FOCUS SPRING 2016
IT BEGINS WITH ME... DEAR FRIENDS,
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the year. As you will read in the following pages, it has been a busy beginning to 2016. And we have a lot to look forward to in the second half of the year.
I would first like to extend a warm welcome to the new St. Mary President and CEO, Jim Woodward. I look forward to working with Jim in the coming Todd Buch months to further the mission of making top quality, compassionate healthcare available for everyone in our community.You can read all about Jim in the article on this page and perhaps get a chance to meet him for yourself at an upcoming event.
In this issue you will read about some of our donors and the great things their generosity makes possible. You will also see photos and read about our annual fundraising gala as well as other events that benefit St. Mary. From purchasing high tech equipment for the neonatal intensive care unit to renovations in the Cancer Center Infusion Room and beyond, community support helps patients across all St. Mary areas of excellence.
Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Mark Erhard after nine years with the St. Mary Foundation. In his career here, Mark served as the Director of Planned Giving and most recently as Interim Vice President. In both roles, he helped to guide the Foundation in supporting and enhancing healthcare at St. Mary through raising funds and building relationships. We thank Mark for all he has done and wish him the best in his retirement.
Thank you for being part of the St. Mary community. I hope you have a safe and healthy summer.
Todd Buch, Foundation Board Chair
WELCOME NEW CEO
O
James L. Woodward to lead St. Mary n behalf of St. Mary Health’s Board of Directors, the Foundation is pleased to announce James L. Woodward as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Jim officially steps into his position with St. Mary effective mid-July and brings with him a wealth of healthcare leadership experience. In his most recent position as President and CEO of Elliot James L.Woodward Health System, Manchester, NH, Jim helped the system achieve its best financial and operational performance in over a decade and positioned it to soon surpass those results. He also served as CEO of Meriter Health Services, Madison, WI where he led the organization to many significant achievements including the creation of Meriter Medical Group, transitioning to a Patient Centered Medical Home model of care delivery and facilitating a culture change to improve quality, outcomes and satisfaction scores. Jim graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Health Services Administration and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He actively participates in healthcare policy development through the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board and State Hospital
continued on page 10
FOCUS SPRING 2016
A publication for donors and friends of St. Mary Medical Center
To receive an electronic version by email, register at: StMaryFoundation.org/focus
FOUNDATION STAFF
Mary Jo Howell, Database Coordinator 215.710.2613 • mhowell@stmaryhealthcare.org Lisa Juris, Event & Communications Coordinator 215.710.2644 • ljuris@stmaryhealthcare.org Joann Kunigonis, Administrative Assistant 215.710.6117 • jkunigonis@stmaryhealthcare.org Kathryn O'Connor, Manager of Annual Giving FOCUS Editor 215.710.5894 • koconnor@stmaryhealthcare.org Karen O’Donnell, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations 215.710.5791 • kodonnell@stmaryhealthcare.org Mary Romspert, Manager of Foundation Operations 215.710.2440 • mromspert@stmaryhealthcare.org Margie Zimmerman, Foundation Board Affairs Coordinator 215.710.2054 • mzimmerman@stmaryhealthcare.org
GUARDIAN
L-R: Stephanie Harkins, RN with patient Diane Weitz
ANGELS
ON THE WINGS OF LOVE
T
Colleagues recognized for flying above and beyond for patients he Guardian Angel program is a way for individuals and families who are grateful for the service and dedication of St. Mary colleagues and physicians to show their appreciation with a financial contribution to the Foundation. A pin and certificate are presented to each person named through the program and an annual luncheon is held in their collective honor.
Just over 200 physicians and colleagues were named as Guardian Angels by patients and families, friends or colleagues last year. The recognition luncheon for all of the 2015 recipients was held on June 1 in the St. Mary Outpatient Care Facility. The event is a small token of appreciation from the Foundation for all these special individuals do for our patients every day.
One patient, Diane Weitz, recently made a contribution honoring two special angels – Stephanie Harkins, RN and Dr. Michael Jacobelli – who have both consistently provided her with exceptional care during several hospitalizations over the years. A personalized note for each angel was included with her gift to be delivered with their certificates and pins. As often as possible, being named as a Guardian Angel is kept as a surprise. The presentation is coordinated between Foundation staff and the honored colleague’s department. When offered the opportunity to be included in the surprise presentation for Stephanie, Diane readily accepted. On June 9, Diane showed up to St. Mary with balloons and a treat for her Guardian Angel and all of the colleagues on the MG3 unit. Joined by Lisa Yost, Nurse Manager, and several colleagues from MG3, Stephanie was awarded her very first Guardian Angel pin. On behalf of Diane, our patients and supporters, thank you Stephanie, Dr. Jacobelli and all of our wonderful Guardian Angels. You truly make a difference at St. Mary.
If you would like to honor a St. Mary physician, colleague, or department as your Guardian Angel, please use the enclosed envelope or contact Kat O'Connor at 215.710.5894.
One Summit Square 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Road Suite 300 Langhorne, PA 19047
Please call the Foundation at 215.710.2591 if you wish to be removed from this mailing list. 2
LEGACY
SOCIETY
A THANK YOU LUNCH Learning the latest on the Zika virus
A
small group of St. Mary supporters and friends gathered together on April 5th for the Legacy Society lunch. As the meal began, Mark Erhard, Interim Foundation VP and Director of Planned Giving, shared a slideshow presentation featuring individuals who made a difference at St. Mary with a legacy gift. Over their lifetimes, they got to know St. Mary and made the decision to remember the medical center in their estate plans with gifts ranging from $1,000 to $10 Million.
