We Must Put our Trust in the Lord!

In this coloring page, we see a little girl putting her trust in Jesus. We must trust that Jesus will place his healing hand and soften the hearts of those involved in Dr. Casey Firlit's reinstatement.

We trust you SLU, you will do the right thing!

"Give all your worries to Him, because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7

(Click on image to enlarge coloring page)

"The Best of the Best"

Do the people of SLU think that Dr. Firlit really isn't "the best of the best" when he was asked to come down here from Children's Memorial in Chicago. SLU doesn't realize what kind of mess they got themselves into because they let him go. What totally outrageous thing could he have done that caused SLU to let him go. Why would people travel all the way from Chicago to St. Louis for medical care other than to see the best urologist around. I absolutely love Dr. Firlit!! He truely is an outstanding man! My family (especially me; patient with Spina Bifida) and the family's of the St. Louis area need Dr. Firlit!!


Anonymous

More Pictures to Color - David and Goliath

Here's another picture for you all to color! Kids, make sure to get your parents' permission first! Click on picture to enlarge for coloring.

Today is Kids Day!

Good Morning Friends of Dr. Casey Firlit! Today is kids day, and we have a special treat for your kids. Every child loves to color pictures and we have found a few pictures that we think you will like. Just download the pictures and let your child(dren) have some fun! I am sure that SLU would love to see your finished coloring page(s). Parents the address you will be needing is:


St. Louis University
c/o Fr. Lawrence Biondi
1755 S Grand Blvd
Saint Louis, MO 63104





Click on image to enlarge and open in a new browser window. Children, you should always get your parents permission first!!!!

The Prayer Vigil Keeps Going...

Supporters of Dr. Casey Firlit, past patients, current patients, friends and family of patients we ask you to pray with us:

PRAYER FOR THE SICK

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.

Somewhere There's A Rainbow

Even when storm-clouds
Are filling the air,
We know there's a rainbow
Just waiting somewhere,
And when the storm's over
Our rainbow will be
Shining brightly in glory
For both you and me.

Dr. Casey Firlit, YOU are the children's rainbow. THANK YOU for your love and dedication.

Why Dr. Casey Firlit is so Important to Ailing Children! What is Spina Bifida?

WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA?
Spina Bifida is an inborn defect that affects the child's nervous system. The backbone and spinal canal fail to close before birth, thereby allowing the spinal cord and covering meninges to protrude out of the child's back. Damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots result to a decrease or lack of function of body areas controlled at or below the defect. Symptoms include partial or complete lack of sensation and may include loss of bladder or bowel control. The exposed spinal cord is also susceptible to infection, meningitis. Not infrequently, other congenital disorders may also be present in the child, such as hydrocephalus (abnormal build up of CSF in the brain that causes pressure inside the head to increase) hip dislocation, and other disorders. The upper picture shows a child with a normal brain and spinal cord. There is an orderly arrangement of the peripheral nerves to the bladder, bowels, and the lower extremities. The lower picture shows a child with Spina Bifida. There is a derangement of the lower spinal cord causing disorderly distribution of the nerves to the bladder, bowels, and lower extremities. This causes havoc in the function of the involved organs. Another feature of Spina Bifida is the poor circulation of brain fluid causing fluid to accumulate and head to enlarge. Although Spina Bifida has different forms and varying degrees of defect, most of them will have to undergo surgeries to correct the spinal, leg, and foot problems. Shunt surgery is necessary to drain fluid from the brain. Application of techniques to control bladder and bowel function and use of equipment (e.g wheel chair, braces) to facilitate walking will be essential. Fortunately for some children, in the absence of complications, they function within the average range of intelligence making them capable of handling and pursuing a career.
PROBLEMS IN SPINA BIFIDA
UNHYGENIC WETTING AND SOILING (Incontinence) DESTRUCTION OF THE KIDNEYS (Hydroneprosis)

Where in the World is Dr. Casey Firlit?

