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Healing Garden at Renown Expands Over 14,000 Square Feet
Expansion project celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Fianna’s Healing Garden; led by daughter Rebecca Dickson and brother Harvey Fennell. Renown Health Foundation announced today the re-opening of the newly renovated Fianna’s Healing Garden at Renown Regional Medical Center. Fianna Dickson Combs, a longtime Reno resident, business leader and master gardener, shared Renown’s belief in the healing power of nature. Fianna lost her battle to ovarian cancer in 2008 and her family and friends carried out her wishes after she passed away, opening the original healing garden in 2009 to benefit patients and caregivers. Today, the garden continues to grow – the expansion includes connected walking paths, fountain, benches and seating areas, additional sculptures and a grass area with a covered pavilion. Fianna’s Healing Garden is open to patients, their supporters and employees. Members of the media are invited to tour the garden on Monday, June 22 from 10 am – noon. Please bring a face mask and be prepared to receive a health screening upon entering. Donors and individuals from Renown Health Foundation will be available for interviews. Please call 775-691-7308 or email news@renown.org to RSVP by June 22 at 9:30 a.m. “For over a decade, our staff, patients and their loved ones have found peace and solace in spending time in Fianna’s Healing Garden,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., president and CEO of Renown Health. “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to all who played a role in the garden’s renovation, and those who bring such beauty to our campus. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience the garden’s healing effects, and with it, the beautiful legacy Fianna and her incredible family, continues today.” Key Features The expanded healing garden now spans 28,388 square feet and includes the following new features: More than 2,000 plants and trees Covered pavilion on the east side of the garden offers protection from the elements and can seat up to 75 people. Featured on the back wall of the pavilion is a stunning mural of Mt. Rose. Supported by the E. L. Wiegand Foundation 1,257 square feet of natural grass located in front of the pavilion, allowing garden guests a beautiful, relaxing spot to picnic. Supported by the Reno Aces Traditional rose garden featuring a variety of 20 different award-winning David Austin roses. Supported by the Fennell and Dickson families Weeping cherry tree dedicated to our healthcare heroes for their extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and to those in our community who lost their lives. Combs’ legacy is sustained through the work of her family, friends and community members. Fianna’s eldest daughter Rebecca Dickson and her brother, Harvey Fennell, played an important role in the expansion and helped lead the effort to generate over $800,000 in community support. Fianna’s other brother, Thomas M. Fennell, designed the garden’s new pavilion. Greg Walaitis, chief development officer of Renown Health Foundation said, “On behalf of Renown Health Foundation, we would like to thank Becca Dickson, Harvey and Nancy Fennell for all their hard work and leadership on this project. They knew Fianna’s vision and brought together the community support to make it a stunning reality. We thank them for their extraordinary gift of this Garden to help improve the health and wellness of patients, families and caregivers.” “It brings me great joy knowing my mother’s contribution to Renown has already made a difference in the lives of countless individuals in need of comfort and relief,” said Dickson. “The renovated garden has even more places to sit, reflect, walk, picnic, read or talk, all while embracing nature’s beauty. I can think of no better way to honor my mother’s legacy, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of our friends and family to bring this project to life.” Ways to Support Fianna’s Healing Garden Make a gift at renown.org/give Call Renown Health Foundation at 775-982-5545 Mail a check to Renown Health Foundation, 1155 Mill St., O2, Reno, NV 89502 Venmo: @RenownFoundation Special Thanks Renown Health Foundation would like to thank the following organizations and individuals, for the garden expansion would be impossible without their support: E. L. Wiegand Foundation Reno Aces Harvey and Nancy Fennell Rebecca Dickson Thomas M. Fennell, Fennell-Purifoy Architects Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation Monroe/Schuler Foundation Thelma and Thomas Hart Foundation E.L. Cord Foundation Marie Crowley Foundation Jerry and Roxie Enneking Dr. David and Jennifer Smith David Geddes Victor Bucher Cary Lurie Renown Employees Architect: Dale Cox Architects Landscaping: Reno Green Landscaping Contractor & Builder: Clark/Sullivan Construction Sounds of Garden: Sierra Integrated Systems “My belief is that nature is the most healing element in our environment, it brings us to a more natural and comfortable place within ourselves” - Fianna Dickson Combs About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.
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Life-Saving CPR: Are Your Skills up to Date?
If CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival can double or even triple. Troy Wiedenbeck, MD, cardiologist with the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, explains how you can be ready to perform it in case of an emergency. According to the American Heart Association, over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. This highlights the importance of CPR to everyone, not just medical personnel. Most people do not have heart trouble at a hospital or fire station, they have it going about their everyday lives. And when someone has a heart attack outside of a hospital, their survival often depends on receiving help from a bystander. Signs of Heart Trouble First, how do you know when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest? The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest are immediate and drastic, including: Sudden collapse No pulse Not breathing Loss of consciousness And sometimes, patients can experience symptoms beforehand, such as fatigue, fainting, blackouts, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath or vomiting. CPR Change Many of us know CPR as both mouth-to-mouth and pumps to the chest, but the rule now is hands-only. Can you explain the change? Hands-only CPR is exactly what the name says -- it's CPR without mouth-to-mouth. The American Heart Association recommends using only your hands. So if you see someone suddenly collapse, it’s recommended to call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of their chest. Doing this will get blood flowing back to the brain, lungs and other organs for someone having heart problems. Performing CPR on Adults vs. Children Hands-only CPR is just as effective as mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions for teens and adults who may have gone into cardiac arrest. Remember, it’s important to act fast. First, call 9-1-1 and then start chest compressions right away. If you perform CPR on someone within the first few minutes, it can double or triple their chance of survival. Keep in mind, for infants and children younger than 12 years old, regular CPR with mouth-to-mouth, as well as chest compressions, is still recommended. Two Steps to Save a Life If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse follow these two steps: Call 911 so care providers can begin to respond. When calling 911, be specific about your location, especially if you are calling from a cell phone. Knowing the street address, building, floor and closest entry point can save precious time for first responders. Answering the dispatcher’s questions will make sure help arrives fast, and at the correct location. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. The goal during CPR is 100 to 120 compressions per minute, about the same tempo as the song “Stayin’ Alive,” or “Thriller.” For hand placement, it’s also important to put the heel of your hand on the center of their chest and place the other hand on top. Push down on their chest at least two inches. It may seem severe at the time, but pushing this hard can truly save a life. Continue performing compressions as long as possible. If you tire, have someone take over compressions, if possible, and take turns until medical help arrives. For information on a CPR course in Reno, please contact REMSA at 775-858-5700.
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Why I Give: Dan’s Story
In the fall of 2020, Dan's world was suddenly shaken when he received a distressing call: his son, Jeremy, was admitted to Renown with complications from spinal meningitis. Without a second thought, Dan rushed from Southern California to be by Jeremy's side. For an agonizing 10 days, Dan remained in the ICU. He was overwhelmed with worry and helplessness as Jeremy fought for his life on a ventilator. During this time, Dan, an esteemed artist and professor, found comfort in the collection of artworks adorning the walls at Renown. With more than 2,000 pieces of original art, Renown has meticulously curated hospital rooms, hallways and various spaces to support those in need. Dan, who talks about art's magic every day as a professor, experienced its power in a new light.
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Handmade Bracelets a Labor of Love for Cancer Patients
The road through cancer treatment can test even the toughest of spirits. A local organization is handcrafting and donating beaded bracelets to the courageous women who have reached the finish line at Renown Infusion Services. After finishing her sixth and final cycle of chemotherapy at Renown Infusion Services, Joan Jackson told her nurse, Daun Russell, RN, she was tired. Russell returned with a box and opened it -- as she does for all cancer patients completing treatment -- and said, “pick one.” What Jackson was selecting was a beautiful, handmade bracelet crafted and donated by the local Soroptimist organization. Jackson picked a purple bracelet with a tag that read, "Congratulations on completing your treatment. Imagine what you can do now." “Picking the bracelet was such a special thing to mark my last day of chemo,” Jackson says. "Their gesture impacted me for the good after going through so much.” The women behind the bracelets Bev Perkins, a member of the Soroptimist International of Truckee Meadows, says the bracelet project began in 2009 as a way of celebrating those who completed cancer treatment. She wanted the project to be hands-on, so she involved the club members by organizing a small budget and asking others to donate jewelry. The group comes together each year to make the bracelets. Perkins disassembles the donated jewelry, adding newly purchased beads to make kits for the bracelets. The volunteers also add a metal tag inscribed with an inspiring word, like “believe,” “hope” or “love.” “It’s a labor of love for us,” says Kay Dumhan, group treasurer. “It’s to show empowerment and to help these women know there are people who are encouraged by them.” “When bracelets are donated there is usually quite a bit of feedback on how much it’s appreciated,” Dumhan says. “We never want to run out so we make sure we have a supply there. We’ve had cancer survivors as members and that makes it all the more personal.”