As part of this presentation, Mark recalled past Legacy Society events and themes he used to share the benefits of planned giving. He again acknowledged the generosity of those featured in the slideshow, and thanked everyone present for being a friend to St. Mary and for their attendance at these events. He then announced his retirement, effective June 2016.
Ronald Goren, MD, Medical Director for the St. Mary Infection Prevention Program, followed with an informative presentation on viral
infections, their transmission, symptoms and treatment. As it has been very prevalent in the news, Dr. Goren focused much of his discussion on the Zika Virus. He explained that the virus was first discovered in 1947 and since then has been typically associated with tropical areas. However, this past February, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern regarding the Zika virus.
Mosquitos have been identified as the primary source of transmitting the Zika virus, as well as other diseases. Typical symptoms of the virus for most people are mild illness, conjunctivitis, rash and achiness appearing 2 to 7 days after being infected. However, Zika can cause severe complications for infants if their mother is infected while pregnant.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have confirmed the connection between Zika-infected mothers and children born with microcephaly or smaller than normal head and brain development. This condition can lead to additional developmental delays and issues for children such as seizures, problems with speech, movement, balance, feeding and swallowing, hearing and vision.
Because it currently has no treatment or vaccination, Dr. Goren stressed the importance of protecting against contracting and spreading Zika. Up to one week after infection, Zika can be found in a person's blood and transmitted via mosquito to healthy individuals. Whether traveling or at home, prevent mosquito presence by eliminating instances of standing water and ensuring window screens are in place. Using EPA registered insect repellents on skin (following product labeling instructions) and treating or buying pre-treated clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin can significantly reduce the chances of being bitten. Dr. Goren explained that the risk for contracting and transmitting Zika in Bucks County is low but it
Dr. Goren stressed the
Viral infections, like Zika, are not the only concern for patients and Dr. Goren at St. Mary. Bacterial infections can be just as detrimental to health and well-being and transmitted quickly and easily among the community. Antibiotics are helpful tools in fighting serious bacterial infections. However, the overuse of antibiotic medication – taken for minor or non-bacterial illnesses and in too high a dosage – can be problematic. This can cause unwanted side effects in patients and contributes to the creation of drug-resistant bacteria. In an effort to reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage, Dr. Goren and the Infection Prevention team at St. Mary run the Antibiotic Stewardship Program to educate patients and caregivers alike on the use of antibiotics in treatment of illnesses in and out of the hospital.
Part of the reason general antibiotics have become so widely overprescribed is the amount of time and effort needed to clearly identify the exact bacteria causing a patient to be ill. This process, traditionally, has been slow and labor intensive. Molecular diagnosis technology has significantly increased the speed and ease of identifying the offending bacteria.
IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING
against contracting and spreading Zika.
should still be taken seriously. Following CDC guidelines, all pregnant women and those who have traveled to known areas of Zika infections or have been in contact with those who have are tested for the virus upon admission at St. Mary. If the results are positive for antibodies, a series of ultrasounds will be conducted throughout her pregnancy to monitor her child's development. It is recommended that non-pregnant women and all men who test positive abstain from sexual intercourse for a period of eight weeks to six months from onset of symptoms. For full information on the Zika virus, its transmission, symptoms and prevention visit www.cdc.gov.
Within approximately one hour, a new test can target and identify 22 different bacterial infections with just one sample. This test is currently only offered within a hospital setting; for St. Mary, this setting is the Emergency Department. An update will soon be coming that will increase the testing capabilities to identify respiratory infections as well.
Providing the most up-to-date information to educate and the latest technology to care for our patients is extremely important to St. Mary staff and physicians, like Dr. Goren. Neither would be possible without the support from the community. If you would like information on how you can make a difference at St. Mary with a legacy gift, please contact the Foundation Office at 215.710.2591. 3
AMBASSADOR
CIRCLE
LIFE THE CIRCLE OF
AT ST. MARY Compassion is the tie that binds our patient care 4
T
19 four-legged volunteers are part of the Pet Visitors program at St. Mary.
he St. Mary Foundation’s Ambassador Circle met on Friday, April 26th for lunch and their quarterly meeting at the Northampton Valley Country Club. After welcoming remarks and opening prayer, Dan Drake,Vice President of Continuing Care, gave a brief presentation on LIFE St. Mary and plans for serving the aging population in Bucks County through this year and into the future.
Dan reported that this group presents both a challenge and an opportunity for St. Mary. Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for population over 65 years of age. Just over 16% of Bucks County residents are over age 65 and we possess the highest percentage of residents over 85 in the whole state. In 2009, St. Mary opened a Program for All-Inclusive Care for Elders (PACE) called Living Independently for Elders (LIFE) St. Mary, to serve this growing population. While in the LIFE St. Mary program, participants receive personalized healthcare services based on their specific needs. Enrollment in the LIFE program allows individuals to remain living in their own homes instead of a nursing home facility.
