A GOOD SHEPHERD PUBLICATION
Thea's Story:
Turning Setbacks into Success
VOL 115 ISSUE 1 • FALL 2023
This summer, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation opened a brand-new, state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Center Valley, Pa. The leading-edge technology within the new hospital is helping our physicians, therapists and nurses serve patients in ways that were previously not possible, and we have seen a steady influx of new patients eager to take advantage of all this facility has to offer. We could not have realized this visionary project without the support of our loyal donors, and we are grateful for your investment. What’s next? You may be wondering about our focus for philanthropic support now that the hospital project is complete. There are many, ongoing compelling needs throughout Good Shepherd that will continue to benefit from donor support. For example, the reimbursements we receive for our pediatrics program do not cover the costs of the services we provide, so we continue to raise funds to cover those costs and invest in new technologies and clinician training. The same is true for our long-term acute care hospital, where we treat patients who are not yet medically stable enough for our inpatient rehabilitation program. We work to support our outpatient programs, ensuring that they have the equipment and resources necessary to maximize patient outcomes. Our long-term care residents spend their lives as part of the Good Shepherd family, and the funds we raise for those programs help us maximize their quality of life. Although hospital construction is complete, we will continue to seek charitable gifts in support of our inpatient rehabilitation program so that we can continue to invest in technology and tools to best serve our patients. What about the old rehabilitation hospital? We are researching options that align with Good Shepherd’s mission and stay true to the Raker family’s vision of fulfilling an unmet need in the community. We look forward to continue serving Allentown and will share the details of this next chapter once those plans are finalized. In the meantime, we will focus our efforts on the programs described above as we work to secure the funding that will help us best serve patients with complex medical needs. Warmly,
Gloria M. Pugliese Associate Vice President, Development
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Turning Setbacks into Success Life is sweet for this patient who got back on her feet.
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Rebuilding Independence, One Aisle at a Time Page 11
5 Grateful Patient Donna Garze
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Outpatient Spotlight Palmer Township
8 Reflections
By Chaplain Kelly Brooks
9 In Memoriam Ellen Malkiewicz Paula Anselmo
11 Grocery Cart Donation 13 Women's Giving Circle
Donation
14 Good Vibes Only
at RakerStock '23
On the cover: Thea and her husband, Keith Cover photograph: Randy Monceaux Photography
Donate: goodshepherdrehab.org/donate
Our Mission
Motivated by the divine Good Shepherd, and the often complex physical and cognitive rehabilitation needs of our communities, our mission is to enhance lives, maximize function, inspire hope, and promote dignity and well-being with expertise, innovative care and compassion.
goodshepherdrehab.org • 1.888.44.REHAB 2
TURNING SETBACKS
into Success
In the summer of 1989, 20-year-old Thea Tantaros was busy preparing for her senior year at York College while operating her very own ice cream parlor in Schnecksville, Pa. For a 20-year-old, this may seem like a big responsibility, but this is commonplace for Thea, who comes from a family of restaurateurs. On July 13, Thea was headed to The Peppermint Parlor to open for the day before meeting her mother to shop at the Lehigh Valley Mall. But everything changed when her car hydroplaned on the wet road, sending Thea into a telephone pole, throwing her from the driver’s seat into the passenger side door of her car. Immediately, Thea was transported to a local hospital where she and her parents received a grim prognosis. Two fractured vertebrae meant that she would be permanently paralyzed. After two days without feeling in her lower body, doctors performed surgery and were pleasantly surprised to discover that her spinal cord was badly bruised, yet intact. There was hope for Thea to walk again, but it would not be an easy recovery. Thea spent the next two weeks in a slow, oscillating hospital bed with a stiff neck brace to stabilize her spinal column. After being discharged, she was sent to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation in Allentown for inpatient care. It was then that Thea was hit with the true enormity of her injuries. When she sat in a wheelchair for the first time, depression hit. At 20 years old, she didn’t know if she would walk again. Thanks to her will to persevere, love for fitness, prayers from family and friends and daily visits from her mom – who massaged her legs for countless hours to keep the blood flowing – Thea immersed herself in her daily physical therapy sessions. Exactly one month after her accident, Thea was at physical therapy, standing between the parallel bars. With her care team’s encouragement, Thea put one foot in front of the other for the first time since the accident. Her care team transitioned her to a walker and then
