raise money and awareness.”
Andretti calls visiting Riley patients
“life-changing” for himself and others
he has drawn into his efforts: “As
diagnosed with leukemia. The foun-
dation focuses on funding programs
that improve pediatric cancer
patients’ quality of life, treatment
programs that increase survivorship,
and medical research to find a cure.
Gordon’s ninth annual Celebrity
Bowl in Indianapolis this summer
also by their hands-on commitment competitors we see these kids added more than $300,000 to the
and support from fans and colleagues fighting a much more difficult fight $1.5 million that the event already
throughout the racing industry. than we’ll ever have, with commit- has raised for the Jeff Gordon Chil-
Fourteen years ago, Andretti and ment, passion and a positive attitude.” dren’s Foundation Pediatric Research
then WIBC radio host Dave Wilson Four-time NASCAR champion Fund at Riley.
envisioned “a fun little match race,” Jeff Gordon would agree that meeting Gordon involves many other
Andretti recalls. In 2009, their annual patients, families, physicians and drivers and personalities to make
Kroger Race for Riley presented by researchers at Riley Hospital reminds his Celebrity Bowl a success. He also
Cheerios at New Castle Motorsports him why his fundraising efforts are shares his own interest in Riley
Park raised a record $207,586. important. “Jeff is thankful for his Hospital with his huge fan base.
“We’ve been able to grow Race for healthy family and for a wonderful “NASCAR is, at its core, a family,
Riley through great partners and career, and he would be the first to and a very generous family at that,”
great relationships, especially Kroger tell you that he takes more away Kriger says.
and General Mills,” Andretti says. from every visit than the kids and Tony Stewart established his
“It’s not proceeds,” he adds. “It’s their families do,” says Trish Kriger, foundation in August 2004 – the
100 percent going directly to the excutive director of the Jeff Gordon second of about 18 drivers who now
hospital.” Children’s Foundation. have done so, according to Joni
Andretti has long personally Gordon launched his Charlotte- Thompson, executive director of the
supported Riley Hospital, where his based foundation in 1999, after the Tony Stewart Foundation. Stewart
brother and sister once were patients. son of his former crew chief was chose to support three causes near
As racers and competitors we see these kids
than we’ll ever have, with commitment,
7 Riley Messenger

9. to his heart: children who face hard-
ships because of medical difficulties
or disabilities; the protection of
animals; and fellow drivers injured
in motorsports activities.
Camp Riley for Youth with
Physical Disabilities is among many
specialty camps in several states that
Stewart’s foundation helps. “Tony
wants these kids to have the chance,
in the summer, to simply be a kid,”
Thompson says.
Stewart’s personal involvement
also ensures the success of fundraisers
like the sixth annual Gillette Fusion
ProGlide Prelude to the Dream.
Held in June at Stewart’s Eldora
Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, the
all-star race benefited four children’s
hospitals, including Riley. The five
previous races have collectively
raised more than $2.5 million.
Thompson attributes the close
relationship between the racing
industry and children’s hospitals like
Riley to a culture among the drivers:
“The drivers are so visible. They
have such a huge fan base, and
they’re following the examples of
these leaders.”
Top: Tony Stewart chats with Camp
Riley regulars Alex Nodine (left) and
Caleb Lammert (right).
Middle: Jeff Gordon visits with Tatum
Gumpf (left) and Tatum Parker (right).
Bottom: Andretti’s annual Kroger
Race for Riley gives fan a chance to
challenge the driver on the track and
support Riley.
fighting a much more difficult fight
passion and a positive attitude.” - John Andretti
Autumn 10 8