Last year, the LIFE program, which is located in Trevose, had 220 Medicaid/Medicare eligible participants aged 55 or older. All participants resided in one of 16 approved Lower Bucks County ZIP code areas. This year, LIFE St. Mary has experienced a small growth spurt and is now serving 235 participants from 30 approved ZIP code areas. Should any LIFE St. Mary participant or other elderly Bucks County resident require a hospital stay, St. Mary is equipped with the only geriatric-friendly unit in the area. Nurses on this unit are specially trained to work with this population in a setting that has been designed with their specific needs in mind. Future plans for serving the elder population at the main St. Mary campus include assessing the need for a senior-friendly emergency department as well as other units throughout the hospital.
Two areas of care where improvement can be made for the elderly population of Bucks County are in housing and hospice services. Our area is one of the four wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania, making up part of the “wealth corridor” along with Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Because of this, affordable housing for seniors has never been viewed as a priority; until now. With the assistance of Terri Rivera,VP of Mission Services, St. Mary has obtained two apartment units dedicated to the frail elderly. This is the first step in building a strong, lasting relationship with the Bucks County Housing Authority that will benefit seniors in our area greatly. St. Mary has also begun a partnership with three highly respected
organizations to provide end-of-life hospice care for our patients. Our new collaborations with Chandler Hall, Compassionate Care and Kindred at Home hospices will give patients multiple options for receiving this essential care. Dan concluded his presentation with questions from the audience regarding the LIFE St. Mary program and future plans for elder care at St. Mary.
Director of the Volunteer Services Department at St. Mary, Lil Schonewolf, spoke next to the Ambassadors about the various roles volunteers serve throughout the hospital. Over 1,000 individuals volunteered last year in 40 St. Mary departments for a total of 129,505 hours! Volunteers at St. Mary serve in ways that best suit their interest, skill, and desire to help. Healing ambassadors visit with patients and distribute items like handmade blankets and pillows, which are made by our volunteer crafters. Over 10,000 items have been made and donated to help comfort our patients during their treatments and stays.
Volunteers also offer comfort through providing company when a patient has no one to be at their bedside or if their family needs to be away from the hospital for a time. Respite Companions visit, with permission, and provide conversation, play music or games, read aloud, or simply listen. For patients approaching their end of life, specially trained Comfort Companions are available through the No One Dies Alone program. These volunteers provide muchneeded relief and support to both the patient and their families during very difficult times. Neither Respite nor Comfort Companions perform nursing duties but are trained to alert nurses if the patient is in need of attention.
Over
and provided free of charge to those in need. The store is located within the St. Mary Thrift Store in the Pine Watson Shopping Center just minutes from the hospital.
Jeff Yarmel, St. Mary VP & COO was the last speaker for the day and provided the group with an update on construction projects at the hospital. The Orthopedic and Spine Unit, located just off the main lobby of the hospital, was recently completed. All of the rooms are now upgraded, single-patient
1,000 INDIVIDUALS volunteered last year
serving in 40 St. Mary departments with a total of
Visiting patients to provide comfort and cheering up is not a task limited to humans. At St. Mary, 19 very special four-legged volunteers and their owners make regular rounds throughout many units. Dogs of all breeds and sizes whose owners comply with the proper certification procedures are permitted to join the Pet Visitor program at St. Mary. Ambassador Circle members had a meet and greet (and scratch behind the ears) with two of the St. Mary Pet Visitors at the meeting. Portuguese Water Dogs, Bubba and Dozer, accompanied their owner David Rotenberg to the meeting. Patients of all ages are always delighted to have such well-behaved dogs visit their hospital rooms!
The final volunteer effort Lil highlighted in her presentation was the Community League of St. Mary Community Aid Recycled Equipment Store (CARES). The CARES program offers the opportunity for those who no longer need items such as walkers, wheelchairs, and canes to assist patients who are unable to afford them. Items donated to CARES are cleaned, sanitized, refurbished,
129,505 HOURS!
occupancies with new bathrooms. A new greeter’s desk, conference/teaching area and furniture throughout the unit completed the renovation. Also recently completed was the expansion of the Outpatient Cardiac services area and renovation of the restrooms in the outpatient care building.
Off-campus, Jeff reported the Grand Opening of the St. Mary Health at New Falls Road would be taking place on May 14th. This extended hours, walk-in care facility will provide primary and OB/GYN care, lab services and more. All the quality of care, convenience and compassion of St. Mary will be available early, late, and on the weekends in Levittown.
Projects in the works include the expansion of the Central Sterile Processing services. This unit is essential in the daily function of the hospital as it sterilizes equipment used in surgical procedures. Expansion of this unit will enhance safety and productivity and is expected to be complete by July 2017. The outpatient building entrance and the EP Lab are currently undergoing a renovation as well. Areas of the Cancer Center are scheduled for renovations beginning in late Fall of this year. The Infusion Room will receive some much-needed attention and convert the existing space into a more calming, comforting environment for patients undergoing infusion treatments. Views of the Healing Garden, room for visitors and increased privacy are just some of the planned upgrades for the new area. A Healing Boutique will also be constructed during this time offering products and services that will help patients deal with the effects of their cancer treatments. More information on these and all construction projects will be provided in future communications.
The meeting concluded with a thank you to all Ambassadors for their attendance and for spreading the word about St. Mary throughout the community.
If you would like more information on any of the programs or services mentioned in this article, contact the Foundation Office at 215.710.2591.
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PORTRAITS IN
PHILANTHROPY
LEADING BY
EXAMPLE
A father and business owner with a world class passion for helping others
R.