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“I owe the majority of my recovery first and foremost to God and the power of prayer, but also to Good Shepherd. They were the special people who really helped me get back on my feet." -Thea a three-point cane, all before her therapy session ended that day. The cheers from fellow patients and staff filled the room. As she returned to her wheelchair at the end of her session, she was filled with emotion. She could not get back to her room at Good Shepherd fast enough to call her family and share the great news. With pride and tears of joy, the first person Thea called was her father at their family’s diner in Trexlertown. His joy was evident as he announced throughout the restaurant that his daughter had started to walk! After three weeks at Good Shepherd, Thea was discharged. She took a semester off of college to focus on outpatient therapy and regaining her strength. After graduating from college with a degree in Business, she entered the workforce. In 2005, she started her own benefits consulting company called BenefitsOne, eventually merging with Equinox Benefits Consulting in 2009, where she continues to work today. As the years have passed, there are normal residual aches and pains, but they have not stopped Thea from giving it her all in everything she does. “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t count my blessings and acknowledge the great gift I was given to be able to walk again,” says Thea. In spring 2022, Thea returned to the ice cream business when she opened her side business Fifi's Ice Cream Truck and Treats with support from her longtime partner and now husband, Keith. “I owe the majority of my recovery first and foremost to God and the power of prayer, but also to Good Shepherd. They were the special people who really helped me get back on my feet,” says Thea. Fifi caters birthday parties, special events and even the July grand opening of the new Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Center Valley. “Anytime I can give back to Good Shepherd, I will,” Thea says. “They gave me my life back, and I am forever grateful.” n
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SWINGING
AGAINST THE ODDS Donna Garze has always seen the positive in situations, even when it was difficult to find. So, when she slipped on a wet floor at work more than 30 years ago, she never imaged how difficult the road ahead would be. The wound in her leg repeatedly became infected, and the pain was unimaginable and for 12 years the pain was unimaginable before gangrene set in. Donna was faced with a choice: lose her leg or lose her life. At this point, Donna’s positive disposition changed. As she laid in her hospital bed, she prayed for the Lord to take her. Donna has always been a woman of great faith, so when she saw a bright light at the foot of her bed, with arms reaching out to her, she knew she was receiving a message from the Lord. A voice said, “I’m not ready for you yet, I have things for you to do, I only am ready for a part of you.” With that, Donna fell into a peaceful sleep and awoke in the morning with a decision: she would forego pain-relieving nerve block surgery and have her leg be amputated immediately—but not before promising God that she would give back and help anyone who helped her heal. Donna’s brave decision saved her life. After recovering in the hospital, she returned to her home in Mahanoy City and traveled to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation in Allentown three times a week for outpatient therapy with her new prosthesis. Eager to stay active, Donna picked up golf clubs for the first time and attended Good Shepherd’s First Swing Golf Clinic. Here, she met fellow amputees and fell in love with the game. 5
“I played for hours that first day. I didn’t want to stop,” says Donna. And for years, she didn’t stop. She joined the Eastern Amputee Golf Association (EAGA), traveling throughout the United States and beyond to play in tournaments. Donna's "magical year" was 1999, when she completed 20 tournaments throughout the U.S. and Canada with only one loss. After a national tournament in Michigan, she was ranked the second best amputee woman golfer in the country. These experiences inspired her to start her own tournament, the “No Fear Challenge,” fulfilling her promise years ago to help those who had helped her at Good Shepherd. This annual event has raised more than $100,000 for Good Shepherd over 13 years. Another setback occurred in 2019 when Donna experienced a heart attack. EMTs were unsure how to remove her prosthetic leg, so they left it on while using the defibrillator. Her heart restarted, but her leg was electrocuted badly, leaving Donna unable to use her prosthetic. Despite this, Donna still eventually plans to return to golf. “I will play again; even if I need to lean up against the golf cart to swing, I will get back out there,” says Donna. Donna attributes her ability to remain positive to her faith and family. She also credits Good Shepherd with helping her walk again and finding golf, which allowed her to live the life she was always meant to live. n
THE BENEFITS OF GIVING IN YOUR WILL You know a will is vital when it comes to distributing your assets to the people and causes you care about, but did you know that creating one also has personal benefits? This is particularly apparent when you use it to give a gift to a mission you are passionate about, such as Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.
