Strokes of Wit and Wisdom on Mississippi Medical News

Strokes of Wit and Wisdom

By: LYNNE JETER

Forrest General Celebrates 4^th Annual Spirit of Women Spring Event

HATTIESBURG--More than 200 women gathered at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center on an unusually chilly April morning to honor unsung heroes of the Pine Belt community and to hear words of encouragement, inspiration and humor.

Spirit of Women Winners

Forrest General Hospital's Spirit of Women program presented the Spirit in Action Award to four women who were chosen based on the contributions they have made to the issues women face in the areas of work, family and health; and on the impact they have had in their community and on the lives of others.

The winner of the Community Award for 2009 was Kym Garraway, who is a nationally-recognized artist with a zest for life whose work is recognized in schools, gymnasiums, physician clinics and churches throughout the Pine Belt. She has donated her time to benefit others such as providing art therapy to USM's Dubard School, art workshops and classes for the Salvation Army and the Association of Retarded Citizens.

Madalene Daniell was selected as the recipient of the Healthcare Award for 2009 because of her energy, enthusiasm and passion for life and helping others, and her years of dedication and service improving the health and well-being of moms-to-be and new moms. Her programs, "Fitness for Two" and "Mommie & Me" have been celebrating the childbearing years by providing information, education and support since 1977.

The Spirit in Action Youth Award was given to Stringer High School junior Lana Marie Craft. Her volunteer spirit and willingness to serve others is an inspiration to all. She has danced with members of the Association for Retarded Citizens, made Christmas ornaments with the elderly, and even started her own project in connection with Love in Action Ministries.

This year a fourth award was presented to Becky Oliver for her dedication and support of the programs and services offered by Forrest General. A former cancer dietician, Oliver has been involved in many organizations promoting women's health including the Cancer Center, Deanna Favre Foundation, Spirit of Women and other Women's Health Awareness programs.

"In these challenging and uncertain times, everyone could use some positive encouragement with practical applications, and that's why we brought Dr. Taylor here," said Millie Swan, spokesperson for Forrest General and organizer of the event. "Also, our CEO (Bill Oliver) had read the book and heard about her speaking tour around the time we were seeking accreditation for our stroke center, so it was a great fit for us to have her speak."

Knowing everyone could also use a good laugh, Swan also booked humorist Barbara Braunstein, who gave the presentation "Make Your Mind Up, Not Down!"

"I'd seen Barbara at national Spirit of Women events and knew that she could tie humor effectively with a serious topic," said Swan. "She relates to every age, and has such a varied background as an international flight attendant, healthcare administrator, avid tennis player and a fashion model."

The recipients are candidates for the National Spirit of Women Awards. If chosen, they will represent Forrest General Hospital at the 11th Annual Spirit in Action Awards Celebration.

Hosted by Forrest General Hospital, the 4^th annual Spirit of Women Spring Event featured Jill Bolte Taylor, MD, author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey, as the keynote speaker. Her story inspired guests to better understand how to "tend the garden of their minds" to enhance their quality of life and how to consciously influence their thought, emotional and reactionary processes related to life's challenges.

In addition to a Brunch Extravaganza, participants were also treated to "Spring Shopping on a Shoestring" at various vendor booths set up around the convention center.

"We survey attendees every year to gauge their interests, and shopping is always one of their favorites," said Swan. "We've featured artwork and other high-end items before, but this year, we wanted to provide a venue for more affordable spring items, especially with Easter less than a week after our event. We ended up with some really neat items."

Forrest General is one of two Mississippi hospitals (the other is North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo) affiliated with The Spirit of Women Hospital Network, a national coalition of hospitals and healthcare facilities working together to advance the cause and business of women's health.
The network promotes national educational initiatives for women and their families on health topics such as menopause, cancer, incontinence, diabetes, heart disease, and healthy pregnancy.

"Spirit of Women is not just a media campaign or a series of events, but a national movement led by hospitals across the United States and supported by corporate partners and national media, with the mission to move women to take action for better health, mind, body and spirit," said Swan, who recalled the network site director touring Forrest General during the application process had expressed doubts about a rural hospital's effectiveness in the national awards program.

"The site director told me, 'when I came here, I didn't think you could pull it off, but you have proved me wrong time and again!'" recalled Swan, who is a mainstay at national Spirit of Women events and is often called on by program coordinators for advice.

When the network initiated a mini-accreditation process last year, Forrest General was one of the first hospitals to meet the required standards.

"The national program doesn't dictate what member hospitals do. National leaders give ideas, and then we mold our programs to fit what works best for our women, like with our Spirit Girls," said Swan. "Now with more than 6,000 members, Forrest General is an example of a successful Women of Spirit program on a national level."