Keeping the Faith

COVER STORY
Keeping
the Faith
Dear Friends,
A sledding accident left Alyssa Armstrong
unable to walk, but the 18-year-old
college-bound beauty is finding strength to
move ahead and make her mark on the world.
By now, many of you are probably familiar with the “Faith and Fifty Cents” story
about how Good Shepherd was started with Papa and Mama Raker’s faith and fifty
cents given to their cause by a donor who believed in the mission.
Faith continues to resonate through our corridors every day. Our patients have
faith in our caregivers. Our caregivers have faith in their skills and education.
And faith often plays an essential role in healing as patients and staff turn to it
to get through some very difficult times.
For Alyssa Armstrong, the young woman featured in this issue, faith has buoyed
her and her family as they come to terms with an accident that left Alyssa’s legs
paralyzed. Theirs is a God-given faith and with love for one another, they are
moving forward, certain in the knowledge that God is with them and for whatever
reason, He has set them on a path that will bring newfound joys and purpose.
That brings me to another dimension of faith we are exploring at Good Shepherd.
That is faith in technology. This too is a part of Alyssa’s story. Our commitment to
advancing patient care and outcomes through new technology has brought an
exciting product to our neurorehabilitation program. It’s called eLEGS and it holds
great promise for spinal cord injured patients like Alyssa. We are working closely
with Berkley Bionics in trialing eLEGS and Melissa was among a handful of
patients who got to try them out in May. Good Shepherd is one of only 10 facilities
in the country selected to pilot eLEGS. This speaks highly of our program and our
staff’s expertise.
The potential for this kind of technology to improve lives
through greater independence is what Good Shepherd is all
about. We have faith that by investing in these technologies,
we are investing in a better tomorrow for our patients
today. I invite you all as donors to be a part of this brave
new world and above all, have faith. Alyssa does.
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Features
The Inspired Spirit
Longtime volunteer Michelle Botelho shares her
deep love for our long-term care residents, who
love her right back. ................................8
Good Sport & Good Fun
Once again, the Conrad
W. Raker Sporting Clays
Invitational raises money
for a good cause. ....... 10
Kingdom Hearts Ball
A magical night of whimsy
and fantasy captured the
hearts of all at the annual
Raker resident ball. ..... 12
s
Cover photograph: Randy Monceaux
IN THIS ISSUE
All Around ......................................... 11
Gifts of Love ...................................... 14
In Memoriam ................................... 17
Henry Armbruster
Antonin Hodek
William A. Robbins
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OUR MISSION
Motivated by the divine Good Shepherd
Sally Gammon, FACHE
President & CEO
and the physical and cognitive rehabilitation needs of our communities,
www.GoodShepherdRehab.org
1-888-44-REHAB
2
our mission is to enhance lives, maximize function, inspire hope,
and promote dignity and well-being
with expertise and compassion.
3
Alyssa Armstrong was always one of those
kids who pushed the envelope. Vibrant and
athletic, she was a fearless soccer player and
constantly on the go with her friends.
So it was not surprising that on a cold day in
February 2010, Ally was up for a sledding
expedition with her pals. The conditions
were right and everyone was in high spirits.
One hill in particular caught Ally’s attention.
It was steep but not impossible. Other kids
were sailing down it so why not her?
Ally began her descent. It was thrilling.
Suddenly, she flipped off her sled and landed
hard on her back. “I felt like my
legs came off,” she recalls.
“It felt like a shock went
up my back, but I wasn’t
in any pain at all.”
Ally, then only 17
years old, suffered
a spinal cord injury.
Her mother April
recalls her daughter’s words as she
lay in the hospital awaiting a final diagnosis.
“I’m sorry,” Ally said. “I made a bad choice.”
from this remarkable family, the grace of
God is indeed, at work in all their lives.
suffer with God, and I am so glad I chose
to suffer with God.”
Ally’s legs were paralyzed but not her spirit
or her faith. The vivacious 18-year-old
Parkland High School senior prom queen
and now graduate, is forging ahead determined to grab all life has to offer and inspire
others like her to do the same. Through it
all, her Good Shepherd therapists and caregivers, her family, her friends, her church,
and her faith in God have sustained her
through a maelstrom of emotions that sometimes brought more questions than answers.
Ally and her mother shared that grace with
congregants at Jordan United Church of
Christ, where Ally has grown up, attends
Sunday school and is active in the youth
group. They talked about how a “typical,
boring family” from Schnecksville that
“oozed normalcy” suddenly found themselves anything but typical. They also talked
about making some hard choices at a time
that put their faith to the test.
