Small Town News

Gala to help Seton buy equipment

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Patrons and supporters of Seton Highland Lakes Hospital braved unexpected cool temperatures Sunday evening to raise more than $60,000 for new technology for the Burnet hospital.

Some 474 people attended the Horseshoe Bay Seton Associated Run for the Roses Gala at the home of Eileen and Wayne Hurd in Horseshoe Bay.

Wayne Hurd and his cousin Norman were the two original developers of Horseshoe Bay Resort.

The Horseshoe Bay Seton Associates gala Sunday was a celebration of the south, featuring roses, mint juleps, fried Chicken, Kentucky Derby pie, a silent auction and a multitude of distinctive and glamorous hats.

It also was a 20th year anniversary of the volunteer organization, which has more than 175 members.

Eileen and Wayne Hurd also were honored for their devotion and leadership in raising funds to support advanced health care through Seton Highland Lakes Hospital.

The money raised at the 2011 Gala will go toward purchase of new technology for Seton Highland Lakes in the form of a Pulmonary Plethysmograph.

"It is with immense pride that I thank everyone for their involvement with the Horseshoe Bay Associates Run for the Roses Gala," said Arie Dejong, administrator and COO, Seton Highland Lakes, and vice president, Seton Family of Hospitals. "A special thanks to Eileen and Wayne Hurd for graciously hosting the event at their estate home.

"Due to the hard work and dedication of the Horseshoe Bay Associates and volunteers, the event was an overwhelming success, carried out with incredible precision."

Dejong was happy the cool weather did not inhibit the turnout for the event.

"Undeterred by the cool weather, the volunteers and staff created one of the most beautiful and successful Galas in the history of Seton Highland Lakes, he said." We greatly appreciate the patrons and supporters of the Gala. On behalf of our patients, families and staff, I thank you for your generous support and for helping our dreams and the dreams of our patients and families come true."

The technology provides more precise measurements of lung capacity and can be used to detect lung pathology that may be missed with the conventional pulmonary function tests.

The Pulmonary Plethysmography will play a vital role in Seton's Pulmonary Department, allowing the medical staff to accurately measure how much air is in a patient's lungs and how well they can breathe, hospital officials have said.

The measurements will help doctors find out what is wrong with the lungs, how badly affected patients' lungs are, what is wrong with the lungs, how badly affected the lungs are by their condition and the effectiveness of the treatment used.

"The funds raised from the gala will be used to purchase body plethysmography equipment, which will be used to detect lung diseases that might be missed with conventional pulmonary function testing," said Erica Hughes, MD, Seton Highland Lakes Pulmonologist. "We will be able to accurately diagnosis and monitor lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and emphysema, as well as monitor for potential pulmonary toxicity from certain medicines administered to cancer and cardiac patients.

"This high-tech equipment is state-of-the-art, and we are very excited about bringing this technology to the residents of Highland Lakes."

Geneva Dalton was the chair of the Run for the Roses Gala and Patty Gil-lean and Michele Shackelford were co-chairs.

There were 27 gala committee chairs and more than 100 volunteers helped with the event.

Mother Nature didn't cooperate as afternoon temperatures in the high 80s turned to the low 60s as the Gala began and in the high 50s at it's 8 p.m. conclusion.



Copyright 2011 Burnet Bulletin, Burnet, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Burnet Bulletin Burnet, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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