UPMC Altoona Foundation

Join Breanna Calhoun for the December weight loss education series with a virtaul presentation on December 14th. This is a 12 month series, but you can join at any time! Register to attend by going to UPMC.com/classes

Join Megan Koehle for the next virtual program of Living Beyond Cancer. Megan will show you how to make your favorite recipes healthy and delicious!!

Join Breanna Calhoun, a UPMC Registered Dietitian for the next virtual weight loss series on November 16th. She will have great tips and ideas for eating healthy and feeling good over the holiday season! Please see information below on how to register.

We would like to thank the following sponsors to date:

𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐒:
•Bob Biter Electric
•Reliance Bank
•Lee Industries Inc.

𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑:
•UPMC Altoona Medical Staff

𝐀𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐒:
•Encompass Health Rehab Hospital of Altoona
•IBEW Local Union #5 and Western PA Chapter NECA Labor Management Coop Comm.
•Stuckey Automotive

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑
•Alexander Building Construction

𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐒:
•Altoona Mirror
•Altoona Pipe and Steel Supply Co.
•AMED
•Tim and Kathy Balconi
•Blair Gastroenterology Associates
•Cambria Care Center
•Mike and Kelley Corso
•DelGrosso Family of Companies
•The EADS Group
•Empire Communication Systems
•Jan and Dave Fisher
•Friends of Altoona Hospital
•Jayson and Dana Fuchs
•H.F. Lenz Company
•Mount Aloysius College
•NPC, Inc.
•JPT Architects PC
•Pittsburgh Critical Care Associates
•P. Joseph Lehman, Inc. Consulting Engineers
•S.P. McCarl & Co.
•S&T Bank
•Top to Bottom Interiors
•Ward Transport & Logistics
•Dr. George M. Zlupko and The Lung Disease Center of Central PA

𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑:
•Allegheny Orthotics and Prosthetics
•Altoona Center for Nursing Care
•Bettwy Electric Inc.
•Blair Image Elements
•Drs. Adrian and Larissa Clayton
•Clayton Family
•Clayton-Gasparato Medical Services
•Dr. Charles and Carol Harvey
•Keller Engineers
•Laurelwood Care Center
•Leader's Farm Equipment LLC
•Newborn Enterprises, Inc.
•New Look Uniform & Embroidery
•PHN Charitable Foundation
•R.H. Marcon, Inc.
•Seltzer Financial Strategies
•Stiffler-McGraw & Associates
•Chris and Jen Weidley

The Toasty Toddler Campaign is in full swing - donate winter outerwear to help keep our local young ones warm all winter long!

UPMC Altoona Foundation provided $300.00 worth of warm winter coats, hats and gloves for this cause. Donations of needed items will be accepted through November.

We are two days in, Station Medical Center is tomorrow from 8:30 to 2. Come get your mammogram if you haven't yet this year! No appointment needed!!

Tuesday UPMC Bedford did 30 walk-in mammograms.

Today UPMC Outpatient Center in Ebensburg did 12 walk-in mammograms.

Mammograms save lives, within 10 minutes you're in and out. It could be the most important 10 minutes of your life!

A beautiful view of the hospital before dawn!!

Photo credit: Pam Moyer, UPMC Altoona

The UPMC Altoona Foundation recently had a staff member, Sally Earnest donate her wedding gown to the organization Tiny Angel Gowns.

Gowns are all handmade for the Tiny Angels that touch our hearts and sadly leave too soon. Their mission is to create, sew and donate all sizes of bereavement gowns to parents who must say “hello and good-bye” to their Tiny Angel Babies. To bring awareness and education to the public about fetal demise or stillbirth and the need for postpartum grief support. Preemie Bereavement Gowns are made and donated to hospitals. These Tiny Angels touch our hearts and sadly leave too soon. To date this year, they have made 10,100 gowns!!

The UPMC Altoona Look Good Feel Better Program will resume in-person workshops on November 14th from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Allegheny Room at UPMC Altoona.

Call Cheryl at (814) 889-2400 for any questions and to register.

The UPMC Altoona team name is “UPMC Altoona Stroke and NIR”

Please consider joining and supporting!!

Join Rev. Hammerle for the Faith-Based Grief Support Group, first and third Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m., K4 entrance.

For more information or any questions, call 814-889-2132.

Register to attend the Living Beyond Cancer group - a meeting focused on improving a cancer survivor's health and quality of life. This month the topic is Caring For Body and Mind.

