2009 Tree of Life Memorializes Friend and Family and Benefits Current Heart Patients
NEW ORLEANS, LA - For the person on your gift list who has it all, Ochsner's 2009 Tree of Life is a chance for you to honor a loved one and help someone else this holiday season. All funds generated from this year's Tree of Life ceremony in New Orleans will go to benefit a program instituted by Dr. Clifford H. Van Meter, Jr., long-time Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Ochsner Medical Center, the Dr. Clifford Van Meter Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Patient Assistance Fund.
Dr. John Ochsner, Chairman Emeritus of the Ochsner Department of Surgery said of Dr. Van Meter, "Cliff discharged his duties as a cardiac surgeon at Ochsner with talent, integrity, and honor." Dr. Ochsner also said of Dr. Van Meter's work in the area of VAD technology, "He became passionate about the advancement of mechanical circulatory support and recognized this modality as a supportive measure as well as a permanent solution. Cliff was instrumental in the development and improvement of left ventricular assist devices."
The patients and families who require VAD services face issues that few families have to endure; stress that's physical, emotional, and financial. The Dr. Clifford Van Meter VAD Assistance Fund will provide help with transportation issues, meals, and housing. This fund brings to practice Dr. Alton Ochsner's belief that, "At Ochsner, the patient and the patient's family come first."
On Friday, December 4, 2009, at 10:00am in the Main Atrium Lobby of Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway, Ochsner will honor and memorialize loved ones at its annual Tree of Life ceremony. During the decorating ceremony, each ornament will be individually announced and then hung on the holiday tree. Holiday caroling by the LaPlace Elementary Bell Choir, the St. Michaels Bell Choir and others, will take place before and after the ceremony.
"The Ochsner Tree of Life helps patients and friends honor loved ones and help someone else in need," explains Scott M. Childers, Vice President of Ochsner Philanthropy. "Throughout the holiday season, the tree is filled with ornaments bearing the names of individuals paid tribute to during this special time of year."
To purchase an ornament or brick, please call Ochsner's Special Events Office at 504-842-7113 or visit Ochsner.org. Each ornament costs $20.
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