Mary Sprague, a northeast Missouri resident, has a lot to celebrate - on June 7^th, National Survivors Day, and every day!  

 

Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care, more people than ever before are surviving longer after being diagnosed with cancer. In America alone, more than 16.9 million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer.

 

Mary was diagnosed two years ago with Stage 2 breast cancer.  She was having difficulty with rib pain which led her to find a lump on her breast.  She made an appointment with Dr. Julie Viehmann, Gynecologist at Hannibal Regional Medical Group.  Dr. Viehmann saw signs of concern so she sent her to see surgeon, Dr. Stacey Copeland also with Hannibal Regional Medical Group.  She performed a biopsy on a Monday and by Wednesday Mary was informed of her cancer diagnosis. 

 

From there, she met with the team of Dr. Joseph Bean at the James E. Cary Cancer Center; Dr. Kristen Strasser, Hematology/Oncology Specialist, and Dr. Copeland, both with Hannibal Regional Medical Group. She was diagnosed with HER 2 Positive Breast Cancer.  She was all set to begin her chemo treatment when Dr. Strasser encouraged her to get a PET scan to make sure there were no other issues.  The results of the PET scan showed that Mary’s cancer was now Stage 4 because it had spread to her liver.  

 

“I am going to live!  This is not a death sentence. I have too much to do,” Mary recalls thinking. She began chemo treatment with Dr. Strasser and her team.  “They were great, just like family!” 

 

When Mary’s hair began falling out her girlfriends came to her home and they had a hair cutting party.  Then foods began not tasting good, but she made herself eat in order to stay strong so she could continue with and manage her chemo.  She began meditating at night and she had shower talks with God.  

 

“You have to stay positive, positivity manifests healing. I am going to live to be a healthy old lady.”

 

Mary finished her last chemo treatment around Easter of 2019.  She had a lumpectomy performed by Dr. Copeland and 20 rounds of radiation with Dr. Bean.   She was then told by Dr. Strasser that she saw no signs of cancer. 

 

You are a survivor the moment you are diagnosed. Take every day with a new outlook on life.  “Tears are weaknesses leaving your body to make room for strength!  I am alive, I am living, I am a survivor!” Mary is living her life to the fullest taking on new challenges and keeping a positive outlook on life.

 

National Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration for those who have survived, and inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and outreach to the community.

 

For more information about cancer diagnosis or treatment options, call the Hannibal Regional Infusion Center at 573- 629-3500.

 

   

The achievement is part of findings released in the Healthgrades 2020 Report to the Nation. This report demonstrates the importance of hospital quality to both hospital leaders and consumers. From 2016 through 2018, patients treated at hospitals receiving the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery Award have, on average, a 39.7 percent lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award.

 

“For over 25 years, Midwest Orthopedics and Hannibal Regional have worked together to provide exceptional care, this award recognizes our dedication and commitment to quality care and remarkable outcomes over time,” said Todd Ahrens, Chief Executive Officer of Hannibal Regional.

 

Hannibal Regional was also recognized for the following clinical achievements:

Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2020
Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement in 2020
Recipient of the Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020)
Recipient of the Healthgrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ for 5 Years in a Row (2016-2020)
Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020)
Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement for 5 Years in a Row (2016-2020)
Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement for 7 Years in a Row (2014-2020)
Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020)
Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020)
Five-Star Recipient for Pacemaker Procedures in 2020

 

 

 

 

Community leaders met virtually on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 to continue community conversation about response to the coronavirus pandemic and announce the following:

