Spring Issue 2021

A GOOD SHEPHERD PUBLICATION

VOL 113 ISSUE 4 • SPRING 2021

Going for the Goals One woman's triumphant story from despair to determination.

Good Shepherd at Work Living Life With Gusto Remembering the Rev. William Horn 1

Making All Things Possible Together Dear Friends, Spring is here and with it comes a strong sense of optimism and growth!

We’ve overcome so much over the past 12 months and now we can begin turning our sights to the future. We’re all looking forward to new days ahead filled with the promise of opportunities presented by what we’ve learned and accomplished. And most excitedly, we are on schedule to begin construction of our new rehabilitation hospital later this summer. So much to look forward to!

The last year has been filled with challenges for everyone but the spirit of overcoming challenges is woven into our fabric. That same spirit is evident in those we serve. You’ll see that in the cover story about Ruth Aragon, who rose above the challenges of a spinal cord injury with strong self-determination and help from Good Shepherd. And you’ll see it in the story about Brandon Mengel, a 35-year-old long-term care resident with a traumatic brain injury who enjoys an active life at the Good Shepherd Home — Bethlehem.

With you as our partners in philanthropy, Good Shepherd is poised to take bold next steps, new steps that we are excited to share in upcoming issues of Sweet Charity.

I look forward to meeting many of you once it is safe to do so. Your support and generosity make the success stories you read about in Sweet Charity possible. I hope you always remember, we provide clinical outcomes, but you change patients’ lives with your gifts.

Thank you.

ichael Spigel, PT, MHA M President & CEO

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Going for the Goals Ten years ago, a spinal cord injury threatened to dismantle Ruth Aragon's life. Today, Ruth is thriving, living independently and sees a bright future.

7 Reflections

by Chaplain Kelly Brooks

Remembering the Rev. William Horn

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On the Job Again 8

Good Shepherd at Work tackles on-the-job injuries, getting people back to work safely and sooner.

Living Life With Gusto 10

Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem resident Brandon Mengel is right where he wants to be.

12 Gifts of Love 16 Good News & Great Gifts 17 In Memoriam Pia Rinella Andrew Frederick High John Graver Cover photograph: Randy Monceaux

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Our Mission Motivated by the divine Good Shepherd, and the often complex physical and cognitive rehabilitation needs of our communities, our mission is to enhance lives, maximize function, inspire hope, and promote dignity and well-being with expertise, innovative care and compassion.

GoodShepherdRehab.org • 1-888-44-REHAB 3

Going G for the

Ruth Aragon never pictured her life turning out this way, but she is thankful that it did.

An inspiring spirit who relentlessly pursues personal and professional goals, the 29-year-old Allentown resident is a warm, welcoming presence at the outpatient Neurorehabilitation desk on the upper level of the Good Shepherd Health & Technology Center.

“I would have never imagined myself…,” Ruth says, trailing off for a brief moment. “I feel like I’ve accomplished more now, post-injury, than I have before my injury.”

In 2011, Ruth, then only 19 years old, wasn’t so sure of her future. A former high school athlete, Ruth was paralyzed from the waist down after sustaining a complete spinal cord injury. In an instant, her life, her future, her independence, was shattered. “It was hard,” says Ruth. “It was basically learning how to restart your life all over again. I didn’t think there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The first year and a half was rough. I went from being super independent to being dependent on people doing pretty much everything for me. It was not how I wanted to live my life.”

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Goals

By Mike Walbert

Ruth was admitted to the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital and began the hard work of rebuilding her life. Despite all of the obstacles mentally and physically, Ruth persevered and transitioned to outpatient care at the Health & Technology Center in Allentown.

Ruth bonded with fellow patients, who, along with her family and Good Shepherd staff, helped flip her mindset, she says.

“Just having people who would be there for the long run made all the difference,” Ruth says of her close circle of support. “They knew me at my best and they knew me at my worst. They pushed me to go back to school, trying to make the best out of the situation.”

Gradually, Ruth’s attitude evolved from despair to hope as her rehabilitation progressed with the help of some new technology at the time.

In 2012, Ruth was one of Good Shepherd’s earliest users of the Ekso Bionics exoskeleton, robotic technology purchased by Good Shepherd with generous funding by the RJ Foundation. She is proud to have been the first female patient to use the Ekso.

The wearable robotic device allows people with lower extremity paralysis or weakness from spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic accidents or other neurological conditions to stand and walk with a smooth, natural gait. A decade later, Ruth continues walking in the Ekso every week, just downstairs from her work station.

“It makes you feel like you’re on your own, that you’re walking again,” says Ruth, noting that she recently started walking with long

braces which help her ambulate by locking and unlocking them on her own with help from a therapist.

