Inspire Spring 2012

Page 1

NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2012

A Powerful Connection How Jaime Mendes and PenTeleData give back

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

1


Development Committee

The Importance of Role Models Their influence is felt far and wide Who has meant the most to you in your life? It might have been your parents, your significant other, a best friend, a business colleague or a trusted advisor. The people we most admire lead by example, sharing their talents and gifts to benefit others. We are fortunate to have many such role models in our community. You’ll meet a few of them inside Inspire. Mike Kush spent 25 years giving of himself as a firefighter. He rescued people and saved lives. Today he keeps the history of firefighting alive through the Union Historical Fire Society, a group that gives back to Lehigh Valley Health Network to support adults and children who suffer from serious burns. Erich Trinkle always remembered the compassionate care his aunt Julia received while in hospice at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Today Erich and his wife, Sally give back through the Haffner-Trinkle Foundation, which supports numerous health care and illness-prevention activities. Harry and Ro Lukens know that people sometimes need a spark of encouragement. They’ve supported each other for 45 years of marriage, and Harry, the health network’s chief information officer, leads by example in giving back. In return, his information services colleagues support numerous community outreach activities. Companies and organizations in our community also lead by example. MP Uniform outfits first responders and medical personnel, and backs up its commitment with support of various health network events. So too does PenTeleData. It supports events like the recently completed Golf and Tennis Classic. These are some of the role models you’ll find throughout the Lehigh Valley. We’re proud of their good work and thankful for their support.

Charles G. Lewis Senior Vice President, External Affairs

2

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

Jefferson K. Aiken Jr., DMin Chair, Development Committee

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

Inside this issue Planting a Seed It’s how we accomplish great things

3

Information for the Heart Ronald Freudenberger, MD

4

Support for Burn Care Union Historical Fire Society

6

Building a Better Future Anne and Carl Anderson Trust

8

Helping Children With Diabetes Frank Loretti’s personal passion

10

The Giving Channel PenTeleData helps the communities it serves

12

Supporting Community Members’ Passion It’s why MP Uniform supports the health network

14

The Foundation of a Community Erich and Sally Trinkle

16

Leading by Example Harry and Ro Lukens

18

The Leonard Pool Society Spring Forum Developing tomorrow’s health care leaders

20

Honor and Memorial List

21


president and CEO

Planting a Seed It’s how we accomplish great things

When you grow up in Missouri like I did, you learn a lot about farming. You not only learn how to plant a seed, but how to nurture the soil, put in a lot of toil and labor, and help that seed grow into a useful crop or a beautiful flower. There are few things more rewarding. In the same way, your support of Lehigh Valley Health Network plants a seed for the future. Inside this issue of Inspire, you’ll meet people whose gifts blossomed into greater things years later. Take Carl and Anne Anderson. Carl worked side-by-side with Leonard Parker Pool, the founder of Air Products and the driving force behind the creation of our health network. In 2001, the Andersons left a wonderful legacy—a trust of nearly $30 million to help the health network become a world-renowned center for medical excellence. The Andersons planted a seed that has grown in many vibrant ways, and it will keep giving back for years. Part of their trust supports students in SELECT, our medical school partnership with the University of South Florida (USF) College of Medicine. I’ve met the 19 first-year students who began the SELECT program last September; they are the best and brightest, and our future is in great hands. In 2008, retired Mack Trucks engineer Walter May and his wife, Hazel, made a gift to create an endowed chair for excellence in cardiology at our health network. Today it’s helping to conduct important clinical research in heart care. It’s also helping to educate our caregivers in exciting new technology like the brand-new “hybrid” operating room (OR) at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest. It allows our heart surgeons and interventional cardiologists to work as a team, implanting a new valve inside a heart using a catheter for critically ill patients who have no other alternative. The seeds planted by people like Leonard Pool, the Andersons and the Mays grow, blossom and continue to flourish for years. The good health and leading-edge care they bring to our community is a reward in which all of us can benefit and hopefully be inspired to embrace.

Ronald W. Swinfard, MD President and Chief Executive Officer

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

3


Information for the Heart Ronald Freudenberger, MD, uses the Walter M. and A. Hazel May Endowed Chair for Excellence in Cardiology to enhance care