Here’s how including a gift in your will can benefit you.
It can lessen anxiety. Thinking and planning ahead can make it less daunting to talk about what happens when you’re gone. How? It gives you reassurance that the people and causes close to your heart are taken care of.
It sets an example.
Your gift can be an inspiration. Your story can have a ripple effect on your loved ones or others who you share it with.
It can lend perspective.
Taking stock of what’s important can help you focus on your goals and be more aware of how you want to impact the world.
It just feels good. Giving makes you feel good. Really, it does. Research shows that the act of giving reduces stress-related activity in one area of the brain while increasing reward-related activity in another.
Of course, loved ones are the first people to consider when creating your will. Then, think about the nonprofits you want to support. Providing for causes you care about is an excellent way to demonstrate your values, help organizations you care about gain a better understanding of what’s important to you and set an example for others to follow. Providing for Good Shepherd in your will or other planned gifts means you share a vision with others who have joined the 1908 Raker Society. Whether you decide to leave us a specific dollar amount or assets, or a percentage of your estate, we appreciate your generosity. Every gift matters, whether it is a specific dollar amount, other asset or a percentage of your estate. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and helps us continue to change the lives of the patients and residents we serve. Contact Susan Lopez at 610.776.3386 or sulopez@gsrh.org when you’re ready to discuss how your estate plans can help Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. n 6
OUTPATIENT SPOTLIGHT: PALMER TOWNSHIP Good Shepherd’s Palmer Township location has grown to serve the needs of its surrounding communities.
Welcome to Good Shepherd's Palmer Township location, where healing meets hospitality. Led by the experienced Jacob Weaver, PT, DPT, this location specializes in helping patients with neurological conditions and is fully equipped to support even the most complex needs. A recently expanded occupational therapy program provides additional support. Our Palmer Township clinicians regularly enhance their expertise through coursework and certifications to provide the best care possible. A number of clinicians are certified in LVST BIG® therapy, which attracts many patients with Parkinson’s to this location. Additional treatment options are offered here for lower back pain, neck discomfort, headaches, concussion, joint replacements, chronic pain, work-related injuries and various orthopedic and sports injuries. “Our team has made our site what it is,” says Jacob. “They work so well together to help our patients reach and exceed their goals.” n
Offered at Palmer Township: Physical therapy
Amputee rehabilitation
Occupational therapy
Neurological rehabilitation
Orthopedic therapy
Warm water therapy
Address: 833 S. 25th St. Easton, PA 18045 7
Reflections By Chaplain Kelly Brooks John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Often when patients enter Good Shepherd, they have a cheerleading section that accompanies them. These are the people, that through trials and joys, stick by us. They are family, friends, childhood friends, social media friends, acquaintances, co-workers, fellow church members and people on the other side of the world who have heard their story. Whoever these people may be, they are the motivators and card senders that keep them going. Even for those who do not have a large group of supporters, once they enter Good Shepherd, they instantly have one. The staff at Good Shepherd are believers. They believe in the patient’s abilities and opportunity for progress. They believe in the possibility of a better quality of life and more independence. The staff at Good Shepherd come with a shared support and heart for every patient and resident. Jesus commands us to love one another, even if it is someone we do not know or like. It is not only a commandment but also a gift; a gift we can share ourselves, even if it is just kindness. It is a gift that goes beyond the patient or resident who is right in front of us. It reminds us that simple acts of kindness, including a smile, reminding someone that we are praying for them or a cheer for a therapy accomplishment permeates our hearts and gives us faith in humanity. Jesus gave us this commandment for a reason. It is not just a reminder of his teaching and sacrifice, but also to remind us that, collectively, we can make a difference in someone else’s life. It is the inspirational stories, like the ones shown in the last five minutes of the evening news, that motivates us to take action—to be part of someone’s cheering section. n
