Article Category: Newsroom
Coale Peace Named 2025 National Champion for the Children’s Miracle Network
Published on February 04, 2025
Last updated 02:18 PM February 04, 2025
When Coale Peace learned he had been chosen to be a 2025 National Champion by the
Children’s Miracle Network,
he asked his mom, “Does that mean me and 12 other kids are going to take over the world?”
That spunky attitude belies the painful condition Coale lives with every day: osteogenesis imperfecta, or OI. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.” His bones break with very little cause or provocation.
His spirit, however, is definitely not broken.
Coale is one of the most vivacious 6-year-olds you’ll ever meet. He will enter a room, hop out of his wheelchair and ask a thousand questions. He doesn’t mind telling you about his OI, either. Coale’s mother, Rebecca Peace, said after they giggled for a minute following his question, she realized that Coale, despite his limitations, can do anything he puts his mind to. He will join 12 children from across the U.S. to share their success stories. He is one example of the great work being done at children’s hospitals like Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital. His work as a National Champion will help encourage communities across North America to support kids like himself. “To know Coale is to love him! He is a true joy to be around and always keeps you laughing,” said Kelsey McCullough, senior Children’s Miracle Network philanthropy coordinator at Wellstar Children’s. “We are so excited for this incredible opportunity for him and his family.” Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals brings people together to raise funds for 170 member hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. These funds provide support for treatments, equipment and programming that help ensure the best possible care for every child. “I think this is just the beginning of an amazing adventure of spreading awareness, making new friends and representing our local children’s hospital,” Rebecca said. “What an honor to be chosen out of so many amazing children with equally amazing stories.”
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Highlights
8 Heart Health Facts Moms-to-be Should Know
Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change. But it also puts added strain on the heart. In fact, cardiovascular conditions are one of the
leading causes of maternal complications
worldwide. Some women can develop heart conditions during pregnancy that can lead to serious complications if not recognized early. Knowing the risks and being proactive about your heart health can help prevent a life-threatening problem.
Here’s what every expectant mom should know about heart health during pregnancy.
Keep reading
1. High blood pressure can be silent—and dangerous.
Some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, even if they’ve never had it before. High blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia. It’s a condition that can cause organ damage and, in severe cases, seizures. When high blood pressure isn’t treated, it can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. Checking your blood pressure regularly can help catch problems early.What to do about high blood pressure
If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of cardiovascular issues, tell your care team. Preconception counseling is essential if you have a known heart condition. Your physician may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home and report any sudden swelling, headaches or vision changes immediately.2. Heart failure can happen—even in healthy moms.
A rare but serious condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) weakens the heart, usually in the last month of pregnancy or the months following delivery. If you have shortness of breath, swelling or often feel extremely tired, don’t ignore those signs.What to do if you have shortness of breath or a racing heart
Talk to your provider immediately if everyday activities leave you exhausted or struggling to breathe. Other concerning symptoms include persistent coughing, swelling in your legs or feet and dizziness. Don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe fatigue or a racing heartbeat. These could signal a serious heart problem—seek help right away.3. Pre-existing heart conditions and hypertensive disorders require extra care.
If you’ve ever had heart disease, a heart defect or high blood pressure—including hypertension or hypertensive disorders—pregnancy can increase your risks. Even women without symptoms before pregnancy may need extra monitoring.What to do if you have a pre-existing heart condition
Talk with your provider early about a care plan. High-risk pregnancies may require specialist support, like a maternal-fetal medicine physician or cardiologist. If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition before pregnancy, ask your provider how it may affect labor and delivery. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You know your body best, and your concerns deserve attention.4. Blood clots are more common during pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases the risk of thromboembolism, a serious condition where blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. The risk is even higher for women with a history of clotting disorders, obesity or limited mobility.What to do to prevent blood clots
To reduce your risk of blood clots, stay active, stay hydrated and watch for warning signs like leg swelling, redness or pain. If you notice these, call your provider right away. If you’re on bed rest, ask your provider about ways to improve circulation. Learn the signs of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.5. A racing heartbeat may be abnormal.
You can expect some changes in heart rhythm during pregnancy, but arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) can be a sign of something more serious. Hormone changes, increased blood volume and underlying conditions like thyroid disorders can all contribute to an irregular heartbeat.What to do about a racing heart
If your heart races often, feels like it’s skipping beats or you feel dizzy or faint, let your provider know immediately. Keep track of when these symptoms happen and whether they occur at specific times, such as during physical activities or when your stress levels are high.6. Postpartum recovery still puts stress on the heart.
