COVER STORY
The Other Side of Stroke
Dear Friends, The year 2014 is drawing to a close and with it we bid farewell to a wonderful year filled with blessings for the many ways you, our friends and donors, have helped sustain our mission serving people with disabilities.
After a series of mini-strokes at age 38 affected her vision, Christine Husser of Bethlehem is regaining her independence thanks to Good Shepherd’s Vision Therapy Program.
Whether you gave $5, $500 or more, each and every gift was received with gratitude. And whether you’ve given to us with your time, your talent, your treasure or all three, we could not continue to do what we do without you. In this issue of Sweet Charity, you’ll find the spirit of giving is as vibrant as ever. Our Golf & Tennis Invitational benefiting our Pediatrics Program was a huge hit under the volunteer leadership of Jaime Mendes of PenTeleData (who, by the way, has agreed to chair this event again next year). Fund raisers with Hockey Fights MS and Talbot’s in Bethlehem demonstrate the generosity of community partnerships in a very meaningful way. I’m proud of our own associates too, who supported the Backpacks for Kids project helping children from low-income households start the school year off on the right foot. Our associates also strongly supported our Celebrity Bartender event by creating some amazing gift baskets and buying raffle tickets. Then there’s our Women’s Giving Circle, a group of women philanthropists whose generosity expands every year. This year they awarded $62,000 to our Vision Therapy Program. You’ll read in the cover story how Christine Husser, a young mother of three who suffered five mini-strokes, is benefiting from this remarkable program that offers the latest technologies. The Women’s Circle gift will go a long way toward helping more people like Christine. Our work is never done here and I hope that all of you will consider giving as generously as you can, making it possible for even more people to enjoy greater independence.
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Features
Meet the Happy Crackers.............................8 Grateful for the care her mother received at Good Shepherd, Joanne Hetzel gives back to a group of residents in a unique way.
On the cover: Christine Husser back on the job. Cover photograph: Randy Monceaux
IN THIS ISSUE 2014 Golf & Tennis Invitational.......... 12 Giving Where It Counts.................. 14 Celebrating the Spirit of Giving......................... 18
Serving God’s Customers ...........................10 Chaplain Paul Xander answers a calling that follows in the spiritual footsteps of Good Shepherd’s founders. Brother of Mine......................................16
Good News & Great Gifts............... 20 Disco Fever............................. 22 Gifts of Love............................ 24
How occupational therapist Heidi Guess’s unconditional love for her brother led her to a career helping Good Shepherd’s residents.
Giving Back..........................................26 Good Shepherd associates once again help needy children start the school year off right.
Follow Sweet Charity on Facebook! facebook.com/sweetcharityonline
Sincerely,
OUR MISSION Motivated by the divine Good Shepherd and the physical and cognitive rehabilitation needs of our communities, 2
John Kristel, MBA,MPT President & CEO
GoodShepherdRehab.org
1-888-44-REHAB
our mission is to enhance lives, maximize function, inspire hope, and promote dignity and well-being with expertise and compassion. 3
Spring had arrived. The brutal winter of endless snow and cold was over, and that was reason enough for Todd and Christine Husser of Bethlehem to celebrate. On Sunday, June 8, 2014, they were heading home after an ice-cream run to McDonald’s when Christine’s right hand started to tingle. By the time they arrived home, Christine could barely get out of the car. Her vision was blurry and she was slurring her words. “I felt intoxicated,” she recalls. The young mother of three who had turned 38 just three days earlier also knew what proved to be a terrible truth – she was having a stroke. “I know the signs,” she says. “My grandmother died from a stroke at 73.” Once inside, Christine suddenly lost all feeling on her right side and collapsed in Todd’s arms.
Although Christine still was numb on her left side, she was discharged and told to monitor her symptoms. The next 28 hours were a cycle of waking and sleeping with two episodes of crushing pain in her head that hit like clockwork about 3:30 a.m. “She was screaming and crying because of this tremendous pressure in her head,” says Todd. On Tuesday, three days after the onset of her symptoms, the right side of Christine’s face drooped and her eye nearly closed. Christine was rushed back to the hospital where she was immediately admitted.
“I’ll never forget the frozen look on her face,” says Todd. “She looked like she was having a stroke.”
The next morning brought disturbing news. It was confirmed that Christine had not one, not two, but five mini-strokes caused by a blood clot in the basilar artery, a main artery in the back of her brain.
Todd dialed 911. Then, the numbness switched from Christine’s right side to her left.
“One millimeter in another direction and I could have been paralyzed for life,” says Christine.
It took the ambulance nearly half an hour to arrive and get Christine to the emergency room of their local hospital. “At this point I started to see her eyes sag more and she started to get really bad headaches,” says Todd.
Further testing also revealed a hole in Christine’s heart, although doctors couldn’t confirm that’s what caused the blood clot that broke off and traveled through her body where it lodged in her brain. The clot was inoperable and Christine was put on blood thinners in an attempt to dissolve it.
But what Christine strongly suspected was happening to her wasn’t confirmed by a Christine with daughters Abigail, 12, and Ashley, 18
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CAT scan, a diagnostic medical test that produces multiple images of the inside of the body. Doctors theorized that her symptoms were possibly caused by another emerging neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis or Bell’s palsy.