Ally, too, had big choices to make. Life had
taken one choice from her, her ability to
walk, but now she would choose how to
respond to her own personal tragedy.
“I was questioning, why me, and why did I
deserve this,” says Ally. “I kind of got angry at
God… But my mom showed me that He didn’t
place this on me. It was a really freaky thing
and He’s going to help me find my way out.”
And, judging from the sparkling smile that
graces Ally’s face and the love that exudes
“We’ve always tried to live our faith through
mission and prayer” says April. “I truly
believe as a Christian, through our faith in
Christ and His gift, we can put our faith in
God’s hands and it will be okay. Suffering is
real. You can choose to suffer
alone or you can choose to
At Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital,
where she spent six weeks undergoing
inpatient rehabilitation therapy followed by
three months of outpatient therapy, Ally
found a cradle of support that nurtured her
faith and helped her start to envision a
more hopeful future.
“During my stay, I knew Jesus wasn’t able
to be there physically, but I was fortunate
enough to have great nurses and therapists
who pushed me through,” she says. “It was
hard at the beginning, because I wasn’t used
to everything that changed with my body
and some days I was just so tired. But a lot
of my nurses would always talk to me and
let me vent and cry to them, and that
really helped a lot.”
Motivational speaker,
prom queen, family ties,
proud graduate.
4
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Through counseling at Good Shepherd, Ally
learned about another teenage girl with a spinal cord injury at the hospital. “I went in and
talked with her, and she and her mom were
so happy,” Ally says. “After she left (the hospital), she texted me to say how much happier she was. Once you get out and start experiencing how to live again, you’ll get happier
each day.”
On Monday, June 13, to the sound of cheers
and loud applause, Ally graduated with the
Parkland High School Class of 2011 in an
emotional ceremony at Stabler Center.
Ally begins her freshman year of college in
August at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is considering a career in health
care, possibly occupational therapy. Her
view of life has changed drastically. “I think
that kids my age don’t really know what
the reason for life is,” she says. “And I
think because of my accident, I am able to
see all the good that can come out of it and
am able to offer inspiration and hope.”
Ally holds on passionately to her independence. She completed the Adaptive Driving Program at Good Shepherd and gets
around with modifications made to her
car. And, she requested that her college
roommate be fully-abled because Ally
does not think of herself as disabled.
“I learned that I can deal with tragedy and it’s made me a stronger person,” she says. “There are things in
life that happen for a reason, and
sometimes they’re not always
good. But I believe better things
will come. God is good.
All the time.”
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It’s been named by Time magazine one of
the 50 best inventions of 2010 and Alyssa
Armstrong got to test it out herself right here
at Good Shepherd. The eLEGS, developed by
Berkeley Bionics, is robotic exoskeleton technology that lets people with lower-extremity
weakness or paralysis stand up and walk.
The battery-powered device uses sensors
that detect the user’s intentions. A computer
then commands motors at the hip and knee
joints to move the legs through a smooth,
natural gait.
Ally uses a wheelchair for most of her mobility but also straps on traditional leg braces to
do some walking. The prospect of trying the
eLEGS was too tempting to pass up, and she
quickly discovered some of the benefits.
“I felt really tall,” she says. “It was so nice
standing and seeing people at eye level. It’s
exciting to know that people are creating
technology like this for spinal cord-injured
patients.”
Good Shepherd is one of 10 nationallyrecognized rehabilitation centers in the
United States chosen for clinical trials as
Berkeley Bionics works towards creating a
model by 2013 for home use. Ally was
among eight patients, nearly all with spinal
cord injuries, who tested the eLEGS in May.
Berkeley’s therapists and technicians will
take what they learned and apply that
knowledge to improving the device. In
January 2012, Berkeley plans to return for
additional clinical trials.
“We’re bringing some very sophisticated
technology to the Lehigh Valley,” says Sue
Golden, director, outpatient neurorehabilitation. “This is a huge breakthrough because
for years the only option people had was the
heavy long-leg braces.”
The partnership further strengthens Good
Shepherd’s neurorehabilitation program
which already has a visionary commitment
to technology and the role it plays in providing better and faster patient outcomes, as
well as greater independence. With eLEGS,
patients may be able to capture post-injury
muscle memory quicker, retain muscle
mass, stabilize bone loss, and improve circulation and breathing by strengthening the
respiratory system.
Next January, Good Shepherd plans to
acquire an eLEGS system for inpatient and
outpatient therapy. “There are just so many
benefits to walking,” says Sue. “I don’t know
one spinal cord patient who if they had the
choice, wouldn’t want to walk again.”
Want to be part of the future today?