10. Riley runs
interference
for teen
C
Cody Mitro, 17, “eats, breathes ing his usual mile home from East
and sleeps football,” says his mom Noble High School but didn’t have
Terri Mitro. When he can, Cody the energy to make it; a police
plays football himself, and his bed- officer brought him home. Terri had
room is a Colts shrine. So imagine already scheduled an appointment
his excitement in November 2006, with Cody’s doctor, thinking her
when the Make-a-Wish Foundation son looked pale and lethargic. The
arranged for Cody to watch his doctor arranged Cody’s admission
favorite team practice. to Riley Hospital for Children
The autographed jersey and team within the hour.
members’ photos Cody received that “This kid’s been through the
day are still part of his room décor mill,” Terri says. Cody has had two
at home in Woodburn, Ind., near ports, two central lines and countless
Fort Wayne. They mark a bright transfusions. Two ATG (antithymo-
spot in four tough years that Cody cyte globulin) treatments were un-
has battled severe aplastic anemia, a successful. He continues to fight off
disease in which the bone marrow fungal, viral and bacterial infections.
stops making enough red blood cells, His medications have caused kidney
white blood cells and platelets for damage that will require ongoing
the body. treatment. Cody was admitted to
On April 27, 2006, the day before Riley Hospital on January 5 of this
he was diagnosed, Cody was walk- year and underwent a stem cell
transplant on January 15. Through
Memorial Day, the high school
“Everything about Cody makes me proud, junior had only been home 13
days. Cody is currently battling
but the most is how he’s endured this. graft versus host disease of
the skin and gut along with
He is so modest, he doesn’t Aspergillus lesions on his brain.
Through every test and proce-
realize how much he has dure, Terri has made herself a
strong and proactive advocate for
her son. She believes that Cody has
inspired people.” received excellent care from Dr.
Robert Fallon, director of pediatric
hematology-oncology; Dr. Paul
- Terri Mitro, Cody’s mother Haut, director of pediatric stem
cell transplantation; and his team
9 Riley Messenger

11. of physicians and nurses. “The doc- Cody couldn’t attend the Riley Prom
tors are awesome, but sometimes in May, but the two upheld the
they don’t want to worry the par- spring tradition by getting dressed
ents,” she says. “They’ve learned to up, walking around the hospital and
communicate closely with me.” enjoying some ice cream. “He looked
Terri, a single mom who has lost so handsome in his tux, and they
her job, relies on support from her had a really good time,” his mom
daughter Christine and son-in-law says.
Steve; son Joe and daughter-in-law Coping with Cody’s illness has
Kristin; and her mother and sister, given both teenagers maturity beyond
who live in Toledo. “Cody is close their years, she adds. “Everything
with his family, and they’ve been about Cody makes me proud, but
awesome,” she says. the most is how he’s endured this.
Cody also counts on Karly, his He is so modest, he doesn’t realize
girlfriend of two-and-a-half years. how much he has inspired people.” Cody and his girlfriend Karly share a
Because of the risk of infection, warm embrace.
A u t u m n 1 0 10

12. Student leaders choreograph
$1. 8 million in support for Riley
t age 2, Eric Davis was
diagnosed with aplastic
anemia, a rare blood
disorder. He was
treated until age 15,
when doctors
determined Eric
needed a stem cell
transplant and referred him to Riley
Hospital. Eric received the transplant
in 2004. The two-year recovery con-
sisted of three rounds of chemotherapy
and 10 stays at Riley Hospital.
“Riley Hospital is a very special
place to me,” said Davis, now a
senior at Indiana University and
president of the 2010 Indiana
University Dance Marathon
(IUDM). “I owe my life to Riley.”
Eric’s medical journey inspired
him to make a difference for other
Riley families. He participated in
the inaugural Carmel High School
Dance Marathon and now leads
IUDM’s student executive committee
that has nearly 350 members. In
November 2009, nearly 1,500
IUDM participants celebrated a
record $1.5 million in proceeds for
the Ryan White Infectious Disease
Center at Riley Hospital. Building
on prior successes, Eric’s team
remains determined to raise an
unprecedented new level.
Roots of the Riley Dance
Marathon Program date back
20 years. Then a sophomore at
IU, Jill Stuart Waibel started
IUDM in honor of her friend –
Riley patient and AIDS advocate
Ryan White. Ryan died in
1990. Even Jill, a true visionary,
11 Riley Messenger