After seven days in the hospital, Christine was discharged. She still was numb on her left side and her vision was significantly 5
Stroke Doesn’t Age-Discriminate If you think stroke is something that affects only older adults, think again. “Strokes affect all ages, from children to senior citizens,” says Frank Hyland, vice president of rehabilitation services and administrator of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown. “About 15 percent of patients who experience a stroke are 55 or younger. And, the incidence of stroke in this age group is increasing.” What to do if you think you’re having a stroke Always remember to call 911 at the first sign of a stroke. An easy way to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke are to remember FAST:
F A S T
F = Face: If one side of the face or mouth is drooping, or if sight is blurred, call 9-1-1. A = Arm: When an individuals holds his or her arms out front of the body, does one arm drift down or seem weaker than the other? Is one leg weaker than the other? If so, call 9-1-1. S = Speech: If speech is slurred, or if an individual is not making sense when speaking, call 9-1-1. T= Time: Immediately call 911 and document the time when the person first exhibited the signs and symptoms of stroke. Remember, time is of the essence when you're having a stroke.
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impaired. She would not only need physical therapy but vision therapy to correct the deficits that now affected her balance and posture, and prevented her from driving. Even the simple act of stepping up on a curb was a struggle because her eyes were not working together causing dizziness and decreased depth perception.
targets. This also affected her eye-hand coordination and reaction time.”
A friend recommended Christine go to Good Shepherd where she began physical therapy in September. After an assessment by Dr. Jeffrey Becker, O.D., a neurorehabilitation optometrist from Luzerne County who sees patients at Good Shepherd, Christine entered Good Shepherd’s Vision Therapy Program.
“I know my frustration came out,” Christine admits. “I couldn’t even help my 12-yearold with her homework.”
“We’ve all heard someone say, ‘your eyes are your window to the world,’and it’s true,” says Dr. Becker, who has lectured internationally about vision therapy and rehabilitation for head injury and stroke patients. “Eighty percent of what we learn is through the visual system. Very often after a neurological accident, our visual system loses the ability to perform everyday tasks. These visual problems make driving, reading, walking, and any daily activities difficult and frustrating for the patient. This in turn leads to psychological effects and can make the patient anxious and reduce self-esteem leading to extreme difficulty in getting back to everyday life.” For Christine, who is a retail manager at a Bon-Ton store in Easton, this assault on her independence was frustrating. “I was never one to take help,” she says. “I felt like my independence had been ripped out from under me.” And it was. “When I started working with Chris she had double vision that had turned into blurred vision,” says Donna Andrews, an occupational therapist in the Vision Therapy Program. “Her eyes weren’t aligning and working together so she had problems making quick accurate eye movements and tracking moving
Christine needed more time to do housework and other chores at home because she easily fatigued. She also had to stop working and rely on her husband and older daughter, Ashley, to drive her around.
By November, half way through her 16-week vision therapy, Christine had made great progress and slowly but surely began regaining her independence. In August she returned to work full time and she plans on taking Good Shepherd’s driver evaluation program. Christine likely will have to take blood thinners for the rest of her life but the clot has been greatly diminished and is stable. Christine and Todd are deeply grateful to Good Shepherd for helping Christine recover so fast and with such promising results. “They’re a big part of why she is the way she is today,” says Todd. “They don’t treat her like she’s just a number. They care about her wellbeing and getting her back to where she should be.” Adds Christine, “I’m still struggling with my memory and I have to write everything down with my store manager but I’ve come a long way. Good Shepherd has been fabulous. The therapists pushed me and I think that helped a lot.” Donna Andrews, occupational therapist, uses sophisticated technology to help Christine. 7
Joanne Hetzel, left, with Melinda Guffy
sharp cheddar cheese, crackers and grapes. Their bond is more than their shared lives as Good Shepherd residents. For this group, it’s a time to relax and share memories of the full lives they led before coming to live here. “We have frank talk with other adults who have life experience,” says Karen, who asked that her last name not be used. A pediatric neurologist in private practice for almost 20 years before multiple sclerosis ended her career, Karen added, “There's lots and lots of laughing. We all love Happy Crackers and look forward to it weeks in advance.” For more than 30 years, Bill Prueter, another member of the group, served in the Air Force as an electrician, repairing planes, before he too was sidelined by multiple sclerosis. “I was a party animal years and years ago when I was in the Air Force,” he says.
She was born Joanne Hetzel. But around the Good Shepherd Home Raker Center, she’s known as “The Wine Lady,” and for good reason. Every few weeks, Joanne shows up with several tote bags filled with bottles of wine for a resident social group known as the Happy Crackers. The wine is her way of saying thank you to Good Shepherd for the care her mother received several years ago, and it warms her heart like a good glass of Bordeaux. “This is one of my favorite days,” says Joanne after making a delivery of wine on a balmy September afternoon. “It’s just one of my favorite things to do. It’s a small group and they imbibe moderate amounts, just enough to wash down the 8
After the Air Force, Bill got a bachelor’s degree in fine art followed by a master’s in education. He applied both degrees to teaching and now works on his own art projects, including a self-portrait. Melinda Guffy, a recreational therapist, helped launch Happy Crackers in the fall of 2011 with Eric Buskirk, a founding member of the group. Eric worked in construction, framing houses until he fell off a roof. The resulting spinal cord injury left him unable to use his arms or legs.