The risk of heart complications doesn’t end at delivery. Many serious conditions, including heart failure or high blood pressure, can develop in the weeks or months after childbirth. Postpartum heart issues can be life-threatening if you don’t address them.What to do during the postpartum period
Keep all postpartum checkups, even if you feel fine. Watch for new symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, continue monitoring it after delivery. Be aware that cardiovascular complications can develop up to a year postpartum, and follow-up care is so important for your long-term health.7. Your hospital choice matters
For women at high risk, delivering in a hospital with access to specialized prenatal tests, genetic testing like amniocentesis, fetal evaluations and emergency cardiac care can make all the difference. Not all hospitals have the same level of maternal heart care, so it’s important to plan ahead. Choose a hospital that is equipped to handle pregnancy-related cardiac emergencies. Wellstar provides specialized care for mothers and babies close to home, including:- Wellstar Acworth Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Avalon Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Cherokee Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia: Level IV NICU
- Wellstar Cobb Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Douglas Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine
- Wellstar East Cobb Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, Level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center: Cardio-obstetrics, emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics
- Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics
- Wellstar Paulding Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Spalding Medical Center: Maternal-fetal medicine
- Wellstar Vinings Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care
What to do about your hospital choice
If you are high-risk, consider hospitals with advanced cardiac care and those that have expertise in pregnancy-related heart conditions. Talk to your care team well in advance about your birth plan, especially if you have a heart condition. If possible, tour the hospital beforehand and ask about its capabilities in managing pregnancy-related heart complications.8. Mental health and stress impact heart health.
Anxiety and stress can affect your heart. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder are common in pregnancy and postpartum, and they can impact heart health.What to do to keep your mental health in check
Access mental health resources and practice stress management techniques to help you manage your mental health. Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness and connecting with loved ones can help lower stress levels. Remember, you are empowered to take control of your health—talk with your provider or a support person and get the help you need.Take Action for a Healthier Pregnancy.
Eat well, stay active and avoid smoking or alcohol. These efforts can protect your heart and your baby’s health. Small, consistent changes—like reducing salt intake or walking daily—can make a difference. Regular prenatal visits are just as important. Remember, knowledge is power. Stay informed, speak up when something feels off and choose a hospital that meets your needs. These simple steps can help you take control of your heart health and reduce the risk for you and your baby. Find an OB/GYN or perinatal cardiologist and learn about labor and delivery at Wellstar.
Newsroom
Hand Surgery: Precision & Compassion
Hand surgery is a unique and intricate field that combines the precision of microsurgery with the compassion required to treat patients of all ages. My journey into this specialized area of medicine comes from a deep passion for helping individuals regain function and improve their quality of life. This article explores my dedication to pediatric hand surgery and minimally invasive adult hand surgery, including arthroscopy and ultrasound-guided procedures such as carpal tunnel and trigger finger release.
The Beginnings of a Passion
From an early age, I was fascinated by the complexity of machines, computers and tools. Until high school, I was convinced that I should become an engineer. However, in the last month of high school I shadowed an orthopedic surgeon and told myself, “I’ll go to medical school if I can do that!” During my medical training, I was fortunate to be able to help many patients in the emergency department to return to their lives and work by treating their hand injuries. I became enamored with the hand’s intricate network of bones, tendons, nerves and muscles that allow for an incredible range of motion and dexterity. Also, in treating children during residency, I wanted to learn more about the growing hand and how I could help children gain the most function. This fascination led me to direct my career in medicine toward a particular focus on hand surgery and pediatric orthopedics.
Pediatric Hand Surgery: A Delicate Balance
Pediatric hand surgery is a particularly rewarding aspect of my practice. Children with congenital hand differences or traumatic injuries require specialized care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. The challenge lies in the delicate balance of performing intricate surgeries on tiny, developing hands while ensuring minimal disruption to their growth and development.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of pediatric hand surgery is witnessing the resilience and adaptability of young patients. Their ability to recover and adapt to new circumstances is truly remarkable. Whether it is correcting a congenital anomaly like syndactyly (webbed fingers) or repairing a traumatic injury, the goal is always to restore function and enable these children to lead active, fulfilling lives. My favorite pediatric hand surgery is the index pollicization, in which I convert the index finger into a thumb for children who are born without a thumb.