Staying in the forefront of developing technologies comes at a cost, but it’s one Good Shepherd
believes is an important investment. Donor
dollars through the assistive technology fund
have provided for initial start-up costs for the
eLEGS project, but additional funds are needed.
If you would like to learn more about how you
can support eLEGS and other innovative assistive technologies at Good Shepherd, contact
David Lyons, vice president, development, at
[email protected] or call him at 610-776-3557.
Read more about eLEGS, watch a video
of eLEGS in action and see more pictures at
www.GoodShepherdRehab.org
7
By Michelle Botelho
I was 14 years old and living in Fall River,
Massachusetts, when I was bitten by the
volunteer bug. Little did I know that it
would lead me to Good Shepherd and
some of the most fulfilling experiences of
my life. I started out as a candy striper at
St. Anne’s Hospital, doing errands for the
nurses and making a communion list for
the priests. I also liked
just sitting and talking
to the patients. I loved
the elderly and the stories they told me about
their families and
loved ones.
When I was 22, I went to work in a nursing home. I put myself through two years
of college and got an associate’s degree in
child care. I was drawn then to work with
disabled adults and knew that this was for
me. Marriage took me and my family to
the suburbs of Chicago where I worked as
a physical and occupational therapy aide
place for me. The residents were warm
and friendly and funny. It was like living
at home when I was a child, with my parents, grandparents, four brothers and two
sisters.
I’ve had so many wonderful times with the
Raker residents and even done some traveling. I’ve been on trips to Connecticut as
a coach with the resident bocce and bowling team. It’s such a treat to see them let
down their hair and just have a good time.
I also took a trip to Disney World and
Magic Kingdom in Florida with two other
residents, helping with transportation,
to bed. I walked in the room, gave her a
kiss and told her that her son was there.
She said she knew. We stayed for a short
while and as we said our goodbyes, she
told me she loved me. Two days later, she
passed away. I am so glad I had that time
with her and that she saw her son.
Of course I can’t talk about Good Shepherd
without mentioning Dr. Conrad Raker. He
was an awesome man. Quiet. Soft-spoken.
You could feel his presence before he
entered a room and before you knew it,
no words were said and he would put his
hand on your shoulder. He presented the
“It touches my heart down to my soul that I can be a small part of our residents’ lives
and they let me in. They taught me to be more patient and to reach for the stars.”
in a nursing home. I found such joy caring for the people who always greeted me
with so much excitement. I got caught up
in their lives as we sat and talked.
It was awesome.
Fifteen years ago, my
husband and I moved
to Pennsylvania. I
heard about Good
Shepherd from a
friend of his. I met
with the volunteer
director, explaining to her that I
wanted to start out
slowly as I don’t
do change well and
am a creature of
habit. But as soon as I
walked into the lobby of
the Raker Center, all bets
were off. I knew this was the
feeding, and doing the little things, like
putting on their shoes and socks.
I enjoy going with our residents on shopping trips to the mall or out to eat. And,
I love attending the annual resident ball.
What an event! I’m almost at a loss for
words to describe this very special evening
and how incredible everyone looks.
I enjoy helping our residents at the
themed luncheons held every month,
cleaning and straightening their rooms,
and assisting with pool therapy.
Some of my most memorable times have
been when escorting residents to visit family. Several of them have frail elderly parents in nursing homes. On four separate
occasions, the mothers of residents passed
away right after we had visited. I’ll never
forget the time I took a resident to visit his
mom on Mother’s Day. She was confined
Conrad W. Raker Volunteer of the Year
Award to me in 2002. Not long after that,
he died.
I am very grateful that I can do everything I do at Good Shepherd. It touches
my heart down to my soul that I can be a
small part of our residents’ lives and they
let me in. They taught me to be more
patient and to reach for the stars. Nothing
is impossible. The small things are what
count and we should all make the most
out of life.
Michelle Botelho has been volunteering
as a therapeutic recreational assistant
since 1996. Since July 2009, she has logged
more than 712 hours. If you would like
to join our volunteer ranks, visit us at
www.GoodShepherdRehab.org or contact
JoAnn Frey, volunteer coordinator at
[email protected] or 610-776-3125.
Michelle with Donald Gambler
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9
On Friday, May 6, Good Shepherd held
the 17th Annual Conrad W. Raker Sporting
Clays Invitational at Lehigh Valley Sporting
Clays, Coplay, Pa. The event netted more
than $30,000 benefiting the Conrad W.
Raker Endowment for continuing
education for
employees.
