EDITOR'S NOTE: This report is part of the News Bulletin's ongoing series on cancer-research fundraisers. The newspaper is proud to support Relay For Life Crestview, which will take place 6 p.m. April 25 at Shoal River Middle School.

CRESTVIEW — Daniel Richards has found a way to combine his love of running and his passion for raising awareness to find a cure for cancer.

"I'm calling it 55 days of inspiration," he says.  

 Since early December, the Davidson Middle School science teacher has run a mile or more each day to honor cancer survivors, those dealing with cancer and those who have died from it.

Richards honors each person by writing their first name across his face, he contemplates their journey as his feet hit the pavement, and he posts a photo diary on his Facebook page.

Follow Daniel Richards' and his "55 days to inspire">>

"There is a story about everyone," he said. "I just get to go out every day and I get a chance to think about these people and what they have gone through."

Fighting the disease is personal for Richards, whose 6-year-old son, Caleb, was diagnosed with kidney cancer at 4 months old. The Riverside Elementary School first-grader now is cancer-free after receiving successful treatments.  

Richards' runs began after he met Landon Cooper of "Miles 2 Give." Cooper, with two other runners, raise funds for sarcoma cancer research. This form of cancer develops in the connective tissue.   

"It inspired me to do something more," Richards said. "I had a burden and a passion to do it."

The 55th and final day of his run coincides with the Davidson Dash Run for a Cure 5K / 10K on Feb. 1.

Although he might get sore from the frequent running, Richards said the fatigue is nothing to complain about.

"It's very small and minute compared to what these people have gone through," he said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT:  Davidson Dash Run for a Cure 5K / 10K

WHEN:  8:30 a.m. Feb.1

WHERE: Davidson Middle School, 6261 Old Bethel Road, Crestview

COST: Pre-registration entry for the 5K and 10K is $20; race-day registration costs $25. The kids' fun run is $10.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man raises cancer research awareness with exercise, photo diary

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa Medical Center administrators are scoffing at a national nurses union report claiming the local hospital charges the nation's fourth-highest billing mark-up.

Crestview's hospital is surpassed only by hospitals in Secaucus, N.J., Painsville, Ky., and Orange Park, California-based National Nurses United stated in a press release.

NOMC charges patients 1,137 percent of its treatment expenses against a state average of 555 percent and national average of 331 percent, according to the release.

The claim, NOMC Chief Executive Officer David Fuller said, is faulty in its calculations and excludes multiple factors involved in medical charges.

"Their methodology was really rudimentary," Fuller said.

For example, Fuller said, for-profit North Okaloosa writes off between $1 million and $1.5 million per month in charity patient treatment charges, which were not included in the union's study.

"Our hospital provided more than $13.5 million in uncompensated care last year," NOMC Director of Marketing Rachel Neighbors stated in a news release.

Hospitals' claim that actual patient charges don’t matter because few patients pay the list price is "a defense that defies logic,” union President Jean Ross stated in the NNU release, claiming high hospital charges result in higher insurance payments.

"Uninsured individuals with far less bargaining power are too often hit with the full list price," Ross said.

That's not the case at NOMC, Fuller said. Charges are established with insurers such as Medicare, Medicaid and individual insurance companies, he said.

"Every insurance plan we participate with pays a negotiated rate," Fuller said. "Even for our self-pay patients, we offer huge discounts," as much as 50 percent off the bill, Fuller said.

"Presuming the (NNU's) analysis is correct, it’s important to know charges are not the same as what consumers actually pay," Neighbors stated.

"You have to look at who's originating the study, what's their underlying  motivation, and what's their method," Fuller said.

The union's release of its study of publicly available Medicare cost reports was timed with its protest of NOMC parent company Community Health Services Inc.'s planned acquisition of Health Management Association.

Community Health's shareholders approved the acquisition last week at a meeting in Naples. Fuller said adding more hospitals to CHS's family will benefit, not hurt, patients, as the union claimed.

"It gives us a much stronger leverage in the provision of patient care," Fuller said, citing increased opportunities to turn to sister hospitals that offer expertise in areas NOMC does not.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NOMC CEO challenges hospital's #4 rank on list of overcharging U.S. hospitals

EDITOR'S NOTE: This report is part of the News Bulletin's ongoing series on cancer-research fundraisers. The newspaper is proud to support Relay For Life Crestview, which will take place April 25 at Shoal River Middle School.

CRESTVIEW — $6,800 is the goal to beat for Davidson Middle School's Relay For Life team.