Minimally Invasive Techniques: The Future of Hand Surgery
In recent years, minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized the field of hand surgery. These approaches offer many benefits, including reduced pain, faster recovery times and smaller scars. My practice has increasingly incorporated these techniques, particularly arthroscopy and ultrasound-guided procedures, to provide the best possible outcomes for my patients.
Arthroscopy: Precision Through Small Incisions
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves the use of a small camera, called an arthroscope, to visualize the inside of a joint. This allows for precise diagnosis and treatment of various hand conditions without the need for large incisions. In my practice, arthroscopy works well for conditions such as wrist ligament injuries, ganglion cysts and early-stage arthritis.
The advantages of arthroscopy are myriad. Patients experience less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities. Additionally, the smaller incisions result in less scarring, which is particularly important for hand surgery, where stiffness can lead to delayed recovery since tissues must stretch to recover.
Ultrasound-Guided Procedures: Real-Time Precision
Ultrasound-guided procedures have also become a cornerstone of my practice. This technique involves using ultrasound imaging to guide the placement of needles or surgical instruments in real-time. It is particularly useful for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, where precise targeting of the affected area is crucial.
For carpal tunnel syndrome, ultrasound guidance allows for accurate placement of the needle during corticosteroid injections or for the release of the transverse carpal ligament. This results in effective symptom relief with minimal discomfort for the patient. Similarly, for trigger finger, ultrasound guidance ensures precise release of the constricted tendon sheath, leading to improved outcomes and faster recovery.
The Human Connection: Building Trust and Empathy
While the technical aspects of hand surgery are undoubtedly important, the human connection is equally vital. Building trust and empathy with my patients is at the core of my practice. Each patient comes with their own unique story, and understanding their concerns and goals is essential for providing personalized care.
In pediatric hand surgery, this often involves working closely with both the child and their family. Explaining the surgical procedure in a way that is understandable and reassuring helps to alleviate anxiety and build confidence in the treatment plan. For adult patients, particularly those undergoing minimally invasive procedures, clear communication about the benefits and expectations of the surgery is crucial for informed decision-making.
Continuing Education and Innovation
The field of hand surgery is constantly evolving, with new techniques and technologies emerging regularly. Staying at the forefront of these advancements is a priority for me. I am committed to continuous education and regularly attend conferences, workshops and training sessions to refine my skills and learn about the latest developments in hand surgery.
Innovation is also a key aspect of my practice. I actively participate in research studies and collaborate with colleagues to explore innovative approaches and improve existing techniques. This commitment to innovation ensures that my patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment
My passion for pediatric hand surgery and minimally invasive adult hand surgery comes from my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients. The ability to restore function, alleviate pain and improve quality of life is incredibly rewarding. As I continue this journey, I remain dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care to all my patients, young and old.
Hand surgery is more than just a profession for me; it is a lifelong commitment to excellence, empathy and innovation. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to gain experience and grow, and I am grateful for the privilege of being able to help my patients achieve their best outcomes.
Newsroom
Wellstar Delivers PeopleCare to our Communities
Wellstar is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of every person we serve, every time. While our clinical teams provide expert care at our facilities, our community outreach teams meet our neighbors where they are—in the communities where we live and work.
Wellstar Community Health and Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE) bring PeopleCare everywhere, and the teams have now reached the impressive milestone of over 100,000 engagements with local households to help meet their health needs. WCHE, established in 2019, addresses social determinants of health. These are factors that affect someone’s well-being, such as access to food, housing and transportation.
“This work is driven by Wellstar team members who see beyond Wellstar’s walls,” said Elise Lockamy-Kassim, Wellstar assistant vice president for community health and WCHE.
A patient’s ZIP code, or the area where they live, is the top determinant of their health outcomes, according to Dr. Earl Stewart, Wellstar primary care physician and the health system’s medical director of health equity.
“Do people have access to affordable healthy food options, or in their ZIP code, is it only fast food? Do they have green space where they can walk and exercise? Do they have reasonable access to sustainable employment?” Dr. Stewart said. “In their ZIP code, are we dealing with environmental justice issues where there may be a fossil fuel burning power plant just down the street and there's contamination in their water or food supply?”
WCHE works to ensure everyone can live to their fullest potential and access the care they need, no matter where they’re located.
Mobilizing to meet community needs
Shortly after the inception of WCHE, the team faced the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging relationships with internal partners at Wellstar as well as external community organizations, the team expanded access to vital care and health information.