Try as I may, I can't find my son's surgeon. Where are you Dr. Firlit? There are no answers to be found. Anyone have an idea where he is? I need to speak with him. He is the man that gave my son a new life. He gave me and my family a new life.

I call Cardinal Glennon and they say he isn't a "provider" at the hospital anymore. I call SLU and they will not let me talk to anyone other than a discourteous, curt secretary sighing on the other end of the phone.

Will anyone ever come forward and tell me where my son can see his surgeon. This is not about SLU and their trivial politics, this IS about my son.

Please reconsider your decision to let Dr. Casey Firlit go. Our lives depend on it.

Dear Dr. Firlit, Know in your heart that you are loved and respected by so many: physicians, nurses, parents and their children, hospital staff from medical records to housekeeping. The work you do is life changing, unparalleled. The way you practice medicine is exemplary. Your ability to teach and inspire is a rare gift. You, Sir, are one-in-a-million. How lucky we are, each and everyone of us, whose lives have been and WILL BE touched by you.

Officers of the University

President
Rev. Lawrence Biondi, S.J.

Provost
Joe Weixlmann, Ph.D.

Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer
Bob Woodruff

Vice-President University Advancement
Thomas Keefe, J.D.

Vice-President Facilities Management & Civic Affairs
Kathleen T. Brady

Vice-President & General Counsel
William R. Kauffman, J.D.

Interim Vice-President Human Resources
Virginia Henson

Vice-President & Chief Information Officer
Ellen Watson

Vice-Provost & Dean, Madrid Campus
Rick L. Chaney, Ph.D.

Vice-President Mission and Ministry
Frank Reale, S.J.

Vice-President Student Development
Kent Porterfield, Ed.D.

WE ARE ON GOOGLE!!!!

Thanks to all the supporters like you, we are now officially listed on Google! Go to Google, simply type in 'Firlit and SLU'. Our results beat out even SLU's own webpage listings! First on the list! WOO HOO!!!

We are going to set up accounts on MySpace and Facebook soon. We will give you the support sites once they are up.

Yes, to all those asking if we've contacted the local media, as a matter of fact, we yes have! We have made several contacts and are waiting to get together with these outlets soon. We want Dr. Firlit's story told to everyone that will listen! Help save our children!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU DR. FIRLIT!

Time is of the Essence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To our Dr. Firlit's friends and supporters, thank you for all your wonderful supporting emails. We are just asking you take the time not only to read about Dr. Firlit, but take the time to post your comments. Give Dr. Firlit your support, let him know how you feel! Let SLU know how you feel!

The eleventh hour is upon us. Is SLU listening? POST LIKE CRAZY FOLKS!!!! If you are afraid to post your name for fear of relaliation from SLU, you have the ability to post either Anonymous, like many of you have been doing, or you can choose the 'Other' option and fill in your blank. Why not just put your initials? Why not just put your first name or a nickname?

Let us know how you feel! God Bless You and God Bless Dr. Casey Firlit. Children like this little boy have a chance because of wonderful physicians with a 'gift'.

24 HOUR PRAYER VIGIL

If SLU won't hear us as the patrons of their hospitals, maybe they will hear God?

We humbly ask all of you that have ever been touched by this wonderful healer's hands whether it be through surgery of yourself, the surgery of a relative, to take a few minutes today to join our prayer vigil. We ask God to soften the hearts of the administrators and all those involved in making the decision whether or not to retain Dr. Casey Firlit. We ask God to be with Dr. Firlit and his family during this extremely difficult time. We know how he loves the children he touches and how they impact him personally.