So once a week, that’s exactly what they did in the privacy of his room. Gradually, other people were invited to join them and the Happy Crackers was born. The group now meets in a larger room in a cozy atmosphere of dimmed lights with good wine and snacks. Joanne became The Wine Lady after she saw Melinda’s request for wine in the Be an Angel list, an annual holiday wish list from local non-profit organizations that’s published in The Morning Call. Joanne wanted to give back to Good Shepherd and honor her late mother, Betty Staversky. Betty had been a patient on the brain injury unit at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown in 2007, after she slipped and fell on the street causing a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood on the surface of the brain. After surgery, Joanne says, her mother lost critical cognitive skills. “She was very confused,” says Joanne. “She knew I was her daughter, but couldn’t remember my name. She was making up words and couldn’t care for herself.”
On the fourth day after being admitted to Good Shepherd, Joanne walked into the dining room where her mother was eating and something remarkable happened. “She said, ‘Hi Joanne,”’ recalls Joanne. “I couldn’t believe it. You can’t put a price tag on your mother knowing who you are.” Betty left Good Shepherd after only 10 days using a walker and was able to recognize everyone who helped her. She returned home, and mother and daughter picked up where they left off. “She was laughing again, we went out to dinner and she was able to enjoy her grandchildren,” says Joanne. “I had five more years with a coherent, cognitive mother.” Knowing how her mother enjoyed a nice glass of wine, Joanne thought the Raker request was the perfect fit. “It makes me feel so good to remember my mother and do something for the organization that gave her back to me,” says Joanne. “It’s a win-win for the Happy Crackers and for me.”
Melinda, who had Eric on her caseload, asked what he wanted to do with 45 minutes of one-on-one time with her every week. “He said, ‘Drink red wine and eat sharp cheddar cheese with crackers before my bath time,’” Melinda recalls.
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In Chaplain Paul Xander’s library another “good book” has been added in addition to his Bible, the ultimate Good Book. It’s Papa Raker’s Dream by Dick Cowen, the story of Good Shepherd’s founding by The Rev. John (Papa) and Estella (Mama) Raker. The book is practically required reading for new employees, and for Chaplain Paul, the new associate chaplain at Good Shepherd, it’s filled him with inspiration and reaffirmed his decision to leave one kind of ministry for another. “If I am honest to what I think is God’s prophetic word in my ministry to the residents, the patients and the staff of this facility, I think that not only matches John Raker’s prophetic ministry, but it also matches the needs of the people here at Good Shepherd,” says Chaplain Paul.
“I think it was God’s power that John was peddling,” he adds, noting that Papa Raker ran a successful lumber business prior to becoming a pastor and leveraged his business and marketing acumen to promote and advocate for Good Shepherd. “And God consistently comes down in favor of the marginalized, the needy and the less fortunate. John, being a prophet, told that story and acted it out.” A native of Lehighton, Chaplain Paul lives in Pottstown with his wife Susan. He graduated from Gettysburg College and Lutheran Theological Seminary, followed by 15 years of service in church parishes, most recently at Grace Lutheran Church in Pottstown. While working on continuing education during a five-month chaplaincy internship at Reading Health System, he realized it was time to leave parish ministry and follow God’s call serving people broken and hurting through a hospital chaplaincy.
Prayer is a two-way street for resident Vince Maurer and Chaplain Paul.
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Even his parishioners knew he needed to make the change. “They said that the most successful part of my ministry with them was when they were in need,” he says. “Clearly, they said, that was where God was calling me.” After leaving Grace Chaplain Paul leads a resident Bible study group at the Raker Center. Lutheran Church, Chaplain Paul spent a year Chaplain Paul is a strong believer in how as a resident chaplain at Reading Health prophesy or divine inspiration can shape System. During this year of ministry, the lives, calling people of God to action. It led call to chaplaincy became more focused Papa and Mama Raker to follow the courage and intense. of their convictions in opening up their That call came through loud and clear not home to that first “crippled” child, Viola long after arriving at Good Shepherd on Hunt, and always keep “presenting the September 19. Chaplain Paul was making cause,” as Papa Raker put it. Chaplain Paul his rounds when he met Vince Maurer, a understands the power of prophesy in his resident at the Good Shepherd Home Raker own life as he seeks to do God’s will in a Center in Allentown. Unable to move his new ministry that includes a diverse populaarms or legs, Vince relies on a wheelchair tion at Good Shepherd. for mobility. In his long struggle with multi“I envision the people we serve as God’s ple sclerosis, his deep spirituality has providcustomers,” he said. “As I read Papa Raker’s ed comfort and strength. Dream, his work wasn’t just helping the Vince invited Chaplain Paul to place his ‘crippled’ and ‘normal’ and elderly, but it hand on his own. As Chaplain Paul recalls, was the people who were on Raker’s board “Vince gave a prayer for a chaplain and in and the people who became staff. I think he that prayer he said, ‘Lord, we have a new understood that those people are God’s chaplain and his heart will be weighed down customers too. from time to time. Allow him to place his “I’m not just a purveyor of religious burden on you.’” thoughts,” he continues. “I’m not the one “Then I said to him, “That is such a special originating God’s presence at Good gift. When did you sense that God was so Shepherd. God is already at work here and close to you and your life?’ And he said, an easy way for me to discern that is by ‘When God put me in this chair.’ And then interacting with someone like Vince. God’s he told me the story of his life and at that presence changes our lives. It’s present, moment I said, ‘That’s pretty darn prophetic open, raw, and available, through patients, Vince.’” residents and staff.” 11
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The overall winning foursome was the Bulova team of Roy Miller, John Coppens, Dan Doran, and Jeff Koons, who scored a 63 (low gross).
