Summer

2011

Feature:
pgs . 2-3
SMCW Leads
the Way in
Trauma Care

Meet Our Physicians

pg . 2
A Gift for the Future

pg . 4
Celebrating Growth

pg . 5
201 at the Bar 3 Ranch

pg . 6
When Every Second Counts
Deborah Kuczek is grateful for every moment she can hold her 27-year-old daughter,
Keri, in her arms. In October, Keri suffered a severe brain injury and several bone fractures
during a tragic rollover accident in Georgetown. Within minutes, EMS personnel rushed
her directly to Seton Medical Center Williamson, where the trauma team was waiting.
Keri underwent delicate brain surgery, and doctors warned her family that she may not
wake up as the same woman she was before the accident.

“After Keri’s accident, she was in extremely critical

condition. If she wasn’t cared for immediately in
a trauma center, she may not have survived,” says
Deborah.
Read more on page 2

A newsletter for friends of the Seton Williamson Foundation

setonwilliamsonfdn.org Supporting Seton Medical Center Williamson, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals
 Meet Our
PHYSICIANS
dr. NEEL WARE
Trauma Director
Seton Medical Center Williamson
In January, Drue “Neel” Ware, MD, joined Seton Medical
Center Williamson as medical director of the Trauma
Program. Prior to moving to Central Texas, Dr. Ware was
actively involved in the development of trauma services at
Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, where his busy
academic medical career spanned 19 years. He is happy to
settle in Central Texas and is very enthusiastic about using
his experiences in major trauma centers to help Seton build
a top-notch program.
“Seton Medical Center Williamson is growing and projections
indicate that the Williamson County population will exceed
Travis County in the near future,” says Dr. Ware. “My hats
off to the Seton Family of Hospitals for having foresight to
recognize the necessity of bringing trauma care to the north
end of Central Texas.”
Dr. Ware is impressed with the focus on patient care, patient
safety and family support at Seton Medical Center Williamson
and says patients and families are very happy with the
care they receive. In addition, he says the medical center’s
relationship with EMS personnel throughout Williamson
County and Marble Falls is strong, which helps the trauma
team’s efforts to expedite the best care for its patients.
“We have one goal in mind at Seton Medical Center
Williamson and that is to take
care of our patients as quickly,
efficiently and comfortably
as we possibly can.”
2 setonwilliamsonfdn.org
SMCW Brings
Keri’s trauma story, continued from cover
The Golden Hour:
The 60-Minute Difference Between Life and Death
When a person is critically injured, there is no time to waste. At the moment of her
injury, Keri entered the “Golden Hour” – a term used to describe the brief window
of time in which a trauma patient’s chances of survival are greatest if definitive
treatment is provided. Thanks to an immediate call to 911 by a witness at the scene
of the accident, the speedy arrival of the Williamson County Emergency Medical
Services, and access to a trauma center just minutes away, Keri’s life was saved.
Sixteen days after her accident, Keri began to awaken from her coma and started
a long journey of recovery. For months she received specialized health treatments
and therapies to help her relearn to speak and communicate. Today she continues
speech therapy, is back to work part-time as an art teacher and enjoys playing
volleyball with her friends. Her family is confident that her happy ending is directly
related to her transport to Seton Medical Center Williamson.
What is Level II Trauma Care?
Medical professionals at Seton Medical Center Williamson have been working
towards building a trauma program since the medical center opened in 2008. This
spring, the medical center underwent a rigorous on-site review by the American
College of Surgeons and is poised to become the first officially designated Level
II trauma center in Williamson County that’s prepared to treat many of the most
severe and complex trauma cases in the region.
Seton Medical Center Williamson provides Level II trauma care--the second highest
level of trauma care--by a dedicated team of board-certified trauma surgeons and
specialists who are highly trained in the delivery of trauma care. The trauma team
is on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and see injured patients immediately upon
arrival at the medical center.
Continued on next page
The Kuczek family is especially grateful that the Seton Medical Center
Williamson trauma team was there for Keri in her time of need. As a
supporter of Seton Williamson Foundation, thank you for the important
part you’ve played in the growth and success of the medical center. It’s
because of you that lives are being saved, so please continue your support
-- find out how by turning to the back cover of this newsletter.
For more information about the Seton Medical Center Williamson trauma
program, contact Marsi Ferris at (512) 324-4360.
Level II Trauma Care
to Williamson County

T
rauma patient Keri Kuczek (center) visits with the trauma team that saved her life. It takes a trauma
center to give accident victims their best shot at survival and recovery, and the trauma team at Seton
Medical Center Williamson was behind Keri and her family every step of the way. “When Keri walked
through the door, it was rewarding to see how far she had come in her recovery,” said one team member.

