Dear Friends,

I’m writing this on a bitter cold wintry day as the snow is falling outside and blanketing our south Allentown campus. As difficult as it may be to envision spring, I think about how hard it is for many of our patients when they first come to us to envision healing and possibilities beyond whatever affliction has impacted their lives.

We work with all our patients to set goals and we encourage them to stay the course, even when they want to give up. And while we also recognize there may be limitations, we constantly seek ways to help people with disabilities achieve greater independence and work as a team to make that happen.

Consistency in therapy is essential to progress, just as consistency in giving from donors like Tom and Millie Stenhouse, who we highlight in this issue, is essential to advancing our mission and strengthening our vision for the future. We count on your generosity to help us invest in the latest technologies which help teens like Patrick Champagne, a swimmer at Emmaus High School, who is recovering from a sports- related concussion. Technology also is playing a role in helping 20-year-old Samantha Weber improve her vision and gain strength after she fell critically ill to a frightening and unpredictable disease.

Consistency is important in other ways too at Good Shepherd. We rely on volunteers like Neil Wetcher, our 2013 Volunteer of the Year, to help our staff in countless ways.

And we rely on our special event committee chairs, like Peter Danchak and Jaime Mendes, along with their hard-working

committees to plan and execute fund raisers so necessary to our programs and services.

While the harsh winter weather brought with it plenty of challenges, Good Shepherd’s dedicated staff, our volunteers

and donors like you, never skipped a beat. Consistency in giving can be habit forming and that’s a habit you

will find feels great.

Sincerely,

John Kristel, MBA,MPT President & CEO

2

The Mantle of Leadership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10A joyful gathering of family and friends marked the inauguration of Good Shepherd’s new president and CEO, John Kristel, as the organization’s leadership changed hands.

Accentuate the Positive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 When sudden illness dealt Samantha Weber a blow paralyzing her left side, she fought back with support from Good Shepherd and her family.

All In the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Volunteers and donors Ted and Al Douglass are carrying on an honored family tradition of philanthropy with historic ties to Good Shepherd.

Volunteer Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 A generous heart and loving spirit are just two of the many reasons Neil Wetcher of Bethlehem was chosen as the 2013 Volunteer of the Year.

COVER STORY

Back In the SwimConcussion temporarily sidelined high school swimmer Patrick Champagne, but Good Shepherd’s Concussion Management Program has him well on the road to recovery.

Cover photograph: Randy Monceaux

GoodShepherdRehab.org

1-888-44-REHAB

Features

OUR MISSION

Motivated by the divine Good Shepherd

and the 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 and compassion.

4IN THIS ISSUE

Giving Back.................................. 8 — Tom and Mildred Stenhouse

Good News & Great Gifts.............16

Gifts of Love................................. 24

3

Follow Sweet Charity on Facebook!facebook.com/sweetcharityonline

4

5

atrick Champagne lived life at 150 mph. Competitive by nature, the Emmaus High School varsity swimmer spent

up to 15 hours a week in practice. And when he wasn’t swimming, he was immersed in his studies which included advanced classes in European history and calculus.

On October 10, 2012, Patrick, then 17 years old, had just finished a series of laps doing the backstroke when he stood up and hit his head on the gutter of the pool. It was a hard knock and Patrick knew it, but he felt all right and went on with his workout.

Afterward, he told his coach who followed protocol for assessing concussion and admonished Patrick to be mindful of any symptoms that might develop. Patrick’s parents were also told what happened and advised that he take it easy that night and to keep an eye on him. Like many parents and athletic coaches today, they knew that con-cussion was a real possibility and required diligent observation.

“I was thinking about it a lot,” says Patrick, “but I thought I’d be fine.”

He wasn’t fine though. “That day we learned how ignorant we were about brain injuries and concussion,” says his mother Betsy.

Patrick tried taking it easy that night, but driven to excel in all he did, attempted to study for a test the next day. What usually came pretty easily was suddenly a struggle. The dining room lights bothered him and he was having trouble comprehending what he was reading.