Ruth didn’t just have goals for her therapy. One of her other life goals was to go back to school and work at Good Shepherd. Ruth lasered in on achieving it. In 2015, Ruth got her associate’s degree from McCann School of Business and Technology, graduating at the top of her class.

The program required students to complete an externship, and Ruth knew just the place.

After completing her externship at Good Shepherd, Ruth volunteered at the Health & Technology Center. Faxes, sorting, stapling and filing paperwork, making copies for therapists, you name it, Ruth did it. Then, a position opened up. Ruth interviewed and got the job as a patient services representative.

Ruth hasn’t looked back. In fact, she is thriving.

“Since day one, she has been such a top-notch employee,” says Frank Hyland, hospital executive director and administrator. “Ruth is detailed, determined, an ultimate team player and so collegial to patients and families.

She takes so much pride in her work and sees to it that her responsibilities are always completed to the highest level.”

Ruth is an inspiration to employees and patients alike, says Sue Golden, administrative director of Neurorehabilitation. “Her injury has almost made her stronger now,” Sue says. “She sees obstacles as challenges and will find a way to do something with great determination.

Continued next page.

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“ I feel like I’ve accomplished more now, post-injury, than I have before my injury.”

When our patients see her in a chair, it inspires them to reach for the stars as well. She is able to help motivate others.”

After landing the job, Ruth focused on her next goal: buying and driving her first car post-injury. It became another box on her unofficial independence checklist. True to form, Ruth achieved that goal, too. With help from Good Shepherd’s Safe Driver Evaluation Program, Ruth received her driver’s license.

Next on her list? Living on her own in a wheelchair-accessible apartment. Check that box too.

Since 2018, Ruth has been living independently.

“I have never been so proud as the day we moved Ruth into her own apartment,” says Sue. “She got there though true grit and determination.”

But Ruth wasn’t done setting goals for herself.

In 2020, through DeSales University’s ACCESS Program, Ruth got a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Even more impressive, she achieved this by taking night classes after working a full day at Good Shepherd.

“To this day, it’s still mind blowing,” says Ruth.

Staying active is a big part of Ruth’s life. She participates in ADA-friendly events, including 5Ks, kayaking and bicycle riding. She loves 6

hitting the gym, putting on her headphones and working out for as long as two hours (“That’s my ‘me’ time,” she says). And just to prove she could, Ruth went on a cruise to Bermuda on her own. Three years ago, Ruth even went skydiving.

“I probably wouldn’t ever do it again,” she says, laughing, “but it was fun.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Ruth’s spinal cord injury, a milestone that is not lost on her. “It’s life-changing, not just for me but my family, too,” Ruth says. “Life and God have shown me that things are still possible. What matters most is how you think of yourself and see yourself. I think of myself the first year after my injury; I was feeling bad and sorry for myself.”

And now?

“Now I tell everyone, ‘I’m the best,’ ” she says with a smile, adding, “I don’t want people to see me or define me because of a wheelchair since that has never stopped me from doing what I like. I want to show people that whether or not you have a disability, you can accomplish whatever you want as long as you have the right mindset, support and faith.” n Mike Walbert is a marketing and communications specialist at Good Shepherd.

Reflections

By Chaplain Kelly Brooks Some people in our lives leave an indelible mark that time can never erase. The Rev. William Horn was one of those people, serving God by serving others, loving and loved by all who knew him. Bill began his life in ministry as a congregational pastor, but a divine hand guided him to the chaplaincy at The Good Shepherd Home where he worked for almost 30 years until retiring in 2010.

On January 14, Bill, 76, passed away. Bill understood the biblical concept of servanthood to the Lord and he lived his life with that focus. He had a kind heart, and Bill always had time to stop, listen and talk with anyone in need of a compassionate ear. He met people where they were, both spiritually and physically, often bending down to speak with them.

Bill was adored by Good Shepherd’s long-term care residents. He knew all their names and their stories. Bill enjoyed sharing stories of family events, accomplishments and vacation pictures with the residents who were an extended family to Bill.

Grounded in the Lutheran theology of grace, Bill was a forward thinker like the Rev. Dr. Conrad Raker, son of Good Shepherd’s founders the Rev. John H. and D. Estella Raker. Bill’s sermons always included encouraging and thoughtful words for his audience to ponder.

The Rev. William Horn

Bill was a wise soul always willing to share his insights with others. He felt strongly about speaking with rostered leaders about chaplaincy as well as promoting the education of chaplains on the national level.

In the community, Bill was one of Good Shepherd’s best ambassadors. He spoke to congregations about the mission and vision the Rakers began. He was a consummate advocate for people with disabilities, demystifying stereotypes and teaching congregations ways to make their churches more accessible to all. Bill coordinated confirmation workshops at Good Shepherd and local churches in an effort to sensitize youth to people with disabilities. (continued on page 18) 7

ON THE JOB AGAIN

An innovative program tackling on-the-job injuries gets people back to work safely and sooner.

