Wellstar Community Outreach

The iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon filled the lobby of Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Dec. 4 through 6 for its 25th year of fundraising. Surrounded by a winter wonderland of Christmas trees and red, white and silver balloon arches, volunteers took donations from generous supporters while iHeartMedia radio stations and WRDW-TV broadcast stories of the miracles that happen every day at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

The event raised $291,617 to support the children’s hospital, which is a part of the Children’s Miracle Network.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is life-changing,” said Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. “This can support many of our young patients. They come to us and we take care of them. We don’t turn them away, and this really helps support our mission.”

Dr. Valera Hudson, pediatrician-in-chief, echoed Turner’s gratitude.

“We couldn’t do this without community support. We are so grateful for everyone who is here who helped pull this off,” she said.

Each year, iHeartMedia generously donates 72 hours of airtime as DJs from 96.3 Kiss FM, 104.3 WBBQ and 105.7 The Bull join WRDW-TV to broadcast live from the event, sharing success stories from patients and families grateful for the care they received.

“Thank you, CSRA, for making miracles happen. Exactly 291,617 miracles. Thank you!” said Ivy Elam, market president of iHeartMedia in Augusta.

Donations from the iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon are used throughout the year to purchase pediatric equipment such as vein finders for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit and a gaming system for patients in the pediatric operating room.

They also support programs that are unique to a children’s hospital. These include the facility dog program, featuring three hospital-owned dogs who provide comfort and help Child Life Specialists more easily communicate with young patients. Donations also help fund summer camps for children living with chronic conditions—such as Camp Rainbow for cancer patients—which allow kids to just be kids while remaining under medical supervision.

Radiothon has ended, but donations can be made throughout the year by calling (762) 375-4004, by emailing Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Director of Philanthropy Catherine Stewart or by visiting the Wellstar Foundation.

Bringing your baby into the world is joyful and overwhelming all at once. Between the feedings, diaper changes and sweet first snuggles, your care team may talk to you about a few important immunizations given in the hospital or during your baby’s first doctor visit.

It’s normal to have questions. Here is a quick guide to the three shots offered in the first week of life—and why they matter for your baby’s health.

Hepatitis B vaccine

What it does: Protects your baby from Hepatitis B, a virus that attacks the liver and can cause lifelong infection

Why it’s important: Hepatitis B isn’t just a risk for adults later in life. Most importantly for newborns, the virus can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Studies show that up to 75% of mothers with chronic Hepatitis B don’t know they’re infected—and 90% of infants who catch the virus during delivery will develop a chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver disease, cancer or even death.

What to expect: The Hepatitis B vaccine is a series of three doses given at birth, 1 month and 6 months. Side effects are rare, other than mild soreness at the injection site.

Beyfortus (RSV protection)

What it does: Shields your baby from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a common virus that can be much more serious in infants

Why it’s important: For most adults, RSV feels like a mild cold. But for newborns—especially those born prematurely—RSV can sometimes lead to serious lung infections and hospitalization. In severe cases, babies may need breathing support in the hospital. Beyfortus provides antibodies that protect your baby through their first RSV season.

What to expect: One injection lasts about five to six months. The most common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Studies show Beyfortus reduces the risk of severe RSV illness by about 85% to 90%.

Extra protection tip: Moms can also receive an RSV vaccination late in pregnancy, which helps pass antibodies to their newborns. Keeping siblings and visitors with colds away from newborns—and encouraging good handwashing—are other ways to help protect your baby.

Vitamin K shot

What it does: Gives your baby the vitamin needed to help blood clot and prevent dangerous bleeding

Why it’s important: Babies are born with very little vitamin K, and breastmilk and formula don’t provide enough. Without the shot, newborns are at risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding—a rare but serious condition that can cause internal bleeding in places like the brain and intestines. These bleeds can happen suddenly and may lead to life-altering complications.

What to expect: The vitamin K shot has been safely given to newborns in the U.S. since the 1960s, with no significant side effects.

If you have questions about newborn immunizations, speak with your baby’s pediatrician. At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, we’re here to partner with you through every stage of your child’s life.

By Dr. Nevin Wadehra, hematologist/oncologist with Wellstar and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers

The world of breast cancer can be confusing, especially because of all the abbreviations and acronyms. Knowing these terms can help us better understand breast cancer.

What does BRCA or HER2 mean when it comes to breast cancer?

To doctors, they’re important pieces of information that can guide their treatment strategies. To patients, they can mean the difference between one treatment plan and another—or even between risk and prevention.

Understanding BRCA

The Definition: BRCA is short for “Breast Cancer Gene.” It includes two separate genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes have been found to impact a person’s chance of developing certain cancers.

The Explanation: In the past few decades, breast cancer research has advanced from general diagnosis to highly personalized treatment. For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with increased risk for several cancers including breast and ovarian cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. This is traditionally referred to as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. However, there are other increased risks with BRCA, including prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Patients without cancer but who have a family history of these cancers should discuss BRCA testing with their physician and consider evaluation by a genetic counselor. For patients with cancer who are known to have the BRCA gene, this could affect their treatment choices with more targeted therapy.

Understanding HER2

The Definition: HER2 stands for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2. It is a protein found on the surface of breast cancer cells and plays a role in how the cells grow and divide.

The Explanation: Approximately 20% of female patients with breast cancer have tumors with high levels of HER2. Because HER2 is involved in the growth of cancer cells, this type of breast cancer can be aggressive. It's important that anyone diagnosed with breast cancer has their tumor tested for the presence of HER2.

In the past, HER2-positive tumors were associated with an increased risk of both recurrence and death from breast cancer. However, with the use of chemotherapy and targeted treatment against HER2, the prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer has improved substantially.

Treatment options may include surgery, HER2-directed therapy with chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and radiation therapy. The best combination of treatments and the order in which to receive them can vary depending on the situation. Most patients with HER2-positive breast cancer will receive one or more chemotherapy drugs plus trastuzumab, a HER2 antibody. Many studies have shown that these treatments dramatically improve survival for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab and chemotherapy are even recommended for patients with very small, HER2-positive breast cancers. Tumors as small as 0.5 centimeters often warrant such treatment.

Decisions must be individualized based on your unique risk. Talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for trastuzumab, especially if you have a small HER2-positive tumor.

How do you determine what treatment is best?

There are many options for the treatment of breast cancer, and deciding which is best can be confusing. Expert guidelines help clarify what treatments are most appropriate for large groups of patients.

However, individual factors—including your personal values and preferences, as well as your cancer stage and characteristics—are also important to consider. Talk to your care team about your treatment options and what is best suited to your individual needs.

Learn more about breast cancer care at wellstar.org/breastcancer.