“I couldn’t really focus and I think that was

the first indicator something was wrong,” says Patrick. “That may have been the start of my symptoms looking back on it.”

Recognizing that Patrick wasn’t himself, Betsy and her husband Paul, urged Patrick to go to bed.

The next morning, Patrick slept in, which was uncharacteristic for this early riser. He went to school where he’d signed up to have his yearbook photo taken. The photogra-pher’s flash really bothered him, Betsy says, another indicator something wasn’t right.

That same day, Patrick began experiencing bad headaches and dizziness. Betsy sched-uled an appointment with the family pedia-trician for the next day. Patrick, who as a high school athlete had been given an ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) evalua-

Patrick with his four-legged pal Cricket.

6

tion to establish his cognitive baseline, was retested by his pediatrician.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It took me about an hour,” says Patrick, adding that he was completely wiped out at the end.

By now, other symptoms had surfaced. Betsy noted that Patrick’s speech was some-what slower, and he was pale and clammy. The pediatrician determined that Patrick had suffered a concussion. He prescribed rest. No school. No mental stimulation. He also recommended that Patrick see Kimberly Kuchinski, program director at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit in Bethlehem where she specializes in pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation.

“We’re very grateful we were referred to Dr. Kuchinski,” says Betsy.

Dr. Kuchinski met with Patrick for an evalu-ation on November 8, 2012. She confirmed the post-concussive syndrome diagnosis and in addition to medication, prescribed a treat-ment plan that took full advantage of all the resources and expertise in Good Shepherd’s Concussion Management Program. Patrick’s left eye wasn’t tracking properly, he was experiencing dizziness and he struggled with his memory and mental fatigue so he need-ed vision, vestibular and speech therapy.

“I brought my homework and learned mem-ory techniques using my homework,” says Patrick. “That was amazing.”

“He had to learn how to learn,” adds Betsy.

Another helpful technique Patrick learned was how to rate his symptoms on a daily basis and adjust accordingly.

“That scale is really helpful,” says Patrick. “I can mentally gauge what activities make the

Patrick (center) with his family (from left) father Paul, sisters Katie and Maggie, and mother Betsy.

continued on page 21...

7

Understanding and Treating Concussion

Former and current NFL players are garnering headlines on sports-related concussion, but at Good Shepherd

Rehabilitation Network, a team of physicians, therapists and neuropsychologists are dealing with the realities

of concussion in the lives of everyday people from all walks of life. Kyle Klitsch, D.O., a concussion manage-

ment specialist, heads Good Shepherd’s Concussion Management Program and has treated patients from

cheerleaders to high school football players.

“Our strengths are the interdisciplinary treatment that’s going on here,”

says Dr. Klitsch. “Our therapists are great at being trained in recognizing

certain things and have specialized areas of focus. It’s the collaborative

effort between everyone that makes our program unique.”

Dr. Klitsch describes concussion as a mild traumatic brain injury. “It’s more

on the microscopic level and affects the way the brain works,” he says.

“There’s no apparent injury when you do any type of (clinical) imaging. You

base the diagnosis on signs and symptoms, which may be very brief.”

Public awareness and understanding of concussion has increased in recent

years, however ongoing education is still needed.

“The two biggest myths are that you need to lose consciousness, which

isn’t true, and that you need to be struck in the head, which also is not

true,” says Dr. Klitsch. “Any bio-mechanical force to the body that causes

the brain to move can cause a concussion, like a football player who’s been tackled hard.”

Most concussions will resolve themselves within 7 to 10 days, says Dr. Klitsch. The standard of care is

physical and cognitive rest within the acute phase, especially the first 48 hours. “Time is the biggest key in

terms of recovery,” says Dr. Klitsch.

A quick diagnosis is important so therapy can begin immediately and help speed the recovery process. It also

helps reduce the potential lasting damage that can result from a second concussion. “After you’ve sustained

the first concussion, it puts you at higher risk for Second Impact Syndrome which can lead to catastrophic

brain swelling,” says Dr. Klitsch.

