From Fragile Beginnings to Milestone Moments
Fallon's Story
Boundless A Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Podcast
Boundless gives voice to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s patients and their families. Hear the compelling, real-life stories of people who have braved the trials, triumphs and tribulations of rehabilitation — and the boundless possibilities that lie on the other side of that journey.
Thanks to our partners at Lehigh Valley Public Media, Boundless: A Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Podcast, is available on all major podcast streaming services and YouTube.
Where Can I See
Now: goodshepherdrehab.org/podcast
Sweet Charity’s Gifts of Love section is now virtual!
Use the URL to see the generous families and friends who honor their dear ones with memorial and living gifts. These gifts help support Good Shepherd’s mission of service to people with disabilities, many who otherwise could not afford the therapies or long-term care they need.
goodshepherdrehab.org/giftsoflove
Fallon’s Story
High school sweethearts Chad and Kianna Cederberg were eagerly preparing for the birth of their first child in early April 2023. On April 3, Kianna was induced on her birthday, and less than 24 hours later, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Fallon into the world. But Fallon was whisked away to the NICU for monitoring because she swallowed meconium during delivery and due to unstable oxygen levels. Reassured that the care team was operating out of an abundance of caution but still understandably concerned, Chad and Kianna visited Fallon in the NICU later that day.
While Fallon’s parents spent time with their newborn, her monitors and alarms began going off. Fallon had stopped breathing. She was quickly revived, but continued to have apneic episodes and seizures overnight, which resulted in her being intubated while undergoing days of testing. The results included a heartbreaking diagnosis: Fallon had a five-millimeter (5mm) bleed on the right side of her brain caused by an in-utero stroke.
For 37 days, little Fallon remained in the ICU while she recovered from a blood infection and a treatment plan was established for her seizures. After being discharged, Fallon’s next journey was at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit. Upon arriving at Good Shepherd, Fallon had difficulty eating and required a nasogastric (NG) tube. As a result of the stroke, the left side of her body was paralyzed.
Immediately, Fallon’s Good Shepherd care team began physical, occupational and speech therapy, continuing and building upon interventions she received in the NICU. They also trained Chad and Kianna to care for Fallon’s unique medical needs. As a result of her therapy, Fallon began to develop the endurance she needed to eat, allowing her to grow stronger every day. When she was discharged from Good Shepherd on July 7, 2023, she was purposefully using her left side and nearly ready for her feeding tube to be removed.
Today, Fallon is meeting age-appropriate milestones and demonstrating her loving, sweet and “spicy” personality. She continues outpatient therapy at Good Shepherd and receives weekly in-home therapy from early intervention where she consistently meets and surpasses her goals. Her parents credit Fallon’s growth and success to her independence, strong will and determination, along with care from her Good Shepherd care team, support from their parents and siblings who assist with therapy and caregiving and their family mantra, “Knowledge is Power,” which helped them educate themselves about their daughter’s medical needs. n
“We went from not being sure if Fallon would make it or not, to seeing her excel in everything she does. We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we know that whatever she does, it’ll be just fine.”
– Chad and Kianna Cederberg, Fallon’s parents
GALA IN THE GARDEN
The 2024 Gala in the Garden returned on June 2 in the beautiful Healing Gardens on Good Shepherd's South Allentown campus. Guests enjoyed dinner, music, a silent auction and a wine and spirit pull - resulting in more than $150,000 benefiting Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit.
Special guests Chad, Kianna and graduate of the Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit Fallon Cederberg were celebrated as this year's Featured Family. Read their full story on page 3. n
THE 2ND ANNUAL 'BOUNDLESS' NATIONAL SPEAKER EVENT
On May 29, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation presented Boundless, a National Speaker Event with Chris Norton. Chris is a best-selling author, Netflix documentary star (7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story) and a world-class speaker to Fortune 500 companies.
At age 18, Chris suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury playing college football. Doctors gave him a 3% chance to ever move again, but Chris defied the odds, taking his first steps on a lifelong journey. He shared his message of inspiration and perseverance in this free community event. n
OUTPATIENT SPOTLIGHT: KUTZTOWN
Good Shepherd’s Kutztown location offers a welcoming environment with specialized therapies.
"The wonderful staff at Good Shepherd got me back to doing all the things I love. They gave me improved mobility, but more importantly, they helped me find my self-confidence again. Thank you all so much!”
– Kutztown patient Steve, standing on his “bad” ankle
At Good Shepherd’s Kutztown location, you are more than a patient – you are part of a caring community dedicated to helping you achieve your therapy goals. Here, a comprehensive range of specialized services including adult physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic therapy, hand therapy, cognitive therapy and concussion therapy are offered by a team of caring experts. This nurturing atmosphere makes sessions not only enjoyable but also effective. Site Manager Samantha Partington says it is common to see returning patients, couples and families attending therapy together, and even patients creating friendships. Kutztown’s experienced team includes two Physical Therapists (PTs), three Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), a Patient Services Representative (PSR), one Rehabilitation Aide, one Occupational Therapist (OT) and two front office assistants who each contribute to the welcoming environment.