Please take the time to pray this simple prayer:

Dear God, I come to you today to touch the lives and soften the hearts of those making the decision to retain Dr. Firlit for your sick children. Lord, we know this is a difficult time for Dr. Firlit, his family and all of those that behold Dr. Firlit for his wisdom, knowledge and healing hands. We also ask you God, to bless and uphold all the ailing children directly affected by this decision. Lord, we know Jesus has performed miracles and we most humbly ask you to lay your hands on the administrators' hearts and minds to make the best decision for our children. In Jesus' Name We Pray, Amen

Bless all of you reading and participating in this blog. We started out small, but within a week have grown to several thousand subscribers. The number is by leaps and bounds daily. Thank you for your support. Please continue to tell everyone about our efforts to 'Save Our Hero" God Bless You!

Supporters of Dr. Casey Firlit

A Bible Verse to reflect: Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:13-14 NKJV

Tomorrow is the Big Announcement!

Will Dr. Casey Firlit stay... or will he go? This all depends on how SLU decides how they want to "PLAY GOD". Let us make this loud and proud... Dr. Casey Firlit, we will go with you! We will go wherever you go. We will tell our friends to go. We will not support a hospital system that does this to one of its finest doctors. We only want YOUR gentle hands working on our children.

If SLU decides to let you go, this blog will remain. It will shift its focus to a new one. How does "SLU's complaint department" sound to you? Blog on folks... let us know what you think!

And the band played on...

"Not much going on upstairs at SLU these days!"

I am a patient of Dr. Firlit's. I was very horrified when I heard what happened with Dr. Firlit. He has always been very compassionate and loving. He has also been the only one that was able to figure out bladder. Since he has been there I have stayed dry during the day and foley free at night. I miss you Dr. Firlit and I want you back.

Nicole Lupton

I was raised to find the goodness in people. I was raised to believe that goodness should prevail, although it may take an enormous amount of work to get there. And I was raised to do that work, even if it felt hopeless, because it was the right thing to do. And although I am not Catholic, I would like to believe that a Catholic institution would listen to those whose lives have been so profoundly affected by the fine work of Dr. Firlit, and find a way to reinstate his practice. A healer, a listener, a teacher, a kind, gentle spirit. Are these not the qualities to be valued in a human being? Does the character of the man count for nothing?

The administration at SLU may be trying to keep this quiet, but they cannot prevent the hundreds of us from speaking out loud and clear. I am tired of being jerked around by people who profess to be in the right, but actually have little to no insight into the full picture.

Shame on you - all of you who have had a hand in this decision.

In the many years we have been coming to the Myelomeningocele Clinic there has been what feels like an endless turnover of doctors. There have been 3 orthopedic doctors, 2 neurosurgeons, and 3 urologists. It isn't easy entrusting the care of your child to others, and with each and every change we have to start all over again. What is the deal? I used to think it must be something about Glennon, but now I understand the doctors are actually hired by SLU.
Why are these doctors, one after another, leaving or in the case of Dr. Firlit, being "let go?" I can only believe that there is something seriously flawed in how SLU treats its employees. Each change has been difficult, some more than others. I have to say the loss of Dr. Firlit is particularly disheartening. We love him. He has done so much for us. Now what? Is anyone going to bother to talk about why he is no longer here and tell us who will be our urologist? Or are we, once again, being abandoned, let down, marginalized? Because that's the way it feels. Explain this to the children.

Attention Please. What is taking place at St. Louis University Med School goes against all that the profession of medicine stands for: Perfection, Integrity, Professionalism, Humanitarianism, just to name a few.
In this situation the dismissal of an eminent surgeon and a great humanitarian, Dr. Firlit, who has performed incredible work at Cardinal Glennon Hospital is a mystery to everyone except those behind closed doors at SLU.
Good care is hard to come by. Exceptional care indispensable. So why is this happening??
We adults are well aware of the difficulties when seeking medical care for ourselves. This writer was once sent home with a condition that needed immediate attention, which the physicians in attendance couldn't solve and furthermore did not have the interest to pursue a resolution. I was lucky to find the kind of doctor who deserved the title of Physician and survived to tell the tale. And here we have innocent children and their parents with no replacement physician. And in fact the likelihood of acquiring as skilled a man is uncertain if not impossible.
What are the reasons? We most likely will never know for it is all behind closed doors. And Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, a charitable institution, now cannot give reasons to many, many stranded children. Explain that to the public!

