- The Sanford Project
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- About Sanford
- The Gift
- Sanford Initiatives
“The concept for the Sanford Project is to focus on a single, pressing healthcare issue and establish a world-class research team to achieve significant progress within a reasonable time period,” said Sanford Health Executive Vice President Dave Link. “Through an extensive selection process which outlined specific candidate criteria, Sanford Health has chosen to attack type 1 diabetes by focusing on beta cell regeneration.”
Type 1 diabetes currently affects nearly 3 million people in the United States. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulinproducing cells of the pancreas. It often strikes during childhood, makes patients dependent on insulin for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.
“Regeneration research focuses on triggering the body to regrow the insulin-producing beta cells that have been killed by the autoimmune response and to prevent destruction of the newly regenerated cells by the same autoimmune reaction,” added Link.
Beta cell regeneration is one of the fastest-growing and most intriguing areas of type 1 diabetes research.
“Through the Sanford Project, our research team will hope to either spur the body to copy existing functioning beta cells or to coax the pancreas to create new ones,” said Ben Perryman, PhD, Sanford Health Vice President of Research.
“When people with the disease have regenerated beta cells, they can begin making their own insulin again. The intent of the Sanford Project will be to focus on benchside research and closely integrating translational research opportunities with clinical treatment.”
The Sanford Project is one of four initiatives outlined after a transformational gift of $400 million by South Dakota businessman and philanthropist Denny Sanford in 2007. Sanford Health will assemble a team of top researchers to work on the project. The core of the research will be conducted in a developing 185-acre research park in Sioux Falls’ growing southwest corridor.
“From its inception, the Sanford Project was ‘designed for results,’” added Link. “We hope through the Sanford Project, patients living with type 1 diabetes will not only have results, they will have a cure.”
knows what it means to have type 1 diabetes.
Before the diagnosis, Dean and Tina Calsbeek of Orange City, IA knew something was not right with their son. Drowsiness, thirst, irritability and bed wetting a year and a half after being potty trained was not normal for a boy entering preschool. After a trip to the doctor and high blood sugar level, Ben was immediately admitted to Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls in order to get his diabetes under control.
Treating a five-year-old with type 1 diabetes is a constant challenge. Along with caring for a seven year- old and two-year-old, Ben takes constant monitoring from his parents. They must check his levels six or more times a day.
This is not easy as most kids (and adults) dislike needles. Some nights it drives Ben to tears.
As Ben becomes more independent at school and with friends, the people around him must know what they can or can’t give them. He requires constant supervision. Before the pump, it was more of a struggle says Dean, “He couldn’t have the same snacks. If someone had a birthday, and they brought in a piece of cake, he could have only 15 grams of carbohydrates for a snack. So all the kids are enjoying their cake and being a kid, and he has to have a bag of pretzels.”
Ben knows he’s different. He knows it is not normal to have his food measured every time he eats. He used to sneak food.
Later, he would tell his parents and say, “Please don’t be mad at me.” Fortunately, Ben no longer receives insulin by shots. Along with many type 1 diabetes patients, he uses an insulin pump which is constantly connected to him. This allows a little more freedom in terms of diet.
Knowing Sanford Health will seek to cure type 1 diabetes through the Sanford Project gives this family hope for a cure. Tina says Ben talks about cures and he prays about cures. He’ll say, “I don’t want to have diabetes anymore.”
If a cure was found, Tina says, “I know that I would never take another normal day for granted. If we could go back and have just one normal day again it would be amazing.”
For now, the Calsbeek family will continue to plug away and hope the Sanford Project brings Ben freedom from his disease.
Wife, Robin; children, Jackson, 6 and Audrey, 4
Medical School:
University of South Dakota; Residency: University of Missouri; Kansas City Truman Medical Center East
Hometown:
Webster, SD
Sanford Birthday:
September 1, 2005
High Schol Job:
A&W in Webster, SD
Favorite T.V. Show:
Lost (ABC); “I think all those people are on that island for a reason and, in the end, they will go back to the island.”
Buttery and salty popcorn from the theater and turtle sundaes from Dairy Queen
49th & Oxbow, Sioux Falls, SD
How will the announcement of the Sanford Project help your patients?
It will be exciting to be a part of a landmark discovery. If we’re able to make any advancement, a cure or treatment, I’ll be able to offer more to my patients, and they can live longer happier lives. That’s why we do this, why we show up to work every day and why it’s so rewarding.
Tell us about the college connections between you and the other physicians at Sanford Clinic Family Medicine 49th & Oxbow.
I was in the same medical school class as Dr. Scott Boyens, and I went to undergrad classes with Dr. Tim Donelan. As a student, I spent a month with Dr. Craig Uthe. I have a lot of trust in my partners. I think that’s important because when I can’t be here, I have no doubt my patients will get great care and they do.
Finish this statement, “If I weren’t a doctor, I would be _________.”
I’d probably be a teacher or a coach. I want to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s one of the reasons I got into medicine.
Would your patients be surprised to learn anything about you?
I don’t know what my patients think about me! There aren’t too many surprises about me. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and what you see is what you get.
We know of one surprise for people! It involves your high school job at the Webster A&W.
Oh! I wrote and sang a jingle for the A&W that aired on the local radio station. It was advertising the transition from the car hop to the drive through. And I still remember it!