That’s why fund raisers like the annual Golf & Tennis Invitational mean so much to parents and children who come to Good Shepherd. The 2014 event held on Monday, September 8, at Lehigh Country Club raised more than $177,000 for the Pediatrics Program, helping Good Shepherd invest in programs and services benefiting hundreds of children.
Other winners were:
One-hundred-twenty-one golfers and 10 tennis players attended this year’s event. As always, volunteers are key to making the event a success and this year was no exception. Jaime Mendes, vice president of operations at PenTeleData chaired the all-volunteer event committee and many volunteers turned out to help. Todd Donnelly of TDE (Todd Donnelly Enterprises) was honored with The Bob Ford Volunteer Award. The award is named in honor of longtime Golf & Tennis Invitational committee member Bob Ford. It is presented annually and honors a community member for exceptional commitment to Good Shepherd and its mission by coordinating, motivating and inspiring other volunteers to achieve fund-raising goals.
ity tmas C : Chris Photo
Clockwise from above: Ben Witter, trick-shot artist; Todd Donnelly and Bob Ford; Jaime Mendes; tennis participants.
Check out the photo album at SweetCharityOnline under “Good News & Great Gifts.”
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Imagine if you’re the parent of a child who is struggling with a brain injury, a feeding disorder, autism, or cerebral palsy. For hundreds of parents who bring their children to the Good Shepherd Pediatrics Program every year, such physical and cognitive challenges are a reality that often make day-to-day life difficult.
On the tennis courts, Kevin Sprague took first place men’s and Loree Bloszinsky from Good Shepherd, took first place women’s.
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L ow Net (45)* James Deisher, Andrew Miranda, Tim Lacek, Dan Young
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2 nd Net (45) Vinart Dealerships: Jason Major, Bruce Pudlock, Al Rowe, Bill Wright
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3 rd Net (48)* PenTeleData: Mike Driscoll, Scott Masenheimer, Jaime Mendes, Ed Kiss
*Broke tie by a match of cards
Thanks to the generosity of PenTeleData, Ben Witter, a golf trick-shot artist, brought some excitement to the event by demonstrating his amazing golfing prowess while standing on top of an inflated exercise ball.
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Five years ago, a small group of women came together with the idea of lending their philanthropic support to Good Shepherd’s mission in a new and impactful way. The Women’s Giving Circle has done just that. The group has grown to 62 members and raised $216,000 for such things as Good Shepherd’s driver evaluation and training program that helps people with disabilities enjoy greater independence and the establishment of an endowed scholarship for nursing education. At the group’s annual “Season of Giving” gathering in September at Lehigh Country Club, Good Shepherd’s Vision Program was awarded this year’s gift of $62,000. Funding will help create two new vision therapy rooms with sophisticated computerized software and equipment, and training for two additional therapists.
The group also heard from Marelise Grobler, RN, recipient of the first nursing scholarship. Marelise used the scholarship funds to complete a research class assignment that will improve education at Good Shepherd for stroke survivors and their caregivers. “By educating the caregiver early on (poststroke), we’re helping improve the outcome of the stroke survivor and reduce the stress and burden on the caregiver,” says Marelise. “The knowledge the caregiver receives also helps improve the stroke survivor’s functional outcome and a successful return to the community.” If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member of The Women’s Giving Circle, contact Carol Carpenter at 610-778-1044, or ccarpenter@gsrh.org or visit us at SweetCharityOnline.org and click on “Ways to Give.”
Thinking of including a gift for Good Shepherd in your will? Consider naming us a beneficiary of your retirement account and leave other less-taxed assets to your family.
Easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Request a “change of beneficiary form” from your retirement plan or financial institution. 2. List “Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network” as one of your beneficiaries at the following address: Development Dept., 850 S. 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103 3. Inform us of your intentions so we can thank you! Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your future gift will help Good Shepherd provide compassionate care to children and adults in the years to come.
Ask Us How
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Philanthropy in Action:
We can answer questions and provide information to complete the change of beneficiary form. Contact Jeannette Edwards in the development department at 610-778-1075. For more gift planning ideas, visit our website 1908RakerSociety.org
Read our cover story to see how the Vision Therapy Program is helping one young mother of three recover after several mini-strokes.
Good Shepherd encourages you to consult your legal and tax advisors. 15
Love, so the popular 1955 song goes, is a many-splendored thing, and speaks best of the human heart when given without asking anything in return. Growing up, Heidi Guess, an occupational therapist at the Good Shepherd Home Raker Center, and her parents have given unconditional love in caring for another member of their family, 42-year-old son and brother, Eric, who was born with a rare congenital abnormality known as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. The syndrome is caused by a genetic deletion or mutation and affects about 700 people worldwide. Little was known about the syndrome when Erik was born in 1971, and he wasn’t diagnosed until 1994 when genomic testing methods became more advanced.