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7Dec
Class fee includes partner. The American Heart Association Family & Friends ” Child CPR & Choking” course is for those who want to learn CPR but do NOT need a course completion card in CPR for their job. This course is ideal for schools and students, new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others interested in learning how to save a life. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the AHA’s research-proven “practice-while-watching” technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible. Please note: A child is someone older than one year who has not yet reached puberty. If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Child CPR Class – for ages 1 year through puberty
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19Dec
Class fee includes partner. The American Heart Association Family & Friends “Infant CPR and Choking” (birth to one year) course is for those who want to learn infant CPR but do NOT need a course completion card in CPR for their job. This course is ideal for schools and students, new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the AHA’s research-proven “practice-while-watching” technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible. If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Infant CPR & Choking Class
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17Aug
Class fee includes partner. This class helps prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in baby’s first year. Along with car seat safety and basic baby proofing, discussion will include prevention and treatment of common injuries. Students will also learn and practice the skills necessary to perform infant CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), as well as the skills necessary to assist a choking infant. The American Heart Association Family & Friends “Infant CPR and Choking” (birth to one year) course is for those who want to learn Infant CPR but do not need a course completion card in CPR for their job. Grandparents and other caregivers are welcome to attend. This class covers the following topics: Car seat safety education Safe sleep Baby proofing your home Basic first aid Infant CPR & Choking If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Baby Safe Class
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14Dec
Class fee includes partner. This class helps prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in baby’s first year. Along with car seat safety and basic baby proofing, discussion will include prevention and treatment of common injuries. Students will also learn and practice the skills necessary to perform infant CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), as well as the skills necessary to assist a choking infant. The American Heart Association Family & Friends “Infant CPR and Choking” (birth to one year) course is for those who want to learn Infant CPR but do not need a course completion card in CPR for their job. Grandparents and other caregivers are welcome to attend. This class covers the following topics: Car seat safety education Safe sleep Baby proofing your home Basic first aid Infant CPR & Choking If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Baby Safe Class
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20Jul
Class fee includes partner. This class helps prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in baby’s first year. Along with car seat safety and basic baby proofing, discussion will include prevention and treatment of common injuries. Students will also learn and practice the skills necessary to perform infant CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), as well as the skills necessary to assist a choking infant. The American Heart Association Family & Friends “Infant CPR and Choking” (birth to one year) course is for those who want to learn Infant CPR but do not need a course completion card in CPR for their job. Grandparents and other caregivers are welcome to attend. This class covers the following topics: Car seat safety education Safe sleep Baby proofing your home Basic first aid Infant CPR & Choking If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Baby Safe Class
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12Oct
Class fee includes partner. The American Heart Association Family & Friends ” Child CPR & Choking” course is for those who want to learn CPR but do NOT need a course completion card in CPR for their job. This course is ideal for schools and students, new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others interested in learning how to save a life. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the AHA’s research-proven “practice-while-watching” technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible. Please note: A child is someone older than one year who has not yet reached puberty. If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Child CPR Class – for ages 1 year through puberty
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19Oct
Class fee includes partner. This class helps prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in baby’s first year. Along with car seat safety and basic baby proofing, discussion will include prevention and treatment of common injuries. Students will also learn and practice the skills necessary to perform infant CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), as well as the skills necessary to assist a choking infant. The American Heart Association Family & Friends “Infant CPR and Choking” (birth to one year) course is for those who want to learn Infant CPR but do not need a course completion card in CPR for their job. Grandparents and other caregivers are welcome to attend. This class covers the following topics: Car seat safety education Safe sleep Baby proofing your home Basic first aid Infant CPR & Choking If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Baby Safe Class
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22Aug
Class fee includes partner. The American Heart Association Family & Friends “Infant CPR and Choking” (birth to one year) course is for those who want to learn infant CPR but do NOT need a course completion card in CPR for their job. This course is ideal for schools and students, new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the AHA’s research-proven “practice-while-watching” technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible. If this class is sold out and you need to take a class please email Chris.Marlo@Renown.org or leave a message at 775-982-4352.
Read More About Infant CPR & Choking Class
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