One day in October 2020, paramedic Robin Gable felt a sharp pain in his lower back as he lifted a patient onto a gurney. Two days later, the pain became so excruciating Robin took a leave from work. He wanted one thing: to get back to work pain-free and fully functional.

Because of the physical demands of his job transferring patients, Robin had to be able to lift, push, pull and carry. “We worked on doing box lifts, making him pick up things from the ground, squat down and push a cart that simulated a gurney,” says Charlie.

Since Robin’s injury happened on the job, he was admitted to the Good Shepherd at Work program. This innovative program is a teambased approach to occupational health, offering inpatient and outpatient physical therapy from the date of injury and beyond.

“It went very well,” says Robin. “Every day, I reported less muscle pain and less nerve pain.”

“When we get a call for an injured worker, we try to get them in within 24 to 48 hours,” says Charlie Eberling, a physical therapist and regional outpatient rehabilitation manager.

“Through the level of skill we provide, we have exceptional outcomes and can get patients back to work sooner.”

During Robin’s evaluation at Good Shepherd Physical Therapy – Fogelsville, one of 20 sites offering Good Shepherd at Work, Charlie determined that Robin likely had a herniated disc in his spine. Robin was eager to return to work, so Charlie and the physical therapy team developed a comprehensive care plan to help Robin reach his goal as quickly and safely as possible.

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After more than nine weeks putting in the hard work to fully recover, Robin was back in uniform and on the job with no restrictions on January 12. “He’s doing great,” says Charlie.

What stands out most to Robin about his experience at Good Shepherd? The people.

“The person at the front window talked to me as if she’d known me for a few years,” says Robin, noting that the therapists have their patients’ best interests at heart striking just the right balance between challenging and encouraging them to achieve their goals.

“I’ve known physical therapists in the past who want to push you; they act like they’re an exercise trainer,” says Robin. “At Good Shepherd, I never got a sense that they wanted to move onto the next patient or that I was just a number.” n

Charlie Eberling

G OO D S H E P H E R D AT WO R K : M E E TI N G A N E E D The Good Shepherd at Work program began in 2018 when Good Shepherd saw an opportunity in in the occupational medicine, or “occmed,” market that hadn’t been addressed in the Lehigh Valley. Since early 2019, the number of outpatient visits for occmed services at Good Shepherd has grown from 3 to 10 percent.

Once a hard-to-find service, functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are core to the program. Charlie Eberling is one of seven certified work capacity evaluators in the state. Five other Good Shepherd therapists are working on their certification.

Charlie says Good Shepherd plans to expand and grow the program with such services as on-site consultations at work places or even on the road.

Also under consideration is post-job-offer testing which can reduce the risk of hiring someone physically unable to perform the job.

Good Shepherd has contracts with all major third-party contractors and insurance companies, and is the only rehabilitation organization in the Eastern Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. “We have meetings with heads of contracting companies and labor departments so we can see what’s changing in their world and adapt to it,” says Charlie.

For information on Good Shepherd at Work, call 1-888-44-REHAB. 9

With Gusto The hamburgers were sizzling on the grill. The gardens and patio were festively decorated in red, white and blue. And the rock guitarist had the crowd fired up; but no one more than Brandon Mengel, sitting in his wheelchair, front and center, at the annual All-American picnic.

Life, for this 35-year-old resident at the Good Shepherd Home — Bethlehem, is anything but dull, and Brandon grabs it all with gusto.

Twenty years ago, Brandon suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident. He lived at home with his mother, Thelma Keller, and stepfather, Greg, until December 2017 when it became apparent he needed a higher level of care.

“When Brandon was home, I took care of all his needs,” says Thelma. “But I had it in the back of my mind that Brandon would always need someone (else). They really do take care of him at the Bethlehem home.”

At first, Thelma was worried about Brandon’s transition to long-term care. But her concerns vanished when she realized how quickly Brandon fit in at the Bethlehem home. Brandon 10

found a place that provided not only the specialized long-term care he needs, but also enriching activities and plenty of friends among staff and residents alike.

Brandon’s outgoing spirit makes him a people person at heart. “Brandon seems like he’s found his niche,” says Thelma. “He’s doing really well, and I’m really pleased. Being in a wheelchair has not made him depressed.”

Brandon gets regular haircuts, dental visits and eye exams right in the Bethlehem home. He enjoys visits home with his family throughout the year. One of his favorite activities is attending cross-country and track meets coached by his stepfather. Brandon also loves going to baseball and hockey games accompanied by Good Shepherd staff. One year, he was treated to a tour of the Christmas light displays around town.

The COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed group activities, outings and family visits, but Good Shepherd staff has developed creative ways for Brandon and the other residents to remain active and engaged. Brandon loves making

birdhouses, feeding the birds and staying connected with his family virtually.

