Beacon Health System

Beacon Children’s Hospital recently took part in a media day hosted by The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds® Casinos ahead of the 2024 Four Winds Invitational. Tournament proceeds this year will allow us to expand our life-saving and maternal care equipment, continuing to improve the quality of care we provide. During the press conference, we announced plans to purchase 20 new syringe feeding pumps for our NICU. This advanced technology is crucial for delivering precise, tiny feedings to premature or critically ill infants, ensuring their delicate systems receive controlled and consistent amounts of nutrients at a slow, regulated pace. “Receiving the proceeds from the Four Winds Invitational has helped us better serve children and families in the region and plan for the future in ways we can continue to improve our quality of care,” said Jen Tonkovich, Director of Women and Children’s Services at Beacon. The Four Winds Invitational -- set to start on Aug. 30 this year -- has generated close to $1 million in proceeds for Beacon and Beacon Children’s Hospital over the last 12 years. Thank you to the Pokagon Band, its Four Winds Casinos, South Bend Country Club and its members, and all the community sponsors and donors.

The next time you go to Memorial Hospital of South Bend you will definitely notice some changes. As we build a new patient tower to serve you better, some adjustments have been made around the main entrance to accommodate parking and traffic. Here are the two important points you need to know when navigating our campus: 1. Traffic now follows a one-way pattern. Enter at the west driveway that leads to the main entrance and exit at the east driveway. 2. Parking in the Bartlett Street Garage? Enter and exit at the west end of the garage. We're working to build you a healthier tomorrow. Read more about our new traffic patterns here: https://bit.ly/3W4AVHx

Looking for a new primary care provider? Our team at Beacon Medical Group Mishawaka Primary Plus is welcoming new patients with same-day or next-day appointments to care for your entire family. Our dedicated providers want to help you achieve and maintain your health goals while keeping your schedule and lifestyle in mind. It’s easy to make an appointment online during a time that meets your needs, including early mornings and evenings. Meet our caring team, learn more about our practice and schedule at https://lnkd.in/g7rmmBsf

Evans Lodge and our nine other caring, compassionate and exceptionally trained residents at the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in South Bend greeted patients for the first time on Monday. These moments were filled with excitement and a touch of nervous anticipation. Transitioning from saying, “Hello, I’m your medical student,” to “Hello, I’m your doctor,” was a significant and heartfelt milestone for Lodge. It marked the culmination of years of hard work toward a career in medicine and community health. “I try to be someone who approaches patients with as much humility as can be had,” Lodge said, “reminding myself these are people who I am lucky to work with and for. It’s about long-term relationship building to improve their health. I feel lucky.” We are proud to welcome our new residents and look forward to the positive impact they will make at Beacon Health System and in our community.

The paradox of delivering blankets on one of the hottest days of summer so far wasn’t lost on members of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, employees at Gurley Leep Hyundai | Subaru of Mishawaka and our hospital team. “Though donation day was a scorcher outside, our clinic rooms are air conditioned, which makes blankets a need all year long,” said Rileigh Zickafoose, a certified Child Life specialist who works with our pediatric hematology-oncology patients at Beacon Children’s Hospital. As part of the Subaru Love Promise, these local organizations partnered together to donate 80 blankets and 30 patient care kits containing art supplies, socks, tissues and other goodies. Their team also delivered messages of hope for our young patients, written by community members who visited the Subaru showroom in June. “Thank you for your generosity,” said Sarah Samson, chaplain and coordinator of Supportive Services and Spiritual Care at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. “We appreciate you on behalf of all the patients who will be blessed by your gifts.”

While fireworks are beautiful, they can cause serious harm. At Beacon, our emergency departments see numerous injuries every summer, ranging from minor burns to life-altering accidents, with a significant spike around the Fourth of July. “These aren’t just minor incidents. We’re talking about severe burns, eye injuries, and even traumatic amputations of fingers or hands,” says Stacie Bobeck, MSN, RN, Beacon trauma educator and outreach/injury prevention coordinator. “We’ve also treated patients for hearing loss due to the loud explosions.” Our older loved ones may face unique challenges and risks. Consider taking extra precautions for seniors around professional or other fireworks displays. “As we age, our reflexes slow down, and our sensory perception may change,” Bobeck says. “This can make seniors more vulnerable to fireworks-related accidents.” Please share these safety tips to avoid accidents and injuries: https://bit.ly/45OBlVQ

While she originally thought she would be a high school math teacher, Ashley Ruiz, CNM, switched her sights to nursing after a favorite teacher suggested she consider the field of health care. After taking a health career course her senior year, Ashley decided to attend nursing school. In caring for women at all stages of their reproductive journey, Ashley says her goal is to promote the social, spiritual, psychological, cultural, and physical well-being of all the women in her care. She stays current on the latest practices and also learns from each patient, as their unique story or experience help her develop as provider. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gUvz4QVM

After unsuccessful treatments for a balance issue, Lydia Williams’ family turned to Beacon’s Neurosurgeon Daniel Fulkerson, MD. Lydia had been having balance issues for about three years, while she was a healthy high-school competitive swimmer. Eventually she was unable to walk, and the family sought treatment for her in Chicago, where they lived. But after unsuccessful procedures, they turned to Beacon at the recommendation of a family friend. Dr. Fulkerson identified the problem and within a week’s time, placed a Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, followed by a Chiari decompression surgery. Lydia says after talking to him, she almost immediately felt she was in good hands. “It was one of those feelings that will stay with me for a long time.” She continues to work on relearning to walk and talk. “The care [at Memorial] felt so personal,” Lydia says. “Beacon is amazing. Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/3xyHjgJ

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine most often diagnosed in adolescence. It’s important to diagnose early so your pediatrician can monitor its progression. Sometimes patients with more severe curvatures are referred to an orthopedist for treatment, said Dr. Shanna Kautzmann, pediatrician at Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Main Street. She recently spoke about this condition on WVPE radio during National Scoliosis Awareness Month. “Using a brace really can prevent a lot of progression,” Dr. Kautzmann said. “It is even to me surprising sometimes the activities that kids are still able to do with their brace.” Hear more about scoliosis from Dr. Kautzmann: https://bit.ly/3VKxF2r

We want to offer a special shout out and thank you to the University of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team for scoring extra points with our pediatric patients during their recent visit and to Beacon Children’s Hospital. The kids enjoyed getting messy and painting with you. We always appreciate your visits!