Sweet Charity Summer 2023

Sarah's Story:

A perseverant young woman gains back her independence after years of debilitating illness.

Just a few weeks after you receive this publication, we will open a brand new, state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Center Valley across from the Promenade Shops. This much-anticipated new facility will allow us to treat more patients than before. The building will provide a welcoming and soothing space that will enhance the patient experience and promote healing. Private patient rooms surround the perimeter of three floors, each of which feature a therapy gym, patient and family dining room and lounges. From the open and spacious lobby, to the indoor and outdoor bistro, to the expansive therapy and activity gardens, the facility will inspire all who visit.

Beyond leading-edge rehabilitation services for patients, the new hospital will serve as a community hub for learning about new technology that can enhance quality of life and independence. Empower+ will feature opportunities for members of the community to test new technologies, create customized 3-D printed devices and learn about maximizing smart home systems, such as Siri and Alexa, allowing for enhanced quality of life and greater independence. Classes for students and clinicians will offer engaging continuing education and learning opportunities, making it a destination for not only patients and their families, but members of the community as well.

We could not have realized this project without the generous support of our donors. Individual donors, corporations and foundation funders came together to invest in this project that will impact thousands of lives in the years to come. We are grateful to those who have supported this landmark project.

While we are thrilled about our new hospital project, we are committed to maintaining our headquarters in Allentown. Although the rehabilitation hospital will move, our corporate offices, Good Shepherd Home - Raker Center and the Hyland Center for Health & Technology our outpatient center—will remain on our South Allentown campus where the Raker family began Good Shepherd 115 years ago. We are in the process of determining how we will re-purpose the current hospital, and we are eager to continue our role as a key member of the Allentown community.

Warmly,

Gloria M. Pugliese Associate Vice President, Development

These are exciting times for Good Shepherd.

Elite Athlete and Author Zion Clark Shares Story of Perseverance

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A Journey of Resilience

A perseverant young woman gains back her independence after years of debilitating illness.

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5 Karate for All Breaking Barriers for 20 Years

7 Outpatient Spotlight Blandon

8 Gala Recap

9 In Memoriam David Earl Biddle Sharon Lee Devine

11 Getting Back on Her Feet

13 Reflections By Chaplain Roxi Kringle

14 Leading Disruption A Health-Care Innovation Summit

On the cover: Sarah Brown and her parents

Cover photograph: Randy Monceaux Photography

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.

Donate:

GoodShepherdRehab.org/donate

GoodShepherdRehab.org • 1-888-44-REHAB

A Journey of Resilience

While many children enjoy carefree school days and endless extracurricular activities, second grader Sarah Brown and her family faced a challenging and ambiguous journey. At 7 years old, Sarah began experiencing mysterious, gradually worsening symptoms. By 5th grade, her condition worsened to where she could no longer complete schoolwork independently. With an urgent need for answers, Sarah's family tirelessly searched for a solution.

Although her symptoms were consistent with Lyme disease, Sarah’s tests repeatedly returned negative, leaving doctors unwilling to diagnose her. Years passed before she received formal confirmation of Lyme and several other tickborne infections. Sarah received in-home education throughout middle school while her parents searched for alternative treatments. When their path intersected with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation in Allentown, it was a beacon of hope. By this time, swelling in Sarah’s brain had robbed much of her ability to read, spell, add and perform daily cognitive functions.

Fortunately, at Good Shepherd, Sarah’s speech-language pathologist, Mary Jean Stankoski devised a transformative care plan that altered the course of Sarah's life. Sarah recalls, “Mary Jean used all the tools in her toolbox to uncover creative ways to help me be successful.”

Together, they used strategies such as vivid visualization, speech and language exercises, and motor planning activities to forge new connections for Sarah to regain old skills and acquire new knowledge. The interactive metronome was instrumental in strengthening Sarah's reading and higher-level cognitive abilities.

“We could not have accomplished any of this without Sarah's unbreaking will to improve and her family's amazing support,” says Mary Jean. “As a team, Sarah, her family and I refused to give up until we accomplished our goals.”

A pivotal turning point emerged in 9th grade when Sarah’s remarkable progress allowed her to return to some in-person classes. Mary Jean participated in meetings at Sarah’s school to support her continued progress. A notebook served as a conduit for communication, allowing Sarah's caregivers to share daily progress notes.

After successfully completing rehabilitation therapy, Sarah returned to Good Shepherd as a high school volunteer to assist others at the site.