The next weight loss education series will be held on Wednesday, September 14th from 6 to 7 p.m. via TEAMS. Register at UPMC.com/classes, where you will also find a full list of future dates. For any questions, please call or email Breanna, contact information is listed below!

Photos from Because We Care Foundation's post

Join Team UPMC Altoona this year for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 16th. Sign up by September 2nd to get a free T-shirt!

The UPMC Altoona Foundation received a very generous donation of Jared boxes from the St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown and St. Pat's Church. We are so grateful for the generosity and all of the planning and work that goes into the preparation and delivery of these boxes. These boxes were distributed throughout the hospital, at our outpatient surgery center, as well as the UPMC dental office - they surely will make our pediatric patients happy!!

Come join the team at UPMC Altoona!! Job Fair being held, 9/7/22 at SMC.

UPMC Altoona Foundation received a very generous donation of 172 Jared boxes from Kids First in Altoona. These Jared boxes were made possible through fundraising efforts and put together by the teachers and students at Kids First. We appreciate your overwhelming generosity! The Jared boxes will be distributed throughout the hospital pediatrics unit, emergency room and surgery centers.

UPMC Altoona Foundation would like to sincerely thank the Catholic Daughters of America, Court Prince Gallitzin 2625 in Altoona, PA for the generous donation of Jared boxes to be distributed at the hospital in our emergency department, pediatrics unit and surgery center. Thank you all for your hard work of gathering items and putting the boxes together! Many children will be delighted, thanks to your generosity!!

World Breastfeeding Week 2022
August 1st through August 7th
National Breastfeeding Month
August 1 -31, 2022

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week and August: National Breastfeeding Month, we the Lactation Consultants here at UPMC Altoona are looking for breastfeeding testimonials and a picture of you and/or your baby. (There will be a photo consent attached to this email.) We would like to use your testimonial and picture about your experience with the lactation assistance you received from us. This can be from when you were in the hospital or from outpatient visit or telephone help. Please feel free to use staff names if you like. If you have suggestions that you feel might improve our lactation care, please let us know.
We will use your photo and testimonial as promotional media materials for the World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month of August. I may use your information on my World Breastfeeding Week in the lobby display and/or on the Labor and Delivery floor. It may also be used for media releases by UPMC. If you have any restrictions on using the information you provide, please include it in your testimonial.
I want to thank you for choosing UPMC Altoona Lactation Services for allowing us to be a part of your family’s breastfeeding experience.

Thank you,
Michele, Alison, and Christa
Lactation Consultants on T-9

Below we have two testimonials, Megan Prisk and Brittany Brenneman who both recently were supported by the UPMC Altoona lactation consultants.

Megan shares the following:

I can’t thank the lactation consultants at UPMC Altoona enough for all their help. Becoming a first time mom to twins was overwhelming to say the least. Learning to breastfeed was important to me and something I really wanted to be able to provide for my children. Since I took Alison’s breastfeeding class prior to birth, I felt like I started with a good foundation. There is definitely a lot to learn when it comes to breastfeeding, but Alison provides wonderful resources, and is there for questions at anytime (Seriously… She’s responded to messages in the middle of the night!)

Unfortunately, the start of our journey was not easy, something that I anticipated to be so natural was instead emotionally taxing, physically demanding, confusing, and frustrating. Learning to navigate breastfeeding with not one but two babies was definitely a challenge. Without the support and coaching of Alison, Krista, and Michele I likely would have given up. I saw each of them during my admission, and after discharge they were only a phone call away. We took full advantage of outpatient appointments for help on nursing positions, getting the babies to latch, and weighted feeds. Michele was great at listening and validating all my concerns and frustrations, especially in the early days postpartum.

I’m so glad that I got help early and immediately to get on the right track. My babies are now over two months old and exclusively breast-fed. I’m so thankful every day that I stuck with this journey. A big thanks to all the help and support from the IBCLCs at UPMC Altoona.

Brittany shares the following:

I received tremendous support, care, and guidance with not only breastfeeding my daughter Lilliana when I delivered her in January 2020 and most recently again with my son Barrett 8 weeks ago. All of the nurses and lactation consultants were phenomenal at providing around the clock support during my hospitalization and even after I was discharged. When I needed guidance and support days after settling in at home, I was still able to call (in the middle of the night) for help over the phone and be seen in person to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. I could not be more thankful for my experience with UPMC Altoona L&D/lactation consultants for setting me up for success and continuing to support me now even at 8 weeks postpartum. I know that even in returning to work in the ED as an RN I will be able to find assistance and further support when needed; I am forever grateful!