13. “
Riley Hospital is a very special
place to me. I owe my life to Riley.”
- Eric Davis
of Franklin Central High School in incredible young lady and loved Riley
Indianapolis, is responsible for her more than any person I will ever
school’s dance marathon. She was a know.”
patient at Riley Hospital and provided These student efforts extend
leadership and inspiration for the statewide.
event. A few years ago Bailey was “Riley Hospital is the only compre-
hooked up to the Berlin Heart. The hensive children’s hospital in the state,
machine kept her alive for five months and many families turn to Riley in times
before her heart was strong enough to of crisis,” said Kelly Deranek, former
survive. She spent those months and Saint Mary’s College Dance Marathon
many other visits to Riley Hospital president and a South Bend native.
being treated for aortic stenosis, which More than anything, students are
was diagnosed when she was only a driven by a common motto: “We
few days old. stand for those who cannot.”
“Imagine what this world would be “We are always inspired by Riley
like without the benefit of Riley Hospital. kids – their ability to overcome any-
It’s not only the fact that sick children thing and dream big,” said Lindsay
have Riley heroes, it’s the fact that Van Houten, president, Purdue
those heroes won’t quit until they are University Dance Marathon.
no longer needed,” Hunsberger said. The young leaders are reminded of
could not have predicted that IUDM Ben Cohen, president of the 2009 the important role they play when
would raise more than $8.5 million Butler University Dance Marathon, their hard work pays off in a life-
in 19 years. raised more than $16,000 to support enriching experience known as a dance
Since then, student leaders at Butler’s student-run event. marathon.
27 Indiana high schools, colleges His sister, Sarah, was a Davis emphatically said it best, “I
and universities have produced Riley patient who died of don’t know of a greater cause.”
amazing results. During the 2009-10 Ewing’s sarcoma on Main: Students at Marian High School in
academic year, $1.89 million was August 13, 2009. During Mishawaka do a dance for Riley.
raised for research and clinical the event Ben was given Left: IUDM participants proudly display the
amount they raised for Riley Hospital.
programs at Riley. Often times, those the Sarah Michelle Cohen
Middle: Bremen High School students
influential young leaders have their Spirit Award in her honor. performing their student-choreographed dance.
own Riley stories. “She is my inspiration,” Right: IU students celebrate another successful
Bailey Hunsberger, a 2010 graduate said Cohen. “She was an Riley dance marathon.
A u t u m n 1 0 12

14. Common circumstances
cultivate remarkable bond
among Riley families
F Four kids whose paths never would
have crossed if not for a common
enemy – acute myeloid leukemia
(AML) – formed a close bond on the
fifth-floor oncology unit at Riley
Hospital for Children earlier this year.
Matt Donovan, 17; Evan Meade,
16; Jeffrey Crowder, 10; and Keely
Quinn, 3½, all have AML. Jeffrey is
eager to go home, having completed
five rounds of chemotherapy, while
Evan is in the midst of his five rounds.
Keely is receiving six rounds of
Elementary School in Martin County,
came to Riley Hospital first on
December 17, 2009. Jeffrey is “a
loving, caring boy who’s always think-
ing of someone else,” says his mom
Stacey. During his Riley stays, he
especially misses his friends and pets.
Matt, a senior at Evansville North
High School, and his mother Shelly
Linenburg arrived on January 16.
Matt’s three siblings were tested as
potential bone marrow donors;
Lindsay, 21, was a perfect match.
Matt’s mom first saw Evan’s
mom Patty Meade in the hallway.
“I remember feeling exactly the way
she looked,” said Shelly, who of-
fered a listening ear.
Matt and Evan also clicked right
away.
The Quinns arrived from South
Bend last and were assigned the room
between Matt and Evan. Keely has
been a Riley kid since she was born
prematurely with Down syndrome
and several serious medical issues.
chemotherapy over roughly eight Evan, a junior at Franklin Since Keely was diagnosed with AML
months. Matt received three rounds in Community High School, arrived in February, her mom Michelle has
advance of his June 4 bone marrow January 27 but spent most of his first rarely left her side. Shelly and Michelle
transplant. The average hospital stay 42-day stay in the ICU with a range of are both nurses.
for each treatment is 28 days. life-threatening complications before Michelle describes Keely as “a very
Jeffrey, a fifth grader at Shoals he was transferred to the fifth floor. social 3-year-old who will not stay in
“The agony of diagnosis and the months at a time in the
hospital – that will all go away,” Michelle says.
“All I’ll remember are these great people.”
13 Riley Messenger