Saint Louis University, why are you doing this to our children?

Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

SLU GIVE US SOME ANSWERS! WHY ARE YOU ALLOWING US TO COME IN FOR OUR APPOINTMENTS ONLY TO FIND OUR HERO DOCTOR NOT THERE TO HELP US? WHY ARE YOU LEADING US ON?

REINSTATE DR. CASEY FIRLIT! HE IS OUR HERO!!! THE SICK CHILDREN DEPEND ON HIM!

Prayer is a Powerful Softener

I sit and wonder if you realize the power you hold in your hands. Can you not feel the passion and love for this Doctor with the words written about him? If it is personal with Dr. Firlit, let it go. If it is about your ego and making a mistake, let it go. Free the ties that bind a wonderful healer and teacher. Stand tall among men and raise the standards for all that work with you.

After all of this is over and the decision is made, you will still be talked about in conversations everywhere. Your name will be mentioned during lunch by the staff, by the distraught mother watching her child's soul disappear.

I am sure that you remember the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". What a classic that movie. It is about prayer and faith and most of all love. George's name was mentioned so many times in prayer. God heard the requests for help...... you know the rest. Tonight, I am praying for everyone on the list to have a softening of their hearts. I am asking everyone reading this blog to join me in prayer.

I think if that many people were sending up messages of that nature to God about me.... I would change something in my life.

Do something about it... You can make a difference.

READ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING!

Anonymous said...

St. Louis children will suffer if we lose such a wonderful doctor. We can't afford to let him get away.

October 23, 2007 8:57 AM

Megan's Aunt said...

No.. changing doctors is not like changing toothpastes... but changing hospitals sure is! St. Louis University has been my family's choice for health care for generations. Barnes is starting to look mighty good these days. SLU... listen up! If you will treat your patients of Dr. Firlit with such disregard, how do I know that my surgeon might not be next? Work it out SLU. There is much at stake here.

October 23, 2007 4:47 PM

Anonymous said...

Dr. Firlit is an outstanding doctor, he always goes above and beyond. I read about him listening to the little girl read to him in braille and I'm not at all suprised. That is the kind of things he does everyday. Dr. Firlit has been our urologist for years. What will we do without him?

October 23, 2007 8:56 AM

Braden's Mom said...

I recontacted Bob Davidson asking a few simple questions, about if we would be referred to another doctor? And when Dr. Firlits patients would be notified about him being gone...If we had not heard it through the grapevine we still would not know..We had two doctors appointments since his dismissal and we were not notified at either of them that Dr. firlit was no longer...You would think it could not be true but it is. When we checked in the girls at the front desk had a conversation about who to register us under I told them Firlit he is our Dr. they had a discussion among themselves about it and sd they were told to put everything under Palagiri now, but still noone told us anything..that was two and half weeks ago..we return last week and agian we put Dr Firlit as our Dr when we checked in (still not knowing he is no longer there) and again noone told us any different. Someone there should have let us know something.

Bob Davidsons response was short this time..thanks for the note but I can't tell you anything.

I know there must be tons of Dr. Firlits patients out there who don't even know what has happened..not just ones who haven't been to the office lately either.. we are proof of that..

October 22, 2007 1:24 PM

Anonymous said...

I, too, have only heard it through the grapevine that this amazing doctor is gone. Imagine how I feel. Only 3 short months ago, my daughter, had a life-changing procedure done - by, you guessed it, Dr. Firlit. She went from a very physically dependent blind child with not much hope for independence to a 7 year old who can now go the bathroom almost completely on her own. Sure, another doctor maybe could have done the same thing for her. But they didn't. Dr. Firlit did. He's the one who made her day, by letting her have a little taste of chocolate after 4 days of liquid diet. He's the one who sat at her bedside and listened to her read braille. He's the one who's teaching new doctors to be great doctors. I obviously don't know the whole story - but I do know that we completely respect and admire Dr. Firlit and really hope he stays - for our sake and our daughter's.