The group collected that much from last year's Davidson Dash Run for a Cure, a 5K, 10K and kids' fun run in which residents can support cancer research and commemorate those with the disease. This year's event is Feb. 1.

VISIT the Imathlete site to sign up for the race>>

"Just honoring these people (cancer survivors) is where my heart and passion is," race director Daniel Richards said. "We try to put an emphasis on them." 

Participants can write loved ones' names on a colorful piece of duct tape and wear it throughout the event, he said. 

The Davidson Dash will include door prizes, a silent auction, kids' fun run, inflatable bounce house and refreshments.

Pre-registration entry for the 5K and 10K is $20; late entry and race-day registration cost $25. The kids' fun run is $10. And thanks to sponsors' support, 100 percent of registration fees go to the ACS, Richards said.

This is the sixth year for the event, and there will be more to come.

"I'm not going to stop doing it until we find a cure," Richards said. 

WANT TO G0?

WHAT:  Davidson Dash Run for a Cure 5K / 10K

WHEN:  8:30 a.m. Feb.1

WHERE: DavidsonMiddle School, 6261 Old Bethel Road, Crestview

COST: Pre-registration entry for the 5K and 10K is $20; late entry and race-day registration cost $25. The kids' fun run is $10.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Davidson's mission: raise more than $7K for cancer research

CRESTVIEW — Randolph Westphal wants people to know they should never give up.

The 55-year-old German — who passed through Crestview this week — bicycles through several countries, with help from his Siberian husky dogs, Chinook and Nanook, to prove there's always hope.

He should know; doctors diagnosed him with malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, in 1987. Since then, he has received 28 cancer-related surgeries; four were life threatening. On top of that, a 1996 hit-and-run nearly took his left leg and he had to use a wheelchair for a year. And he was hospitalized in August with a bacterial infection.

But all adversity fades quickly in the past when it's possible for Westphal to get back on the bike. He brings a message of endurance with people in cancer support groups, hospitals and universities.

"I just tell them my story," he said. "A lot of people find hope in a good story."  

Westphal purchased a car to assist in his travels, under doctor's advice. However, it has not deterred him from his life's mission: to raise worldwide awareness of perseverance.

The Quality Inn hotel, near the Interstate 10 exit in Crestview, provided a free room Monday night for Westphal and his 8- and 10-year-old dogs. Westphal said he lives on donations from people he meets.

Offering a complimentary room is highly irregular at the hotel, Quality Inn general manager Teresa Davis said.

However, "it was something that I felt like I needed to do," she said. "If I was in a similar situation, I would hope that I would have the same amount of determination he has shown."

Most people would be discouraged after learning that they have a terminal form of cancer, she said.   

"He has a strong will," she said.

Westphal plans to travel through south Florida, with stops in Panama City, Tallahassee, Tampa and Key West, before heading back to Canada.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: German bicyclist travels through Crestview during journey of hope

CRESTVIEW — Jennifer Constantine's third-graders at Walker Elementary School are "adopting" Katie Mitchell, a Crestview 2-year-old diagnosed with leukemia.

An account in Katie's name recently was established at Okaloosa Teachers Federal Credit Union. Constantine's students are working to ensure North Okaloosa residents have additional locations to visit and donate toward the toddler's multiple weekly treatments.

"Mrs. Constantine’s class has made donation boxes to leave at area businesses such as Kelly’s Automotive, Stephanie’s House of Styles and White Sands Tanning, all here in Crestview," Walker health technician Jennifer Johnson said.

Katie, the daughter of Jamie and Stephen Mitchell, has an older brother, Ryan, an Antioch Elementary School student. Doctors diagnosed the leukemia Dec. 3 and the toddler is receiving treatment in Pensacola.

Supporters can follow her progress on her "Katie vs. Cancer" Facebook page.

In the meantime, the family appreciates those who have helped Katie during a challenging Christmas season, Johnson said.

WANT TO HELP?

Donations for Katie Mitchell's medical expenses fund are accepted at Kelly's Automotive, 975 E. Chestnut St.; Stephanie's House of Styles, 401 N. Ferdon Blvd.; White Sands Tanning, 265 N. Main St.; and Okaloosa Teachers Federal Credit Union, 1126 N. Ferdon Blvd., all in Crestview

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Walker third-graders distribute donation boxes to help leukemia patient

NICEVILLE — On Dec. 12, Northwest Florida State College recognized students who successfully completed the college's Associate Degree in Nursing program during the Fall 2013 academic semester.