“I am lucky to have a team that works together so well and not only treats the patients with the absolute best care, but they also treat each other the same way,” says Samantha. n
Offered at Kutztown:
Kinotek movement assessment
Functional Capacity Exams (FCEs)
Aquatic physical therapy and warm water pool
Blood flow restriction
healing technology
Vestibular rehabilitation
Balance training
Address: 15260 Kutztown Rd., Suite 170, Kutztown, PA 19530 (Weis Plaza)
“So grateful for Kutztown Good Shepherd. I’m now able to do my gardening, close the trunk of my car and reach a top shelf pain-free. And you helped my mom be able to use her arm again. Can’t thank you enough!” – Kutztown patients Dawn and Joyce
Reflections
By Chaplain Carolyn Evans
I hear sweet melodies. Birds join in a chorus of harmonies. From the rattling of air conditioners to the shaking of unsteady fans, summertime has arrived. Arise, to all of you. Today is another opportunity to enjoy life, laugh and most of all, humbly serve.
In the summer, I love butterflies. Caterpillars are such amazing creatures. Have you seen a caterpillar sitting in a crack on the sidewalk? Perhaps he thinks, “How will I get over this mountain?” Although just a piece of concrete, to him, it poses a great challenge. But later, he may be gone. Now he finds himself up a tree in his next resting place: a cocoon.
Maybe he feels cold and alone. Maybe he wonders, “What is going on with my body?” He may feel immobilized because he can’t do everything he used to. His little legs fall off, and new ones begin to grow. He gains beautiful wings. One day, the cocoon cracks and he glimpses light. Soon he can fly free as a butterfly. The caterpillar has gone through a beautiful transformation. And he was never alone—God was with him.
Do you think some patients feel like the caterpillar? They question how long healing will take and when they might go home. Maybe their lives have been changed in every way. Maybe they question God and ask why did this happen to them? Spirituality is so important. God can reach the very intimate places in our hearts where humans can’t. He knows our pain, sorrows and struggles. It is a joy serving at Good Shepherd. This is not just a place to work, but a place to live out God’s purpose, goodwill and plan. Being a Chaplain allows me to offer support and prayer, to be a presence to someone feeling alone and to be a voice of encouragement.
Recovery can be challenging, but we can look forward to healing and know we aren’t alone. God says, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” When we place our trust, hope and faith in Him, we too can experience a transformed life and a newness. And like the butterfly, one day, we, too, can go free.
Philippians 4:13- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” n
In Memoriam
Steven Hartman
Good Shepherd Home - Raker Center resident Steven “Steve” Hartman passed away on April 5, 2024, at the age of 65 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Born in Topeka, Kansas, to a military family, Steve was ultimately raised in a waterfront home along the Delaware River. Steve loved being in and on the water, enjoying an array of aquatic activities with his two brothers, including water skiing, boating, fishing and scuba diving.
After high school, Steve relocated to attend Shippensburg University before settling with his former wife in the Lehigh Valley. Here, he began a nearly three-decade career at Harvel Plastics. In his late 20s, Steve was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis while working in the Harvel manufacturing plant. As the disease began to impact his mobility, Steve moved to the sales and customer service department—much to his daughter Shea’s surprise.
“I never would have expected my dad to be in sales based on his more reserved personality, but I learned from a coworker at his funeral that customers would call and specifically ask to speak with him, so he was obviously well-liked by customers and good in that role,” says Shea.
Following his retirement, Steve cherished spending time with Shea and his son Eric, who both lived close by. Prior to the pandemic, Steve also enjoyed participating in Good Shepherd’s MS Wellness art and yoga programs. When he moved into Raker Center, he continued to love watching sports, especially rooting for his favorite teams: the Packers and the Giants. He also enjoyed being a part of the Trivia Team, attending worship services and visiting with volunteer pet Bella.
Steve is greatly missed by his friends, fellow residents, staff and family, especially his children and three grandchildren. According to Shea, “My dad was reserved when you first met him, but when you were in with him, you were in. He had a great sense of humor and liked a one-liner, which you got to experience once you got to know him.”
Michael McIlmoyle
Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem resident Michael McIlmoyle passed away on May 20, 2024, following a 17-year battle with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. For six years, Mike called the Good Shepherd Home –Bethlehem home and was loved by fellow residents and staff alike.