“Brandon’s social worker, Anna Maria Gialias, goes out of her way to help Brandon with Skype,” says Thelma, referring to the visual phone calls that connect Brandon with his parents.

sense of community. “I also helped Brandon purchase chickens and bees for a charity program to assist individuals in other countries,” says Anna Maria. “He has a kind soul and generous spirit.”

Anna Maria has been instrumental in helping Brandon live his most enriching life in longterm care. Brandon is a member of Helping Hearts, a community outreach group he also named. He told Anna Maria, “We may not be able to use our hands, but we can always use our hearts to help.”

In keeping with COVID-19 safety measures, Helping Hearts members have not been able to meet as a group and adapted their activities accordingly. Thelma admits she worried about Brandon feeling alone during the pandemic since he can’t have visitors. But during a recent Skype call, Brandon told Thelma he likes it “right where he is” at the Bethlehem home.

As a Helping Hearts volunteer, Brandon has enjoyed participating in two food drives, creating birthday baskets for other residents, writing letters to veterans thanking them for their service, making toys for shelter dogs and creating fall decorations for residents’ doors to bring a

Brandon will always be a people person at heart.

“I don’t know if there’s anyone he doesn’t like,” says Thelma. “He’s in the right place. We’ve been praying for Brandon all this time, praying for his healing. It's been a long road, and we’ll keep praying.” n

“We may not be able to use our hands, but we can always use our hearts to help,” says Brandon.

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IN HONOR OF…

DONATED BY…

IN HONOR OF…

DONATED BY…

All Good Shepherd's long-term care residents

Elizabeth McDonald

Good Shepherd second floor staff

Mrs. Bette Ehrenberg

Arlie

Mr. Arlington Miller

Ronald & Veronica Cariola

Anna Gerber

Ms. Patricia Cautilli Bruce & Adele Greenfield Found

Good Shepherd — Souderton staff Good Shepherd third floor staff

Mrs. Shirley Mittl

Bill Horn

Ms. Kelli Shope

Ms. Betty Sattazahn

Caregivers of Romas Jrananuzza

Jim & Carol Albrecht

Grandchildren Bailey, Easton, Cameron & Audrey

Carolyn Bryce

Gerald Bryce

Heidi Kiefer

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Eick

Christmas

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Wagner

Jack Hudders from his wife Sylvia Hudders

Mrs. John Raker Hudders

Craig Mittl

Mrs. Shirley A. Mittl

James Skelly

Ms. Constance Potts

David Trippeda

Ms. Christine Traub

Jennifer Yenser

Ms. Paige Longstreth

Derrick Redcay

Ms. Barbara S. Cassell

Jill Linette

Ms. Barbara A. Zelechoski

Dr. Maureen Perisin

Mr. Toufy Haddad

Julia Rush

Ms. Paige Longstreth

Ed Zajac

Glenn & Cynthia Gifford

Karl Johnson

Ms. Barbara J. Abel

Family

Mrs. Ruth Yoder-Taylor

Kayla Karan

Rev. Jerry Mraz

For the nursing staff on the brain injury floor in memory of John Raker

Mrs. John Raker Hudders

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Prueter

Gale Woerner

Margaret Gigler

Ms. Megan Grennan

Gary R. Schmidt

Mrs. Carry Gerber

Mark Johnson

Ms. Barbara J. Abel

George Stevens

Ms. Stephanie Dodson

Matt VonKirk

Ms. Maureen D. Kerner

Good Shepherd — Bethlehem staff

Mr. Joseph E. Bickert Ms. Susan Szczepanski

Merry Christmas

Mr. & Mrs. Adam Keller Sharon & Martin Stein

Good Shepherd — Cedarpointe

Mr. David Ackerman

Nicole Weaknecht

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Costelllo

Raker Center

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Green

Good Shepherd — East Greenville staff

Mr. Gerard Bryce

Raker Center staff

Mrs. Ruth Scott

Residents & staff surviving 2020!

Ms. Linda Wagner

The Rev. John Johnson

Ms. Barbara J. Abel

Rina Johnson

Ms. Barbara J. Abel

Rita Tunnhoff

Mr. & Mrs. Harold T. Kirkwood Ms. Mary Linder

Ron Moyer

Mr. Albert Snyder

Ms. Alice Meyers Good Shepherd nursing & therapy providers thank you for all the care you provided for my niece Maryalice Amoroso Good Shepherd physical therapy & occupational staff 12

Mr. & Mrs. Alvaro Diaz

We thank the generous families and friends who honor their dear ones with memorial gifts and living gifts of honor. 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.

