CICU, Heart, Heart Transplant

Pediatric cardiac surgeon connects with patients as a mom

Deborah J. Kozik, D.O., didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she describes her family as blue-collar and her mother as someone who influenced her to swing for the fences, to aim high without regard to expected gender roles. She became a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes…

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Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt, Cardiomyopathy, COVID19, Fontan Procedure, Glenn Procedure, Heart, Heart Failure, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Norwood Procedure, Pulmonary Atresia, Pulmonary Hypertension, Tricuspid Atresia

COVID-19: Implications for children and adults with congenital heart disease

We do not currently have a lot of information about COVID-19 infection in children and adults with congenital heart disease and outcomes. However, based on what is known, we think some patients may be at higher risk of complications. In addition to social distancing, personal hygiene and other measures recommended at KYCOVID19.ky.gov, there are some…

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Childrens Hospital Foundation, Foundation, Heart, Pulmonary Atresia, Tetralogy of Fallot, Transport Team

WKU student will dance to raise money in honor of her little nephew

Molly Bostic will soon be dancing in honor of her 18-month-old nephew who has undergone two heart surgeries at Norton Children’s Hospital. His first lifesaving surgery took place when he was just 3 days old. Molly will dance from 8 p.m. to midnight on March 20, as part of Western Kentucky University’s Dance Big Red,…

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Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), Heart, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Patient Stories

As an adult with congenital heart disease, a 27-year-old is giving back

To look at Samantha Stallings today as an active, working adult, you would never know that she’s been fighting for her health all 27 of her years. Her journey with Norton Children’s began the day she was born six weeks premature and transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital. Now…

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CICU

Jennifer Lawrence CICU’s first patients move in

The first patients have moved into the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Critical Care Unit (CICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital. More than 60 staff members lined the hallway to welcome the first patient and the caregivers who will be working on the unit. “This is a very exciting day,” said Deanna R. Todd Tzanetos, M.D., medical director…

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Coarctation of the Aorta, Heart, Norton Childrens Hospital, Norton Womens & Childrens Hospital, Patient Stories

Just days old, Ace Graham was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition

Ace Graham soon will celebrate his second birthday, an accomplishment that most families take for granted. But for his parents, T.J. and Allie Graham, and his extended family, each day is a blessing, and nothing is taken for granted. Ace was born March 22, 2018, and everything appeared fine. He was healthy, and within a…

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Childrens Hospital Foundation, Foundation, Heart

Jennifer Lawrence named Young Philanthropist of the Year

Jennifer Lawrence has given back to her hometown by serving as a donor and ambassador for children in the areas of health care and arts. Her donation of $2 million and challenge to other donors to contribute resulted in over $4 million being raised through the Children’s Hospital Foundation to establish the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac…

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CICU, Heart

Nurse clinician makes coordinated care possible in the CICU

Stephanie Deitchman, R.N., BSN, is a caregiver in both senses of the word. She has been the registered nurse caring for patients in the “Just For Kids” Critical Care Center at Norton Children’s Hospital. She also has been the concerned loved one of patients. She was a caregiver for her mother, who had lengthy hospital…

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CICU, Employee stories - Norton Childrens, Heart

Erle H. Austin III, M.D., reflects on Norton Children’s Heart Institute growth

The newly opened Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital was made possible by gifts to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation and is specifically for cardiac patients. It provides an opportunity to reflect on how far heart care at Norton Children’s Hospital has come. Kentucky’s first pediatric open heart surgery was…

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Heart, Kawasaki Disease

Long-term effects of Kawasaki disease include dangerous heart issues

Kawasaki disease — a rare condition that most often affects children under 5 — comes with symptoms such as rash, peeling skin, swelling, redness, drying and cracking of the lips and tongue. Another symptom is inflamed blood vessels, which can give rise to a variety of heart issues and makes Kawasaki disease the leading cause…

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Heart

(Air) fried chicken nugget recipe

Chicken nuggets are an incredibly popular ‑ and versatile — food. They can act as an appetizer, a salad topping or an entree. Kids and adults enjoy them, so they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser. Traditional chicken nuggets are generally deep-fried, but these air-fried nuggets are perfect for any healthy meal. Additionally, these nuggets…

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CICU, Heart

First kids move into the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

The first patients have moved into the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital. The cardiac intensive care unit was designed just for their care, with the newest equipment and highly trained, experienced staff dedicated to treating heart conditions. Children born with congenital heart disease can be some of the most…

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