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Eric was frequently sick and had many developmental delays growing up, Heidi remembers. His cognitive function is low, he has a very limited vocabulary and needs help with everyday tasks and self-care. Erik attends a day-care program Heidi’s Thursday class with residents including Allie Stephens works and uses a wheelchair when on improving cognitive and socialization skills. he has to go longer distancHeidi loves working with Good Shepherd’s es, but he is sweet and gentle, residents and her lifelong relationship with and maintains a happy disposition. Eric has, she believes, made her a better therapist. Love and devotion to Erik, who lives with his and Heidi’s parents, Fred and Judy Ockenlaender, has only strengthened family bonds and resolved a commitment to enjoy life just like any other family. “Even though caring for Erik has been a lifelong challenge and commitment, we always took family vacations,” says Heidi. “My parents made sure I could participate in activities growing up, and they supported my education and career choice.” Erik had a lot to do with Heidi’s decision to become an occupational therapist. When she was younger, she volunteered at a day camp for special needs children that her brother attended. Those experiences, along with having a grandmother who was a nurse and a mother who was an X-ray technician, helped Heidi realize her calling.
“I think I probably have a lot of patience and empathy, and just a certain feel for those residents who grew up with a disability,” says Heidi. Heidi looks for opportunities to educate therapists and others about PhelanMcDermid, and in 2012, she presented on the subject at the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Conference in Lancaster. “I did it to raise awareness,” she says. “A lot of students attended and I talked to 20 or 30 people who had never heard of it (Phelan-McDermid) and who are now more aware.”
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A morning filled with music, fellowship and gratitude were the hallmarks of the 29th Annual Raker Memorial Awards on Friday, November 7 at Grace Lutheran Church in Allentown. Recipients of the Raker Memorial Award were Lee and Dolly Butz, longtime benefactors, and Sally Gammon, whose role as Good Shepherd’s president and chief executive officer prior to retiring in 2013 included noteworthy philanthropic leadership. Mary Jane Frick, an occupational therapist and assistive technology professional who works with Good Shepherd’s long-term care residents, received the Raker Spirit Award, given to the associate who lives the Raker family legacy and values in their work and community. A special blessing of thanks for Good Shepherd’s donors was offered by Bishop Samuel Zeiser of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. John Kristel, president and CEO, further recognized donors who have given consistently for the last 10 and 20 years. Among the advances donor gifts have helped Good Shepherd achieve is three bionic Eksoskeletons that help people with spinal cord injuries and strokes achieve mobility in ways they never dreamed possible.
See more photos at SweetCharityOnline.org under “Good News & Great Gifts.” 18
Donors have also made it possible for Good Shepherd to expand its neurorehabilitation and orthorehabilitation services. In December, a new program will be unveiled using the latest rehabilitative technology in dynamic ways ranging from oncology rehabilitation to women’s health.
John Kristel, Mary Jane Frick, Sally Gammon, Dolly and Lee Butz
About Our Award Winners Dolly and Lee Butz have been affiliated with Good Shepherd for more than 20 years as philanthropists and volunteer leaders. The couple served as co-chairs of the 1998 Celebrity Classic. Lee and son Greg also were co-chairs of Good Shepherd’s very successful campaign for the campus transformation from 2000 to 2005. Dolly is known throughout the Lehigh Valley for her service to underprivileged children having served as a trustee of the Fund to Benefit Children and Youth. Sally Gammon served as Good Shepherd’s president and CEO from 1997 until 2013. During her tenure, she transformed the organization from a local rehabilitation provider and home for people with disabilities to a nationally recognized post-acute care health system. Sally’s philanthropic leadership helped Good Shepherd raise $51 million for its multi-year campus transformation. Her devotion to children resulted in The Sally Gammon Fund for Pediatrics. In nominating Mary Jane Frick for the Raker Spirit Award, her colleagues described her as someone “who lives our mission, always acting with compassion and empathy, always giving from her heart….and always serving in the spirit of the Raker family.” Mary Jane is a key member of the Good Shepherd technology team, always coming up with creative solutions to ensure the needs of the long-term care residents and outpatients with disabilities are met. Her community service includes fostering injured and homeless animals and helping tend an elderly neighbor’s farm with her family.
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Hockey Tourneys Are a Huge Success
Stylin’ for the Kids
Our awesome friends with Hockey Fights MS raised $11,242 for Good Shepherd's MS Wellness Program at this year's men's and women's tourneys in August in Bethlehem and the Winter Classic. Many people turn to our MS Wellness Program for companionship, support and to learn techniques for coping with the disease. Money raised helps us strengthen this lifeline for many in our community. Thank you Candice Arnold and Hockey Fights MS!
Good Shepherd welcomed our newest community partner, Talbot's in Bethlehem, on Thursday, October 2, at an event to raise funds for the Good Shepherd Pediatrics Program. Autumn Carrizo, store manager, donated nearly $500, a portion of the sales between 6 and 8 p.m,. to the program. Shelley Rayburn, a nurse liaison at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit in Bethlehem, and Jodie Moulton, director, outpatient pediatric services, modeled new fall fashions. Even a couple gentlemen came out to support the cause and shopped for the women in their lives. Community partnerships like this are a meaningful way to strengthen Good Shepherd’s mission to children and adults with disabilities. If you would like to explore ways you can help, contact Andrew Block at ablock@gsrh.org or call him at 610-776-8311. Thank you Autumn and Talbot’s!
Lehigh Valley Ducks (above)
WICKED Women's Ice Hockey PhilMar Photography
Celebrity Bartender Fund Raiser Brings Out the Stars Good Shepherd President & CEO John Kristel practiced the art of pouring a cold one or two at the Celebrity Bartender fund raiser for Good Shepherd’s Pediatrics Program on Thursday, September 4, at the Clubhouse Grille at the Bethlehem Golf Course. About $3,000 was raised through the sale of raffle tickets for the 17 themed gift baskets, donated tips by the bartenders and a Dine to Donate program at the Clubhouse Grille through the month of September. One popular basket included a Coach hand bag and another incorporated $200 in cash in a creative floral bouquet. Celebrities who brought star power to the event were Kathy Craine of WFMZ television (pictured with Annie Jones, left, from PenTeleData), the Bear Man and Keith from WZZO-FM and Rick Michaels from 99.9 The Hawk radio.