IN HONOR OF…

DONATED BY…

IN MEMORY OF…

DONATED BY…

Ryan Macalintal

Peter & Eileen Costello Mr. & Mrs. Peter Costelllo

Carl Johnson

Mr. Paul Johnson

Carolyn Volk

Mr. & Mrs. Alan L. Baer

Steve Vandenberg

Mr. & Mrs. Alvaro Diaz

Cathy Gelatko

Marianne Eisenhauer

Charles H. Dorn, Jr

Mrs. Diane J. Dorn

Chester Brewer

Joseph & Patricia Brewer Mr. & Mrs. Louis Winkler Second Reformed Church

Clinton Simmons

Mrs. Marilyn Simmons

IN CELEBRATION OF…

DONATED BY…

All the hard working and compassionate GS employees

Ms. Caryn Wetcher

Allen High

Mary Difebo

David Donati

Mr. Eugene Donati

Christopher Nealon, miraculous recovery

Gerald & Jill Nealon

David Fiori

Mr. & Mrs. David Fiori

Deby Bewley

Mrs. Judith Jablonski

Geraldine Balliet

Mr. James Coombe

Dianne J. Adams

James Skelly

Mr. Robert Williams

Ms. Barbara J. Abel Mr. Paul Johnson

The blessings my family has provided

Mr. Thomas Hallman

Don Poyourow

Ms. Anne Marie Grattan

Donald D. Christian

Catherine Renzulli

Total knee replacement

Joseph Reese

Donald L. Christian

Catherine Renzulli

Vicki Rigby, an inspiration to clear choice of joy

Mr. Dennis Bender

Donald P. Mumbauer

Mrs. Barbara C. Mumbauer

Dolores Golden

Ms. Francis B. Marshall Ms. Julia Fox Mr. Edward Fox, Jr. Mr. Carl Junglas Mr. & Mrs. Pauk Koba Ms. TB Lear Ms. Sheryl A. Minchin Jim & Karol D'Huyvetters Liberty Hose Company #2 The Siefert Family Ms. Debra Bossert Mr. & Mrs. Robert Michler Mrs. Grace Principato Mr. Preston Hindmarch Walter & Barbara Lieberman Mr & Mrs. Gerald Kemmerer

Dora H. Barr

Alumni Varsity Club of Easton Area High School

Dorothy Yapsuga

Bob Yapsuga

IN MEMORY OF…

DONATED BY…

Adele Hadeed

Najet Hadeed

Alberta MacMillian

Ms. Carol Copland

Anna Schaum

Ray & Carol Dennis

Annabelle Roth

From their Children

Anneliese Tunnhoff

Mr. & Mrs. Harold T. Kirkwood

Ardella Kathryn Fegley Moyer

Dr. Glenn Moyer

Barbara Follmer

Mrs. Joanne Broome

Barbara Graver

Mr & Mrs. Albert Koncsics

Benjamin Knauss

Jonathan & Lynn Terry

Betty Brewer

Joseph & Patricia Brewer

Bill Davies

Mrs. Rosa McAlexander

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(continued)

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IN MEMORY OF…

DONATED BY…

IN MEMORY OF…

DONATED BY…

Duke Riegel

Mr. Lester W. Riegel, Sr.

John Kohut

Mrs. Helen Neubauer

Edward E. Barr

Ms. Francis B. Marshall

John Schaum

Ray & Carol Dennis

Edward Glaessmann

Ms. Doris A. Gribbin

Joseph Benzak

Mr. David Benzak

Edythe Dennis

Ray & Carol Dennis

Joseph Grunt

Ms. Judith Wertheim

Eleanor Keiter

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Malloy

Joseph Kohut

Mrs. Helen Neubauer

Elvira Maniatty

Mr. George Maniatty

Karen Sharer

Ms. Patricia Wisniewski

Elsie M. Fonte

Jim & Kathy Nicholasen

Kenneth Muschlitz

Mr. & Mrs. John D. LaBarre

Emil Godshall

Dr. Timothy & Howard PetersStrickland

Kenneth Schaefer

Emile Hadeed

Najet Hadeed

James & Donna Schaefer Mr. & Mrs. Rod Brooks

Ena Davies

Mrs. Rosa McAlexander

Kristal J. Harakal

Esther Gottshall

Ms. Ann Walker

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Harakal Donald & Barbara Harakal Ms. Lynn Billings

Frank A. Weber

Mrs. Sylvia H. Weber

Kristi Cochios

Ms. Ruth Cochios

Fred Keiter

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Malloy

L. Stratton Mosser

Mr. Scott Mosser

Fred Roth

From their Children Robert Hess

Laila Hadeed

Najet Hadeed

Lenora Rush

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis M. Rush

Fred Vannatta

Dr. & Mrs. W.A. Lyons

Lillian Golden

George Holowis, Sr.