Rob Brown is President and Founder of World Class Vacations, but more importantly father of three talented and compassionate children. When he moved to Bucks County in 1992 with his young family, Rob instantly became involved in charitable initiatives. He was interested in making a difference in the community and St. Mary Medical Center was a natural fit. Rob feels St. Mary Medical Center is the hub of the community, since it’s an institution that serves everyone. Rather than looking at St. Mary from the outside he decided to get involved from the inside to assist in making St. Mary one of the top hospitals in the country. At various events, Rob heard from the medical staff about the advanced patient care and services they provided. The passion and commitment was contagious and affirmed this was the right place for him to get involved
Through philanthropy, he contributes in bringing world class state-of-the-art health care to Bucks County. He is only one person, but hopefully his example can set the stage for other people to become engaged and active at St. Mary Medical Center. Through his association as an Ambassador Circle member, he has had the opportunity to get to know physicians, nurses, and senior staff at St. Mary and hear their stories of the impact philanthropy has on direct patient care. Whether it is through advanced technology, stateof-the-art equipment or updated facilities, he feels his contribution combined with other like-minded community members impacts patient care.
R. Rob Brown
“It makes me SO PROUD to be connected with St. Mary Medical Center, a BEACON of HOPE and HEALING in Bucks County.”
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“I have come full circle. I started by supporting St. Mary to make a difference and elevate the delivery of healthcare from the inside. I now realize I have been the one to benefit. The personal satisfaction and heartwarming feeling of being a part of an institution that helps so many people is not only rewarding, but also a great example for my children to get involved in community service. It makes me so proud to be connected with St. Mary Medical Center, a beacon of hope and healing in Bucks County.”
In addition to his support of St Mary Foundation, Rob is active in Newtown Rotary, a service organization supporting local charities. Rob’s company also has a long history of sending terminally ill children to Disney World each year at no cost to the families, as well as supporting many children around the world through the Child Fund Foundation. Rob’s association with the Bucks County Association for the Blind is another way he helps children through his funding of early childhood detection of vision impairment. The common theme is helping kids and creating lifetime memories, that is the focus of Rob and his dedicated and passionate employees at World Class Vacations. This dedication to others is the catalyst for his involvement with St. Mary Medical Center.
KEEPING A
WATCHFUL EYE ON
NICU BABIES
New camera system allows for parents to view their baby anytime, anywhere
A
fter giving birth to twin boys eight weeks early, Kelly Gallagher found juggling an already busy family of four with making daily trips back and forth to the NICU a struggle. After the twins were released from the NICU, Kelly wanted to do something special for other families in this difficult situation. And thus, the Superhero Project was born. Beginning with holiday deliveries of baskets containing NICU visit essentials like hand sanitizer and tissues, as well as personalized crocheted hats for baby, the Project was overwhelmingly supported by Kelly’s family and friends’ help and donations. However, she knew there was more that could be done.
A demonstration of Angel Eye Camera
Making and maintaining the vital connection between family at home and babies in the NICU can be a difficult task to manage. While doing some research for the Superhero Project, Kelly came across some interesting technology and approached the hospital to discuss what she had found – the Angel Eye Camera. This system places cameras into NICU isolettes allowing parents and families of newborns needing extended specialized care the ability to see and interact with their infant while they are away from the hospital. Kelly knew immediately when she found the Angel Eye system not only how she would have benefited from the technology but how every parent with a fragile infant in the NICU would as well. The Superhero Project began to raise the necessary funds to install the cameras in as many area hospitals as possible.
We are so happy to announce that on Tuesday, June 28, on behalf of the Superhero Project, Kelly presented Marie Schickler, Administrative Director of Nursing, with a check for $5,000 toward the purchase and installation of Angel Eye Cameras at St. Mary. Marie expressed her thanks on behalf of all the families that will benefit from the equipment once it is installed. Todd Buch, Chair of the St. Mary Foundation, also took the opportunity to thank Kelly and donors to the Superhero Project for bringing both the idea and the funds to us. Though the Angel Eye Cameras are not yet installed, a sample unit was available for demonstration to the NICU nurses, hospital staff and invited media representatives. This amazing technology is a welcome addition that fits nicely into the recently expanded NICU which was designed with many touches for family bonding and comfort. The camera system’s presence will help to improve the NICU experience for hundreds of babies and families each year. To read more about the Angel Eye Camera system, visit www.angeleyecameras.com.
L-R: Sharon Brown,VP Patient Care & CNO, Kelly Gallagher, Superhero Project,Todd Buch, Chair St. Mary Foundation Board, Marie Schickler, Administrative Director of Nursing, Maria Scenna,VP Service Lines & Support Services
Thank you to Kelly and all of the Superhero Project donors for supporting the care of St. Mary's tiniest, most vulnerable patients and their families! For more information on the Superhero Project, Inc. visit their website at www.superheroproject.org
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SOCKS OFF
DONORS ROCKED THEIR 1950s retro gala raised $113,000 for cancer
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s they stepped onto the grounds of Bucks County Community College for the 2016 St. Mary Spring Gala, just over 200 guests were temporarily transported back to the 1950s. The fun themed evening began outside the Linkz Pavilion with classic cars on display for guest photo opportunities. Balloon arches and sculptures led the way through the cocktail reception to the gymnasium for the main event. Each guest received a complimentary pair of socks bearing the St. Mary logo so they could kick off their shoes and dance the night away to the music of Danny and the Juniors – just like a real 1950s sock hop! This year’s event raised funds for the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center. A special live paddle auction was conducted for the purchase a device called a breath hold unit. As its name would suggest the device coaches patients receiving radiation therapy for left-sided breast cancer and select lung cancers through timed inhales, held breaths and exhales during radiation treatments. This helps reduce the radiation's contact with surrounding healthy tissue and organs. The St. Mary Foundation would like to thank Dr. Richard and Mindy Goldstein for chairing the Gala as well as our generous event sponsors who made the night a success!