National Breastfeeding Month August 1- 31, 2022

Every August UPMC Altoona celebrates National Breastfeeding Month. This year’s theme, selected by the United States Breastfeeding Committee is, “Together We do Great Things,” highlighting the accomplishments that can be achieved when families, healthcare team members, and communities work together to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. The 2022 theme celebrates the collective impact of our combined efforts and the value of shared goals. The vision of thriving families and communities cannot be achieved by any one person, or by just one organization. It happens with daily effort by each of us, and by working together toward a healthier tomorrow.

The specific weekly observances in August:
Week 1: World Breastfeeding Week
Dates: August 1-7
Theme: Educate & Support
Week 2: Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
Dates: August 8-14
Theme: Strengthening Our Traditions from Birth and Beyond
Week 3: Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week
Dates: August 15-21
Theme: Telling Our Own Stories. Elevating Our Voices.
Week 4: Black Breastfeeding Week
Dates: August 25-31
Theme: B*W 2022: 10 Years, A New Foundation

UPMC Altoona and the Foundation are proud to support the ALS Association who held their annual walk on Saturday, July 23rd at the UPJ Campus in Johnstown. We would like to commend Sharon Squillario for her outstanding volunteer efforts, raising $94,000 this year for the ALS Association. Sharon, and her husband, Don, support the ALS Foundation annually by fundraising and walking to support a cure!

For further information on how to become involved, please go to:

Walk to Defeat ALS Johnstown - The ALS Association

https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/Donation2?df_id=40829&FR_ID=15040&PROXY_ID=15040&PROXY_TYPE=21

Get ready for the next weight loss education series, Wednesday - August 17th from 6 to 7 p.m. via TEAMS. Register at UPMC.com/classes, where you will also find a full list of future dates. For any questions, please call or email Breanna, contact information is listed below!

UPMC Altoona Foundation is proud to be a sponsor for the 6th Annual Second Chance 5K. This organization's mission is to raise funds and awareness for organ, tissue and cornea donation.

Fore more information on how to support the event or become a sponsor, go to

www.secondchancefundraising.org/events/5k

Breanna Calhoun with hold the next monthly weight loss education series on Wednesday, July 20th from 6 to 7 p.m. via TEAMS.

For further information, please see information below.

A Celebration of Commemoration

On Wednesday, June 22, UPMC Altoona dedicated an art mural painted by UPMC Altoona Family Physicians Residents of 2020-2022 to the healthcare workforce of the hospital. Initially organized and put in motion by Lynn Rogers, LCSW, director, Behavioral Science, UPMC Altoona Family Physicians, the mural was started in response to COVID-19 and sponsored by the UPMC Altoona Foundation.

Donald Beckstead, MD, program director gathered in front of the mural with current residents among other staff for the dedication where he was able to reflect on the countless hours spent during the battle of COVID-19. He recalled memories of residents holding iPads and other electronic devices for those unable to visit their loved ones during the final moments of their lives. “Everyone risked their lives to care for others,” said Dr. Beckstead.

It's our hope that this mural not only will fill the halls of UPMC Altoona with color, but also fill the hearts of those who pass by as we remember the efforts of all employees.

UPMC offers a Stroke Support Group that meets every other month on the 2nd Tuesday at the Station Medical Center, K4 entrance from 5 to 6 p.m. All are welcome.

The next session will be held July 12th, 5 to 6 p.m. The featured speaker will be Joseph Fagnani from Service Paws of Central PA.

For any questions or further information, please contact Brent Dodson, PT, DPT, NCS or Rebecca Wagner, Director of Rehab Services at (814) 889-2356.

Join UPMC Altoona Foundation on August 10th at HomeWaters for our Cast & Blast Tournament!!

Current sponsors:

EVENT SPONSORS:
Bruno and Lena DeGol Family Foundation
Lee Industries, Inc.
UPMC and UPMC Health Plan

PIG ROAST SPONSOR:
Base Camp Guns

MOST TARGETS AWARD SPONSOR:
UPMC Altoona Medical Staff

TEAM SPONSORS:
Tim Balconi
Brickley Construction, Inc.
Diviney & Associates Structural Engineers
Jayson Fuchs
Johnston Mechanical
Poole Anderson Construction
Synchronized Solutions

BEAT AND RANGE SPONSORS:
Altoona Center for Nursing Care
Empire Communication Systems
Johnston Mechanical
McCartney's, Inc.
Seltzer Financial Strategies
The Lakemont Partnership

Come to Lakemont Park this Saturday, June 11th from 11:30 to 1:30 for the Healthy Blair County Coalition Annual Let's Move Day!!