Mr. Gary Holowis

Mrs. Susan Salvadge Ms. Kathleen Kiffer

Geraldine Knappenberger Mr. Rodney Kencht

Lily Keim Van Sweden

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas F. Keim

Gladys Portlock

Mr. & Mrs. James Portlock

Lois Cook

Mr. Thomas Cook

Grandpa Lengner

Mr. Marc Kramer

Lori Martin

Mrs. Betty Kalbach

Harold S Ashworth, Jr.

Mrs. Lisa M. Ashworth

Louis J. Chomo

Ms. Patricia Chomo

Helene Schaefer

James & Donna Schaefer Mr. & Mrs. Rod Brooks

Louis Hershman

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Butke

Henry Dennis

Ray & Carol Dennis

Louise Rees

Mr. John Gorman

Hilde E. Meier

Mr. William G. Meier

Lynn Dubbs

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Butke

Janelle Bergandino

Judy Kling

Mahlon U. Wolf

Mr. David Wolf

Jack Brennan

Mr. & Mrs. William S Brennan

Maria V. Burke

Ms. Kathleen Munroe

Jean

Alma & Barbara E. Baumgartner

Marie Brennan

Mr. & Mrs. William S Brennan

Marie Farr

Mr. James H. Heidler

Jessie Christman

Mr. Kurt Scott

Margaret Hamilton

Mr. Alan Kulp

Jill D. Schumacher

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred E. Douglass, III

Margaret Yocum

Mr. Tim Yocum

Jim Maul

From an anonymous friend

Mary Dreisbach

Emily, Jazz and Linda Ferrol

John Barnako

Leslie & Ann Mathews

Mary Ellen Paulus

Mrs. Patricia A. Hartzell

John Kleintop

Ms. Linda Highhouse

Michael Nagle

Mr. & Mrs. Brett W. Rohlfing

IN MEMORY OF…

DONATED BY…

IN MEMORY OF…

DONATED BY…

Michael Sweigart

Mrs. Sandra Sweigart

Ricky H. Donohue

Mrs. Beryl M. Donohue

Morris Litrenta

Mrs. Constance Litrenta

Robert Fenton

Noreene Berger

Mr. Joseph Berger

Oscar Keiter

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Malloy

Mrs. Doris Fenton Mr. Jostin Fenton James & Beth Fenton

Pastor Charles Faust

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Stavarski

Robert Gruenewald

Mr. William Gruenewald

Paul H. Csencsits

Mrs. Kathryn Csencsits

Robert C. Neubauer

Mrs. Helen Neubauer

Paul L. Edinger, Jr.

Mrs. Ann R. Edinger

Rosanna Davies

Mrs. Rosa McAlexander

Paul Hewitt

Curt and Cynthia Bauer

Rose Baranko

Leslie & Ann Mathews

Russell Gottshall

Ms. Ann Walker

Paul Lauchnor

Mrs. Ruth Henslinger

Ruth J. Beer

Ms. Margaret Schneider

Paul Tunnhoff

Mr. & Mrs. Harold T. Kirkwood

Ruth Benzak

Mr. David Benzak

R. Stockton Taylor

Ms. Kimberly Blunder

Ruth Cole

Mrs. Linda S. Conine

The Rev. Howard W Weidemoyer

Ms. Barbara Kelly Blanche M. Fuhrman Bill and Linda Prueter Ms. Carol Rude David, Beth and Meryl Debra Poese Ms. Donna Heppner Mr. & Mrs. Emil J. Keller Elizabeth & Harry Sheather Gale Woerner Mrs. Gloria Boch Joyce & Jerry Newmzer Judith Miller Mr. & Mrs. Keith Dalious Rev. Larry V. Smoose Ms. Lois Apple Lyle & Jane Levine Mrs. Marie C. Boltz Ms. Mary Odom Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Swortz Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Dallas Mr. Richard J. Prueter Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mantz Mr. & Mrs. Steven Clark Mr. & Mrs. Steven Mann Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Conroy

Sally Gurskey

Ms. Linda Highhouse

Sandy Scatena

Jutta & Tom Kirkwood

Scot P. Broascius

Esther Broascius

Scott Hess

Rob & Diane Hess

Scott Sandler

Christopher Sandler

Stephen Kohut

Mrs. Helen Neubauer

Theresa Zwiefl

Ms. Doris A. Gribbin

Tillie Rocco

Ms. Joanne Rocco-Carter

Viola Rice

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Gehman

Virginia Pfeiffer

Mr. Frank Pfeiffer

Wallace Wagner

Dr. Deborah Kimmel

William Egan

Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon Richards

Richard Tracey Newman

Ms. Catherine Newman

Dr. R. Richard Schall

Ms. Illse V. Schall Mr. David Fessler

Gifts were received from November 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021.