October 22, 2007 9:46 PM

Lisa Crawford said...

I contacted everyone on the list and recieved only ONE very weak reply back,from Bob Davidson, saying that he too thought Dr. Firlit was "a fine physician". He could not give me any reason for his dismissal due to employee privacy. I have many more questions. I not getting any answers yet, but I haven't given up...

October 20, 2007 4:20 PM

Lisa Crawford said...

I am contacting every person on the list to ask for answers. As the parent of a long term patient of Dr. Firlit, I am entitled to know what has happened. My son has been with Dr. Firlit four year and counting...we need him.

October 18, 2007 6:33 PM

blogger1252 said...

What's happening in urology today at Cardinal Glennon is so exciting. The man behind it all is Dr. Firlit. He is an artist in his field - creative, gifted, skillful. And to him a successful surgery is one that also improves the child's quality of life. How often do you find a doctor that is not only the master of his craft but also a great communicator? Children and their families respond immediately to his warmth, candor and humor. They know he really cares about them. Speak up loud and clear. Glennon cannot afford to lose him.

October 18, 2007 6:52 PM

Anonymous said...

This is a disgrace. Why would you punish the children who are already at a disadvantage?

shame on you SLU, shame on you Biondi... God will not bless you. I really hope you like yourselves...

October 18, 2007 8:21 PM

Anonymous said...

His surgeries have been cancelled or the children come in thinking that Dr. Firlit will be there to help them, to increase their quality of life. Then someone finally tells them that Dr. Firlit is not going to be the one doing your child's surgery. What kind of communication is that. Children are precious gifts and I wouldn't let just ANYBODY do surgery on them. St. Louis University has mishandled this entire fiasco. It is time to reinstate Dr. Firlit.

October 18, 2007 7:58 PM

Anonymous said...

This is an outrage. It is bad enough that so much of our world is riddled with injustice and often at the expense of our children. How ironic that there is so little regard for the care of ill and disabled children in a Catholic institution that boasts of lofty standards. Dismissal of Dr. Firlit leaves me completely dumbfounded. He is a St. Louis treasure - someone SLU should be proud to count among its faculty. I will write or call everyone on the list. I want my child to continue to get great care. Dr. Firlit has given my child hope of a brighter future. He is our doctor, he is my child's knight in shining armor. We want him to stay not only for us, but for the other families and children so greatly in need of his kind, gentle manner and talent.

October 17, 2007 10:32 PM

Changing Doctors is NOT like Changing Brands of Toothpaste! When your child has a complex medical problem requiring long term care by a physician, whether or not you intend to, you and your child become attached to that doctor. It is complex, it is a relationship of caring and trust, unlike any other connection you have with others. This is essential. It is never easy to place the health and well-being of your precious ones into the hands of another. But if you feel that person has your child's best interest at heart, that that person has the skill and experience necessary, and the compassion required to give your child every opportunity to lead a good life, then you give that child into the doctor's care, at peace with the decision. This is not something that comes instantly, this is not something that automatically transfers to the "replacement" doctor.

No explanation, no information. We are supposed to blithely transfer our child's care, as if we were choosing Crest instead of Colgate toothpaste. We are not talking about a man-made product here. We are talking about Dr. Firlit, an extraordinary human being, who takes care of each child as if he or she were his own. Who respects the wishes of parents, and gives them the knowledge needed (complete with drawings) to make these painfully difficult decisions about their children. He also takes the time to talk to children about their interests and their dreams, and they love him for it.

But apparently this does not matter. It is an increasingly unfriendly world. Decisions, such as this, impacting so many people, and most importantly so many children, are made, by individuals who have no direct contact with children and families. And we are expected to go with the flow, and trust those very same people to choose someone in Dr. Firlit's place. Well, I can tell you he is NOT replaceable. I do not wish to settle for less. Here SLU and Glennon have a really great doctor, one THEY can boast about, and they are going to throw it all away..........ultimately at the expense of those who need him most, those with the smallest voices: the children.