ImPACT,™ a computerized neuro-psychological test that establishes baseline cognitive skills and helps in

ongoing post-injury assessment is used by the Concussion Management Program team to help athletes

during recovery. “Research shows it is a reliable tool in assessing cognitive dysfunction after a concussion,”

says Dr. Klitsch. “The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association requires all its athletes have ImPACT

testing done. It’s a good screening tool to have as we’re managing their recovery phase.”

Learn more about Good Shepherd’s Concussion Management Program online at GoodShepherdRehab.org

8

ome people just light up a room when they walk in, people like Tom and Millie Stenhouse of Bethlehem. For 42 years, this charming couple who hail from Scotland, have been sharing their loving spirits and devotion to Good Shepherd’s mission through a deep commitment that began in 1971 when Tom was appointed director of the industrial services division, known as the “workshop.”

The Stenhouses were recognized as Good Shepherd’s choice for Distinguished Honorees at the annual National Philan-thropy Day Breakfast on November 13, 2013, at DeSales University. The breakfast honored an impressive roster of people in the Lehigh Valley whose philanthropy has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Tom and Millie have always given of themselves unselfishly. During Tom’s tenure as workshop director, the program grew, providing job training and employ-ment to many people with disabilities. In those years, Millie volunteered by wrapping presents for residents of The Good Shepherd Home and visiting patients in the rehabilitation hospital. Their daugh-ters were also encouraged to volunteer. The Stenhouses became part of the fabric of the organization, forming close friend-ships with The Rev. Dr. Conrad Raker, former administrator at Good Shepherd, and many of those they served.

Since Tom’s retirement in 1991, the Stenhouses have remained devoted friends, finding as many gifts as they have given through their loving affiliation with Good Shepherd. Tom is one of the organization’s historians, and in 2008 his memories became part of a PBS documen-tary celebrating Good Shepherd’s 100th anniversary. When Millie suffered a stroke they chose Good Shepherd for her rehabili-tation. This too became an opportunity to give back by telling her story in Sweet Charity, appearing in a public advertising campaign, and sharing her experience at donor events.

The Stenhouses are joyous participants at every event throughout the year and remain loyal and generous supporters. Good Shepherd is blessed to have them as part of our family and so is the Lehigh Valley.

The Stenhouses have remained devoted

friends, finding as many gifts as they have

given through their loving affiliation with

Good Shepherd.

9

10

John Kristel with his predecessor Sally Gammon.

11

A ceremony imbued with warmth and quiet joy marked the official passing of the leadership baton to John Kristel, Good Shepherd’s new president and chief execu-tive officer, on Friday, November 8, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church in Allentown.

The church where the late Rev. Dr. Conrad Raker once served was the setting of the inauguration attended by family, friends and Good Shepherd associates who gath-ered to witness John assume the mantle of leadership previously held for the last 16 years by Sally Gammon, who retired in July 2013.

The celebration was highlighted by music performed by the Lehigh Valley Charter High School of the Arts choir and a prelude by David Lyons and Dr. Pam Shields.

A meditation laced with humor and per-sonal reflections was given by The Rev. Samuel Zeiser, bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

He recalled his own childhood in fourth grade when impaired development of his left hip altered day-to-day life. For a year, he walked with crutches and a harness that suspended his left leg. But whatever feelings he had of being different or isolated from his friends were assuaged when he drove by

Good Shepherd with his family and saw the residents sitting outside in their wheel-chairs on warm summer days. He related to them then by virtue of circumstance, and later in his professional life, came to understand the deeper significance of Good Shepherd’s role in the community as a place of hope and healing, physically and emotionally.

“Know that there are lots of people like me who want you to succeed,” he said, addressing John Kristel as he sat in the pew beside his wife and three children. “Mindful of that, may the Good Shepherd be your constant companion.”

(John Kristel was featured in the July/August 2013 issue of Sweet Charity. Read the story online at SweetCharityOnline.org under Past Issues.)

David Lyons, vice president, development, and Dr. Pam Shields shared their musical gifts.

12

Samantha Weber was 18, fun loving and looking forward to turning 19 years old. Life was good, hanging out with her friends and doing outdoorsy things. Fishing, swimming and nature hikes all ranked high on Samantha’s “fun” list.