Daddy-O Sponsor Radiology Affiliates Imaging Happy Days Sponsors McCaffrey's Markets – Cocktails Charlene & Howard Schwartz – Dinner Blue Suede Sponsors Alliance Cancer Specialists – Dessert Comprehensive Cardiology – Valet Mercer Bucks Cardiology – Invitation National Maintenance and Build Out – Entertainment
Middletown Anesthesia Princeton Radiation Oncology Team Health Northeast – Auction The Endoscopy Center at St. Mary – Photography Cruisin' Sponsors Assured Guaranty Blue Flame Gas McCafferty Auto Group At the Hop Sponsors Brian's Harley Davidson Florkowski Builders Harmelin Media Turner Construction
Greaser Sponsors John Gilbert & Sarita Tirpak Charlie & Dottie Minter Patrons Breezy Point Day Camp & School Cautilli Orthopaedic Vincent J. Mannino, DMD, PC Donations TN Ward Rebecca & Kevin Kerchner Susan & Michael Wert Diana Arronenzi James Gaul
Special thanks also go out to the many individuals and businesses who contributed goods and services for our silent auction. Many guests ended their retro evening as the lucky bidders on great items and packages while one extra lucky St. Mary supporter, Edward Tirello, was drawn as the winner of the $15,000 cash raffle! Thanks to the entire community, the 2016 St. Mary Spring Gala raised nearly $113,000 to help fight cancer in Bucks County.
To see additional photos from the event visit our website at www.stmaryfoundation.org and look for more information coming soon on the 2017 St. Mary Spring Gala!
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9
New mom at Bensalem Ministries receives her “Baby Bundle”
WELCOME NEW CEO continued...
THE BABY BUREAU Providing baby clothing to underserved moms
W
hile helping members of our community achieve and maintain good health is a priority for St. Mary, providing other essential services – like food and clothing – to the underserved is also part of our mission. Through strategic partnerships with businesses, foundations, and other non-profit organizations, we are able to provide for many people in need at our Bensalem Ministries.
One such organization with which we recently partnered is The Baby Bureau. The Baby Bureau is a non-profit, volunteer program that helps underserved moms by providing clothing for their newborns. Each “Baby Bundle” is made up of at least 30 seasonally appropriate outfits, onesies, sleepers, bibs, a hat and a new rattle. All of the clothing is donated and either new or gently used. The bundles are wrapped in donated blankets or quilts and delivered to community social service providers like St. Mary to distribute to families in need.
"I was SO HONORED to deliver the FIRST OF MANY Baby Bundles to the clinic...”
Fran Wasserman, Executive Director of The Baby Bureau, stopped by the Children’s Health Center on March 31 with a special delivery. “I was so honored to deliver the first of many Baby Bundles to the clinic this morning. Being able to personally give one to this darling one-week old little girl was truly a Mission Moment for me. I thank you for that!” she said of her visit. In addition to the individually packaged bundles of clothing, the Baby Bureau also contributed gently used books to entertain older children in the Mother Bachmann and Children’s Health Center waiting rooms. Thank you to Fran and the generous donors and volunteers at The Baby Bureau!
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Associations. “I feel honored to have been selected as St. Mary Health’s next President and CEO,” said Woodward. “I am excited to engage with colleagues to carry forward St. Mary’s rich tradition of high quality healthcare and service to the community.”
A forward thinking and collaborative healthcare leader, Jim has a proven track record of growing programs and services, building strong partnerships with physicians, and supporting mission-based organizations. His decision to accept this position was based not only in his commitment to positioning St. Mary for future success but in his attraction to our spirit, history and passion for caring. Jim has strong family ties to our community which adds to his familiarity and commitment to St. Mary.
“I am EXCITED to ENGAGE with colleagues to carry forward St. Mary’s RICH TRADITION of HIGH QUALITY HEALTHCARE and SERVICE to the community.” We are confident in Jim’s ability to direct key strategic initiatives to capitalize on the outstanding legacy of St. Mary as the healing place for the community, a supportive environment for physicians, and a healthcare organization that prioritizes the needs of its colleagues. Please join us in welcoming Jim to the St. Mary family. We hope that you will be able to attend an upcoming event to meet and get to know our new leader.
36 Annual th
St. Mary
GOLF OUTING
SAVE THE DATE Monday, September 19, 2016 Benefiting the
Union League Golf Club at Torresdale
Contact: Eileen Moser at 215.767.4842 • emoser@msn.com Deardra Murphy at 215.585.2505 • dearanndra@aol.com
St. Mary Cancer Center Proudly presented by:
Sponsorships at StMaryFoundation.org/golf2016 11
COLLEAGUE GIVING
CAMPAIGN
STOP TIME 41 colleagues become members THESE SUPER HEROES
of exclusive Giving Hours Society
E
ach year St. Mary colleagues join together to raise funds that will be used to improve and expand upon hospital services and facilities. The 2016 Colleague Giving Campaign showed that each of us can be a hero. Each of us has the power to help and together, we can do something SUPER.