15. her room. She just walked into Evan’s
room and said hi. He was very sick at
the time, but he leaned over and said
hi back.” Left: Matt, Keely and Evan passing the time together. Middle: Evan and Matt surrounded
Keely ran back to her room, got a by IU football players. Right: Jeffrey and Evan at the 2010 Riley Cancer Center Prom.
flower and took it to Evan. “The bond Above: Matt and Keely bonded immediately and definitely know how to lift each other’s spirits.
was immediate,” Patty says.
The boys soon were entertaining thought I’d be with small kids so it friends are special because they “get
Keely with bubbles, markers and toys. was good to have someone my age.” it,” the women agree.
When they took up Nerf guns, they Evan is a football player who excels “I just wanted to get done and get
made sure Keely had one, although in academics and plans to become a home,” Stacey Crowder says. “That’s
she could barely hold it. doctor. “Meeting Matt was good where you belong. But friends here
Keely also was the catalyst for because I finally found someone my understand. You don’t always talk
Jeffrey joining the group. “Jeffrey age in sports and going through the about leukemia; after you’re here and
didn’t start hanging out with the same stuff,” Evan says. As for Keely deal with it for the first month, you
older boys until Keely came in,” “it’s been something special since the talk about common interests.”
Stacey says. “It’s done him a world first time we met.” “The agony of diagnosis and the
of good. He understands other “She has them twisted around her months at a time in the hospital – that
people are in the same situation.” little finger,” Shelly laughs. will all go away,” Michelle says. “All
Matt, a gifted athlete who hopes to As the mothers became friends, I’ll remember are these great people.”
study business at Indiana Tech in Fort their families followed suit. At home, “This will be forever,” she adds:
Wayne and play lacrosse with his they stay in touch and follow each “Their graduations. Their weddings.
older brother, says of his Riley other through CaringBridge.com. Milestones for Keely. I know I can
friends: “Keely is very energetic. While each family appreciates tremen- count on them.”
Evan is funny and outgoing. I dous community support, Riley
A u t u m n 1 0 14

16. implemented the inaugural music
My Camp Riley experience program at Bradford Woods. Facili-
tating Riley campers painting with
by Ben Goshorn-Maroney drums, playing songs with
boomwhackers and recording their
W
When I was 8 years old, I distinctly The following summer after I had own CDs was an amazing experience
remember my parents sitting me down turned 9, I attended a two-week that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
on the couch between them. They Camp Riley session and experienced The smiles on the campers’ paint-
showed me a brochure with pictures my first extended time away from splattered faces and their excitement
of trees, lakes and happy smiles and home. As soon as my parents left, I at playing musical instruments
asked if I’d be interested in a camp felt homesick and lonely. confirmed that they felt the same
for kids with disabilities. The next morning, we went to joy I did. This summer my involve-
I was born with a rare genetic breakfast and started activities. After ment with Camp Riley continued
disease that caused the bones in my archery and swimming, I had my as an intern at Riley Children’s
hands and legs to either grow irregu- own group of friends. By the time Foundation.
larly, or not at all. At 9 months old, camp ended, I had canoed for the Camp Riley has been one of the
I underwent surgery at Riley Hospital first time and swam across the lake. best influences in my life. The social
to have my legs amputated. I received I couldn’t wait for the next summer challenges of college and work feel
my first set of prosthetic legs three so I could see my friends again. easy now, and I can hardly think
months later and began learning to I attended camp every summer of a time when I felt like a person
walk. My parents decided to home until I turned 18. In 2007, I returned living with a disability.
school me so I never understood the to Camp Riley as a cabin counselor I hope I was able to give to others,
concept of being different, disabled and enjoyed working with campers in some capacity, the wonderment
or even bullied. My brothers and sis- throughout the summer. The following that I myself felt as a Riley camper.
ters were my playmates. So when my year I was promoted to the program
parents showed me pictures of this staff and ran the various programs Above: Ben combines his passion for
camp, I simply asked, “Will there be Bradford Woods offers Riley kids. Camp Riley and music to bring joy to
lots of other kids there?” Last summer, I designed and campers like Lauren Coles.
15 Riley Messenger