She worked with her father, Michael, at a janitorial service, and wanted to go to Lehigh-Carbon Community College to become a nurse. But fate had other plans.

When Samantha woke up on Jan. 2, 2012, her foot was oddly numb. She thought it might be related to the recent back surgery she’d had, so she pushed it out of her mind. Sam met up with a girlfriend and they went to the local Turkey Hill market. As she stepped out of the car, her legs gave out and she fell to the ground.

Sam’s friend rushed her to the emergency room at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) where Sam was admitted. Meanwhile, Sam’s moth-er, Donna Oakum, had a premonition and called Sam. “Something clicked in my head to see how she was doing,” recalls Donna. “I called her and she said she was at Lehigh Valley Hospital.”

Donna and Michael raced to the emergency room. Sam’s condition was getting worse. Her entire left side became paralyzed. For Donna and Michael, it was a horrifying situation. “I didn’t know what to do,” says Donna. “You see your daughter lying there and you’re helpless.”

At first, the doctors thought Sam had suffered a stroke. But a battery of tests proved other-

wise. Sam was diagnosed with acute dissemi-nated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), inflamma-tion in the brain and spinal cord that damag-es myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers. ADEM typically damages brain tissue, leading to neurological symptoms such as vision loss in one or both eyes, weakness to the point of paralysis and difficulty coordinat-ing voluntary muscle movements, such as those used in walking. The onset of ADEM is often sudden. Treatment calls for the use of powerful steroids to suppress the inflamma-tion in the brain.

Donna and Michael took turns staying round-the-clock with Sam, who was heavily sedated in the intensive care unit. Michael took the night shift, Donna the day shift. About all they could do was hold their daughter’s hand, and pray.

After about a week, Sam had improved enough to be transferred to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown for physical therapy to help her walk and strengthen her left arm. Good Shepherd proved to be a healing place for the family too, especially Michael.

“At first when something like this happens you say, ‘why me?,’ but as soon as I walked into Good Shepherd and saw all the people from young to old going through difficult journeys of their own, God just gave me a sense of peace,” says Michael. “We were just grateful that Sam was there and we knew it was going to be all right.”

13

(Far right) Sam works on strengthening her visual perception while standing on a trampoline to improve her balance; (above) wearing 3D glasses and working with Amy Ruda, occupational therapist, to broaden her peripheral vision.

But a painful and persistent migraine devel-oped sending Sam back to LVH. An MRI revealed that a lesion was causing Sam’s brain to swell to a critically dangerous level. Sam’s father was holding her in his arms when she had a seizure. She was rushed into surgery for an emergency craniot-omy on January 26, 2013, to remove a section of her skull, relieving the pressure.

“Sam was very sick,” says Donna. “We didn’t know if she was going to make it through the night.”

That was just the beginning of other medical complexities to come. A week later, Sam’s left lung collapsed and a week after that, she had surgery to close a hole in her stomach as a result of the powerful steroid treatments.

The days dragged on and the family wondered when and if Sam was going to pull through. Michael spent hours praying by his daughter’s bedside. Then, Donna and Michael got the sign they were praying for. Donna

14

Samantha Weber holding her dog Bogart with her father Michael Weber, brother Tyler Diefenderfer and mother Donna Oakum.

was sitting at Sam’s bedside, singing “You Are My Sunshine” when Sam, who had a breath-ing tube in her throat, began softly mouthing the words along with her mother.

“That was the best day of my life,” says Donna. “I’ll never, ever forget that.”

By mid-March, Sam was back at Good Shepherd for occupational, physical, speech and recreational therapies to deal with the pronounced weakness on her left side and some cognitive impairment.

“The whole left side of my face was droop-ing,” recalls Sam. ”I could feed myself, but I couldn’t get up.”

The inpatient therapy team finally got Sam strong enough to go home. Sam still has some weakness in her left arm and leg, but her walking has greatly improved with only

a barely noticeable limp. Sam’s weekly vision therapy sessions with advanced technology have also improved the visual perception in her left eye by 55 percent.