Growing up in New Jersey, Mike enjoyed spending time with his small but close-knit family, which included his two loving parents, Bob and Margaret, and a younger sister, Mary, who he served as a protector. After being initially teased in high school because of his smaller stature, Mike turned to powerlifting and Aikido, which resulted in a passion for fitness and increased self-confidence. Adding to his confidence was his participation in the Police Explorers program, which was geared toward teens interested in a future career in law enforcement. It was this program which helped Mike set a goal of becoming a New Jersey State Trooper. Mike worked toward this goal by commuting on his prized motorcycle from his home to Rutgers University where he obtained a pre-law degree. Mike continued to pursue his dream of being a New Jersey State Trooper until his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis changed his focus to another passion: computers. Mike went on to finish first in his class while earning his advanced degree in computers from The Chubb Institute. He began a career in Computer Encryption at Securitas Security Services in New Jersey, and in California when winters proved difficult to navigate with his physical limitations. Mike excelled in his career for 17 years and only ceased working when the dexterity in his hands deteriorated to a point of no longer being able to type.
While MS may have taken physical abilities from Mike, according to his father, “He never lost his personality, good heart or clear sense of right and wrong.” Mike spent his final years in Pennsylvania, close to his parents, sister and beloved nephew, all who greatly miss him. n
WELCOME, ROBIN FRITSCH
With a wealth of experience and a commitment to patient care, Robin Fritsch is poised to make a significant impact as our new Vice President for Inpatient Rehabilitation Services and Administrator of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital.
Robin's decision to join Good Shepherd was driven by a desire to contribute to an organization known for its high-quality patient outcomes. Raised in the Lehigh Valley, Robin knew Good Shepherd would align with her commitment to outstanding rehabilitation services. With more than 25 years of experience in the rehabilitation industry, Robin has developed a comprehensive understanding of inpatient rehabilitation. Her background in social work has proven valuable, guiding her management style with empathy and active listening.
"Leading with empathy helps me grow and mentor staff, which ensures high patient satisfaction," says Robin.
Robin’s favorite aspect of working at Good Shepherd so far is the organization's dedication to staff feedback and patient-first philosophy. "In a short period of time, they have demonstrated how they strategically plan goals based on staff feedback,” says Robin. “Patient-first care is prioritized at every level of our operations. Lastly—and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this— I have been warmly welcomed by all.”
Robin's goal is clear: to provide high-quality care that exceeds patient satisfaction. Her extensive career has been rooted in inpatient rehabilitation, starting as a rehab unit social worker and advancing to CEO of a 74-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital before joining Good Shepherd. “I often tell people I’ve grown up professionally in the inpatient rehabilitation industry,” says Robin.
Outside of work, Robin is a devoted Philly sports fan, cheering for the Phillies, Eagles and Sixers. She enjoys spending time at the beach and admits it's one of the few things she misses after moving back to the Lehigh Valley from Maryland. Robin is married and has one daughter. Please join us in giving Robin a warm welcome! n
Good Shepherd Presents: Leading Disruption
A Health-Care Innovation Summit
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation hosted the second annual Health-Care Innovation Summit on April 6 at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The oneday conference inspired an innovation mindset through thought-provoking presentations, interactive workshops and networking. n
Celebrating Disability Inclusion Day at
Da
Vinci Science Center
Good Shepherd Pediatric patients and their families enjoyed a day of exploration and hands-on, sensory-friendly activities at the Da Vinci Science Center on February 24. n
A VISIT FROM Moravian Academy
Moravian Academy students in The Power of Story English course had the opportunity to be paired with a Good Shepherd Home - Raker Center resident for a multi-sensory story activity project. Students produced a creative artifact for their Story Buddy that reflected who they are, their stories and the time they spent together. n
WOMEN'S RETREAT
for long-term care residents
Thanks to the generosity of a Good Shepherd Philanthropic Partner, Good Shepherd Home - Bethlehem and Good Shepherd Home - Raker Center female residents were invited to attend a Spiritual Retreat on May 23. The Retreat included lunch, guided meditations, mapping our lives activities and spiritual guidance led by Chaplain Roxanne Kringle. n
THERAPY AND ACTIVITY GARDENS
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital's beautiful Therapy and Activity Gardens were celebrated and dedicated on May 9, 2024. Donors whose support made the gardens possible attended the event and enjoyed music, food and demonstrations of the adaptive golf program. n
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
Good Shepherd Plaza 850 South 5th Street Allentown, PA 1810 3
Women's Giving Circle
Good Shepherd's Women's Giving Circle gathered for fellowship, refreshments and a presentation by Pediatrics at Stone Farm Cellars & Vineyard on April 10. The Women's Giving Circle is dedicated to supporting the mission of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation through pooled membership dues. Learn more about getting involved by contacting Dianne Spengler at dspengler@gsrh.org.