WAYS TO GIVE Text GSRN to 91999 or Visit SweetCharityOnline.org

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&

Good News

Great Gifts

Good Shepherd recently received two generous gifts that will benefit children served by Good Shepherd Pediatrics.

The Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation gave a third gift totaling $45,000 toward Good Shepherd’s Pediatric Autism in the Arts program. The foundation initiated funding for the program now in its third year helping young people with autism discover their potential through the arts.

The program of six consecutive arts-based workshops serves children ages 12 to 21 who are on the autism spectrum. By exploring their unique perspectives through artistic expression, participants develop interpersonal skills and gain confidence to function independently in classes, public events and social activities.

“We are forever grateful to the Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation for their ongoing support of the program,” says Cora Hook, a speech-language pathologist. “Along with the Good Shepherd Women’s Giving Circle, their support has enabled us to present our work at the National Convention of Speech-Language Pathologists, and expand our artistic collaborators to include Cedar Crest College and nationally-acclaimed storyteller Peggy Pettitt.”

A $125,000 grant from the Jean L. Potter Foundation will help support the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit and outpatient pediatrics.

"This gift means so much to the staff, children and families we serve, because providing the exceptional level of care we do means going above and beyond for our patients,” says Amanda Kleckner, administrative director of pediatrics at Good Shepherd. “Generous gifts like this support cutting-edge technology and education, so we are providing best practice and best outcomes for our pediatric clients."

The grant is an investment in the future care of children and youth.

Good Shepherd is the only provider in the region offering pediatric inpatient rehabilitation and specialized programs to treat children with complex medical and congenital conditions. n 16

Pia Rinella They say laughter is the best medicine, and any time Pia Rinella was around, there was no shortage of cheer. Whether it was on weekend visits to downtown Bethlehem with her parents or hanging out at the Good Shepherd Home — Bethlehem nurses’ station where nothing got past her, Pia brought laughter everywhere she went.

“I always loved her sense of humor,” says her mother, Leslie. “That was my favorite memory of her. She was very funny and loved to make people laugh.”

On January 30, Pia, 48, passed away. She was a Good Shepherd resident for 21 years and much loved by staff and residents alike.

Pia grew up in Wyndmoor and graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. Outgoing and social, Pia always knew what was happening at Good Shepherd. Pia’s interests were many and varied, especially music. She participated in Good Shepherd’s music therapy and could always be found with her friends at annual resident balls, the All-American Picnic and decorating for the holidays.

Andrew Frederick High “I’m trading my sorrows. I’m trading my shame. I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord. I’m trading my sickness. I’m trading my pain. I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord.”

Although he was unable to speak or sing, Andy High found joy and meaning in his favorite hymn. His excitement grew as his church’s praise team belted: “Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, yes, Lord.” Few things made Andy as happy as music. He was born with cerebral palsy and music stimulated his brain. It remained central to his life at the Good Shepherd Home — Bethlehem where he lived for the last three years until passing away at age 43 on January 29.

There were other cadences in Andy’s life that gave him joy: taking walks in his wheelchair with his nieces and nephew, fishing with his Uncle Jerry at the family farm’s pond and time spent with his brother Bradley or sister Michelle. He also enjoyed the company of friends at Good Shepherd and participated in a variety of activities.

“Good Shepherd was good for him,” says his father, Lester. “He lived a very full life.”

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John Graver John Graver was a man filled with love: for his two children and six grandchildren, his motorcycles, especially his Harley-Davidson, and just about anything that took him outdoors. A Bethlehem native and resident of the Good Shepherd Home — Bethlehem for the last five years, John’s reliance on a wheelchair didn’t keep him from living life to its fullest until his passing on October 30, 2020, at age 64.

Fishing, archery, gardening, hiking and camping were some of the activities that made John happiest. Most days, you could find John down at Monocacy Creek simply enjoying the weather or fishing.

Always inventive, he came up with many gadgets and adaptations to help him in his daily life. He even used to make his own fishing bait in a blender and adapted his gear so he could still fish.

Always eager to learn, John loved history, watching documentaries and sharing what he had learned. John also was an enthusiastic Musikfest attendee every year and a faithful Jehovah’s Witness.

Reflections Bill was keenly aware of the plight of those with mental health concerns and the needs of Latinos, and supported efforts to broaden the public’s understanding of these populations. He was one of the few people awarded both the Raker Spirit Award for his dedication to service within Good Shepherd as well as the Raker Memorial Award for his service to the community.

Of all Bill’s wonderful qualities, one of his best was his sense of humor. His dry wit and ability to make others laugh invited you in with his gentle demeanor. And Bill was well

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known for his hilarious Halloween costumes.

Who among us could forget his appearance as a six-foot chicken?

One of the things near and dear to Bill’s heart was his family. He met his wife in a church setting and was instantly smitten.