Conrad W. Raker Sporting Clays Invitational Friday, May 1, 2015 www.GoodShepherdRehab.org/Clays 20
2015 Gala Chairs Named We’re pleased to announce that Joe and Mary Pat Brake will be co-chairs of the 2015 Gala in the Garden benefiting the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit in Bethlehem. Joe is the president and general manager at Coca-Cola Bottling Companies of Lehigh Valley & Chester County. Mary Pat has been a faithful volunteer for several non-profits in the Lehigh Valley. Read more about the Brakes at SweetCharityOnline.org under “Good News & Great Gifts.”
Gala in the Garden Saturday, May 30, 2015 www.GoodShepherdRehab.org/Gala
Golf & Tennis Invitational Monday, September 21, 2015 www.GoodShepherdRehab.org/Golf 21
Temperatures were running high among residents of the Good Shepherd HomeBethlehem on Friday, September 19, when they gathered at The Days Hotel in Allentown to party 1970s style at the Disco Ball. The room was decorated with glittery silver disco balls as DJ Brian Keith kept the beat going with music by such 1970s hit makers as The BeeGees, Gloria Gaynor, Rick James, and The Village People.
Nostalgia was in the air for the 120 residents, family members and staff who turned out fashionably attired in sequins, platform shoes and leisure suits, sporting hair that ranged from one outrageously big afro to long, straight locks, both signature looks from that era. The annual ball is organized by the recreational therapy staff and involves many hours of planning and help from volunteers. Our friends from Metro Beauty did the residents’ hair and makeup and therapy staff members got a helping hand decorating the ball room by friends and family.
Resident volunteers also helped with the decoration and hand-made every one of the 120 place card holders. Thank you one and all. We couldn’t do it without you!
ROYAL COURT Queen: Sharon Devine King: Edwin Zajac Ladies of the Court: Mary Chong, Betty Biegley Lords of the Court: Mike Linares, Sean Young
The resident ball is one of the most highly-anticipated events. Your gifts to the Resident Community Access Fund help those who can’t afford tickets to attend. Won’t you make a gift today using the envelope in this issue or save a stamp and go to SweetCharityOnline.org. Thank you!
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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…
Ms. Margrethea K. Aagenes All Survivors Ms. Debbie Bell Yasmeen Bhatti, MD Mr. Jessie Christman Betty K. Frack Ms. Karen Geller Hamburg Employees Ms. Olyvia Johnson Our 50th Wedding Anniversary Steve and Ruthie Stoltzfus Jim Tallbacka Sara Tallbacka Ms. Rita A. Tunnhoff Edwin J. Zajac, Jr
Ms. Ann B. Newberry Miss Anita B. Schumack Mrs. Ruth M. Yoder-Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Paul Krzywicki Ms. Susan J. Smith Mr. Kurt D. Scott Anonymous Bette Ehrenberg Mr. Herbert Geller Anonymous Michelle and Bob Hicks Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Cooper Miss Anita B. Schumack Miss Anita B. Schumack Mrs. Ruth E. Scott Mrs. Anneliese Tunnhoff Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Zajac, Sr
IN HONOR OF the Birthday of…
DONATED BY…
Mrs. Lydia Kennedy Mrs. Anna Y. McDonnel Ms. Georgine Mae Poole Mrs. Donna Schrader Ms. Lisa A. Windish
Mrs. Georgine M. Poole Mrs. Georgine M. Poole Mrs. Georgine M. Poole Mrs. Georgine M. Poole Alice and Joseph Windish
IN HONOR OF the 89th Birthday of…
DONATED BY…
Mrs. Georgine M. Poole
Anna Y. McDonnel Her Angels
IN HONOR OF the 50th Wedding Anniversary of…
DONATED BY…
Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas Ms. Barbara A. Thomas
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IN HONOR OF Compassionate Friendship of...