From among the hundreds of heroic St. Mary colleagues that pledged their support for the campaign, a group of 41 stood out for taking an extra step and becoming members of the Giving Hours Society. This group of individuals pledge one hour – or more – of their salary per pay to support the fund of their choosing. Forty three hours were pledged raising a total of $54,423 for St. Mary. On May 19, the Foundation recognized and thanked the Giving Hour Society members for their generosity and commitment with a luncheon in their honor. As part of the Colleague Giving Campaign, colleagues can choose to designate their pledges to a fund called the Spirit of Nursing. Contributions to this fund support training and education for registered nurses employed at St. Mary. Scholarships are one example of how the Spirit of Nursing funds are used. Thanks to the generous contributions of our colleagues, the following registered nurses were awarded Certification Exam Scholarships for Spring 2016.
Kimberly Barrow Lisa Bujak Wendy Buettler Shannon Cole Andre DePue Dawn Donahue Sanger Marcia Gamaly Dana M. Goossen Tracy Hassell Christine Hnatkowsky
Marianne Horton Marie Joyce Thomas Mazzo Judy McBride Jennifer A. McCafferty Cara McNamee Donna McNeill Michele Minni-Bill Rebecca Neitheimer Christine Pico
Kristina Simpson Colleen Sopcak Debra St. Clair Kristle Tingle Donna Torres Lauren Walker Patricia Wattenmaker Erin Zoog
Congratulations on embracing the opportunity to enhance nursing knowledge and thank you to those who support the Spirit of Nursing Fund for making this possible!
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Planning is currently underway for the 2017 Colleague Giving Campaign which will officially begin on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Stay tuned for how you can support the Spirit of Nursing Fund and other areas with your pledge!
BALLGAME TAKE ME OUT TO THE
Donors demonstrate their St. Mary team spirit
T
he St. Mary Foundation hosted our 9th annual night out at Arm & Hammer Park honoring members of the Legacy and 1973 Societies on May 12. Nearly 50 guests gathered in the Yankee Club Suite to watch the Trenton Thunder take on the Reading Fightin’ Phills for a standing room only crowd! Ballpark staff and the team celebrated hospital professionals' night by welcoming St. Mary’s own Jeannette Bernacki, BSN, Interim Service Line Administrator for Oncology as well as Jamison Jaffe, DO and Justin Harmon, DO, of Comprehensive Urologic Specialties onto the field to recognize them all for their dedication to serving the healthcare needs of our patients. Special guests Boomer and Cloudman from the Thunder and the Philly Phanatic joined them for a photo opportunity before clearing the field for the first pitch.
At the top of the 4th inning, guests were gathered inside the suite for a brief presentation from Jeannette. She thanked the audience, explaining how their support makes a difference in the lives of patients in the Cancer Center every day. Plans for the expansion and renovation of the infusion room were shared next. Jeannette explained that the current room, while functional, is very cramped. Patients are often in this room for treatments lasting up to eight hours and often need to come in multiple times each week for extended periods of time. The new space, when completed, will provide much more room, privacy and comfort for patients. Views of the Healing Gardens will also make the area a relaxing and soothing environment. She also described some new technology heading to the Cancer Center, funded through proceeds from the Spring Gala, which will assist in treating patients with lung and left-sided breast cancer. This new machine called a breath hold device coaches patients to time and hold their breaths in such a way as to lift essential organs out of the path of radiation used to treat cancerous tumors. This allows for a more targeted radiation therapy with reduced impact on healthy surrounding tissue. Projects and equipment like these are a direct result of St. Mary’s response to community need and would not be possible without private financial support. The presentation concluded with another heartfelt thank you to the group for their generosity.
For more information on the 1973 and Legacy Societies or how you can support the St. Mary Cancer Center, please contact the Foundation office at 215.710.2591.
A SHARED
PARTNERSHIP OF CARING
Representatives from LLS present St. Mary colleagues and volunteers with a donation of blankets for Cancer Center patients.
Wrapping patients in love at the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center
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he mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. They serve as a voice for patients as well as a listening ear; advocating on their behalf while helping to identify treatment options and navigating through them. In addition, the LLC drives and funds research focused on finding cures for blood cancers and fosters relationships with organizations and institutions whose missions and visions regarding cancer care align with their own. Subaru of America and St. Mary are two such organizations. The month of June is Subaru of America’s “Loves to Care” month. Visitors to participating Subaru retailers across the country were given the opportunity to share personalized messages of hope to members of their local communities who were fighting cancer. These messages were then attached to large, soft, chenille blankets to be distributed to patients undergoing cancer treatments to help provide comfort and warmth.
Representatives from the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society arrived at the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center on July 6th, to deliver several cases of individually boxed blankets and messages from visitors to Reedman-Toll Subaru. Colleagues from the Cancer Center, Infusion Room and Oncology Unit joined staff from the Foundation in welcoming them to St. Mary and accepting the donation on behalf of our patients. Meredith Ortlieb, Senior Campaign Manager, Light the Night, shared information about the LLS, their mission, and upcoming Light the Night event. She also left a supply of resource materials for patients and families.