Seton Trauma Network in Action

The Seton Family of Hospitals is building
a strong network of trauma care in
Central Texas. As a member of Seton, the
trauma team at Seton Medical Center
Williamson is able to utilize the advanced
specialty expertise from the region’s only
Level I trauma centers, University Medical
Center Brackenridge and Dell Children’s
Medical Center of Central Texas.
John and Mary Jo Knobelsdorf
Dr. Ware describes a recent patient, John
Knobelsdorf, as a perfect example of the Seton trauma network
in action. John and his wife, Mary Jo, live in San Antonio and
were visiting their property in Burnet County when John took
a serious fall off a 12-foot ladder, suffering several breaks in
his ribs and jaw. Mary Jo drove John to the
emergency room at the Seton-affiliated
Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, where
he was promptly assessed and stitched up.
The emergency staff then transported him
by ambulance to Seton Medical Center
Williamson, where he spent two nights as an
inpatient under the care of its trauma team,
specifically equipped to provide definitive
trauma care.
“Staying at Seton Medical Center Williamson was the smart
thing to do,” says John. “They did an outstanding job caring
for me. Mary Jo and I feel better knowing that good health
care is available to us near Burnet County.”

setonwilliamsonfdn.org 3
 Why I Included Seton Williamson
Foundation in My Will
By Tom Alexander
Fourth Floor Clinical Manager
Seton Medical Center Williamson
As an employee, I’m proud to be associated with Seton and
truly believe my destiny was to work at Seton Medical Center
Williamson.
Tom Alexander

I lived the first 50 years of my life in California, where my wife, Jan,
and I shared a strong connection to our home, our family and our
friends. For 25 years, I worked as a nurse in the hospital where I was
born, and where my father, my children and my grandchildren were
all born.
Jan and I felt it was time for a new adventure and decided to move
to a different part of the country for the latter part of our careers.
We chose the Austin/Round Rock area because of its high quality of
living and solid economy. Jan is also a nurse, so when we arrived in
2007, we began working in various medical centers throughout the
Seton Family of Hospitals. After one year, I was offered a hospital
supervisor position to help open up Seton Medical Center Williamson
and later became clinical manager of the fourth floor. Jan works as a
nurse in Dell Children’s Medical Center’s Intermediate Care Unit.
I‘ve met some of the most polite human beings that I’ve ever known
in my life, right here in Central Texas. As an employee of Seton, it’s
been a rewarding and enlightening experience to watch how Seton
lives out its mission, vision and values. It’s one thing to write it down
on paper and hang it up on a wall, but it’s another thing to actually
see it translate into a true engagement with the community and the
people who live around each of the Seton organizations.
Jan and I wanted to leave a piece of our estate to an entity—an
organization that will put it to good use and have the best interest of
the human beings that they interact with at heart. We are happy to
include Seton Medical Center Williamson and Dell Children’s Medical
Center in our will. With our gifts, we feel as if we are making a viable
difference in the lives of people in Central Texas, today, and in the
future.

L e a v e a L e g a c y

By including Seton Williamson Foundation in your will, you can ensure

good health for future generations. For more information, contact Seton
Williamson Foundation at (512) 324-4090 or online at www.swflegacy.org.

4 setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Seton Medical Center Williamson Celebrates

Three Years of Growth

In 2008, Seton Medical Center Williamson opened to serve residents in Williamson County and surrounding areas. Three years later—and
thanks to your generous philanthropic support—the medical center continues to grow and expand its healthcare programs and services.

The medical center offers advanced healthcare services and has recruited highly trained medical professionals who are using the most
advanced technology, all to better serve patients. In the Seton tradition, every patient who walks through the doors of Seton Medical Center
Williamson, regardless of their ability to pay for services, will be treated with the highest quality of person-centered care.

