2009 Tree of Life Ceremony to Benefit All Heart Patients
NEW ORLEANS, LA - 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. The New Orleans 2009 Tree of Life is dedicated in memory of Dr. Clifford H. Van Meter, Jr., long-time Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Ochsner Medical Center. All funds generated from this year's Tree of Life will go to benefit a program instituted by Dr. Van Meter, the Dr. Clifford Van Meter Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Patient Assistance Fund.
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."
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."
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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