Elvis Meets Johnny Cash
Good Shepherd resident Jennette Gigler got
as close as it gets to meeting the real thing
when she attended “Elvis Meets Johnny
Cash,” a benefit concert for Good Shepherd’s
neurorehabilitation program, on Tuesday,
April 21, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in
Allentown. The Cohen & Feeley law firm
sponsored the event and donated $10,000
through its philanthropic foundation. The
concert brought two of the music industry’s
all-time legends to life through the talents of
renowned tribute artists who perfectly captured the look, moves and sounds of the late
performers. Brad Krum, as Elvis, showcased
a fantastic three-and-a-half octave range,
and Terry Lee Goffee as Johnny Cash
drilled down with a deep, resonant, authenticity that thrilled the crowd of about 660.
First Swing Builds Confidence
Join Good Shepherd Rehabilitation
Network on Facebook and see more
Sporting Clays photos posted on Flickr.
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Chris Miller of Emmaus was among the 38 people with
disabilities, family members, visitors, therapists, and golf professionals who attended the 26th Annual First Swing Seminar
and Learn to Golf Clinic at Center Valley Club at Stabler
Center on Friday, May 6. Boas Surgical sponsors the clinic every
year and has been instrumental in ensuring its success. Good
Shepherd's Recreational Therapy Department and Bob Buck,
executive director of the Eastern Amputee Golf Association,
made history when the seminar and clinic, which was the first
of its kind in the country, was developed. This free program teaches people with disabilities the basics of golf,
and teaches therapists and golf professionals how to
instruct people in adaptive golf techniques.
“Many patients wrongly believe that once
they've had a disability, they will never
again be able to do many of the sports
they love,” says Linda Bollinger, recreational therapist. “The clinic helps them
realize that they can do it, perhaps with
adaptations if needed, but that anything
is possible.”
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The Palace Center in Allentown lived up
to its name on Friday, April 29, when it
was transformed into a Disney-themed fantasy, complete with a handmade cardboard
castle, for the residents of the Conrad W.
Raker Center at the Good Shepherd Home.
The Kingdom Hearts Ball was organized by
the recreational therapy staff who delighted
everyone by circulating through the crowd
dressed as Cinderella, Snow White and
other well-known Disney characters.
The annual ball is met with great anticipation every year by the residents who spend
the entire day getting dressed and coiffed
for what is always a joyous, memorable
evening shared with family and
friends. Behind the scenes,
12
Good Shepherd’s staff and volunteers put
their hearts into months of preparation
from shopping for special attire for the
residents to planning the menu and making the decorations. The day of the ball,
staff, with help from Metro Beauty School,
begin getting the 78 residents ready early
in the morning for transportation by Good
Shepherd’s maintenance department staff
who work late into the night until the last
reveler is home safe and sound.
The Royal Court
King: David Vermilya
Queen: Krista Volk
Ladies: Emily Flowers,
Bonnie Stallman, Jackie Gist
Lords: Eric Buskirk,
Alex Santiago, Mark Johnson
You can help our residents buy
tickets to next year’s ball by making a
donation now to Long-Term Care at
www.GoodShepherdRehab.org and click
on “Make a Gift” or use the envelope in
this issue. Thank you!
13
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…
Mr. Gary R. Bachman
Mr. Jan Berry
My Children
Mr. Chad Coleman
Mr. Richard W. Cowen
Rev. Charles E. Fair
Mrs. Catherine I. Bachman
Ms. Sharon Angotta
Ms. Jeanette Pratts
Mr. Raymond A. Coleman
Gary Frederick Reider
Pastor Mont Bowser
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L.
Weidenheimer
My Family
Francesca M. Miller
Rev. William M. Horn
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shade
Carl and Elizabeth Reimer Ms. Marilyn M. Huber
Wendy Singer
Mr. Norman Griffith, Jr.
Mike Taub
Mr. Joseph McNally
Ms. Rita A. Tunnhoff
Mrs. Ruth E. Scott
Mrs. Anneliese Tunnhoff
IN HONOR OF
THE BIRTHDAY OF…
DONATED BY…
Ms. Janelle E. Bergandino Ms. Susan L. Crawford
Judy and Edmund Kling
Mr. Kenneth J. Schaefer Mr. John M. Schaefer
Mrs. Mildred Wagner
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Wagner
IN HONOR OF THE
80TH BIRTHDAY OF…
DONATED BY…
Mrs. Verna E. Dietrich
Mr. Kenneth C. Muschlitz
Mrs. Mae D. Bittner
Mr. and Mrs. John D. LaBarre
IN HONOR OF THE
87TH BIRTHDAY OF…
DONATED BY…
Carl and Elizabeth Reimer Ms. Elfrieda M. Fusco
IN HONOR OF OUR
56TH WEDDING
ANNIVERSARY…
DONATED BY…
Gerald and Tessie Reenock Gerald and Tessie Reenock
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FOR A SPEEDY
RECOVERY OF…
DONATED BY…
Mr. Harold A. McDonnel
Mrs. Donna Schrader
Mrs. Georgine M. Poole
Mrs. Georgine M. Poole
IN MEMORY OF…
Ms. Dianne
Johansson Adams
DONATED BY…
Rev. Donald H. Moeser
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stillwell
Ms. Rosalyn Waters-Maxwell
Mr. William E. Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. R. Donald Walp
Anna Baker
Mr. John H. Baker
Mr. John J. Baranko
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie A. Matthews
Mr. Joseph Benzak, Sr.