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In Memoriam Ellen Malkiewicz Ellen Malkiewicz grew up in Hellertown, Pa., surrounded by a loving extended family. “She was a woman who thrived being with others,” says her sister, Amy Evans. So, it’s no surprise that Ellen was most in her element when spending time with, caring for and loving everyone around her, including her friends and fellow residents at Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center, where she lived until her passing on June 1, 2023. During her 35 years at Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center, Ellen immersed herself in everything available to her, attending parties, celebrating the holidays, joining in activities, singing and dancing the night away at the annual Raker Ball and venturing off campus for various outings and adventures. She especially loved being outdoors and took advantage of opportunities that allowed her to enjoy the weather whenever possible. In warmer months, she would attend a camp through Good Shepherd where she won a fishing contest. When the weather grew colder, she could be found soaring down a snowy hill on a tube with a big bright smile on her face. Ellen’s ability to connect with people was especially evident to Amy when she would visit her sister at Raker Center. “She knew every person’s name at Good Shepherd, from the environmental services staff to the healthcare professionals, to the food service associates. It always amazed me.”
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Paula Anselmo In 1944, the year of Paula Anselmo's birth, babies born prematurely had a much lower rate of survival than they do today. So, when Paula was born earlier than expected, doctors weren’t optimistic, but God had another plan for Paula. She not only survived but thrived, with lack of mobility in her legs being the only long-term side-effect of her early birth. Because of her father’s job in the insurance industry, Paula’s family, including two older brothers, moved around every few years until Paula was 10 years old. They settled in Florence, South Carolina, where, despite physical obstacles, Paula persevered - attending school, discovering her love for animals and enjoying music and reading. She even learned how to walk short distances with assistance from crutches. “Paula’s life was divided into two phases; she spent her first 40 years living with our parents, and the next 30 years living independently in the home her parents left in her care,” says her brother, Bob Anselmo. “Paula never ceased to amaze me. She was always very determined but watching her manage a home on her own for 30 years from her motorized wheelchair was especially inspiring.” After a brief hospital stay, Paula transitioned to a nursing home in South Carolina for a short time before moving to Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center six years ago. As new residents of the Lehigh Valley, Bob says, “I could see that the nursing home was not the best place for her, so when my wife received rehabilitation care at Good Shepherd and I learned about Raker, I knew this is where Paula should be.” When a room became available, Bob and his daughter traveled to South Carolina to bring Paula to her new home at Raker Center, where she remained until her passing on August 6, 2023. Paula’s room at Raker Center was beautifully decorated with things she loved the most – photos of beautiful dogs and dozens of comforting stuffed animals. “Paula was happy to be at Raker,” says Bob. “She liked being close to her family and enjoyed spending holidays with us at our home in Allentown.” n 10
REBUILDING INDEPENDENCE, ONE AISLE AT A TIME For someone discharged from inpatient rehabilitation after a life-changing illness or injury, everyday tasks can feel like overwhelming obstacles. Changes in abilities due to a stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury can severely impact balance, strength and cognitive function, making ordinary activities – like grocery shopping - physically challenging and potentially confidence-shattering. At Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, patients can practice some of these "common" skills in a safe environment before navigating the real deal. Thanks to the creative thinking of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Neuropsychologist Tracy Ransom, PsyD, BCB, MSCP, Occupational Therapist Rachel Burke, OTR/L, CSRS, and the generosity of Giant Food Stores, shopping carts are helping patients heal in the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) suites. Patients can practice physical skills by using a cart to balance, as well