Seton Medical Center Williamson:

• Provides Level II trauma center services in Williamson
County with the ability to treat a majority of the most
severe and complex trauma cases.
• Is home to the first da Vinci® Surgical Robotic
System in Williamson County, offering patients effective
and minimally invasive surgical options for a variety of
conditions.
• Was recently designated as a Primary Stroke Center
and offers advanced techniques for heart attack and
cardiac care patients and those suffering traumatic brain
or spinal cord injuries.
• Is an accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI
(percutaneous coronary intervention, or angioplasty), the
highest national accreditation for emergency cardiac care.

• Is home to the first Super Dimension, the most • Earned Pathway to Excellence nursing designation,
technologically advanced device that detects lung cancers ensuring the highest educated, most experienced and
much earlier and enhances treatment options. most qualified nursing staff.

Your donations are making a huge impact

on the lives of people who live in and
around Williamson County.

We ask you to please continue your

support to help ensure future success.

For more information, turn to the back

cover of this newsletter.

setonwilliamsonfdn.org 5
 1 2

4 1 Suzy and Jeff Rusk

2 Troy and Mary Rodriguez and Kenneth Allshouse
3 Suzy Rusk and Melissa Dietz
4 Brian Aldred, MD (center) with Robin Couch, Marybeth Thompson, and Mark
and Janet Minor from Mason Health
5 Sandy Lantz, Mark Duncan, Debbie and Tracy Weems from Harden Healthcare

201 at the Bar 3 Ranch

Celebrating Success at the Fourth Annual Seton Williamson Women’s Development Board Event

The Seton Women’s Development Board hosted its fourth annual event, 201 at the Bar 3 Ranch , located in the beautiful hills of
Georgetown. Guests enjoyed an evening of gourmet dining, friendship and fun and helped raise more than $245,000 to support
building and equipment needs at Seton Medical Center Williamson. Seton Williamson Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to
Event Co-Chairs Melissa Dietz and Suzy Rusk, Honorary Chair Mary Rodriguez, President Judith Manriquez, and their enthusiastic event
committee for their tireless dedication to the event’s success.

Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors

Diamond H-E-B Seton Supporters
Mary and Troy Rodriguez Reitpath Pathology Acadian Ambulance
Sierra Microwave Technology, LLC Aero Centex
Karen Cole
Emerald Opal Kathy and Charles Culpepper
Suzy and Jeff Rusk Beth and Charles Avery Firehouse Subs / Kristin and Sean Stevens
Susie and Jim Awalt GX Creative Communications
Sapphire BBVA Compass Bank Howry Breen & Herman, LLP
Harden’s Family of Companies: Champion Site Prep / Ramming Paving Co KA Hickman Architects
TRISUN Healthcare Crave Catering Karen Kahan and MariBen Ramsey
Girling Healthcare Embree Group Betty Lord
Lighthouse/Voyager Hospice Care Extraco Banks Jill and Paul Marshall
Mason Health, LLC Marsha and Bryan Farney Judge Orlinda Naranjo and Jim Ewbank
First Texas Bank – Georgetown Jessica and Robert Pelache
Pearl First Texas Bank Round Rock / Baker Aicklen Plains Capital Bank
Alpha Painting & Decorating Shana and Dan Gattis, Jr. Quenan’s Jewelers
Austin Radiological Association Independent Bank – Southwestern University
Austin Regional Clinic Capital Surgeons Round Rock / Georgetown T. Stacy & Associates, Inc
Group & Southwest Bariatric Surgeons: Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company
Nancy Marquez, MD; Patrick Dillawn, MD; Patti and Jim Schwertner Texas Oncology – Seton Williamson
Mario Longoria, MD; Jinne Bruce, MD Seton Brain & Spine Institute at Williamson Joan and Gregg Watkins
Capitol Anesthesiology Association Texas A&M University System Wells Fargo
Melissa and Mark Dietz Health Science Center Foundation Williamson County Sun
Emergency Service Partners, LP

6 setonwilliamsonfdn.org
 A Starry Starry Night Gala
Members of the Lago Vista/Northshore Outreach Associates hosted their 12th
Annual event, A Starry Starry Night Gala, at the K-Oaks Clubhouse in Lago Vista
1
and raised more than $14,000 for Seton Medical Center Williamson. Guests
were greeted by Board Officers Gwen Kale, Paula Fisher, and Sandy Shinn and
enjoyed a fantastic evening of dinner, dancing and a fabulous silent auction.