One of the things that attracted cardiologist Ronald Freudenberger, MD, to Lehigh Valley Health Network is the vast amount of clinical data the health network collects. For years he dreamed the health network would one day be able to better organize and analyze that data to enhance patient care. “Only a small number of institutions organize data well,” says Freudenberger, the health network’s chief of cardiology and medical director of its Heart and Vascular Center. “Those that do are nationally known because they use the data to deliver the best care.” When Freudenberger became holder of the Walter M. and A. Hazel May Endowed Chair for Excellence in Cardiology in 2010, he began using the chair to fulfill his dream. Now the health network has a specialist on staff who focuses on organizing and analyzing information related to heart care. Discoveries already are being made. For example, data showed patients who receive hospital care for heart failure are more likely to be readmitted if they also have a behavioral health condition. “For these patients, we now include a behavioral health expert on their care team to lower their readmission risk,” Freudenberger says. The health network presented this information to hospitals nationwide at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. While the chair allows the health network to make and share its discoveries, it also enables heart care specialists to receive education about the latest treatments and procedures. Doctors recently received education regarding two innovations now provided at the health network. They include a procedure in which an aortic valve is replaced using a catheter, and a device that is implanted to help a failing heart pump more effectively. The chair also enables the health network to bring in nationally renowned experts to present on timely topics. “It gives us an opportunity to do many things that truly impact patient care,” Freudenberger says.

A chair with heart—Ronald Freudenberger, MD, holds the Walter M. and A. Hazel May Endowed Chair for Excellence in Cardiology, which supports research and education in heart care.

4

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

5


Enhancing Quality of Life—It’s what inspires Union Historical Society Members (right) Martha and Michael Kush to support Lehigh Valley Health Network and local firefighters like (left) Steve Munsch and Michael Humes from the Allentown Fire Department.

Support for Burn Care Union Historical Fire Society is dedicated to burn patients

The Union Historical Fire Society members are bonded by a common interest—the history of firefighting. Members include those interested in the history of fire service, such as collectors, historians, authors and restorers, as well as those who own or appreciate firefighting apparatus, equipment and memorabilia. One other important interest members share is burn care and prevention.

6

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

Retired fireman Mike Kush, membership director for the Society, saw firsthand the trauma burns can inflict. “I was a fireman for 25 years, and I saw people who were burned,” Kush says. “I was interested in seeing our money go to help them.” To achieve that goal, the society supports Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center. With support from organizations like the Society, the burn center can provide advanced, leading-


edge care for adults and children with serious, even life-threatening, burns. The Society’s support has included funding for medical equipment, such as a DermScope to magnify and evaluate burns; a laser Doppler and cooling unit for laser treatments, which aid in scar management; and a treatment chair. The Society also contributed funds to name a patient room in the burn center.

Through a fund established with the Burn Foundation of Philadelphia, the Society also helps our youngest burn patients recover from their injuries. Pediatric burn patients receive “burn buddies,” special dolls that help them feel less anxious about dressing changes. Through play therapy, the children use bandages to wrap the areas on the doll where they were burned. The impact these burn buddies make inspire Kush.

L E H I G H

“When you see children suffering, you want to help them recover,” he says. The Society raises funds through a fire memorabilia show and auction held every April at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds. The impact makes the work worth it. “We want to help burn victims heal and give them a better quality of life,” Kush says.

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

7


❝ The Andersons’ focus was on Leonard Pool’s vision.❞ —Donald Shire

8

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


Building a Better Future Anne and Carl Anderson Trust supports clinical innovation

Carl Anderson had a gift for bringing ideas to life through form and structure. That’s why Leonard Parker Pool hired him in 1940 to head up engineering construction for his new company, Air Products. Carl’s innovative building designs helped Air Products revolutionize the industrial gas industry. Years later, when Pool had a vision to create a superior regional hospital for the Lehigh Valley, he again asked his “master builder” to lead the way. Carl donated more than 3,000 hours to design and oversee construction of the facility known today as Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest. But Carl and his wife, Anne (above, left), a nurse, recognized this building alone would not fulfill Pool’s vision. Continued creativity and innovation would be needed to sustain clinical excellence, so the Andersons chose that to be their lasting legacy. Their $1.5 million gift in 1997 established the Anne C. and Carl R. Anderson Distinguished Chair in Surgery. A subsequent $29 million gift in 2001, at the time the largest ever to a Pennsylvania hospital, established the Anne and Carl Anderson Trust. By funding ongoing education, training and research activities, the Anderson Trust is a fitting tribute to the couple’s foresight and humble generosity, says Donald Shire, the sole surviving member of the trust’s original three trustees and a former health network trustee. “Carl and Anne were both quiet leaders who didn’t seek the limelight,” Shire says. “Their focus instead was on Leonard Pool’s vision and ensuring that their community would always have access to the best possible health care.” In his role as trustee, Shire approves projects for funding by the trust. Most recently that includes scholarships for 19 students in SELECT, the groundbreaking medical school partnership between the health network and the University of South Florida. The program’s unique educational approach is developing physician leaders who value listening and collaboration with colleagues, patients and families. “It’s an approach Carl would have loved,” Shire says. “He was always a straight shooter who valued the insight and contributions of others. I believe he would say that’s the right way to care for patients too.”