Mr. David J. Benzak
Mrs. Lorraine M. Bevan
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bevan
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Fletcher
Ms. Janice Klevis
Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Leibig
Mr. and Mrs. David C. Leibig
Carol L. Boodhansingh
Stefanie Cisar and Dennis
Mr. and Mrs. Ray McBrearty
Mr. and Mrs. Don Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Sudyka, Jr.
Mr. Scot P. Borascius
Anonymous
Ms. Robin J. Brewer
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Addy, Jr.
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Brewer
Mr. Jeremiah A. Lott
Ms. Helen Kammerman Shreve
Mrs. Carolyn B. Volk
Mrs. Ruth E. Waller
Dr. and Mrs. Louis H. Winkler III
Edward F. Buchak
Anonymous
Buffy
Mr. Dennis K. Wood
Mrs. Dorothy M. Byington Ms. Veronica H. Clifford
Maurice and Darlene Dimmick
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hozza
Lutheran Manor Residents
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Raykos
Gary and Grace Ritter
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Roy
Ms. Muriel M. Cook
Barbara Miller
Mary Etta Cope
Mr. James Morrash
Mrs. Mary M. Wicklund
Bernice and Donald Davis Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robidas
Mr. Ralph DeCristoforo
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ford
Good Shepherd Medical Staff
Mr. and Mrs. John Raker Hudders
Mrs. Ruth H. Keblish
Andrew and Deborah Kimmel
Mr. Leighton B. McKeithen III
IN MEMORY OF…
DONATED BY…
IN MEMORY OF…
DONATED BY…
Mr. Ralph DeCristoforo
Mrs. Jacqueline G. Mock
Mr. Ronald J. Petula
Mr. Wilbur J. Dornsife
Mr. Wilbur J. Dornsife
Rev. and Mrs. Bernard F.
Engelhardt
Ms. Hollie E. Deifer
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Angney
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Godshall
Mr. and Mrs. Jay R. Golden, Sr.
Ms. Anne Marie Grattan
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Haron
Ms. Grace H. Frey
Mr. Richard A. Hassler
Kelsey
Mrs. Thelma M. Kiess
Matthew
Ellen and Jerry Martinez
Michael
Nicholas
Mrs. Patricia Pechacek
Mr. and Mrs. Philip W. Shepherd
Wendy and David Gibson
Mr. Vincent J. Valentini
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Conrad
Mrs. Blanche Hodge
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony P.
Abdalla, DMD
Ms. Jennifer Arno
Paul Chesia
Ms. Constance M. Collins
Mr. and Mrs. James W.
Gewartowski
Mr. Steven Gilligan
Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Grim
Ms. Carol Hafstad
Ms. Krista L. Hayes and
Mr. John W. Sweeney
Ms. Barbara A. Hodick
Ms. Martha G. Keller
Ms. Carol A. Krum
Ms. Vivian Lindermayer
David and Barbara Mardo
Ms. Jacqueline Moffett
Ms. M. Jean Paxton
Mrs. Mae M. Hynes
Tanya Ruisova
Bruce Schulkins
Mrs. Agnes B. Taylor
Denise Thielemann
Ms. Barbara Voelckers
Mr. David Dornsife
Mrs. Mary Lou Dornsife
Florence Fowler
Carol A. Gackenbach
Mr. Elwood C. German
Mr. Emil L. Godshall
Jay R. Golden, Jr.
Ms. Mary Grieve
Joey Haron
Mrs. Anna K. Hassler
Robert Heffelfinger
Ray G. Hildebeidel
John Hodge
Mrs. Mae M. Hynes
Mr. and Mrs.