• The United Way of the Mark Twain Area has established a community help line at 573-221-2761. We encourage our community to use this line to access vital resources as they encounter life-altering issues associated with food insecurity, transportation issues or other major concerns.
• Hannibal Public Schools staff is currently preparing packets for students. Packet pick up is Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Packets will be distributed drive-up style. Middle and high school packets will be distributed electronically unless paper copies are needed.
• Hannibal Public Schools nurses have called families to arrange for medicine pick up through Friday, March 20.
• Hannibal Public Schools will be distributing breakfast and lunch beginning Monday, March 23 and is collaborating with Douglass Community Services to distribute USDA Summer Meal Program dinners and HAYS to distribute Buddy Packs. There will be 22 sites for meal pick up, which are listed at the end of the release.
• As of the time of this release there are no positive cases in northeast Missouri. Hannibal Regional has been and is continuing to test patients which meet the testing criteria. To continue all efforts in mitigating potential exposure, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System has a designated Fever/Virus Entrance.  All patients which are exhibiting fever or virus symptoms should use this designated entrance beside the Emergency Room.  Visitor restrictions are in place, and all visitors and patients are screened upon entrance to the facility.  All recent updates, COVID-19 resources and updates from CEO Todd Ahrens are available at www.hannibalregional.org.
• The United Way of the Mark Twain Area has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund to assist with the assembly and delivery of Response Kits for clients of area senior centers who have meals delivered to their homes. These Response Kits will include some shelf staples, paper products, toiletries, etc. to help seniors avoid going into public settings. Kits will be distributed through Heartland Resources in Lewis County, Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center, Palmyra Nutrition Center, Paris Senior Center, the Shelby County Senior Citizens, and the Hannibal Nutrition Center, as supplies allow. To make a donation,  please visit http://unitedwaymta.org, send donations by mail to PO Box 81, Hannibal, MO 63401 specially marked for the COVID-19 Response, or make a donation through the United Way of the Mark Twain Area Facebook page.
• The United Way of the Mark Twain Area is providing a weekly “Celebrity Reading Time,” which will feature local leaders and celebrities reading their favorite children’s books via video on the United Way’s website, http://unitedwaymta.org.
• Douglass Community Services remains open, providing all services, but has closed their building to visitors.
• The YMCA of Hannibal will be providing a super snack from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, March 23rd. This will be a grab-and-go meal for each child in the car. 50 bags will be available each day.
• The YMCA of Hannibal is closed to the public, but will be providing onsite daycare for children K-5th grade beginning Monday, March 23rd. Childcare will be available from 7am-5:30pm. Children will be placed in appropriate classes of no more than 8 students per room with 2 attendants. Priority registration will be available for First Responders and Health Care Officials. Register by calling 573-221-0586.
• The Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce remains open, but has closed their office to visitors.
• Out of an abundance of caution, starting Thursday, March 19, all city buildings will be closed to the public for 30 days, to protect the public.  The exception being the lobby at the police station which will remain open.   All essential services will continue, such as fire and police protection, as well as electric, water and sewer services and street and park repair and maintenance.  Both the main Board of Public Works office at 3 Industrial Drive and City Hall, 320 Broadway, have secure drop boxes where payments can be delivered. The HBPW offers multiple ways to access account information on the website:  www.hannibalbpw.org/departments/customer-service/pay-your-bill/. All late fees will be waived, there will be no disconnects for late payments. We appreciate the cooperation of everyone as we work together to do what we can to contribute to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Important numbers follow:
    • Board of Public Works Customer Service 573-221-8050
    • Board of Public Works emergency service issues (24/7) 573-221-0955
    • City Hall 573-221-0111
    • Parks & Recreation 573-221-0154
    • Hannibal Municipal Airport 573-406-3728

The group continues to urge our community to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidelines to combat the spread of this virus, including hand washing, regular disinfection of surfaces, practicing social distancing and limiting travel, and staying home if you are sick. If you think you may have the coronavirus, please call your healthcare provider’s office before visiting.

Additionally, the group reminds our community of the importance of seeking out information from credible and reliable sources like the CDC, and not relying on social media for updates.

The group of community leaders includes representatives from the following: Hannibal-LaGrange University; Preferred Family Healthcare; Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council; Mark Twain Behavioral Health; YMCA of Hannibal; City of Hannibal; Marion County Health Department; Hannibal Police Department; Hannibal Fire Department; Clarity Healthcare; The PATCH Center; Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce; Hannibal Clinic; Douglass Community Services; United Way of the Mark Twain Area; Marion County Emergency Management; Holy Family School; St. John’s Lutheran School; Hannibal Public Schools; Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; and Moberly Area Community College.