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

9


Helping Children With Diabetes

More than 15 years ago, Frank V. Loretti became inspired to help children learn to manage their type 1 diabetes. “I looked for a program to teach children how to control their blood sugar, but couldn’t find one,” he says.

It’s Frank Loretti’s personal passion

So in 2001, Loretti met with experts at Lehigh Valley Health Network to develop such a program. “My only requirements were that it had to be for children, and it had to be free for everyone,” he says. Through a generous donation, Loretti started Camp Red Jacket, a free, three-day summertime program operated by the health network. It teaches children with type 1 diabetes how to care for themselves and better manage their condition. Children at Camp Red Jacket enjoy fun-filled arts and crafts, games and sports. They learn how to test their blood sugar, eat healthy and exercise. And they discover important lessons about body image and self-esteem. The camp’s name dates back to a time when Loretti, a World War II veteran and current-day Hellertown resident, embarked on a boating trip in upstate New York. When a squall arose, he sought shelter at the Red Jacket Yacht Club, named for a Seneca Indian, Sagoyewatha, otherwise known as Chief Red Jacket. “When we talked about what to call the camp, Chief Red Jacket popped into my mind, and the name stuck,” Loretti says. Now Loretti is making another bold step to help children with diabetes. He recently endowed his fund, meaning Camp Red Jacket will live on for years to come. To date, the camp has helped 500 children. “Now it can help hundreds more,” he says.

Making life easier—It’s what Frank Loretti’s gift helps accomplish for hundreds of area children who have type 1 diabetes.

Read Frank Loretti’s personal story about diabetes at LVHN.org/donate.

1 0

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

1 1


“There’s our man.” “Hey, Jaime! How’s it going?” “It’s great to see you today, buddy.” 1 2

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


The Giving Channel PenTeleData helps the communities it serves Whether walking through the corporate headquarters of PenTeleData or the town of Palmerton where the company is based, Jaime Mendes, PenTeleData’s chief administrative officer, always gets a warm welcome. It’s clear PenTeleData is as close-knit and community-focused as it gets. There’s a sense of camaraderie not often found in today’s world. “It’s been like that since the beginning,” Mendes says. “The founders had a vision to give back to the community, whether through employment, patronizing other local businesses or giving to not-for-profit organizations. Almost 20 years later, we make it a point to continue that tradition.” PenTeleData is a strategic partnership between Service Electric Cable TV and Communications, Service Electric Broadband Cable, Service Electric Cablevision, CATV Service Inc., Ironton Telephone and Blue Ridge Communications. Together, they offer an array of cable and telephone services and high-speed Internet access to homes, educational facilities and businesses throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Lehigh Valley Health Network. PenTeleData annually supports Nite Lites, the Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg Summer Festival and the Annual Golf and Tennis Classic. “We believe in supporting organizations that make a difference to the communities we serve,” Mendes says. “Lehigh Valley Health Network certainly fits the bill.”

Making connections—Jaime Mendes, chief administrative officer of PenTeleData, embraces a spirit of community in the company’s Palmerton headquarters and throughout the Lehigh Valley.

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

1 3


Supporting Community Members’ Passion It’s why MP Uniform supports the health network

Thom Riegel, Chris Ciccone and Barry Yoder, owners of MP Uniform & Supply Co. and MP Nursing Apparel, have immense respect for the first responders who serve our community, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Their admiration doesn’t stop at the scene. The trio also thinks very highly of the medical professionals who care for people in our community. “It’s obvious when people are passionate about what they do,” Yoder says. “And we enjoy working with and supporting those people.” MP Uniform & Supply Co., which outfits first responders, and MP Nursing Apparel, which outfits medical professionals, have a reputation for excellent customer service and a long history of giving to organizations that make a difference to the community. They’ve made many gifts to Lehigh Valley Health Network in 18 years of business, including support of the Jim Roth Memorial Golf Tournament, Lehigh Valley Health Network Amputee Support Group Golf Tournament, Friends of Nursing celebration, Spirit of Courage, The Leonard Pool Society and Nite Lites. “It’s very rewarding for us to give back to Lehigh Valley Health Network because it provides an opportunity for great health care in the Lehigh Valley,” Riegel says. “It’s also nice because we have developed excellent relationships with many health network colleagues and departments throughout the years,” Ciccone adds. The commitment to community doesn’t stop there. “We believe it’s important to support other local businesses,” Riegel says. “It’s a boost for the local economy, which is good for the people who live there. We see it as a win-win.”

A win-win—It’s how MP Uniform & Supply Co. owners (from left) Barry Yoder, Chris Ciccone and Thom Riegel feel about supporting Lehigh Valley Health Network.