“That was a full circle moment for me,” says Sarah. “I was fully dependent on Good Shepherd to get better, and now, I can give back my time to show my appreciation for them.”

Despite the disease robbing Sarah of much of her childhood, her Good Shepherd team and loving family provided steady support, enabling her to achieve complete independence. Today, she enthusiastically pursues studies in Clinical Psychology and Criminal Justice at DeSales University, with plans to work in corrections as a behavioral counselor. She keeps busy working on campus as a tutor, tour guide and orientation mentor.

Through the unwavering support of her Good Shepherd team and her loving family, Sarah overcame tremendous challenges. Today, she embraces her future with steadfast determination, knowing that her journey exemplifies the incredible impact of Good Shepherd’s life-changing care.

Appreciative of the tireless efforts of her care team, Sarah says, "I will forever be grateful for the talented employees at Good Shepherd who contributed to my full recovery from a debilitating illness." n

Karate for All

Breaking barriers for 20 years

On Tuesday evenings, the Harry C. Trexler Center for Assistive Technology

Robert & Marian Edwards Center on the Good Shepherd campus in South Allentown is abuzz with excitement as students of all ages get ready to learn, practice and perfect Okinawa Style Karate. This style, called Shinmei Shorin-Ryu, is characterized by natural stances and adaptable circular movements ideal for people with physical limitations or differences, as it lacks physically demanding spins, kicks and complex movements found in other martial arts.

Shihan Catherine Cesco-Cancian, a 6th degree black belt and karate master, recognizes the positive impact that martial arts can have on physical and mental health. Her expertise, coupled with her relationship with neurodiverse family members, led Catherine to create an accessible Karate Academy where everyone could enjoy the benefits of martial arts. Today, Catherine’s accommodative karate classes are a favorite activity for Good Shepherd patients and their families, 20 years after the Academy opened.

The classes consist of 10 to 12 students with unique circumstances such as muscle disorders, traumatic brain injuries, partial paralysis, amputations, autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. The accommodations aren’t limited to

physical movement, however. Students with sensory needs are welcome to train however they are most comfortable—in street clothing rather than the traditional gi, or with noise-softening headphones to limit sensory overstimulation.

Even in a group setting, instruction caters to each student’s individual abilities. Success is measured based on personal progress rather than comparison to others, and students are encouraged to celebrate each other’s achievements, fostering an inclusive, welcoming and comfortable environment for all.

Catherine teaches youth and adult groups and individual and advanced classes alongside her daughter, senior instructor Sensei Lara Cesco-Cancian, a 5th degree black belt who grew up learning, practicing and now teaching with her mother. Sensei Lara shares a passion for the Academy not only because of her martial arts training, but also as a high school teacher with a special education and Deaf education background.

Catherine and Lara are supported by a small staff of instructors and assistants who possess special education, health-care and extensive martial arts training, including 5th degree black belt and senior instructor Sensei Marie Adams, a physical therapy assistant who has been involved throughout the Academy’s existence.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catherine faced the challenge of finding a safe way to continue offering classes while maintaining social distancing and the safety of students. Recognizing the remarkable physical and mental benefits of karate, Catherine began offering group and individual classes via Zoom, continuing until students could once again meet in person.

The benefits of karate extend far beyond medals, trophies and physical skills. It

gives students a renewed sense of selfconfidence and peace of mind for their parents in their ability to protect themselves. Shihan Catherine speaks of each student with pride, appreciation and awe, celebrating their unique abilities and accomplishments alongside their families.

The Karate Academy is a place where everyone is welcome, everyone can succeed and everyone can experience the joy that Catherine has found through karate. n

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

OUTPATIENT SPOTLIGHT: BLANDON

Good Shepherd treats the whole family at this Berks County location.

Every year, approximately 11,000 adult and pediatric patients come to Good Shepherd's outpatient site in Blandon for innovative rehabilitation therapy tailored to their needs. Conditions range from back and neck pain to work injuries, concussions, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and more. No matter the diagnosis, the Blandon team has one goal: helping patients reach their highest potential.

Under the guidance of Judith Christman, PTA, CKTP, (pictured on the right) a certified physical therapist assistant, the team is fully committed to rehabilitation techniques that help patients restore their independence. Groundbreaking therapy tools are also offered, such as eye tracking glasses that control a computer and interactive metronome, which helps retrain the brain on thought and speech coordination. Following discharge, eligible patients can receive soothing aquatic therapy in the warm-water pool at Blandon.