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Bus Schedule*

• Bus #1-- Intersection of Big Creek Lane & Hwy HH  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #1--Intersection of Janapas Trail & Ideal Villa Place  --  12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #2-- Oakwood Elementary School, 3716 Market St.  --  11 AM-Noon
• Bus # 2-- Intersection of Rt O & Flint Hill Road (New London)  --  12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #3-- Antioch Baptist Church, 59621 Antioch Lane  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #3—AD Stowell Elementary, 700 Fulton Avenue  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #4-- Intersection of Rt T & Oakhill Road (New London) -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #4-- Embassy Christian Center, 600 North Street  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #5—Intersection of Monkey Run & Hwy 79  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #5--Hannibal Public Library 200 South 5th Street  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #6-- Intersection of Saverton West Road & Rt E (Saverton)  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #6-- Eugene Field Elementary School, 1405 Pearl Street  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #7—Calvary Baptist Church, 4605 West Ely Road  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #7-- Intersection of Hwy 168 and County Road 404  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #8—Clover Road Christian Church, 785 Clover Road -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #8—Mark Twain Elementary School, 2800 Bird St -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #9—Intersection of Munger Lane & Country Meadows Northside -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #9Hannibal Transportation Center, 2365 Warren Barrett Drive  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #10—Hannibal High School Auditorium Parking Lot, 4500 McMasters -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #10—Intersection of North Section St. & Mark Twain Ave. (Ayerco 22)  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #11—Intersection of Shawnee Trail & Atoka (Closest to Munger Lane)  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #11—Intersection of Starlight Ridge & 29th Street (Mailboxes)  -- 12:15-1:15 PM

*All locations are Hannibal, 63401, except where noted

As part of the community’s proactive planning to slow the spread of COVID-19 Hannibal Regional is implementing visitor restrictions beginning March 19, 2020 until further notice.  

Until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our patients, team members and the community Hannibal Regional Healthcare System is implementing visitor restrictions at Hannibal Regional Hospital and all Hannibal Regional Medical Group locations.

We recognize that there are times when having a visitor or family member present is crucial. In these cases, visitors will be allowed based on the exceptions listed below. Please note: in all cases a visitor will only be allowed if they do not have symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath). Additionally, children under the age of 16 will not be allowed except under extraordinary circumstances.

Visitor restrictions are as follows:

• Women in labor may have one partner and one birth support person accompany them.
• Nursery patients may have one birth parent plus one significant other who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life or critically ill on life support may have two visitors.
• Patients with disruptive behavior, where a family member is key to their care, may have one visitor.
• Patients who have altered mental status or developmental delays (where caregiver provides safety) may have one visitor.
• Minors under the age of 18 may have one visitor, or parents or guardians.
• Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have one visitor (patients under age of 18 may have two visitors) who must leave the hospital as soon as possible after the procedure/surgery.
• The following patients may have one person with them:
  • Patients who have an appointment at a Hannibal Regional Medical Group location
  • Patients who are undergoing laboratory testing or a radiology procedure
  • Patients  visiting the Emergency Department 

Visitors must remain in the patient’s room throughout their visit.  Once the visitor leaves the patient’s room they must leave the facility.  

Visitors will not be allowed for patients with a pending or positive COVID-19 test.  To learn the latest COVID-19 updates at Hannibal Regional visit hannibalregional.org/coronavirus.

Key community leaders gathered Monday morning, March 16, 2020, to continue conversations regarding community preparedness and response to the coronavirus pandemic.  This group, composed of more than thirty representatives from organizations in the Hannibal area, identified ways to continue joint efforts in a unified approach to the coronavirus situation. As of the time of the meeting, there have been no positive COVID-19 test results in the northeast Missouri region.  Healthcare officials reported that patients are able to be tested in the Hannibal area and some area residents have already been tested.  Missouri state officials communicate daily and if any new cases are confirmed either locally or on the state-wide level, the state will make the announcement.