1 4

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

1 5


1 6

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


The Foundation of a Community Erich and Sally Trinkle support quality care in memory of a loved one

When asked why they give back to our community, Erich and Sally Trinkle respond with questions of their own. “Why not give back if you can? Why not make children happy? Why not make a difference in people’s lives?” Sally says. “We feel blessed and appreciate our opportunity to share with others.” Giving back is exactly what Erich and Sally have been doing through the Haffner-Trinkle Foundation. With help from their good friend Al Haddad of the Haddad Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, they started the foundation in 2004 in memory of Erich’s aunt Julia Haffner. A caring person who volunteered at her church and loved children and animals, Julia received hospice care at Lehigh Valley Health Network near the end of her cancer journey. “Special people work there,” Erich says. “They make it easier for you during a difficult time.” In recognition of the compassionate care Julia received, the foundation has been supporting hospice care at the health network for many years. It also supports numerous community organizations that provide services for children, animals and people in need—the things about which Julia was most passionate. Helping people through the foundation has been a life-changing experience for the happily married couple of 12 years. Nothing, however, changed their lives more than the birth of their son, Eric. “He’s a healthy 10-year-old boy,” Sally says. “It breaks our hearts to see families going through difficult times when a child is sick.” Eric’s future, and that of all our community’s children, is why they continue to support health care and illness-prevention initiatives at Lehigh Valley Health Network. This coming August at the Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg Summer Festival, Erich and Sally will distribute 1,000 bottles of antibacterial hand gel provided by the foundation. “We give back because this is our home,” Sally says. “We don’t need anything in return.”

No Place Like Home— Sally and Erich Trinkle help make the Lehigh Valley a better place to live for their son, Eric, and for future generations through personal contributions and their work with the Haffner-Trinkle Foundation.

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

1 7


1 8

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


Leading by Example Harry and Ro Lukens help people in all aspects of their lives

When it comes to helping people, Harry and Ro Lukens are role models. “People want to do good, but they don’t know how to get started,” Harry says. “If you show them, they’ll come up with ideas on their own.” To confirm Harry’s theory, you needn’t look further than his colleagues at Lehigh Valley Health Network. As chief information officer, he leads the information services (I/S) department—a group that designs and supports technology to enhance patient care, and regularly supports programs and services in the health network and community. (Read page 21 to learn more about their generosity and creativity.) They learned to do so by following the Lukens’ lead. When a member of the I/S team lost her daughter to cancer, Harry and Ro decided to do something in her memory. Their generosity created the Jahna Haldeman Memorial Fund. It allows the health network to host lectures featuring renowned palliative and end-of-life care experts. The Lukens also support the health network’s Nite Lites gala and are members of The Leonard Pool Society. “Lehigh Valley Health Network is a quality place for medicine, and a great place to work,” Harry says. “For us, giving to the health network is the right thing to do.” The Lukens feel especially rewarded to support programs that help children. Harry and Ro, a seventh-grade social studies teacher, have five children and 10 grandchildren. “All our kids are healthy, and we’re so grateful for that,” Ro says. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a sick child.” To help people who do, Harry co-founded the Children’s Care Alliance with health network pediatrician Donald Levick, MD. Their goal is to coordinate children’s medical records so physicians have access to children’s health information no matter where a child receives care. Harry also serves on the board of Hope’s Journey, a collaboration of health systems that support children’s hospice care. Neighbors as teenagers and now happily married for 45 years, Harry and Ro feel blessed. “Life is good,” Harry says, “but that’s not the case for everyone. They’re the people we want to help.”

For us, giving to the health network is the right thing to do. – harry lukens

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

1 9


The Leonard Pool Society Spring Forum Guests learn how Lehigh Valley Health Network is developing tomorrow’s health care leaders Guests at The Leonard Pool Society Spring Forum got an inspiring glimpse at the future of medicine from J. Alan Otsuki, MD, founding associate dean of educational affairs for the University of South Florida. Otsuki gave an overview of SELECT, the school’s groundbreaking medical education partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network. SELECT student Chris Pothering, a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and Muhlenberg College, shared his personal perspective via a live video conference from Florida. Here are scenes from this educational and social event held at Lehigh Valley Health Network– Mack Boulevard in April.

Preparing future leaders Featured speaker J. Alan Otsuki, MD, pictured with his wife, Tracey, explained how SELECT is preparing students to become tomorrow’s health care leaders through teamwork and collaboration.

Impressive approach Gregory Harper, MD, PhD, medical director of Breast Health Services, and his wife, Lorraine, were impressed by the SELECT program and its unique approach to medical education.