Albert M. Iacocca
Mrs. Helen K. Johnson
Dr. Peter A. Keblish
Mr. Michael Iacocca
Mrs. Helene B. Tyndall
John and Shari Biery
Buckno, Lisicky and Company
Lynn Codrea
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Douglass III
Dr. Tamar Earnest and
Mr. William Earnest
Mrs. Joan L. Eyster
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ford
Ms. Sally T. Gammon
Ms. Carol Grim
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Grimes
Dr. and Mrs. George W. Hartzell, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. John Raker Hudders
Tom Hudders
Mrs. Judith Ann Kaminski
Ms. Sandra A. Knisely
Dr. and Mrs. Vernon D. Kressley
Lehigh Country Club
Lutron Foundation
Mr. Jordie Maine
Mr. Larry M. Miley and
Ms. Judy Barrick
Drs. Richard and
Elizabeth K. Pearce
Mr. Richard C. Raab
Ms. Edith D. Ritter
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Somach
Mr. R. Barry Sorrells, MD
Stephen and Meg Staunton
Dr. and Mrs. Jay S. Talsania
Ms. Charlene B. Thomas
Helene and Don Tyndall
Dr. and Mrs. Michael H. Ufberg
Ms. Pamela D. Varkony
Richard and Peggy Whittaker
Howard A. Wiener, Esq.
Joel B. Wiener, Esq.
Stephen W. Wiener, Esq.
Mr. Norman T. Wilde, Jr.
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In Memoriam
IN MEMORY OF…
DONATED BY…
IN MEMORY OF…
Ms. Patricia A. Kitchen
Mr. Daniel M. Knabb III
Mrs. Bertha A. Koenig
Agnes Krupka
Mrs. Trudie Lanning
Mr. William Macht
Geoffrey E. Mann
Walter Marks
Jack McDonald
Mr. Anthony R. Micco
Mr. Ray P. Mitchell, Jr.
Marsha Moritz
Mrs. Betty Morrash
Ms. Anna Moyer
Rev. and Mrs. Carl H. Moyer
Mr. Richard F. Moyer
Mrs. Kathryn A. Mulzet
Mr. Frederick H. Kitchen
Mrs. Vera M. Knabb
Mrs. Marjorie L. Gerber
Mr. John M. Krupka
Mr. Mayo W. Lanning
Dr. Esther M. Wenrich
Mrs. Prudence P. Mann
Ms. Kathryn I. Machemer
Barbara Miller
Mrs. Mary Jane Micco
Lexington Park Lions Club
Mr. and Mrs. John Raker Hudders
Mr. James Morrash
Anonymous
Gerald F. Moyer Trust
Mrs. V. Sue Moyer
Mr. Barry B. Buchecker
Ms. Elizabeth Gehringer
Mrs. Neola C. Geschel
Ms. Lillian Kober
Ms. Elsie S. Metz
Samuel Adams
Pennsylvania Brewery Company
Ms. Emma S. Skrovanek
Ms. Irene Sutjak
Ms. Alma V. Wendling
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Capozzolo
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Confalone
Mr. Raymond K. Conrad
Mr. and Mrs. James A. Dale
Easton Periodontal Associates
Ms. Francine K. Faraldo
Ms. Anna P. Gruppo
Mr. and Mrs. R. Edward Hickman
Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Kovacs
Mr. and Mrs. Neil N. McCardle
Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. McGrath
Pocono Singles and Marrieds
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Vasko
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Blaschak
Mrs. Lorraine Polchin
Mrs. Georgine M. Poole
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Douglass III
Mr. and Mrs. John Raker Hudders
Ms. Ann Sweeney Rodden
Edward Sagurney
Emil Sagurney
Helen and Phil Salera
Mr. Kenneth J. Schaefer
Mr. John Orlando, Jr.
Jacquetta Phillips
Bernard Polchin
Edward Poole
Mrs. Alyce V. Rimmer
DONATED BY…
Mrs. Kathleen F. Sweeney
Rev. and Mrs. Bernard F. Engelhardt
Rev. and Mrs. Bernard F. Engelhardt
Ms. Janice A. Salera
Mrs. Helene M. Schaefer
James and Donna Schaefer
Elizabeth Schaeffer
Rev. and Mrs. Bernard F. Engelhardt
Philip Schaeffer
Rev. and Mrs. Bernard F. Engelhardt
Mr. and Mrs. Amandus
Mr. and Mrs. John J.
G. Schaffer
Damhosl, Sr.
Mrs. Dorothy Scholl
Marian and Robert Mumbauer
Mrs. Cheryl A. Schwenk
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony P.
Abdalla, DMD
Art, Dawn, and Lauren Anderson
Calvary Temple Church
Mr. and Mrs. Terry L. Ernst
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gigliotti
Rev. Norma Halison
Sylvia Halison
Ms. Wendy S. Huszar
Mrs. Barbara J. Johnson
CJ Marsh and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick B. Moore, Sr.