Blankets donated by LLS and Subaru will join those handmade by over 300 volunteer crafters from the Healing Environments program.
This joint-effort contribution to provide support and comfort for patients, one kind act at a time aligns with the idea behind a program in place at St. Mary since 2007 – Healing Environments. Joan Portman, the program’s founder and coordinator, joined the group in the Cancer Center to share how her experience with a loved one fighting cancer and receiving such kindnesses inspired her to bring the idea to St. Mary. The blankets donated by LLS and Subaru will join those handmade by over 300 volunteer crafters involved with the Healing Environments program and distributed to patients in the hospital along with other comfort items. We are so happy to receive such incredible support from individuals, businesses and other non-profits within our community. A huge heartfelt thank you to Reedman-Toll Subaru and their patrons, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Healing Environments crafters for their efforts to bring comfort to St. Mary patients. For more information on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society visit www.llc.org
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RICO’S RIDE FOR
RECOVERY Motorcycles burn rubber in fight against cancer
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ince 2010, a group of local motorcyclists has shown their dedication to supporting the fight against cancer in Bucks County. Dubbed “Rico’s Ride for Recovery,” in honor of their relative and friend Rico Lopez's fight against the disease, the group organizes an annual ride ending at the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center. Sunday, May 15th marked the 7th annual ride for the group and brought the total raised through their efforts to nearly $33,000. These funds are used to help care for thousands of patients affected by cancer each year in Bucks County.
We thank Rico and all of the riders for their generosity, compassion and commitment to St. Mary.
COMMUNITY LEAGUE AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO 12 ST. MARY STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
Funds provided recognize outstanding service by area teens.
Many teenagers today are amazing! Even as they attend school and study to get grades that will help with college admission, they often play sports, take music lessons, and hold jobs. Twelve young people in the Bucks County area also volunteered at St. Mary Medical Center, learning about healthcare, helping out in areas of need, visiting patients, and happily completing duties requested of them.
The Community League of St. Mary Medical Center has awarded scholarships to these 12 students that will be used to help further their education at colleges of their choosing. To qualify for each $1,000 scholarship, students completed a minimum of 200 hours of volunteer service, and then submitted an essay for review by the Community League Cabinet members. This year’s student scholarship recipients are: Lauren Boccardo (280 volunteer hours), Lauren Chelenza (198 volunteer hours), Brandon Cheuk (177 hours), Esha Gajjar (250 hours), Bridget Geary (389 hours), Justin Laigaie (320 hours),Visha Parmar (547 hours), Kiran Patel (566 hours), Selma Paul (184 hours), Ahaj Shroff (213 hours), Sarah Silenok (189 hours), and Nadezhda Suleimanov (917 hours). Altogether, hours donated by these teenagers total 4,230!
Lillian Schonewolf, Director of Volunteer Services at St. Mary since 2003, oversees more than 1,100 volunteers who range in age from 16 to 95 years and contribute more than 100,000 hours of service annually. Of this group, 150 to 200 are student volunteers, ages 16 to 18. They learn and work under the instruction of Stacy Ferguson, manager. Some student volunteer tasks include helping the nursing department; transporting patients; staffing the front desk, gift shop, cafeteria, and central supply; and helping with Comfort Carts, part of the Healing Environments program. They also help staff St. Mary events including the Chop Chop Nutrition Camps at area elementary schools.
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There are various ways for community members of all walks of life to volunteer at St. Mary Medical Center, both on and off-site. On-site opportunities include performing general administrative duties and working
The Community League presented college scholarships to 12 teen volunteers at a congratulatory luncheon on Tuesday, June 7. Pictured above, from left to right are Front Row: Lil Schonewolf,Visha Parmar,Yola O'Kane, Josephine Smith, Helena Hopenwasser, Helene Stangel, and Selma Paul Second Row:Vivian Levin, Nadezhda Suleimanov, Kiran Patel, Esha Gajjar, Lauren Boccardo, Lauren Chelenza, Sarah Silenok, and Eileen Moser • Third Row: Irene Slaman, Suzanne Berman, Cindy Mazda, Brandon Cheuk, Ahaj Shroff, Justin Laigaie, and Deardre Murphy. Not pictured is scholarship winner Bridget Geary and cabinet members Linda Deeter, Chris Fluehr, Felicia Laskey, Mary Stillings, Eva Wertman, and Joanie Zuckerman. These teen volunteers have collectively given more than 4,230 hours of service to St. Mary.
in the St. Mary thrift store or the Community League’s Beehive Gift Shop. Respite volunteers visit with patients who are in the hospital for longer periods of time. There is also a Comfort Companions program where volunteers sit and keep company with patients, and the “No One Dies Alone” opportunity where volunteers provide comfort to patients who are alone at the end of their lives. Clinical volunteers work directly with patients by assisting the nursing staff, while customer service volunteers serve as the “face” of St. Mary by providing information and escorting patients and visitors. Volunteers may even take part in the St. Mary pet therapy program, started by David Rotenberg nine years ago when he saw the therapeutic care his own dogs provided to people dealing with the stresses of illness. Applications for new volunteers are accepted beginning in early September.