Solid support  Leonard Pool Society members like trauma and general surgeon David Scaff, DO, and his wife, Laurie, help Lehigh Valley Health Network fulfill its mission to heal, comfort and care for the community.

2 0

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K


HONOR AND MEMORIAL LIST

IN HONOR OF Ms. Anne Achey Dr. Lynsey S. Biondi Dr. Sigrid A. Blome-Eberwein Dr. Richard C. Boorse Mrs. Maria A. Burke Connor Riley Cody Mrs. Anne Davis Dr. Vanessa DeOliveira-Inacio Derek T. Durilla Mr. Richard Fleming and Mrs. Peggy Fleming Joan Anne Gallagher Ms. Karen Green Mr. and Mrs. William H. Grube, Jr. Ms. Jahna Haldeman Foland Dr. Yevgeniy Isayev Peyton E. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kirsch Mr. Leslie A. Lerner Mr. Harry Lukens Dr. Shehzad M. Malik Mr. Arnold Mancini Dr. and Mrs. Martin A. Martino Dr. Sanjay M. Mehta Dr. William L. Miller Dr. Michael Moritz Mountainville Seniors Ms. Linda M. Moyer Dr. Suresh G. Nair Ms. Annabelle J. Paules Ms. Denise Pierce Joel and Susan Polsky’s Grandchildren Mr. Lemuel M. Reed Ms. Carlene Reinhard Dr. Joseph Schellenberg The Schoeneman Family Ms. Kathryn Sullivan Dr. Carl B. Weiss, Jr. Mrs. Jean M. Wieand IN MEMORY OF Mr. Ray E. Ackerman Mr. Edwin V. Adamczak Mrs. Mary A. Adamkovic Ms. Kathryn L. Agrippine Ms. Eileen M. Ahearn Ms. Georgia J. Allen Mr. Alfred J. Allender Mr. John Andes III Ms. Carol Andrayko Mrs. Sheryl A. Ayers Mrs. Sonia L. Bade Mr. Benjamin S. Baglivo Ms. Angela Balletta Ms. Rufina Baltz Mr. Richard Banks Mrs. Martha C. Baranko Mr. Paul R. Bartholomew Mr. Bruce G. Bauder Mrs. Ann Bauer Mr. Frederick M. Beil Mr. Dennis Belcak Mr. Christopher M. Bender Mr. Michael D. Bentz Mr. Benjamin R. Bibler Mrs. Dorothy M. Blaukowitch Mr. Timothy Breidegam Ms. Pauline R. Breitfeller

Mr. Donald E. Breter Mrs. Jean Britton Mr. James F. Brown Mr. Richard F. Buchfeller Mr. Matt Buckendorff Mr. John G. Buhay Ms. Mary H. Burda Ms. Lorna G. Burke Mrs. Mary V. Busch Mr. George C. Butch Michael and Esther Caccese Mr. John M. Cameron Mr. Robert Carpinelli Mrs. Deborah Chiaradia (Rothrock) Ms. DeAnna A. Christman Ms. Melissa M. Ciszak Mr. Chester D. Clauser Mrs. Barbara Confalone Mrs. Gyl G. Corona Mrs. Joyce K. Costa Mrs. Helen Cray Mr. Stanley H. Cylinder Ms. Susan Howard Dames Mrs. Theresa M. Dauscher Mr. Stanley Dech Mrs. Antoinette J. DeFazio Mr. John Deitrick Ms. Mary DeNicuola Antoinette DeRea Mrs. Madelyn A. Derkac-Strouse Mrs. Pennie L. DeSantis Mrs. Helen G. Detthof Mr. Alfred Deutsch Mr. Frank O. Deutsch Mrs. Grace Y. Diedoardo Mr. Harold M. Diehl Mrs. Joanne M. DiProperzio Ritter Mr. Edward J. Domin Mrs. Julia T. Domitrovitz Mr. John M. Dornbach Mrs. Joyce Dornbach Mrs. Elizabeth Dorney Ms. Penny L. Dorward Mr. Henry Dougherty Ms. Betty E. Doyle Mr. Paul Dries Dr. Alan R. Dutkin Mr. Ralph Eberly Mrs. Hilda I. Eckhart Mr. Warren E. Eckhart Atty. Michael J. Egan Ms. Fern Emmert Stephen and Patti Estoch Ms. Patricia D. Evert Ms. Doris Fackenthall Mr. Seymour Falk Mr. Stephen Fedorak Mrs. Dora L. Fegley Mrs. Arlene M. Fehnel Mr. Rodney B. Fenstermaker Mr. Scott Fichter Mr. Brian Fillebrown Ms. Marilyn J. Flick Mr. Jack Q. Follweiler Mr. James A. Fontana Ms. Ruth Fontana Ruth Fowler Mr. Robert Fox Mr. Donald J. Frank Mr. Michael G. Fritz