Many rewarding job opportunities at UPMC Altoona, Bedford and ARHS. Scan the QR code below to apply and become part of our team!!

Join Deanna Johnson on June 21st for her virtual presentation with the Living Beyond Cancer Program.

Join Breanna Calhoun for her second month of the weight loss education series. This will be a monthly, year long education series via Teams.

The Central PA Nurses Honor Guard, who are a subdivision of the Altoona-Mercy Hospital Alumni Association, started performing ceremonies in November 2021, where they have tribute at funeral homes and churches. To date, they have paid tribute to four nurses - three in Altoona and one in Portage.

They will be also marching in the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30th.

Pictured below are, L to R:
Karen McGraw, Missy Mulhern, Cindy Bowman, Julie Decker, Robin deKoning, Wanda Shaffer

Join Breanna Calhoun, MS, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian, UPMC Altoona for this weight loss education series. This will be held each month, with a different topic, beginning May 25th from 6 to 7 p.m., via Teams.

To register for the class, clink the link below.

https://upmc.asapconnected.com/=270006

Get your children's summer time fun off to a great start with a Kids Safety Day on Saturday, May 21st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Station Medical Center Parking Lot. Many activities , including bike helmet giveaways, child safety seat checks and many others!

registerme.org

April is National Donate Life Month. Register to become an organ donor at registerme.org/UPMC.

registerme.org

Today is National Gardening Day!! Get out there and pick up a shovel, plant some seeds, and kick off a beautiful year of homegrown bounty.

UPMC Altoona Foundation Golf 13th Annual Golf Classic is off to a great start with the following sponsors:

Tee Prize Sponsor
•Xanitos, Inc.

Hole-in-One Sponsor
•Stuckey Automotive

Platinum Sponsor
•Benzel's Bretzel Bakery, Inc.

Gold Sponsor
•Alexander Building Construction Inc.

Silver Sponsor
•The EADS Group
•IBEW Local Union #5 and W Pa Ch NECA Labor Mgmt Coop
Comm
•IBEW Local Union #5
•The Lung Disease Foundation
•Synchronized Solutions

Bronze Sponsor
•Advanced Regional Center for Ankle & Foot Care
•Automated Logic
•Base Camp Guns
•Bob Biter Electrical Enterprises
•Breezeline
•Brickley Construction Inc.
•CJL Engineering
•DelGrosso Family of Companies
•Eastern Door Controls
•Empire Communication Systems Inc.
•Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona
•Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
•H.F. Lenz Company
•Irwin Financial, Inc.
•Johnson Controls
•Johnston Mechanical LLC
•Jerry Murray
•JPT Architects
•M&T Bank
•Mount Aloysius College
•Okonak Dean Lechner
•Penn State Altoona
•Pepsi Beverage Co.
•Season-Aire, Inc.
•S&T Bank
•United Medical Products
•Value Drug Company

Foursomes
•Altoona Curve
•Attorney David Andrews
•EBER HVAC, Inc.
•Kish Bank
•Otis Elevator Co.
•Pyramid Healthcare
•Reilly, Creppage & Co. Inc.
•Attorney Ilissa Zimmerman

Food and Beverage Station Sponsor
•Blair Gastroenterology Associates

Beverage Carts Sponsor
•UPMC Altoona Medical Staff

Tee and Green Sign Sponsor
•Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries
•Altoona Pipe & Steel Co.
•Altoona Mirror
•Barton Healthcare Div. of Barton Assoc.
•Blair Companies
•EBER HVAC, Inc.
•Jane and Lee Hite Family
•Homewood at Martinsburg
•J.U. Services LLC
•Keller Engineers Inc.
•McCartney's Business Products
•Mountain Research
•P. Joseph Lehman Inc. Consulting Engineers
•Pepsi Beverage Co.
•Primary Health Network
•Reliance Bank
•The RADD Development Co.
•Schultz Company
•Seltzer Financial Strategies
•SeniorLife ALtoona
•S.P. McCarl & Company
•Spring Cove Container
•The Meadows
•Top to Bottom Interiors
•Ward Transport & Logistics Corp.

Donations
•Bettwy Electric
•M. Carol Makdad in memory of Dr. George Nohaile
•Audrey L. Grohol in memory of John J. Grohol III
•New Look Uniform & Embroidery - providing a giveaway for all
golfers

For more information regarding our 2022 Golf Event, please go to UPMCAltoonaFoundation.org, select events and scroll to "Annual Golf Classic"