OFFERED AT BLANDON:

Speech therapy, including Lee Silverman Voice Training (LSVT) BIG® for patients with Parkinson’s disease

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

LOCATION:

850 Golden Dr., Maidencreek Towne Center

HELPING TO FEED THE COMMUNITY

Many patients receive their therapy at the Blandon location because someone close to them has received care from the location before. It’s a testament to the relationships built between the Good Shepherd team, patients and their families.

“We have a lot of patients who come here because a family member has been here, like parents and child athletes,” says Judith. “It’s really family-oriented.” n

Orthopedic rehabilitation

Neurorehabilitation

Warm-water aquatic therapy

The Blandon team established a food drive benefiting the food bank at neighboring Trinity Bible Fellowship. Patients, staff and community members can bring non-perishable food items to the collection bin located in the lobby.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, community partners and guests, the 2023 Gala in the Garden, which took place on March 25, 2023 on Good Shepherd Rehabilitation's South Allentown campus, raised more than $218,000 to benefit the Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit.

In Memoriam

David Earl Biddle

Not long after David Biddle came to live at Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center, his love for people and their love for him propelled him into a leadership role as president of the resident council on his floor, Raker 2. The paralysis that resulted from a diving accident 23 years earlier never suppressed his outgoing personality or dimmed his bright smile, which remained with him until his passing on November 9, 2022, at age 63.

“They used to call him the mayor at Raker because everybody knew and liked him,” says his mother, Dorothy Biddle.

David was born September 21, 1959, in West Rockhill Township, to Dorothy and the late John David Biddle. After graduating from Souderton High School, David enlisted in the United States Navy, continuing a tradition of his father and grandfather. He served on the USS Arkansas, sending postcards home from his travels to Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Portugal. “He loved it,” says Dorothy. “I was so proud of him.”

After two years of service, David found work as a machine operator at a local metals manufacturer. His leadership skills quickly earned him a role as union treasurer. When he wasn’t working, David gravitated to a local creek or river, pursuing his lifelong passion for fishing. Dorothy recalls the fresh fish he brought home for dinner.

David moved to Good Shepherd in 2000, where he enjoyed outings to restaurants and concerts. His first year at Raker, David was voted king of the annual resident ball by his peers.

David was especially close with his older sister, Linda Nase, who volunteered at Good Shepherd and preceded him in death five years after he came to live at Raker.

Before David passed, he told his mother he wanted his wheelchair donated to Good Shepherd, so someone else could use it. Although his dream of one day being able to walk again was never to be, David’s positive outlook never wavered. “He had his good days and his bad,” says Dorothy, “but he always put on a smile and never really let people know how hard it was to be paralyzed.”

Sharon Lee Devine

Sharon Devine was born with wings that no one could see. Doctors cautioned her parents that children with spina bifida rarely lived more than a couple of years, but Sharon proved them wrong, living to be 77 years old until her passing on January 19, 2023. That she did it with grace and joy makes her life even more memorable.

“Sharon just flew by with no problem,” says her uncle, Jerry Thompson. “One of the things that always impressed me about Sharon is I never heard her complain once about her condition. She always had a smile on her face.”

Sharon was born in Philadelphia on September 3, 1945, to Edward and Thelma (Thompson) Devine. She graduated from Northeast High School in Philadelphia and worked at a workshop for people with disabilities for several years. Sharon’s parents cared for her at home until their age made it necessary for them to find someplace else for Sharon to live. Jerry says they spent years looking for just the right place and, in 1999, found it at Good Shepherd Home - Raker Center in Allentown.

Sharon later moved to Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem. With her winning smile, outgoing personality and wonderful sense of humor, Sharon made many friends and was beloved by residents and staff. “Since day one, everyone there was fantastic and very helpful to her,” says Jerry. “She was well taken care of.”

Sharon thrived at Good Shepherd. She loved attending the annual resident ball and enjoyed bowling outings, word puzzles and playing solitaire. Scallops were her favorite meal.