Gifts received from January 1 – April 30, 2012

Helping Our Littlest Patients When 7-year-old Abigail Brand’s younger sister was born, she was treated by neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff. Fortunately her sister was healthy, but Abigail (left) wanted to help other sick and premature babies who are cared for in the NICU. “These babies are really struggling,” Abigail says. To help, she created the “Hello Little” book series. Half of her book sales are donated to Lehigh Valley Health Network’s NICU. The series includes the books “Hello Little Cloud” and “Hello Little Flower,” both written and illustrated by Abigail. She gains inspiration from what she sees around her. “I really like nature, and flowers are so beautiful,” Abigail says. She hopes her books can make a difference in the lives of babies who need it most.

A Culture of Giving Lehigh Valley Health Network’s information services (I/S) department designs and supports technology to enhance patient care. This busy group also makes time to give back to the health network and community. Members of the department’s special events committee, including (l-r) treasurer Rick Outland, copresident Jim Gigler, gift coordinator Ginette Mocarsi, co-president Dan Bortz and member-at-large Anna McDonald, organize fun fundraisers. Donations from employees who wear jeans on Friday support the health network’s community practices. Members of I/S fill Christmas stockings and give them to hospitalized children. They also give clothes, food, school supplies, and decorated Easter baskets and Christmas trees to local families in need. “The I/S culture has a deeply rooted sense of community,” Bortz says. “Our team understands the importance of giving back to those around us.”

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

2 1


HONOR AND MEMORIAL LIST

Mr. Franklin G. Fritzinger Mrs. Isabelle Fry Mr. Steven Funk Mr. John Furlong Mr. Gary Gamler Mr. Richard C. Gangwer Mr. Thomas Gavigan Mr. Robert Gedney Mr. Rocco M. Generose Mrs. Katherine T. Gentilcore Mrs. Hilda F. Gombert Mr. Bruce Good Mr. Gregory Gossy Mrs. Leslie Greenberg Mrs. Jean L. Greiss Mrs. Patricia Grello Mr. Randolph S. Grim Mr. Donald F. Grube Ms. Arlene M. Gutman Mr. Henry R. Haas, Sr. Mr. Robert P. Haas Mr. Albert W. Habecker Mr. Stephen T. Haberle Mr. William J. Hackett, Jr. Ms. Cecelia R. Hager Mr. Jerry Hahn and Mrs. Jean L. Hahn Ms. Gail I. Haldeman Mrs. Doris Hall Mr. Henry F. Halm Mr. Willis Hampton Mr. James A. Harper Mrs. Irene M. Hartman Mrs. Betty L. Hebig Mr. Larry R. Heckman Ms. Lynne Heist Mr. Henry W. Helfrich Mr. David G. Hendricks Mr. William H. Herd Mrs. Dorothy R. Hersh Mr. Don Hess Mrs. Joan Anne Higgins Mr. Robert G. Higgins Mrs. Evelyn R. Hontz Mr. Leroy A. Hopper Mrs. Lillian Houser Mrs. Christine A. Hutchinson Ms. Joyce Iobst Ms. Judith Ann Iobst Mr. Wakeem Isaac Mrs. Eileen F. Jones Ms. Eleanor R. Jones Mr. Kenneth F. Jones, Sr. Mr. Paul J. Kacsur, Jr. Mrs. Jean E. Keiper Ms. Linda Keiser Mr. John A. Kellar Mr. Francis X. Keller, Jr. Mr. Nevin B. Kemmerling Mr. Karl W. Kercher Ms. Eve Kern Ms. Sheila P. Kern Dr. Sultan Khan Mr. William Kiefer Laurene & Telford Kirkpatrick Ms. Jane Kistler Ms. Linda Kline Mr. David Klinger Mrs. Erma A. Knabb Mr. Peter Kohudic, Jr. 2 2