17. Hospital to ensure a full recovery.
The reality that doctors had no way
of pinpointing the initial cause of
damage to her heart made her case
more difficult to remedy. Six of the 25
cords that support her heart’s mitral
valve were fractured, allowing blood
to leak into her heart and fluid into
her lungs. Her small heart is finally
pumping strongly for the first time.
On January 12, 2010, Jovanie and
her mother were on their way to visit
the hospital in Port-au-Prince. The
earthquake caused the building to
collapse and tragically took her
mother’s life. Ironically, that same
disaster provided the rare opportunity
for Jovanie to receive the needed
treatment and care that her family had
been unable to access previously.
Jovanie was taken in by her aunt,
who teaches at a local orphanage. A
team of doctors from New Jersey
learned of Jovanie’s condition and
Hope finds Haitian communicated her story to Dr. Deon
Vigilance, a Clarian cardiothoracic
surgeon, who in turn reached out to
girl amid destruction Dr. Brown.
Dr. Brown contacted the Rotary
Club’s Gift of Life program, which
Eight months ago, Jovanie Mogene was found buried helped obtain a visa for Jovanie to
travel to Indianapolis and partially
among rubble following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti.
covered her medical costs. “Jovanie is
For three days her small body fought before she was miracu- the fourth child treated this year,” said
Jim Graham, local coordinator for the
lously rescued. Three months ago the 4-year-old was again
program.
fighting hard for life, this time a far distance from home. At first sight, Jovanie walked away
with nothing from the rubble of the
J
Jovanie continues to recover Riley Hospital who led a team of 10 earthquake. But through the course of
from open heart surgery she had at doctors throughout the four-hour trauma and devastation, caring and
Riley Hospital for Children on April procedure. “She was one of the generous hearts emerged to put her
29, 2010. Doctors anticipate the sickest children I have ever seen in skilled hands. While it’s early to
surgery will remedy a heart condi- suffering from severe heart failure.” determine if more surgeries are in
tion that has hindered her for a Jovanie and her aunt Dalianie Jovanie’s future, the prognosis is
majority of her young life. Surgeons Mogene stayed at the Ronald hopeful.
are pleased with her progress thus McDonald House at Riley Hospital
far and hope to see her fully recover. for several weeks following the sur-
“This was quite a dramatic gery before she was released from
case,” said Dr. John Brown, a care. Doctors felt it was crucial
pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at for her to remain close to Riley
A u t u m n 1 0 16

18. Maple Creek Islanders beat their
drums for Riley families
Maple Creek Islanders, the school’s steel
Middle School princi- drum band, drove from
pal Mark Seele places Fort Wayne to Indianapolis
great emphasis on to perform for Riley families
teaching students at the Indianapolis Motor
the value of helping Speedway. The group
others without enjoyed the experience
expecting anything despite encountering a
in return. Seele also flat tire.
understands the “Nothing could’ve
important role that stopped us from being
Riley Hospital plays there,” said Seele. “I was
around the state, so glad our kids had the
which is why he has chance to gain perspective
been a longtime sup- from the Riley families
porter of Kids Caring & Sharing. For for Riley Hospital. present. It was a great learning
the past couple of years, Maple Creek In May, the school had a unique experience and rewarding chance
has earned Miracle School status by opportunity to support Riley. to act as service ambassadors on
raising at least $1 per enrolled student Seele and the Maple Creek behalf of our school.”
Concord High School potters craft $20,000 for Riley
On his drive home in the fall of energetic students agreed to pioneer sale in December go to Kids Caring
1999, Bob Beiber pondered a way to the first marathon. They raised & Sharing.
foster arts awareness in the Elkhart nearly $2,200 and created more than This year’s 35-member varsity
community and engage his students 140 pieces of pottery during the team generated 500 pieces of
on a new level. He noticed a 24-hour, non-stop spinning event. pottery and $20,000. To date, the
Marathon gas station across the That was 11 years annual event has raised
street, and suddenly his plan became ago. Now each Novem- more than $100,000 for
clear. The chair of Concord High ber Beiber and his team Riley.
School’s art department would spin pottery while on- “These students
organize the first ever “Potter’s lookers encourage their display the definition of
Marathon” with proceeds benefiting efforts. When the pot- hard work and integrity,”
Riley Hospital. tery dries, the students Beiber said. “These un-
He presented the idea to school tool, fire and glaze the sung heroes of the school
administrators, colleagues and pieces. Proceeds from a are motivated by nothing
students the next day. A team of 10 student-hosted pottery other than their hearts.”
17 Riley Messenger