Marek and Julie Plater
Plummer Family
Mrs. Marian Schwenk
Gloria Wright
Mrs. Helen A. Shade
Ms. Lisa G. Dorreman
Mr. David R. Shelkey, Jr. Mrs. Catherine J. Stroup
Ira and Emily Sloyer
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley D. Sloyer
Ms. Judith A. Snyder
Edward and Jane Snyder
Sparky
Mr. Dennis K. Wood
Maureen Ann Steiger
Mr. LeRoy J. Steiger
Mr. Walter W. Stolz
Mr. John A. Stolz
Fern Sulzer
Ms. Kathryn I. Machemer
Rose and Adam Swift
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Sherry
Mrs. Evelyn S. Thomas
Mr. A. Cooke Thomas
Mr. Paul Tunnhoff
Ms. Terri L. Eyer
Mrs. Anneliese Tunnhoff
Russell Valentini
Mr. Vincent J. Valentini
Ms. Lily Keim Van Sweden Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Keim
Dorothy Vogel
Mrs. Blanche Hodge
Mr. John R. Winter
Mrs. Alice C. Winter
Henry Armbruster
Henry Armbruster, loving husband and father, and a resident
of the Good Shepherd Home-Bethlehem, died May 18 at Lehigh
Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. He was 69 years old. He celebrated
his 44th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mary Ann, on March
11, by going out to dinner and attending an Iron Pigs baseball
game. Henry, who was diagnosed 16 years ago with a musclewasting disease, was a Vietnam War veteran and worked for Hess’s
Department Store for 26 years. He came to live at Good Shepherd
in January 2011, bringing with him a gentle spirit and a deep faith.
Antonin Hodek
Antonin “Tony” Hodek, a resident of the Good Shepherd Home-Bethlehem, passed away
on May 25. He was 47 years old. Born January 13, 1964, in Easton, Tony was educated
at Crotched Mountain in Greenfield, New Hampshire, where he lived until adulthood. It
was there that his family learned about Good Shepherd and decided this would be a good
home for Tony, who had cerebral palsy. He moved to the Bethlehem facility in 2000 and
was a familiar figure at many activities such as holiday tree trimming parties, Resident’s
Council, the annual resident ball, and religious services. A faith-filled man who lived a
life of prayer, Tony will be missed for the light he shared with his quiet presence.
William A. Robbins
For 65 years, William “Pops” Robbins called Good
Shepherd home. On May 29, the man who was like a
father to many, passed away at the age of 74 leaving a
void as big as his heart. Born November 20, 1936, Pops,
who had cerebral palsy, came to live at Good Shepherd’s
Conrad W. Raker Center in September 1946. He was nine
years old. Pops moved to the Bethlehem home in 2000.
Always engaging and interested in other people, Pops
loved being involved in as many things as possible from
the Glee Club to participating in the home’s Wheelchair
Olympics. Pops was a member of Grace Lutheran Church
in Allentown and treasured his faith as he treasured his
many friends. There will never be another Pops.
Gifts were received from February 7 through April 7, 2011.
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July/August 2011
Official Publication
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
Allentown, PA Volume 104, Issue 4
The Conrad W. Raker
Endowment fund honors the
legacy and vision of the late
Rev. Dr. Conrad W. Raker, a
visionary leader and humble
servant who believed strongly
in the power of education
to improve people’s lives.
He encouraged it with Good
Shepherd’s residents, to foster
their independence, and he did
the same with Good Shepherd’s
staff, knowing it would lead to
better care and patient
outcomes.
The fund supports continuing
education opportunities for Good
Shepherd associates. Your contribution helps support Conrad’s
vision and Good Shepherd’s
mission of service to those who
need us most.
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Grace M. Raker, wife of the late Rev.
Dr. Conrad Raker, passed away May 2.
She was 96. She and Conrad married
on March 21, 1986. They shared a
deep love for one another and Good Shepherd’s mission. Memorial gifts honoring her life may be made to
Good Shepherd noting they’re for The Conrad W.