as practice tasks that accompany a grocery shopping trip: making lists and managing money, finding items on shelves, placing them in the cart and putting them away in the ADL kitchen. It’s a complete shopping experience that offers multiple benefits for patients’ recovery. It happens that Tracy’s husband, Patrick, works with Giant. Patrick reached out to Giant Category Analyst Drew Wilson to ask if the store would donate shopping carts to the cause. To Patrick’s surprise, Drew invited him to the warehouse to select two brand-new carts for the hospital. “I know several stroke victims, so when Patrick explained the need to me, I wanted to help out,” says Drew. “We’ve never received a request like this before, but Giant is very generous in the communities where we operate, so I figured, why not?” n
“Functional rehab is a high priority for Good Shepherd. Patients love participating and seeing the benefits of this type of therapy. Because grocery shopping is an element of reality from before their injury or illness, they’re excited to use it to work toward becoming independent again.” - Occupational Therapist Rachel Burke, OTR/L, CSRS
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WELCOME, DIANA TIRENDI Good Shepherd Rehabilitation has always relied on the generosity of members of our community who volunteer their time and talent to support our mission. Volunteers play a vital role in our ability to provide an exceptional experience for patients who look to us for their rehabilitation care. Providing support and guidance to our dedicated volunteers now lies in the capable hands of our new Volunteer and Community Relations Officer, Diana Tirendi.
in mission and impact. "I believe that volunteers for Good Shepherd are an extension of the organization, helping us achieve our goals and amplifying our cause in the community,” says Diana. “There is tremendous value in what volunteers bring to our patients and organization, and making sure they see and feel the impact they have is most important to me. I want each and every volunteer to know they truly make a difference."
Diana comes to Good Shepherd with more than 15 years of experience recruiting, engaging, retaining and stewarding volunteers in community action, higher education and healthcare settings throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Now that our new inpatient rehabilitation hospital is open in Center Valley, there are even more volunteer opportunities available. From clerical support to assisting with patient and resident care, there’s something for everyone. To learn more about getting involved, contact Diana at dtirendi@gsrh.org or 610.776.3125. n
Diana is passionate about creating cultures of volunteerism that are rooted
Where Can I See
Sweet Charity’s Gifts of Love section is now virtual! Use the URL to see the generous families and friends who honor their dear ones with memorial and living gifts. 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.
goodshepherdrehab.org/giftsoflove
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WOMEN'S GIVING CIRCLE
WOMEN'S GIVING CIRCLE FUNDS ADAPTIVE GARDEN ENHANCEMENTS
Thanks to the generous support of members of Good Shepherd’s Women’s Giving Circle, the adaptive garden at Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem is receiving much-needed updates. The garden is a popular retreat for Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem residents and families benefiting from care at nearby Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit. Now in its 14th year, the Women’s Giving Circle is a group of women who are dedicated to supporting the mission of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. Members annual dues are pooled together, and at the close of each fiscal year, the group is presented with worthy projects or programs in need of financial support within the Network. This year, the group’s combined $36,000 donation will be used to purchase new benches, weather-resistant chairs, accessible tables, adaptive gardening tools, umbrellas, bird feeders, solar light vegetable trugs and more to enhance and beautify the garden at the long-term care home. To learn more about Women’s Giving Circle, contact Dianne Spengler at dspengler@gsrh.org or visit goodshepherdrehab.org/womenscircle. n
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GOOD VIBES ONLY AT RAKERSTOCK '23
September 8 was a groovy day for residents at Good Shepherd Home - Raker Center. The Large Flower Heads rocked the crowd with music from the 60s and early 70s.
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Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Good Shepherd Plaza 850 South 5th Street Allentown, PA 18103
“Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere, and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles.” – Helen Keller
Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Gettysburg, PA Permit No. 28