As local officials work together on this issue, we urge our community to do the same.  When the Centers for Disease Control provides updated guidelines to combat the spread of this virus, please follow them!  Your actions can affect so many around you and what you do could save the lives of many. WASH your hands.  Practice social distancing, limit travel, clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily, stay home if you are sick and call your healthcare provider’s office before visiting if you think you may have the coronavirus. 

Additionally, this group reminds our community of the importance of seeking out information from credible and reliable sources like the CDC, and not relying on social media for updates. This group continues to routinely communicate and will offer updates both through each organization and as well as further releases from this group. The group includes representatives from the following: Hannibal-LaGrange University; Preferred Family Healthcare; Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council; Mark Twain Behavioral Health; YMCA of Hannibal; City of Hannibal; Marion County Health Department; Hannibal Police Department; Hannibal Fire Department; Clarity Healthcare; The PATCH Center; Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce; Hannibal Clinic; Douglass Community Services, Marion County Emergency Management, Holy Family School; St. John’s Lutheran School; Hannibal Public Schools; Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; Marion County Emergency Management; and Moberly Area Community College.

Remember, stay educated, follow CDC guidelines, and stay calm. We can all work together to keep our community safe and healthy. For the most recent coronavirus updates, visit www.cdc.gov.

Hannibal Regional Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Cassidy Leonard-Scott, DO, FAAP to their team.  Dr. Leonard-Scott is a board certified pediatrician who earned her medical degree from A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO.  Dr. Leonard-Scott is honored to be able to return and care for those in her hometown.

Dr. Leonard-Scott chose to pursue pediatrics because she knew she always wanted a career she loved, “Being a pediatrician is such a fun and rewarding job.  I love watching my patients grow and develop their own personalities. I chose to join the Hannibal Regional team because of its focus on bringing quality healthcare to the community I have always called home.”

Dr. Leonard-Scott is focused on making families and patients feel comfortable.  “There are no silly questions when it comes to kids. Whether it is a question regarding development, parenting techniques or an illness concern, my goal is for parents to feel comfortable discussing all of their concerns with me.”

Dr. Leonard-Scott is accepting patients at Hannibal Regional Medical Group, to contact her office call 573-629-3500.

Hannibal Regional is pleased to announce that Sheniece Smith has accepted the position of Vice-President - General Counsel.  The Vice-President - General Counsel is an integral member of the Hannibal Regional Leadership team and is responsible for providing legal counsel to Hannibal Regional.  As Vice-President - General Counsel, Mrs. Smith will advise, advocate and represent the Hannibal Regional Board of Directors and members of the Hannibal Regional leadership team in compliance with legal trends and the needs of Hannibal Regional.  Mrs. Smith will also provide leadership for contract management, risk management, clinical information systems, and technical services and securities. 

Mrs. Smith is joining the Hannibal Regional team with a number of years of experience in the healthcare industry and a passion for helping the community.  Sheniece was most recently the Chief of Staff & Senior Counsel to the CEO for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and is passionate about making legal services available to those who need it most.  During her time in California, Mrs. Smith founded H.O.P.E. Through Affordable Legal Services as a community benefit project to bridge the gap between pro bono services and full attorney fees by increasing access to quality legal services for low-income individuals. Sheniece also launched Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children’s, a medical-legal partnership, to provide free guardianship and conservatorship services to CHOC families who otherwise would not be able to afford the services.  Mrs. Smith has received numerous recognitions, both in the healthcare industry and for community and leadership roles in California.

When asked why she chose to join Hannibal Regional, Sheniece shares, “I am impressed by Hannibal Regional’s dedication to the community and excited about our plans to enhance service offerings.  I joined HRHS because I wanted to join a community of caring individuals who are making a difference. I hope to support Hannibal Regional as we continue to guide patients to better health.”

Hannibal Regional serves residents of the tri-state area from 15 locations and includes Hannibal Regional Hospital, Hannibal Regional Medical Group, Complete Family Medicine and Hannibal Regional Foundation.  For more information on Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, visit www.hannibalregional.org.