L E H I G H

Mr. Michael Kokolus Ms. Rose Kokolus Mr. Raymond H. Kolb Mr. Albert A. Konjusky Mrs. Mary C. Kopfer Mr. David Kosik Mrs. Rose A. Kositz Capt. John S. Kotran Mrs. Ginny Kovalovich Mr. Joseph D. Kozak Kenneth and Lorraine Krasley Mrs. Linda M. Kresley Mrs. Agnes H. Krupka Mrs. Sandra S. Kulp Mrs. Louise B. Kunsman Mrs. Marie E. Kuprewicz Mr. Bruce B. Landis Mrs. Joanne L. Landis Mr. Henry L. LaSauce Mr. Robert B. Laudenslager Mr. Ralph M. Lenzi Mr. George Lett Mrs. Sandra Lettrich Ms. Vera G. Lieupo Mr. Edward L. Logenbach Mr. Henry J. Long Ms. Melba Lorah Mrs. Nancy M. Lux Ms. Josephine Lynch Mr. Robert L. Mace Mrs. Betty J. MacLaughlin Mr. Robert Mairoto Ms. Anna Mann Mr. Thomas Marakovits Mr. Richard W. Marshall Ms. Maria Marziliano Mr. Charles P. Masiar and Mrs. Janet E. Masiar Mrs. Judith S. Matis Mrs. Fay C. Mayer Mrs. Muriel M. McGee Mr. James P. McHugh John H. McKeever Mr. Francis M. McLane Mr. Gifford McNabb Erin M. McWilliams Mr. Wilbur Meckes Mrs. Mary T. Meetsma Mrs. Elaine B. Mehle Mr. Kevin S. Meitzler Mr. Wilbur Mensinger Mrs. Lucy M. Merluzzi Ms. Donna Lynn Mesko Mrs. Arlene J. Mest Mrs. Mary A. Mill Mr. Wesley W. Miller Ms. Theresa M. Mogilski Mrs. Dorothy S. Moon Mr. Ronald G. Moore Ms. Anna Mormak Larry and Sandra Moyer’s Parents Ms. Maisie Moyer Mrs. Mary E. Mrowka Mrs. Alice J. Muhr Mr. B. Blair Mulvaney Mr. Robert C. Mutchler Mrs. Anna J. Nacci Mrs. Mildred Nemeth Ruth and Michael Notis’s Parents Ms. Kelly Oravec

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

A Creative Way to Give Thanks Ginny Rahn of Bethlehem is a talented crafter. She’s been selling hand-painted items at craft shows for more than 20 years. After she successfully battled breast cancer, Rahn wanted to make something special for her caregivers at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Breast Health Services. Her gift of hand-painted smiling light bulb ornaments with pink hats and scarves were such a huge hit the recipients suggested she make them to sell at Breast Health Services. Rahn agreed, with the stipulation that all proceeds go toward the health network’s Pink Ribbon Fund, which helps women with financial needs while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Seven hundred of these special edition ornaments have sold since then. “I am so thankful to be where I am today as a five-year survivor of breast cancer,” she says. “The ornaments are a way for me to give back to Breast Health Services, so they can pay it forward to other women in need.”

Dancing the Night Away Close to 150 Salisbury Middle School students recently danced the night away for a good cause. They raised $10,000 for Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Prager Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. Following the dancea-thon, Salisbury Middle School Interact Club students presented the money to representatives of the health network’s cancer center. The fund, which supports cancer patients directly for nonmedical expenses, was nearly depleted after an unprecedented year of giving to patients in need.

N E T W O R K


THE

SAVE DATE Mr. John Oravec Paul L. Orr, M.D. Ms. Kimberly J. Owens Wagers Mrs. Mildred Pagotto Mr. and Mrs. John Panik Ms. Eleanor C. Parr Mr. Donald J. Pasda, Sr. Mrs. Anna M. Paulas Mr. Ralph Penetar Mr. Marvin W. Peters Mrs. Mary H. Peters Mr. Joseph Pinto, Jr. Mr. James K. Plourde Mr. James J. Powers Ms. Sally J. Prann-Carter Dr. Joseph J. Prorok Mrs. Geraldine J. Pulley June and Bill Pummer Mrs. Ann W. Puschak Mrs. Ruth M. Radcliffe Mr. Clifford C. Rauch Mrs. Irene Redline Mrs. Sharon L. Redman Mr. William Reed Mr. Rick Reese Ms. Iris Reichl Mr. Charles R. Rex Mrs. Lisa M. Rhoads Ms. Barbara Ann Rhodes Mr. Gerald Ripkey Mrs. Lillian Ripkey Mr. Carl R. Rodgers, III Mrs. Sandra R. Roth Mrs. Claire Rothrock Mr. Theodore C. Rothrock, Jr. Mrs. Margaret F. Rowlands Mrs. Edythe Rubens Mrs. Dorothy B. Ruth Ms. Frances Samuels Ms. Harriet G. Samuels Mrs. Sandra L. Schaeffer Mr. William J. Schaff Mrs. Gloria E. Schlegel Mr. Frantz Schlosser Mr. Robert E. Schmiede Ray & Edna Schoemaker Mrs. Irene M. Schuler Mr. William Schuster Mr. Dick Schwab Mr. Dennis S. Sell Mrs. Irene B. Selvenis Mrs. Frieda Semet Mrs. Barbara Shaffer Mrs. Lois K. Shelly Mrs. Mary K. Sherrill Mrs. Betty E. Silnik Mr. Borivoje Simic Mr. John K. Simms, Jr. Deceased Members of the Slatington Lions Club Mr. John F. Sipics