“Whether guests were dancing to the sounds

of Reuben Rivera or competing for their
favorite auction items, a great time was had
by all,” says Lago Vista/Northshore Outreach
Associates President Sandy Shinn. 2

Special Thanks to Our

Gala Sponsors
Assisted Living in Austin
Edward Jones Investments
Gwen and Joe Kale
3
Debbi and John Highbarger
Mary Rugaard
Gwen and Joe Kale 1
Paula and Harlan Fisher 2
Sandy and Rich Shinn 3

Cut here.
Yes! I want to support building and equipment needs at Seton Medical Center Williamson,
including the da Vinci Surgical Robotic equipment and surgical suites.
‪ $1,500 ‪ $1,000 ‪ $500 ‪ $250 ‪ $100 ‪ Other $____________
‪ Please make checks payable to Seton Williamson Foundation.

‪ Credit Card: Name

Visa AMEX MC Discover Organization (if applicable)

Address
Card Number Exp
Phone

Name
Email
You may also give online at setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Signature setonwilliamsonfdn.org 7
 Board of Trustees
PRESORTED
Jim Schwertner, Chairman
FIRST CLASS MAIL
Charles Avery, III
U.S. POSTAGE
Nancy Crouse 201 Seton Parkway PAID
Bryan Farney Round Rock, TX 78665 AUSTIN,TEXAS
Dan Gattis, Jr. PERMIT #2525
David Hays
P 512.324.4090 F 512.324.4657
Keith Hickman setonwilliamsonfdn.org
Frank Krenek
Don Martin Change Service Requested
Steve Peña
Laura Robinson
Troy Rodriguez
Jeff Rusk
Bonnie Sells
David Singleton

Ex-Officio Members
Charles Barnett
Donna Budak
Chad Dieterichs, MD
Kenneth L. Gladish, PhD
Mark Hazelwood

Community Volunteer Leadership

Nancy Crouse
Craig McCurdy
Seton Circle

Mary Rodriguez
Seton Women’s Development Board

Seton Medical Center Williamson

(512) 324-4000
www.seton.net/williamson

Philanthropy makes the difference between a good hospital and a great one.

We need you!

The Beacon is also available
on our website at
setonwilliamsonfdn.org.
ENJOY fun events while supporting Seton Medical Center Williamson.
• Seton Williamson Women’s Development Board event on Saturday, November 12, at the Schwertner
Ranch in Schwertner, Texas
• 2nd Annual Seton Circle Celebration on Tuesday, May 24, at Seton Medical Center Williamson
• Lago Vista/Northshore Outreach Event (date to be determined)

On the cover: Keri and Deborah Kuzcek GIVE a safe online donation at setonwilliamsonfdn.org or mail a donation in the attached
envelope.
Beacon is published twice each year for
donors and friends of Seton Medical
Center Williamson. It is a publication of
the Seton Williamson Foundation, Donna
PLAN for the future and make a lasting gift by including Seton Williamson Foundation in your
Budak, executive director. will. For more information, call Donna Budak at (512) 324-4060 or visit setonwilliamsonfdn.org.

The newsletter is compiled by the

production team of Sharon Reynolds, VOLUNTEER your time – our patients and staff need you and appreciate your help! Call
MarrGwen Dickson, Jim Lincoln (512) 324-4298.
Photography, Alison Plueckhahn, and
various staff photographers.
You can ensure good health for your friends and neighbors in Williamson County! For more
Your feedback and suggestions are
welcome at info@setonwilliamsonfdn. information about how you can support the good work at Seton Medical Center Williamson, call
org. For more information about support (512) 324-4090 or visit setonwilliamsonfdn.org.
provided by the Seton Williamson
Foundation, visit setonwilliamsonfdn.org.