These improvements include:
- New lighting systems in the vestibule, lobby, hallways and conditioning center
- Remodeled rooms (iCycle, Super Duper, POWER, stretching and classrooms)
- New carpet and artwork for the women’s locker room
- The addition of artwork in the vestibule, lobby, stretching room and classrooms
- New outdoor front entrance signage
Two wall-sized murals in the iCycle room and Super Duper room “Our efforts in renovating the Sanford Wellness Center represent our commitment to excellence in meeting the needs of our most valuable asset, our members,” said Sanford Wellness Center Director Cal Hanson.
For more information, visit the Sanford Wellness Center web site or call (605) 328-1600.
Children’s Clinic in Duncan, Oklahoma
Sanford Physical Therapy Solutions opened in 1999 and is currently located at 1721 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 200 in Sioux Falls.
For more information on Sanford Physical Therapy Solutions,
call (605) 334-8616.
Compassionate Friends Award
Sanford USD Medical Center was honored this year to be chosen as one of the employers to receive such a meaningful award, nominated by Sue Christensen, Director of Physical Medicine & Rehab, who lost her 10-year-old daughter Shanna on April 16, 2007 due to complications following a seizure.
Employers receive the Compassionate Employer Recognition for going above and beyond the normal policies of most companies in helping their employees when the death of a child occurs.
Sue shared why she nominated Sanford USD Medical Center for this award. “I was compelled to nominate Sanford because of the outpouring of compassion and respect shown for me and my family during the days, weeks and months after Shanna’s death. My Vice President, Kevin Lampe, encouraged me to take the time I needed before returning to work and has been very accommodating with requests for time off during the past year.”
“The Midwest has been fertile ground for the extensive bonds between Norway and the United States—between families, friends, schools and businesses,” Mr. Strommen.
Dr. DeSautel ran the race in the Masters Division, bracketed for men 40 years and older. He placed 294 out of 25,283 participants and ran it in a time of 2 hours, 45 minutes and 19 seconds.
Dr. DeSautel says he enjoys running and encourages others to find an exercise they like. “I have a great appreciation for anyone who tries to maintain some level of fitness,” said Dr. DeSautel.
“Hopefully everyone can find an exercise they enjoy and that brings them a sense of accomplishment.”
Dr. DeSautel participated in the Fargo Marathon in May and then the Western States 100 mile ultra-marathon in June.
Through the generosity of Sanford Tracy employees, Joyce sent 50 Sanford bags filled with items such as colors, color books, writing tablets and pencils. Each packet also contained a cuddly stuffed animal.
at Sanford Children’s Hospital
This pediatric residency collaboration between Mayo and Sanford Children’s represents one of three collaborative efforts with Mayo stemming from one of Denny Sanford’s gifts. The other endeavors include collaborative use of faculty for pediatric grand rounds and the annual T. Denny Sanford Symposium that rotates between Rochester and Sioux Falls.
Some of Dr. Wickremasinghe’s reasons for her interest in pursuing a three week rotation at Sanford Children’s included the Boekelheide NICU's unique environment with private rooms for babies and their families and an opportunity to learn in a NICU environment with a clinical focus and nurse practitioners.
Dr. Wickremasinghe viewed this rotation as an opportunity to confirm her desire to focus on the pediatric subspecialty of neonatology.
Other areas of interest expressed by Mayo for residency rotations at Sanford Children’s include genetics and child abuse.
“I have witnessed the amazing care the Sanford Children’s team provides to patients and their families,” said Greenway. “Every time I tour the facility, I am touched by the strength of these children, and this is one way I can help them during a very difficult time.”
To honor the gift, Sanford Children’s will dedicate a room in its new pediatric intensive care unit to Greenway.
“This young man is still fairly new to the NFL, and he is already doing so much to give back to his region. We are very grateful,” said Charles P. O’Brien, MD, President of Sanford USD Medical Center.
Sanford USD Medical Center, Medical Oncology
The hard work and dedication of our nursing staff shows that this achievement is truly a reflection of the excellent care that is given to our patients everyday at Sanford.
What Does Magnet Status Mean?
Magnet designation is widely accepted as the gold standard of patient care. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing. Applicants undergo an extensive evaluation, and members who are awarded Magnet status must continue to maintain rigorous standards as part of their four-year designation. To reapply for and receive Magnet status for an additional four years is confirmation of the hospital’s resolve to deliver the highest level of care in nursing today.
Sanford is pleased to honor all of our staff on the achievement and commitment to quality patient care!
Ten-year-old Riley raised over $1,100 this past year in honor of Ellie, an active participant in the Special Olympics. Starting with a lemon aide stand and rummage sale where he sold his toys last summer, Riley raised funds from family and friends to help his classmate at Brandon Elementary. Riley is already planning his fund raising campaign for next year and intends on securing corporate sponsors. Way to go Riley!
Sanford Breast Health Institute has expanded its cancer prevention and screening services to Watertown, opening a satellite location in Sanford Clinic Watertown.
Sanford Health announced today Lynn Olson will be the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Worthington Regional Hospital (WRH), starting June 30.
Expanding its investment in patient care, education and research, Sanford Health has broken ground on a new 185 acre research park.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services has once again designated Sanford USD Medical Center as a Magnet hospital.
Store and club associates sell $1 balloons and host special events to help company reach $10 million goal nationwide.