DONATED BY…
Marc-Allyn Gloriande
Elizabeth McDonald
IN APPRECIATION for the Care of…
DONATED BY…
Wes Schlauch
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Schopf
IN CELEBRATION OF…
DONATED BY…
Christmas Gift Mr. Ernest Kanas
Christine M. Gaugler Miss Anna M. Leslie
FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY OF…
DONATED BY…
Mrs. Helen Berkenstock Mrs. Georgine M. Poole Mrs. Judy Pfendener Mrs. Georgine M. Poole Donna and Roland Schrader Mrs. Georgine M. Poole
IN MEMORY OF…
DONATED BY…
William J. Albert Erma Anders Rose E. Andres John J. Baranko Joseph W. Benzak, Sr Ruth E. Benzak Billy John Bischof, Sr Martha E.M. Bischoff Robert F. Bittner Mr. Scot P. Borascius Margaret Brunner Buffy Gertrude Carvell Classmates of Muhlenberg Class of 1951 Mary Dreisbach Arthur Ebert Charles E. Fessler
Ms. Barbara Nicholas Mrs. Marjorie A. Cunningham Ms. Shirley E. Andres Mrs. Susan H. DeCrescente Mr. and Mrs. Leslie A. Matthews Mr. David J. Benzak Mr. David J. Benzak Mr. and Mrs. Samuel G. Glasmire, Jr Mr. Albert Bischoff Mr. Albert Bischoff Ms. Ann H. Faryniak Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hafer, Sr Mr. and Mrs. Luther H. Lichtenwalner Ms. Ellen M. Cope Anthony and Diane Moncman Edward and Sally Roth Doris J. Zettle Mr. Dennis K. Wood Stuart and Mary Frew Theodore C. Argeson, Class President Mrs. Linda A. Dreisbach-Ferrol, Jasmine, and Emily Mrs. Ardath Heard Barb Barhydt Liz Barhydt The Honorable Craig A. Dally Dr. and Mrs. Douglas D. Ditmars John Duncan
IN MEMORY OF…
DONATED BY…
Charles E. Fessler Mr. and Mrs. Jay R. Golden, Sr Bill Hart Ms. Elizabeth G. Logiudice Mr. and Mrs. William R. Mack Mr. and Mrs. James Matthews Ms. Audrey R. McAbee The Mink Pond Club Moravian Academy Lower School Faculty and Staff Mrs. Estelle M. Stout Helen Foldes Mr. Joseph N. Foldes, Sr Donald Gambler Ms. Christine M. Gaugler Mrs. Ethel Schneck George Ms. Carolyn M. George Mildred H. German Jean and Emil Suarez George Goldfus Mrs. Ardath Heard Mrs. Sarah Hadesty Mrs. Hilda H. Price Helen M. Happel Mrs. Helene B. Tyndall Miss Krista J. Harakal Mr. and Mrs. Donald Harakal Dean and Irene Henn Ms. Carol D. Henn Charles A. Klein, Jr Dorothy Klein Ms. Karen J. Klusaritz The Drapluk Family Ms. Stella M. Gall Jay H. Gilbert and Family Mr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Sarnicke Ms. Anne L. Saylor Ms. Carole A. Wentz Rosalie Kopp Charles and Anna Marie Costanzo Tony and Debbie Karam Khalale Karam Bill and Janet Pinaire Rev. Robert H. Loucks Mrs. Ruth P. Loucks Loved Ones Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Bortz Jim Maul Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Auerweck Mrs. Verna H. McLaren Mrs. Hilda H. Price Mr. Luis H. Mendez Evelyn and Edwin Mendez Richard F. Moyer Mrs. V. Sue Moyer Edward M. Novak, Jr Dolores and Keith Nash Ms. Orashen Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Cooper Our Daughter Lynne Heist Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Samph Iva G. Oswald Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Oswald Sarah P. Pence Jean and Emil Suarez Rose Maria and Henry Pietersz Anonymous
IN MEMORY OF…
DONATED BY…
Ernest F. Poff Mrs. Jacqueline E. Oldenbusch Angeline Policelli Mr. and Mrs. William I. Phillips Nicholas Radvon Mrs. Andrea Radvon Geri and Bill Scherer Wehrung’s Lumber & Home Center Clarence and Ruth Reitz Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Henry Louis G. Romandl Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Guerriere Stanley Rossowski Ms. Joanne M. Aarseth The Eddinger Family Larry Ellmaker Karin Ford Ron and Sue Geist Tammy and Chad Hall Karin and Jim Hoffman Mrs. Kathy P. Janowitz Ms. Lisa M. Kacmar Ms. Kay Kornman Mr. and Mrs. William Kotapish Ms. Liz Lentz Ms. Patricia A. Lipovsky Dora and Harold Moyer Mr. John Richards Bill and Rita Rundquist Lynn Shelly Linda Sherer Janis Yorgey Charles E. Scheirer Anonymous Mrs. Anne L. Schorle Mr. Elmer T. Schorle Jonathan Matthew Schuster Ms. Ednarose M. Smith-Lapolla Hilda H. Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Franklin C. Snyder Sparky Mr. Dennis K. Wood Ms. Bonnie L. Stallman Mrs. Barbara M. Reimert Maureen Ann Steiger Mr. LeRoy J. Steiger Sally and Phil Mr. Edward W. Strong Jeannette J. Stuempfle Mr. and Mrs. John Felker Mr. Paul Tunnhoff Mrs. Anneliese Tunnhoff Mrs. Mildred M. Wagner Mr. and Mrs. William J. Wagner Mrs. Mary E. Woldeit Anonymous Mr. David H. Wruble Mrs. Sandra A. Wruble Mrs. Irene Yezefski Mr. Leonard Yezefski Aunt Margaret Ziegler William Ziegler Uncle Paul Ziegler William Ziegler Gifts were received from July 9 through October 5, 2014. 25
Winter 2014 Official Publication Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Allentown, PA Volume 107, Issue 4
For most children, the beginning of a new school year means brand new backpacks filled with all the essentials for starting off on the right foot. But many children at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown aren’t so fortunate. Ninety percent of them come from economically disadvantaged homes where parents struggle to scrape together enough money for notebooks and pens, much less a fancy new backpack. For the fourth year in a row, Good Shepherd associates have responded to that need by holding a backpack drive as part of the organization’s United Way of Lehigh Valley initiative. On September 5, Good Shepherd delivered more than 200 backpacks filled with school supplies and personal hygiene items to several classrooms
of excited children. John Kristel, president and CEO, personally helped choose just the right size backpack for each of the pint-sized students in one class of kindergartners. “I have three young children of my own,” John says, “so I know how important it is to get a backpack that fits.” Gail Metzger, an occupational therapist at the East Greenville site and project organizer, was delighted with associate support. “Once again, Good Shepherd associates went far beyond expectations in supporting this project,” she says. “The children are always ecstatic over getting their backpacks and everything inside. They do trades with each other and are so very grateful. Their smiles are irreplaceable and stay in our hearts and minds for years to come.”
BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOOD SHEPHERD REHABILITATION NETWORK DAVID G. DeCAMPLI, MS, Chair, Allentown F. MARK GUMZ, Vice Chair, Bethlehem SCOTT A. BAKER, MBA, Secretary, Schnecksville LAURIE K. STEWART, BS, BA, CPA, Treasurer, Center Valley PATRICK J. BRENNAN, MD, Havertown ALVARO DIAZ, Allentown ROBERT E. GADOMSKI, MS, Bethlehem ELSBETH G. HAYMON, M.Ed, Allentown JAN HELLER, MBA, Bethlehem SANDRA L. JARVA WEISS, Esq., Haverford JOHN KRISTEL, MBA, MPT, President & CEO, Allentown JAAN NAKTIN, MD, FACP, Center Valley ROSALIN PETRUCCI, Whitehouse Station, NJ THE REV. JOHN C. RICHTER, Sinking Springs GARY SCHMIDT, Orefield DONALD W. SNYDER, Esq., Orefield
DANIEL J. WILSON, PhD, Allentown ERIC YOUNG, MD, Allentown Trustee Emeriti JOHN V. COONEY, MS, Allentown NELVIN L. VOS, PhD, Maxatawny THE REV. DR. HAROLD S. WEISS, M.Div., Allentown BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOOD SHEPHERD SPECIALTY HOSPITAL JOHN KRISTEL, MBA, MPT, Chair, Allentown SAMUEL MIRANDA, Jr., MS, RN, NEA-B.C. Vice Chair, Allentown JAMES J. DALEY, MD, Center Valley PETER T. ENDER, MD, Center Valley WILLIAM GOULD, MD, Bethlehem SUSAN L. LAWRENCE, MS, CPHQ, Bethlehem GREGORY WUCHTER, MSN, RN, Easton
FACILITY MEDICAL DIRECTORS SCOTT K. EPSTEIN, MD Good Shepherd–Wayne Memorial Inpatient Rehabilitation Center CLINTON C. HOLUMZER, MD The Good Shepherd Home–Bethlehem CATHERINE GLEW, MD The Good Shepherd Home at Conrad W. Raker Center GOOD SHEPHERD SPECIALTY HOSPITAL PROGRAM MEDICAL DIRECTORS JAMES J. DALEY, MD PETER ENDER, MD WILLIAM GOULD, MD JAAN P. NAKTIN, MD ADMINISTRATION JOHN KRISTEL, MBA, MPT, President & CEO MICHAEL A. BONNER, MBA Vice President, Neurosciences FRANK HYLAND, MSPT Vice President, Rehabilitation Services Administrator, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital FRANCES IANNACCONE, RN, CRRN, MSHA, NHA Administrator, The Good Shepherd Home at Conrad W. Raker Center CYNTHIA LAMBERT, M.Ed., Vice President, Government and Community Relations DAVID F. LYONS, CFRE Vice President for Development SAMUEL MIRANDA, Jr., MS, RN, NEA-B.C. Senior Vice President, Patient Care & Chief Nursing Officer, Ethics & Compliance Officer
RONALD J. PETULA, CPA Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer JOSEPH SHADID, MBA, MSN, RN, NHA Administrator, Good Shepherd
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SWEET CHARITY IS A PUBLICATION OF: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Good Shepherd Plaza 850 South 5th Street Allentown, PA 18103 1-888-44REHAB GoodShepherdRehab.org DEVELOPMENT David F. Lyons, CFRE Vice President for Development Major & Planned Giving Officers: Joie L. Barry Carol Carpenter, CFRE Jeannette Edwards Andrew B. Block, MPA Major Gifts & Sponsorships Officer Jannette Saegar Grant Coordinator EDITOR, WRITER Elizabeth McDonald PHOTOGRAPHY Randy Monceaux Elizabeth McDonald GRAPHIC DESIGN Klunk & Millan Advertising To make an address correction, or remove your name from our mailing list, please call 610-776-3146.
Home–Bethlehem
LAURA M. SHAW-PORTER Vice President, Human Resources
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 Quad Graphics
SANDEEP SINGH, MD Division Medical Officer, Vice President of Medical Affairs GREGORY WUCHTER, MSN, RN Administrator, Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and its affiliates are tax exempt organizations as provided by IRS regulations. Pennsylvania law requires us to inform you of the following: The official registration and financial information of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
USPS-530800. A bi-monthly 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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Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit No. 158
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Good Shepherd Plaza 850 South 5th Street Allentown, PA 18103
Your gift to Good Shepherd will go on giving long after it is unwrapped. A contribution to Good Shepherd will support vital programs and services that help people with disabilities achieve greater independence. It’s also a great way to honor a friend or family member on your gift list. We’ll work with you to create a gift that can save taxes and help your charitable giving dollars go further.
Ask Us How Contact the Development Department at 610-778-1075 or visit SweetCharityOnline.org to give online and for more gift planning ideas.