January 02, 2007

Genesis Gala Will Benefit Equipment For All Patients

DAVENPORT, Iowa – The annual Genesis Health System Gala will benefit babies born at Genesis and stroke patients trying to regain independent living skills.

The 2007 Gala will be held Friday, April 20 at the Davenport Outing Club.

Gala guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dinner and will be able to participate in silent and live auctions. There will also be dancing to “Just Friends.’’  Tickets are $160 per person.

Proceeds will be used to purchase advanced technology to benefit all Genesis patients, including fetal monitors, a critical care ventilator system and a neuroprosthetic and rehabilitation system.

Fetal monitors continuously record a baby’s heartbeat while the mother is in labor. The monitor determines whether the baby is receiving enough oxygen. The new monitors are wireless and waterproof, allowing the mother to walk and use water therapy to easy labor pain and discomfort.

The critical care ventilator system is useful to patients of every age, but is especially important for newborns. The equipment will allow the Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to care for babies that otherwise would require transfer to the University of Iowa. The ventilator will be the only one of its kind in the Quad Cities and will meet the needs of neonatal, pediatric and adult patients.

The neuroprosthetic and rehab system allows stroke patients greater independence by improving hand function and voluntary movements. Daily activities such as dressing and brushing teeth become possible without assistance.

Proceeds will also be used for the Gala nursing scholarships awarded each year to students entering the profession and for current Genesis nurses pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

For information, or to make reservations to the Gala, call (563) 421-6865.

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