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An MUSC hero Manager lauded as special needs advocate by Cindy Abole Public Relations Patty MacFarland has a big, busy job at MUSC, but that hasn’t kept her from fulfilling a large community responsibility to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.   Patty MacFarland Patty’s commitment resulted in an honor she shared with her husband, Kevin,  in mid-May as the 2007 Parent Advocates of the Year award given by the Advocacy Coalition for People with Disabilities. The coalition is a partnership of area support groups and non-profit organizations dedicated to individuals with disabilities, their families and communities. Patty and Kevin were recognized for their tireless service to children and adults with special needs and Special Olympics South Carolina.      An MUSC veteran for more than 37 years, Patty is the business manager for Patient Access Services and Hospital Admissions. She’s responsible for human resources, finance, budget, supplies and capital equipment for the department’s nine areas and 192 staff.      But for many years after her work-filled hours, Patty and Kevin have given their time volunteering with Special Olympics athletes competing in the Special Olympics Midwinter State Games at The Citadel. Kevin is a volunteer coach for the Special Olympics’ Rockin’ Rackets tennis team, while Patty coordinates practices and logistical support.      Both share a commitment to support mentally and/or physically challenged individuals in realizing their potential through involvement and development of their skills in quality sports training.   “Patty and Kevin are always doing things for others,” said Paula Byers, coordinator for Special Olympics South Carolina in Charleston. “Having volunteered with them since the fall, I can truly say they have ‘stepped up to the plate’ to keep the Special Olympics tennis team up and running. Kevin has been a very caring, positive and enthusiastic coach and Patty is very organized and efficient. She’s always willing to extend that level of generosity to others in need and she does it with great enthusiasm.”   The parents of a special needs daughter, Kylie, Patty and Kevin share a lifetime of experiences and knowledge that they are willing to share with other families who care for a special needs child.   “Patty’s involvement with Kylie and Special Olympics South Carolina is encouraging. She’s always willing to give to others whether she’s advocating for her daughter to guiding parents and offering support through parent support groups for special needs children. Patty is always making sacrifices of herself to assist others in need,” said Sue Pletcher, director of Hospital Information Services/Patient Access Services.   “I’ve worked with Patty for many years and she is definitely the ideal co-worker—knowledgeable, helpful, kind and creative,” said Hermenia S. Mosley, MUHA Human Resources. “She is also an extremely compassionate mother. I admire the strong bond she and Kylie share with each other.”      “Patty exemplifies the customer service values embraced by this organization. I know the MUSC family values the great working relationships she has nurtured through the years. The recognition she is now receiving is no surprise to those of us who have observed her outside of work at various activities with her daughter. We are proud of her accomplishments and the example she sets,” said Susan Carullo, director, MUSC Human Resources Management.      “Patty’s commitment to family and the medical center is evident in everything she does,” said Rosie V. Smith, MUHA Human Resources. “She is sincere and genuine, and is always pleasant, patient, and kind. She clearly demonstrates MUSC Excellence in every aspect of her life and career.” Editor’s note: At MUSC, heroes abound. They exist in the form of caregivers, faculty, students and staff. The Catalyst’s MUSC Heroes is a column that offers employees and staff the opportunity to recognize MUSC’s everyday heroes. Send an e-mail about your MUSC hero to catalyst@musc.edu.     Friday, July 6, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.