Don't wait another moment. Speak up and Speak Out! E-mail, call, write everyone on the list and let them know that Dr. Firlit must stay! Time is running out.

The Clock is Ticking......

The final decision regarding Dr. Firlit's return is supposed to be handed down on Friday, October 26th. These people on the right of the screen need to know how we feel about Dr. Firlit.

There are people that visit this site.. they do not know Dr. Firlit or they are curious what this is all about. Please share your stories with us. Tell them the reason you are so outraged with the current situation.

Put it in writing why you are so thankful for this healer that cared enough to give his very best for your child. Let the world know why Dr. Firlit is worth saving!

He is truly a HERO, a hero that walks along beside us today. He is not arrogant and pious as some doctors can be perceived.

Please tell your story on this post so that it will be easy to find for all of the fence riders or folks hesitant to get involved.

Don't be a spectator! Join together so SLU hears a powerful chorus of voices singing for our HERO to once again return to us.

Sing your song! POST NOW!

Time is of the Essence, HELP save a Hero!

This Friday, October 26th is the day a decision affecting thousands of children. This is the date that can take this town forward or set it back years and years. St. Louis University will make it's decision if Dr. Casey Firlit stays.. or goes. Make your voice heard! Tell them what you think and how this tragedy will affect your life. Email the addresses listed to the right of this page. Call their offices and tell them why Dr. Firlit needs to stay. Your voice can make a difference. Tell your friends and family. Encourage them to call and email the decision makers. Get up and make it happen!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE ...... HELP SAVE A HERO!.....
Be an activist!

Still no answers...Why are they holding out?

Another week has gone by and still no answers to why this tragedy has occurred. If he was guilty of something illegal or immoral, he would have been dismissed and fed to the public. So why has the situation stayed such an ugly secret? Write to the people listed on the side of this page. Call their offices and demand answers.

Call the news stations and tell your story. Expose SLU for being so sneaky.
Newspapers LOVE a good juicy story, call them. Explain to them of the injustice that has befallen a great man and healer.

Take a stand! Be a leader in this fight to keep Dr. Firlit working in St. Louis for our kids!

Keep the Comments Coming!

We see you out there and appreciate your comments. Tell everyone you know, THIS is the way we are going to get him back! We miss him dearly as the children do too! Come back and keep posting your comments, we hear you and hopefully SLU will hear you too! God Bless you!

The Private Issues of Pediatric Urology

As found in the Glennon Kids publication... Click the header to view the article. This article will explain Dr. Casey Firlit and just how much he is needed for our children!

So you Ask, Who is doing these children's critical surgeries?

No one, That's who! Dr. Casey Firlit's clinics are being canceled, his scheduled cases are being canceled and children are being turned away. So, where does this leave the children who so desperately need him? Heard enough? See the list at the side of this blog? Contact these people now and ask them to Reinstate Dr. Casey Firlit!

Not much going on upstairs at SLU these days!

I couldn't believe my ears. Another wonderful surgeon is gone. Dr. Casey Firlit is a man of great integrity and expertise. He is a cornerstone for pediatric urology as it is known today. What would make a university suspend a man of such talent and dedication? Many questions but no answers. He is an advocate for the many children and some adults that have no voice. I can't seem to find anything to indicate he has done something wrong. So, what did Dr. Firlit do that made the University so angry? I want answers. I want to know who is going to operate on these children that are in such desperate need? Playing god must feel powerful just to know that you are in control of so many desperate lives. I wouldn't want this tragedy credited to me. Speak up and speak loud.

The lure of the new expensive operating room at Cardinal Glennon couldn't keep Dr. Martin Keller and Dr. Eric Coln. They are at Children's hosp. and St. John's.