Programs included walk-up COVID-19 family testing and vaccination, distribution of masks and safety kits to at-risk communities, and dissemination of Spanish-language educational information. Teams administered more than 10,000 COVID-19 vaccines.
Through the Wellstar Congregational Health Network—our partnership with local faith communities—Wellstar made testing, vaccines and accurate health information more accessible to the people we serve by hosting events at places of worship and virtual town halls in collaboration with faith communities.
WCHE has continued partnerships with communities of worship to expand access to behavioral health resources. Wellstar’s Soul Support program, which also uses the Congregational Health Network, provides congregations with behavioral health education and resources like the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention workshop. This workshop trains congregation leaders and members to recognize signs of suicide and navigate mental health emergencies. Soul Support has trained more than 500 people to respond to mental health concerns.
Addressing food insecurity
Food insecurity and poor nutrition may lead to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases like obesity, hypertension and diabetes. To address this inequity, WCHE has several initiatives to expand access to healthy foods.
“You can tell a patient, 'You have to do better with your diabetes and eat healthy,' but if they don't have access to affordable healthy food options, they're going to get what they can afford,” Dr. Stewart said.
Wellstar Mobile Markets, in partnership with Goodr, bring fresh produce, meat, shelf-stable items, milk and other beverages to partner sites in the communities Wellstar serves. At the mobile markets, a benefit specialist from Wholesome Wave Georgia, another nonprofit increasing access to healthy foods, helps connect families with additional resources.
The Food as Medicine program, a collaboration with Feeding the Valley Food Bank, is another program combating food insecurity. Primary care patients in the LaGrange area are screened for food insecurity concerns, then if needed, connected with a meal program tailored to their health needs. Participants receive 10 healthy, prepared meals each week for 90 days. They also gain access to Cooking Matters classes held at Wellstar West Georgia’s Enoch Callaway Cancer Center, where they can learn to shop for and cook healthy meals on a budget.
Connecting people with care
While Wellstar provides comprehensive care at its own facilities, we also know the power in partnership. By teaming with other community clinics and nonprofits, we can have a greater impact and reach more people across our service area. Partner clinics within the Wellstar Community Clinic Network receive a variety of benefits from Wellstar partnership, including resource advocacy, reduced-cost lab and imaging services for patients, and community benefit programs.
“We aim to connect individuals—whether they’re insured or not—with a trusted healthcare provider, which may be a community clinic that is in partnership with Wellstar,” Lockamy-Kassim said.
WCHE is also expanding access to telehealth services so people can get care wherever they are. A partnership between Wellstar, Family Life Restoration Center in Mableton and Giving Health, a Georgia-based telemedicine provider, provides 24/7 access to primary care clinicians and mental health counselors. Over one year as a participant in Wellstar’s Community Transformation Program, Giving Health enrolled over 600 new patients, conducted over 850 telehealth visits and addressed over 250 social determinants of health needs through referrals. More than 450 patients reported accessing care they would have simply gone without had a telehealth option not been available.
WCHE has also facilitated more than 2,500 community-based cancer screenings. One example of these efforts is the ColoCare Connect Program, which aims to improve access to colorectal cancer education and screenings by providing fecal immunochemical tests to community clinics serving high-risk populations.
Through additional partnerships with Wellstar Cancer Care and Wellstar Gastroenterology, WCHE also presented the Nourish to Flourish series to further educate community members about screenings. Participants walked away with educational resources, fresh groceries and a slow cooker to promote healthy eating habits at home.
Serving as a national model
Live to the Beat. Powered by Wellstar. is an initiative of WCHE and Wellstar’s cardiovascular care team, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the CDC Foundation and Million Hearts. Participants meet monthly with a Wellstar Community Health team member to have their blood pressure checked and discuss ways to keep their heart healthy, such as proper nutrition, exercise and caring for mental health.
Wellstar’s partners in the initiative are now looking at ways to bring the program to other communities nationwide to expand access to heart care and education.
“We want WCHE to be not only a beacon for health equity done right in the areas Wellstar serves in the state of Georgia,” Lockamy-Kassim said. “We want our work to be modeled across the U.S. as a way to ensure all people have access to the care they need to live their best life.”
How to get involved or find help
If your organization or congregation is interested in partnering with Wellstar Community Health or WCHE, email [email protected] or [email protected].
To get connected with no-cost or low-cost resources, including food, housing and transit needs, visit wellstar.findhelp.com.