At the beginning of the fall season every year, Joan Portman, founder and coordinator of the Healing Environments program at St. Mary, sends letters to public and private schools, religious organizations, scout groups, and others in the community, inviting people to get involved by working off-site creating much-appreciated crafts to comfort patients. These volunteers make afghans, “ouch pouches,” knit caps, fleece blankets, and stuffed teddy bears. Portman brought the idea to St. Mary Medical Center in 2007 with two years of volunteer work under her belt, and then was hired part time to head up her “army of crafters.”
College students interested in volunteering may apply through the College Volunteer Program and are eligible for year-round positions. Those who have completed two or more years in college may apply for the eight-week summer volunteer pre-med program that provides students with in-hospital experiences and opportunities to meet with physicians of various specialties.
Students interested in becoming St. Mary volunteers may apply for the summer program or for yearround service. Those interested in the summer program must apply by March 1st. The program is open to all high school students between the ages of 16 and 18. Volunteers must be committed individuals available to work through the summer. For more information, please call Stacy Ferguson at 215.710.2097. For volunteer application forms, please visit www.StMaryFoundation.org/volunteer.
The volunteer office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. To learn more about how to get involved, contact Lillian J. Schonewolf at 215.710.2096. To learn more about how to become an off-site crafter, please contact Joan Portman at 215.710.2131.
OUT & ABOUT TRIPS ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, AND FORGE FRIENDSHIP
Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate in the Hudson River Valley
The Community League’s Out & About festivities continue to be very popular with members, friends, and area residents. Travelers left St. Mary Medical Center in the wee morning hours to travel to New York City on March 30. Upon arrival at abc Television Studios they were escorted to a “green room” and then were guests on the live television broadcast, “The Chew.” In April the group enjoyed touring the Rockefeller estate, Kykuit, in the Hudson River Valley. In June, they participated in the annual house tour in Spring Lake, NJ, and visited the beautiful Mill Fleurs gardens in Point Pleasant, Pa.
Fall 2016 plans include a bus trip to Lancaster County where they will tour an Amish farmhouse and shops on farmsteads that feature handmade quilts, toys, and foods. Travelers will also tour and
Tour five lovely homes in the area and enjoy savory foods prepared in each house’s kitchen by many of the best chefs in the region! This tour is different from all others – local florists donate arrangements for all homes; the $60 ticket price includes a delicious lunch at Jericho National Golf Club in New Hope where local celebrity Bob Egan will play piano; there are vendor boutiques with fabulous items for sale; and raffle baskets! This is a wonderful way to spend a beautiful fall Sunday.
Travelers enjoyed a beautiful day in Spring Lake!
enjoy lunch at Philadelphia’s prestigious Union League and “shop ‘til they drop” at Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall in Harriman, New York. On December 1, the Community League will kick off the holiday season with a trip into New York City where they will have a “behind the scenes” tour of Radio City Music Hall, meet a Rockette, enjoy the Christmas Spectacular, and then savor high tea in the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel.
These excursions are always open to everyone, men and women of all ages. Lately they have been selling out, so those interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early! Watch the Community League’s website for sign-up information – CommunityLeague-StMary.org.
UPCOMING FALL: LANCASTER & RADIO CITY The Community League had a great time at “The Chew.”
MARK YOUR CALENDARS & SAVE THE DATE: 15TH ANNUAL KITCHEN & GARDEN TOUR: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016
REMEMBER TO SHOP THE BEEHIVE! Have you seen the great seasonal gifts and flowers in the Beehive Gift Shop? The Beehive carries a full line of gift and novelty items, fresh flowers, plush toys, beautiful jewelry, special baby items, candy, magazines, and so much more!
Flowers, gift baskets, and fruit baskets for any occasion can be delivered to people in St. Mary Medical Center as well as to residents in the area. This is a great way to send get-well wishes, thank you’s, and “thinking of you” greetings!
Location & Hours:
The Beehive Gift Shop is located in the main lobby of St. Mary Medical Center. Hours are:
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Remember, you can simply call 215.710.2221 or shop online at CommunityLeague-StMary.org. All profits from the Community League’s Beehive gift shop benefit St. Mary Medical Center.
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
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SPRING 2016
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StMaryFoundation.org
FIVE REASONS CONSIDER PLANNED GIFT TO
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1. You can make a bigger difference. Most of your assets are probably not in your checkbook. Planned gifts allow you to take property that you seldom think about and make a generous gift.
2. You can make a gift that costs you nothing. Most gifts through your will, revocable trust, life insurance policy, or retirement account will make a big difference to St. Mary Health, but won’t cost you anything while you’re alive.
3. You can earn an income from your gift. You may not realize that a planned gift can pay you an attractive rate of return. For example, a gift annuity funded by an 85-year-old will pay an 8.1% return, guaranteed for life, and St. Mary will still receive a generous gift from you.
4. Your planned gift can be your back up plan. St. Mary has benefited from a number of gifts that came to us almost by default. Please consider naming St. Mary Health as a contingent beneficiary if some other condition is not met, such as another beneficiary passing away before you. 5. You can make a choice between leaving money to St. Mary or taxes. Many planned gifts are offset by savings in federal or state taxes. This is especially true of gifts from an IRA or similar retirement account.
This publication is intended to provide general gift planning information. Our organization is not qualified to provide specific legal, tax or investment advice, and this publication should not be looked to or relied upon as a source for such advice. Consult with your own legal and financial advisors before making any gift.
Discover the many benefits of planned gifts at www.StMaryFoundation.org or contact the Office of Planned Giving at 215.710.2591.