Sharon’s upbringing by her parents laid the foundation for her positive outlook. “They treated her as a normal child,” says Jerry. “Nothing out of the ordinary. That gave her the confidence and ability to move on in life and be happy.” n

Getting Back on Her Feet

In 1997, Lisa Andrews and her husband Jim shared a happy, healthy life together in Williams Township, PA. During a weekend away with friends, 36-year-old Lisa woke up with what felt like a chest cold. She wasn't worried until tingling and numbness began in her toes and feet. Out of extreme caution, Lisa scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician who discovered that in addition to the spreading numbness, her bladder was also enlarged to four times its normal size. She was immediately admitted to a local hospital and diagnosed with an extremely rare infection in her spinal column: transverse myelitis.

During a two-week hospital stay, Lisa was paralyzed from the chest down and underwent a barrage of tests and treatments to rid her body of the infection. Finally, when she was well enough to leave the hospital, her care team recommended that she transition to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital to begin her journey back from this sudden and life-altering paralysis.

At Good Shepherd, Lisa progressed from being unable to stand to standing with assistance from rehabilitation equipment, to crawling and eventually standing with braces on her legs. A recreational therapy trip to the South Mall helped Lisa understand the obstacles she might experience when transitioning home. The exercise of navigating narrow department store aisles, varying counter heights and limited building accessibility helped soften the shock Lisa felt post-discharge, five weeks later.

About two months after being diagnosed, Lisa was discharged from Good Shepherd inpatient care and continued working on her recovery through outpatient physical therapy. Though eventually cleared to drive, Lisa could no longer enjoy favorite past hobbies like volleyball and bowling. In their place, she discovered a new passion for skiing after realizing her impaired left foot didn’t impede her ability; she even became a ski instructor.

More than 25 years later, Lisa continues to ski with her husband at a local resort where they are both employed. She continues to use a leg brace and walking sticks for assistance, and returns to physical therapy for a refresher when needed.

Thanks to therapeutic services at Good Shepherd, Lisa regained her independence and learned to embrace a new normal way of life. Her positive attitude, perspective on gratitude and the support of her family, friends and coworkers—and her past therapy at Good Shepherd—continue to guide her recovery.

As she puts it, “The hospital where I was treated cured the infection, but Good Shepherd got me through it.” n

Elite Athlete and Author Zion Clark shares Story of Perseverance

On March 22, 2023, more than 200 people gathered on Good Shepherd Rehabilitation's South Allentown campus to hear Zion Clark's message of determination and inclusivity.

Born without legs and the victim of abuse and abandonment during childhood, Zion told a story of how he lost his first 200 wrestling matches — before going on to become an All-American wrestler in college and a professional mixed martial artist.

Reflections

By Chaplain Roxi Kringle

Each spring, my grandmother dutifully planned and planted her garden. When the threat of the last frost passed and Grandpa spent a morning churning the soil with the rototiller, Grandma went out and planted carrots, beans, peas and beets in carefully hoed rows. She always reserved a large part of her garden for the cucumbers and squash. It didn’t make much sense to me seeing all the seeds sprinkled so evenly in rows only to have so much unused space between the cucumbers and squash. It looked rather strange to see the rows of three-inch seedlings popping through the soil on one end of the garden, and the vast area of blank garden surrounding the cucumbers and squash. It was only in the late summer, when these plants sent out the tendrils and large leaves covered the fruit, that this planting strategy made sense. The plants needed the space to grow and produce the best possible fruit. It was much later that I also realized during the time my grandmother spent weeding between the rows when the seedlings popped up, she also thinned the rows, allowing all the produce in her garden to grow and produce its best.

The “garden” of Good Shepherd has grown since that day in 1908 when Papa and Mama Raker said yes to the request to care for Viola Hunt, planting a vision to care for those who fell through the gaps. I wonder if Papa Raker would recognize the 21st century Good Shepherd with technological advances not even thought possible 125 years ago. I’d like to think the garden of Good Shepherd, so planned and planted, is like the section of my grandmother’s garden she reserved for cucumbers and squash. A wide space with room for all the vines to spread and leaves enough to cover and nourish the fruit.

We pray for the breath of the new creation to bless the work of the rehabilitation hospital in Center Valley, and in this same breath of life, support the ongoing work of the Specialty Hospital, pediatric services, outpatient therapies and long-term care. n

LEADING DISRUPTION

A Health-Care Innovation Summit

April 22, 2023 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wind Creek Event Center Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

On April 22, 2023, professionals of all types came together for an all-day conference at the Wind Creek Event Center and enjoyed thought-provoking presentations, interactive workshops and networking. Save the date for the 2nd Annual Innovation Summit on April 6, 2024.