Hannibal Regional Medical Group is excited to welcome Wil Norviel, PA-C to their Bowling Green team!  Wil Norviel, PA-C completed his medical education at Stephens College in Columbia, MO and is looking forward to serving the community through the clinic’s Urgent Care services.  

“I chose to join the Hannibal Regional team after completing my family medicine and pediatric clinical rotations at Complete Family Medicine in Kirksville,” shares Wil.  “I saw that Hannibal Regional truly cares for their team members and that is reflected in the care provided to their patients.”

“The most rewarding thing about caring for others is the simple fact that I am blessed enough to wake up every  morning and have the opportunity to do my best to help change someone’s life for the better.” says Wil. “That may mean healing someone who is sick, or just talking with patients about problems in their lives.  Going to sleep at night knowing you made a real difference is one of the best rewards anyone could ask for.”

Hannibal Regional Medical Group in Bowling Green offers primary care and urgent care services.  Urgent Care services are available Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.  Hannibal Regional Medical Group in Bowling Green is located next to Walmart at 8 Town Center Drive. For more information call (573) 324-2241.

Hannibal Regional Hosts “Ladies Night Out”

 

Hannibal, MO -- In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hannibal Regional is pleased to offer special screenings in October to assist women in taking steps to enjoy healthy living.

For your convenience, Hannibal Regional’s Radiology Department will host “Ladies Night Out” - a special after-hours program for women to keep current with their annual mammogram.  Light refreshments will be served and a specialty gift bag will be given out. 

Hannibal Regional offers 3D mammography exams developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in Women’s Health. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, these exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

For certain women at high risk for breast cancer, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging methods such as mammography or ultrasound.  Hannibal Regional now offers this choice in the latest technologies in breast cancer testing.   An MRI with dedicated breast coils uses a powerful magnetic field and radio frequency pulses to produce detailed pictures of inside the breast to help measure the size of cancer, look for additional tumors and check the lymph nodes to see if cancer has spread.  A breast MRI is also used for evaluating lumpectomy sites in the years following breast cancer treatment to determine the difference between scar tissue and a recurrence of cancer. Additionally, a breast MRI is the best test for determining whether silicone implants have ruptured.

The American College of Radiology recommends yearly screening mammograms for women aged 40 or older.  Annual mammograms are covered by most insurance policies and are the cornerstone of early breast cancer detection.  Hannibal Regional’s dedicated staff provide the highest level of care for busy women. 

The special after hours dates for mammograms are October 2nd, October 16th, and October 30th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.. You can schedule your appointment by calling 573-248-5688.

 Thinking it would be just like any other baseball game, Evan Johnson never dreamed that during this one he would end up in the Hannibal Regional Emergency Room.  

Evan and his team had a home game at Mark Twain High School in New London MO this past baseball season.  Evan, who usually is the starting 3rd baseman, was brought in to pitch.  This was not unfamiliar, as now each pitcher alternates games due to recent changes in pitching rules.  This particular evening was Evan’s night.

Then the unexpected happened; after throwing a pitch, the catcher threw a line drive ball straight back to Evan. Evan turned his head before he knew the catcher was throwing the ball back to him.    The ball smacked him right in the face above his lip.  Blood went everywhere.  After the coaches and parents assessed the situation, it was determined he would need to immediate medical attention. 

Evan’s parents, Wendy and DK Johnson, quickly drove him to the Hannibal Regional Emergency Room.  From the moment they walked in the door until the time they walked back to their car, their care was top notch.

“Our entire Hannibal Regional Emergency Room experience was wonderful.  They accommodated us in a timely fashion, every single person we came in contact with were super nice and friendly from registration, triage, the nurse that was assigned to Evan, and the ER physician, Dr. Hussain.   Dr. Hussain handled the situation very professionally and had a great bedside manner.  We cannot say enough good things about our experience,” said Wendy Johnson, Evan’s mother. 

Evan’s injury was minor but could have been much worse.  He was lucky and received only five stitches with no scarring.   Evan is looking forward to being a senior baseball player next year as well as a football player for the Mark Twain Tigers!