Mr. Robert Slaw, Sr. Mrs. Elaine G. Smith Mr. Eric S. Smith Mr. William J. Smith Ms. Marie A. Snyder Mrs. Theresa C. Solderitsch Mrs. Barbara A. Sommer Mrs. Elaine G. Spence Mr. Heinrich Staltmayer Mr. Herbert Stark Mr. Willard R. Steward Mrs. Gail G. Stewart Dr. Max J. Stierstorfer, Jr. Mrs. Marie Catherine Stine Mr. Jeffrey R. Strouse Ms. Kerri Lee Suchy Ms. Clara Sunder Mr. Thomas J. Sunder Mrs. Marguerite G. Taylor Mr. Frank J. Timmer Mr. Ronald S. Treichler Ms. Ruth A. Trinkle Ms. Elizabeth Turgyan Mrs. Julianne Uivary Dr. Charles W. Umlauf and Mrs. Ruth Umlauf Ms. Elizabeth van Hoevenberg All Veterans Mr. William P. Villa Mr. Frank Wack Mr. Roy Wagner Mr. Joe Walakovits Ms. Daphne Wambold Mr. Joseph Waschitsch Mr. and Mrs. Dick Weaver Mrs. Evelyn S. Weaver Mrs. Shawn A. Weaver Mrs. Evelyn V. Weber Mr. William “Billy” Wehr Ms. Mary A. Weiss Mr. Michael Wennerholt Mr. Roy E. Wharton Topsy White Mrs. Jean M. Wieand Mrs. Michele A. Williams Mr. Roland L. Williams Mr. Charles F. Williston Mr. Joseph H. Wilson Mrs. Ethel R. Wisser Dr. Alan H. Wolson Mr. Robert C. Wood Mr. James Woodhead Mrs. Alice A. Yeager Mrs. Alma S. Yeager Mr. John F. Young Mr. Boleslaw Zaboy Mr. William R. Zakos Ms. Josephine Zanish Mrs. Marguerite I. Ziegenfuss Mr. Eugene J. Zubey

THE

SAVE DATE annual Nite Lites Gala sept. 29, 2012 For sponsorship or event information, contact Sandi Marsh at 484-884-9119 or sandra.marsh@lvhn.org.

51st Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg annual Summer Festival August 15-18, 2012 For sponsorship or event information, contact Amy Burrows at 484-884-9123 or amy.burrows@lvhn.org.

Remembering David As Japanese legend has it, anyone who folds 1,000 origami paper cranes is granted one wish. In 2011, the legend meant much more to 10-year-old David Heard of Easton, who had a rare and deadly cancer. He was determined to deliver as many paper cranes as possible before he died so others would have their wishes come true. So far, thousands of cranes have been folded and made on his behalf. Sadly, Heard passed away last February, but his legacy lives on through the National Crane Project. Recently, volunteers from Crayola (like Lisa Rodrigues, pictured) and Lafayette College’s theater department installed a new set of paper cranes in the pediatric unit playroom at Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Heard’s memory.

A Heartfelt Gift When she was in fifth grade, Gianna Seeney of Allentown (left) developed a mysterious illness thought to be leukemia. “I needed blood transfusions and other treatments,” she says. Her white blood cell count eventually increased on its own and she recovered. Throughout her journey, she found support and reassurance from Lehigh Valley Health Network pediatric hematologist-oncologist Philip Monteleone, MD (right). “When I was sick, he got down on one knee, looked me in the eye and told me everything that was happening,” Seeney says. Now a 17-year-old senior at Parkland High School and a cheerleader, Seeney recently earned a scholarship to West Chester University, where she’ll study nursing and premed in the fall. She donated half of that scholarship to support the pediatric hematology-oncology program at the health network.

L E H I G H

VA L L E Y

H E A LT H

N E T W O R K

2 3


Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit #1922

Inspire is a m a g az i n e o n phila nthr o py fro m t h e d e v e lo p m e n t d epa r tment o f

Lehigh Valley Health Network 2100 Mack Blvd., 6th Floor P.O. Box 4000 • Allentown, PA 18105

After reading, please recycle this magazine. Internet: lvhn.org /donate Follow us on:

Join Our Friends in the Community

By leaving a bequest to Lehigh Valley Health Network and investing in the future of a healthy community, you will become a member of the 1899 Society, named to commemorate the opening of what was then known as The Allentown Hospital. To learn more, call Jane Wrisley in the planned giving office at 484-884-8759 or email giftplanning@lvh.com.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.