Graduates recognized with special awards were Brandy Barger of Crestview, for Future Nurse Leadership; Jennifer Smith of Fort Walton Beach for Clinical Excellence in Nursing; and  Kathleen Beyhl of Destin for Academic Achievement in Nursing.

Janet Place, RN, CNM, CNE, a  retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, addressed the students and askedthem to be the best nurses they could be.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwest Florida State College has pinning ceremony for nurse program graduates

CRESTVIEW — Julie Kurkowski encourages North Okaloosa residents to get annual flu shots. 

Crystal Sweeney, her daughter-in-law, who didn't get a vaccination, is recovering after battling H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, and pneumonia.

Donate to the Sweeneys' medical expenses fund or learn more about the family>>

The 26-year-old is breathing through a ventilation unit while sedated, Jared Sweeney, said. 

Crystal was 29 weeks pregnant with newborn Lainee when she was diagnosed with H1N1, family members said. Doctors performed a cesarean section because of the mother's health.

Lainee is doing better than expected for a preemie; "she is doing fantastically well," Jared said.

The baby is now at a healthy weight and is "just fine," Kurkowski said.

THE 411 ON H1N1

H1N1, or swine flu, symptoms include fever, cough and sore throat; body aches, headache and chills; and fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting, according to Mayo Clinic.

Current flu vaccinations cover swine flu, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in 2010. The organization has since downgraded the viral infection from this classification.

However, the Sweeneys face steep hospital bills. And with Crystal starting physical therapy, Jared said his wife— who was admitted to the hospital Nov. 19 — isn't expected home anytime soon.

They expect $5,000 in uncovered costs.

Jared, a tire lube express specialist at the Crestview Wal-Mart, said co-workers have donated to the family.

And a family friend has established a youcaring.com medical expenses fund so anyonewith a debit or credit card can make a monetary donation.

Uncertainty abounds during this tough time, but all the prayers and financial support mean a lot, Kurkowski said.

"Even if we are sitting (at the hospital) alone, we know that we are not alone," she said.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown or follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family dealing with H1N1, but they're 'not alone' with community's support

CRESTVIEW — The Joint Commission has named North Okaloosa Medical Center a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.

The commission, which accredits health care providers, recognized NOMC for exemplary performance using evidence-based clinical processes that improve care for certain conditions.

Such processes focus on care for heart attack, pneumonia, surgery, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism and inpatient psychiatric services. New this year is a category for immunization for pneumonia and influenza.

“North Okaloosa Medical Center and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement, and they should be proud of their achievement,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., the commission's president and chief executive officer.

“We understand that what matters most to patients at North Okaloosa Medical Center is safe, effective care," NOMC CEO David W. Fuller said. "That’s why NOMC has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes."

The number of Top Performer recipients rose 77 percent from last year's roundup; performance data was from 2012.

JUDGING CRITERIA

North Okaloosa Medical Center is one of 1,099 U.S. hospitals named a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.

NOMC was recognized for exemplary procedures related to:

•Surgical care improvement process

•Acute myocardial infarct

•Heart failure

•Pneumonia care

Ratings are based on aggregated data reported to The Joint Commission during 2012.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Medical Center named accreditor's Top Performer

CRESTVIEW — Having a brighter smile can mean helping a local teen receive a double lung and heart transplant.

See the COTA Team Anna page>>

Crestview dentist Dr. Jennifer Wayer will hold a Dec. 13 fundraiser benefiting Anna Hutcheson. The 17-year-old, who has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and her family need $70,000 to cover the balance of a transplant procedure their insurance doesn't cover.  

"They are trying to get funds together so when a match becomes available, they will be ready," Wayer said.

For a minimum $100 contribution in Anna's name to the Children's Organ Transplant Association, Wayer will provide a dental examination with X-rays and a professional-strength teeth-whitening kit.

Donors do not need to be patients of her Crestview Family Dentistry practice to participate, Wayer said.

"We're just hoping for big things for this little girl," Wayer said."We're glad we can help. It's a very scary time for them."

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Smiles for Anna, benefiting Anna Hutcheson's double lung and heart transplant costs

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 13

WHERE: Crestview Family Dentistry, 101 E. Fourth Ave., Suite D, Crestview

DETAILS: Dental exam, X-rays and professional-strength teeth whitening kit available for $100 or more contribution in Anna's name to the Children's Organ Transplant Association. Call 683-3544 for more information.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview dentist helps raise funds for teen's organ transplant