Raker Endowment fund by using the envelope in this
issue. You can read Grace Raker’s complete obituary
and make an online tribute gift at
www.GoodShepherdRehab.org/make-a-gift.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
GOOD SHEPHERD
REHABILITATION NETWORK
DAVID D. DeCAMPLI, MS, Chair, Orefield
RICHARD E. DROBNICKI, CPA
Vice Chair, Allentown
SANDRA L. BODNYK, BS, Treasurer, Orefield
SCOTT A. BAKER, MBA,
Secretary, Schnecksville
PATRICK J. BRENNAN, MD, Havertown
ADDIE J. BUTLER, Ed.D., Philadelphia
ROBERT E. GADOMSKI, MS, Bethlehem
SARA (Sally) T. GAMMON, MBA, FACHE
President & CEO, Bethlehem
MICHAEL R. GOLDNER, DO, FACP, Allentown
ELSBETH G. HAYMON, M.Ed, Allentown
KATHERINE (Kassie) HILGERT, BS, Bethlehem
SANDRA L. JARVA WEISS, JD, Easton
JAAN P. NAKTIN, MD, Center Valley
GERALD A. NAU, BA, Reading
EDITH D. RITTER, MBA, Coopersburg
GARY R. SCHMIDT, MA, Orefield
THE REV. DAVID R. STROBEL, M.Div., Bowers
SCOTT K. EPSTEIN, MD
Good Shepherd–Wayne Memorial Inpatient
Rehabilitation Center
CLINTON C. HOLUMZER, MD
The Good Shepherd Home–Bethlehem
THOMAS V. BRISLIN, DO, FACP, CMD
The Good Shepherd Home at
Conrad W. Raker Center
GOOD SHEPHERD
SPECIALTY HOSPITAL
PROGRAM MEDICAL DIRECTORS
PETER ENDER, MD
CLINTON C. HOLUMZER, MD
JEFFREY MARSH, MD
JAAN P. NAKTIN, MD
ADMINISTRATION
SARA (Sally) T. GAMMON, MBA, FACHE
President & CEO
ANTHONY B. BONGIOVANNI, MAM
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
& Chief Performance Officer
PHILLIP R. BRYANT, DO
Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs
DANIEL J. WILSON, PhD, Allentown
& Chief Medical Officer
DANIEL C. CONFALONE, FHFMA
Trustee Emeriti
Senior Vice President, Finance
JOHN V. COONEY, MS, Allentown
& Chief Financial Officer
NELVIN L. VOS, PhD, Maxatawny
GREG CUNNINGHAM, BS
THE REV. DR. HAROLD S. WEISS, M.Div.,
Director, Work Services
Allentown
JOE HESS, MSA, NHA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES,
Administrator, Good Shepherd
GOOD SHEPHERD SPECIALTY HOSPITAL
Home–Bethlehem
SARA (Sally) T. GAMMON, MBA, FACHE
FRANK HYLAND, MSPT
Chair, Bethlehem
Vice President, Rehabilitation Services
SAMUEL MIRANDA, Jr., MS, RN, NEA-B.C.
Administrator, Good Shepherd
Vice Chair, Allentown
Rehabilitation Hospital
DANIEL C. CONFALONE, MBA, FHFMA
FRANCES IANNACCONE, BS, CRRN, NHA
Secretary/Treasurer, Allentown
Administrator, The Good Shepherd Home
PHILLIP R. BRYANT, DO, Bethlehem
at Conrad W. Raker Center
PETER T. ENDER, MD, Center Valley
CYNTHIA LAMBERT, M.Ed.,
CLINTON C. HOLUMZER, MD, Allentown
Vice President,
SUSAN L. LAWRENCE, MS, CPHQ, Bethlehem
Government and Community Relations
LISA M. MARSILIO, MBA, Fogelsville
DAVID F. LYONS, CFRE
Vice President for Development
FACILITY MEDICAL DIRECTORS
LISA M. MARSILIO, MBA
PHILLIP R. BRYANT, DO
Vice President, Cardiopulmonary/
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation
Complex Medical
Hospital–Allentown;
SAMUEL MIRANDA, Jr., MS, RN, NEA-B.C.
Good Shepherd at Pocono Medical Center;
Senior Vice President,
Chief, Division of Rehabilitation and
Chief Nursing Officer
Physical Medicine at Easton Hospital
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 Kutztown Publishing Company
RONALD J. PETULA, CPA
Vice President, Finance
BRENT REITZ, MBA, FACHE
Vice President, Pediatrics
HAROLD M. TING, PhD, FACHE
Senior Vice President,
Strategic Planning & Business
Development
CLIFFORD R. TRUMBO, FMA
Vice President,
Facilities Management
GOOD SHEPHERD WORK
SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD
EDITH D. RITTER, MBA, Chair
Coopersburg
LOUIS BELLETIERI, Allentown
GREG CUNNINGHAM, Macungie
SARA (Sally) T. GAMMON, MBA,
FACHE, Bethlehem
ALAN HALL, M.Ed., Bethlehem
JIM KLUNK, Allentown
RAY SUHOCKI, PE, Allentown
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:
Fay Mackey, CFRE
Carol Carpenter, CFRE
Jeannette Edwards
Andrew B. Block, MPA
Major Gifts & Sponsorships Officer
Bob Levine, 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.
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.
19
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