They were married fifty one years. Bill once said he wanted to retire early enough to enjoy time with family and to travel.

However, ministry was never far away as he worked with congregations and continued his call to share the good news of Christ. n

A GOOD SHEPHERD PUBLICATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOOD SHEPHERD REHABILITATION NETWORK MICHAEL SPIGEL, PT, MHA, President, Allentown GARY SCHMIDT, MA, Chair, Orefield SANDRA L. BODNYK, Vice Chair, Orefield THE REV. JOHN RICHTER, M.Div., Secretary, Sinking Springs JAN HELLER, MBA, Treasurer, Bethlehem POLLY BESTE, Wind Gap PAMELA DeCAMPLI, Allentown ALVARO DIAZ, MS, Allentown PAUL D. EMRICK, CIMA®, CFP ®, Allentown DAVID FESSLER, Nazareth JAMES GREENFIELD, Center Valley DEBORAH KIMMEL, MD, Allentown THOMAS J. LYNCH, Allentown STEVEN D. MORRISON, MBA, BS, Coopersburg JAAN NAKTIN, MD, FACP, Allentown PETER D. QUINN, DMD, MD, Haverford TINA Q. RICHARDSON, PhD, Bethlehem VICTOR SALICETTI, Bethlehem DONALD W. SNYDER, Esq., Orefield MAURA TOPPER, Philadelphia JONATHAN P. WARNER, CEBS, ISCEBS, Philadelphia Trustee Emeriti JOHN V. COONEY, MS, Allentown NELVIN L. VOS, PhD, Maxatawny Legacy Trustee JILL DOUGLASS, Allentown BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOOD SHEPHERD SPECIALTY HOSPITAL FRANK HYLAND, MSPT, Vice Chair JAMES J. DALEY, MD, Center Valley PETER T. ENDER, MD, Center Valley WILLIAM GOULD, MD SUSAN L. LAWRENCE, MS, CPHQ, Bethlehem

Good Shepherd serves persons with disabilities on the basis of need regardless of ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or religious creed and is an equal opportunity employer.

Sweet Charity is printed by Christmas City Printing.

VOL 113 ISSUE 4 • SPRING 2021

FACILITY MEDICAL DIRECTORS SCOTT K. EPSTEIN, MD Good Shepherd – Wayne Memorial Inpatient Rehabilitation Center CLINTON C. HOLUMZER, MD Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem PATRICK DOSTAL, MD Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center

SWEET CHARITY IS A PUBLICATION OF: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Good Shepherd Plaza 850 South 5th Street Allentown, PA 18103

GOOD SHEPHERD SPECIALTY HOSPITAL PROGRAM MEDICAL DIRECTORS JAMES J. DALEY, MD PETER ENDER, MD WILLIAM GOULD, MD JAAN P. NAKTIN, MD JOSEPH B. SCHELLENBERG, MD

DEVELOPMENT Gregory Wilson, CAP®, CFRE, Associate Vice President for Development

ADMINISTRATION MICHAEL SPIGEL, PT, MHA, President & CEO CINDY BUCHMAN, MHA, Vice President, Physician and Clinical Services JESSICA COOPER E xecutive Director, Good Shepherd Penn Partners CHERYL FISHER, SPHR Chief Human Resources Officer CHRIS FISTNER, NHA, PCHA Administrator, Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center JESSICA FLORKOWSKI, MSN, RN, CWCA, Administrator, Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital CARRY GERBER, Vice President, Marketing & Communications FRANK HYLAND, MSPT, Executive Director, and Administrator, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital CARRIE KANE, MS, CCC-SLP/L, ATP, A dministrator, Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem GEORGINE A. OLEXA, Esq., JD, MBA Vice President, Legal Affairs TERENCE O’NEIL Chief Information Officer JENNIFER SILVA, DNP, RNC, NE-BC, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer SANDEEP SINGH, MD

Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer

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Major & Planned Giving Officers: Jeannette Edwards Kimberly Stolarik Andrew B. Block, MPA Director of Government Relations & Development Alicia Moyer Annual Fund & Sponsorships Officer Dianne Spengler Corporate & Foundation Relations Specialist EDITOR, WRITER Elizabeth McDonald CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mike Walbert Marketing and Communications Specialist Graphcom Krista Scarlett Christine Wisniewski PHOTOGRAPHY Randy Monceaux Photography GRAPHIC DESIGN Klunk & Millan Advertising To make an address correction, or remove your name from our mailing list, please call (610) 778-1075.

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USPS-530800. A quarterly publication of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, Good Shepherd Plaza, 850 South 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103, 1-877-734-2247, a non-profit corporation, founded February 21, 1908, by the late Rev. John H. Raker, D.D. Incorporated by decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1909, under the corporate title of “The Good Shepherd Home.” Postage paid at Allentown, PA, and at additional mailing offices.

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