SPRING 2014 UPDATE
Happy Spring!
Here is a summary of recent stories published about the UA Steele Center, the Department of Pediatrics
and Diamond Children's. Want to receive updates as they happen? Please follow us on Facebook:  
  Steele Center FB page Diamond Children's FB page



'Magic Carpet Ride' Gala Raises $125,000 for UA Steele Center and Diamond Children's  

 

The "Magic Carpet Ride" Gala held in February at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort raised approximately $125,000 for Diamond Children's and the UA Steele Center. Approximately 500 people attended this fun-filled and meaningful evening, which was emceed by Amy Miller, wife of UA men's basketball Coach Sean Miller. One of the evening's highlights was the uplifting music video featuring rock band American Authors, as well as patients, doctors, nurses, researchers, hospital administrators and staff. Read more | View video

  

PANDA Mothers' Brunch

 

More than 70 guests attended the 15th Annual Mothers' Brunch on March 6 at the Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley. The Phoenix Women's Board of the Steele Children's Research Center in Tucson, known as PANDA, hosted the occasion. Mothers of the 65 models participating in the Children Helping Children Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Phoenician Resort on April 12, learned about PANDA's mission and how this year's proceeds will fund the PANDA Children's Autoimmune Disorders Project to help unravel the mystery of common diseases among children, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's and Colitis, and celiac disease. Read More

 


UA Steele Center 2013 Annual Review Now Available Online  

 

The 2013 UA Steele Center Annual Review is now available online. The review highlights research studies, patients stories, our volunteer groups, fundraising events, faculty accomplishments and more, that took place in 2013. If you would like a hard copy of the report, please send your name and mailing address to [email protected]. Read report

  

UA Steele Center Researchers on the Cover of BizTucson

 

The spring issue of BizTucson features Dr. Ghishan and his research team on its cover, with a great article about the UA Steele Center. If you would like to receive a copy of the magazine, please send your name and mailing address to [email protected]

  

Medical Findings Could Protect IBD Patients from Bone Loss

AZPM | A research team led by a University of Arizona doctor has discovered two proteins connected to irritable bowel disease and bone-loss, and these proteins may one day be used as supplemental therapy. About 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases, and about 3,000 of them are children. Dr. Fayez Ghishan, director of the UA Steele Children's Research Center, said treatments exist to counter IBD in three ways: healing the intestinal tract, suppressing the immune system, and shutting down inflammatory proteins. View video


UA Researchers Contribute to National CDC Study Estimating 1 in 68 Children in U.S. Identified as Having an Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Researchers from the University of Arizona participated in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that now estimates that 1 in 68 children in the United States has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), based on tracking across multiple areas of the nation. In Arizona, the findings were slightly higher, with 1 in 64 children in Maricopa County identified with ASD. Read more    

 
To Honor Stephen: 'Kick Cancer for Stephen' Foundation Donates Sony PlayStations and Snacks to Diamond Children's

In March, the Kick Cancer for Stephen Foundation donated Sony PlayStations and snacks for the patients at Diamond Children's. The Kick Cancer for Stephen Foundation was created in memory of Stephen Placencia, who died on Jan. 14, 2008, at the young age of 17 from fibrolamellar hepatocellualar carcinoma--a rare form of liver cancer.While hospitalized, Stephen noticed few activities for teenagers. "When teens are hospitalized, their stay is more bearable if there are fun things for them to do, such as playing video games or watching movies," said Stephen's mom, Francie Placencia. "Stephen wanted to improve the experience of teens who were hospitalized."  Read more  


Dr. Andreas Theodorou Elected Chair-Elect of 'AAMC Chief Medical Officer Group's' Steering Committee

 

Andreas Theodorou, MD, chief medical officer for the University of Arizona Medical Center, was elected chair-elect of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Chief Medical Officer Group's (CMOG) Steering Committee.  He was elected during the AAMC's annual meeting. He will serve as chair-elect in 2014 and chair in 2015.  

Dr. Theodorou is a professor of pediatric critical care and vice chair of the UA Department of Pediatrics, and interim director of the internationally recognized UA Interprofessional Education & Practice curriculum. As a pediatric intensivist, Dr. Theodorou takes care of critically ill children at the University of Arizona Medical Center - Diamond Children's. He has been recognized in Arizona for his expertise in treating children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Read more   


Flu Spike Keeps Hospitals Busier than Usual 

KVOA | This year's flu strain is keeping some hospitals busier than their usual seasonal spike.

University of Arizona Medical Center's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Andreas Theodorou, said he has seen patients from all over the state."We have people that are middle-aged, normal, healthy folks who get this virus and get so severely sick that they have to be on advanced forms of life support," Theodorou said. View video


       

Breaking the Cycle: Babies born Addicted

KVOA | Last July, Kristi's Kids investigated the number of babies being born exposed to prescription drugs. At least one baby a month at Diamond Children's. Now we're seeing a spike in heroin-using moms. Kristi's Kids Investigated. View video

       

A Legacy of Giving: Arizona Elks Major Projects Donate $125,000 to the UA Steele Center

The UA Steele Center received $125,000 from the Arizona Elks Major Projects. Al Skorupski, executive director of the Arizona Elks Major Projects, presented the check to Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, director of the UA Steele Center, at the December advisory board meeting. Since 1991, the Elks have raised more than $5 million for the UA Steele Center. They have supported basic science research, education and clinical programs. Read more    

 


Wildcat Running Club hosts 5K to Benefit the UA Steele Center 

Saturday will be the second annual "Sprint into Spring Community 5k" hosted by the Wildcat Running Club. This year, the race is sponsoring the University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center. Kyle Wilson, president of the running club, said it was an easy choice to donate the funds to the Steele Center. "Last year, we donated to the American Cancer Society, but this year we wanted to keep it local with a great UA organization benefiting children in our community." Read more


UA Steele Children's Research Center
1501 N. Campbell Ave., Room 3301
Tucson, AZ 85724
520-626-9618