19. THE FINAL WORD
Mission drives fundraising efforts
Indianapolis is known as the racing capital
of the world. For Riley, being located in the
racing capital has translated into years of
opportunities and generosity for the children
and families at Riley Hospital and Camp Riley.
Tony George and the Hulman-George
family, John Andretti, Jeff Gordon and Tony
Stewart have led the way in reaching out to
Riley Messenger children. This issue pays tribute to their
AU T U M N 2 0 1 0 efforts and to the hope that they have given
2009 Riley Champion Tatum Parker and Jeff Gordon
Dedicated to friends and partners of to so many. Individually they have raised
Riley Children’s Foundation
hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the general benefit of Riley Hospital and
Riley Children’s Foundation
30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200 pediatric cancer research and to send children with physical disabilities to Camp Riley.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509 Just as importantly for these children, many of whom face difficult daily challenges, Jeff
RileyKids.org and John have spent many hours at the hospital with patients, and Tony has invited Riley
E-mail: riley@RileyKids.org
campers to participate with him in several events.
Jim Morris
At Riley Children’s Foundation, we believe that donors like John, Jeff and Tony stay
Chairman, Board of Governors
involved because they know their contributions directly support the causes in which
Kevin O’Keefe
President and CEO they believe. Since founding and building Riley Hospital 86 years ago, Riley Children’s
Stephen Bariteau Foundation and the hospital have established a trust with the people of Indiana. We feel
Vice President, Development a strong responsibility to the children, families and communities throughout the state
Maureen Manier who look to Riley to care for the sickest-of-the-sick, most chronically ill and seriously
Vice President, Communications,
Marketing and Donor Engagement injured children. Equal to our responsibility to children and families is our commitment
Vicki Mech Hester to steward the gifts that donors generously give to support the Riley mission.
Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President, Keeping fundraising costs as low as possible remains a high priority for all of us at
Human Resources
the Foundation. Our current fundraising costs are 15 cents per dollar raised. We bench-
David Schapker
mark our fundraising operations against the 27 most prominent children’s hospitals in
Vice President, Finance and
Administration, CFO the country. In this group, Riley ranks fifth in overall lowest cost-per-dollar raised. We
Greg Williamson promise all of our donors, from the students who give $1 to the members of the racing
Vice President, Regional Development community and friends throughout the state, that we will continue to challenge our-
selves to find additional ways to reduce costs and increase support for Riley Hospital
Editor
and the children we are privileged to serve.
Lisa Dudeck
Last year families from all 92 Indiana counties made more than 250,000 inpatient
Associate Editor
Jason Mueller
and outpatient visits to Riley Hospital. Thousands more patients were seen by Riley
physicians in clinics conducted throughout the state. The compelling needs of these
Art Director
David Birke children and families are what drive our mission. With Hoosiers’ tremendous generosity
we are determined to continue to meet these needs while representing the best interests
Contributing Writers
Nancy Alexander of our donors, friends and partners.
Elizabeth Jacques
Photography Gratefully,
David Jaynes
Linda Tipton
Kevin O’Keefe
President and CEO
Connect with us Riley Children’s Foundation
on Facebook
facebook.com/rileykids
A u t u m n 1 0 18

20. NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
PERMIT NO. 3797
30 S. Meridian St.
Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509