“It’s working really good,” says Sam. “I can actually tell if someone’s sitting on my left side now.”

Sam still would like to go to college and will start by easing into her studies with some online classes. Her family’s support and strong faith help keep her on track.

“Everybody all through this has been a bless-ing,” says her father. “That’s what I want her to focus on. We think of the positive, no mat-ter what comes. We find the good and we hold on and keep moving forward. It’s all good. It’s all Jesus. We’re grateful that she’s alive and we have Good Shepherd. She’s my hero and I’m proud of her.”

You’ve been a friend to Good Shepherd for years. Consider making a gift that will last beyond your lifetime. Include Good Shepherd in your will or list us as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy. You may even choose to restrict your bequest to endowment. Doing so will create a perpetual gift – one that generates income Good Shepherd can use every year – a “forever gift.”

It’s easy to do and you will be leaving a lasting legacy of hope, providing care for children and adults for years to come.

Ask Us HowFor more gift planning ideas or information on how to include Good Shepherd in your will or estate plans, call Jeannette Edwards in the the Development Department at 610-778-1075 or visit 1908RakerSociety.org

1616

Gala in the Garden and Golf & Tennis Invitational Chairs NamedGood Shepherd is proud to share the good news about two business executives with solid track records of community service who have agreed to chair two major fund raisers benefiting children with disabilities.

PNC Bank Northeast PA Regional President Peter J. Danchak of Scranton will chair the 2014 Gala in the Garden on Saturday, May 31, on Good Shepherd’s south Allentown campus. The event benefits the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit. Proceeds are used to purchase needed clinical equipment and to enable Good Shepherd to continue its long tradition of not refusing treatment for chil-dren whose parents have no health insurance, or those whose insurance does not cover all fees.

Among Peter’s many community service activities, he is co-chair of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission and a member of the executive leadership team of Pre-K Counts in Pennsylvania. He also serves on the board of directors of the ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Chief Administrative Officer of PenTeleData Jaime Mendes of Lehighton is chairing the 2014 Golf & Tennis Invitational, a fund raiser for the Good Shepherd Pediatrics Program. The event will take place September 8 at Lehigh Country Club.

This busy father of five volunteers his time for other community activities related to children, including serving on the boards of directors of the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council and the Bo Tkach Foundation, an organization that creates aware-ness for obsessive compulsive disorder and other mental health issues while providing funding for youth athletic programs. Jamie is also on the board of directors for Blue Mountain Health System.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Andrew Block at 610-776-8311 or at ablock@gsrh.org

Peter Danchak

Jaime Mendes

171717

Verizon Foundation Grant Benefits PediatricsFor many children like three-year-old Maury Rodriguez of Allentown (pictured below), assistive technology is an exciting and innovative way to achieve greater independence. A $6,500 grant from the Verizon Foundation for Good Shepherd’s Pediatrics Program is a welcome gift that will enhance teaching, learning, literacy and other cognitive skills through the use of updated applications on iPads, helping children improve cognitive and fine motor skills. The grant also will help therapists conducting home visits make timely use of their Smartphones to file field reports and relay other information.

“Verizon is proud to improve the quality of life for children and families in the Lehigh Valley by empowering the community with innovative tools and resources,” says Daniel J. Reavy, director of external affairs for Verizon Pennsylvania. “We’re investing in programs, such as our partnership with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, to reach those in need in the community and to touch people’s lives by focus-ing on health and family safety in the 21st century.”

Read more on the web at SweetCharityOnline.org and click on “Good News & Great Gifts.”

20th Annual Conrad W. Raker Sporting Clays InvitationalLehigh Valley Sporting Clays, Coplay Registration at 8am, Tournament starts 9:30am Proceeds benefit the Conrad W. Raker Educational Endowment providing educational opportunities for Good Shepherd employees.Learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities online at goodshepherdrehab.org/clays or contact Andrew Block at ablock@gsrh.org or 610-776-8311.

FRIMAY2

1818

very family has its own inherited treasures. For some, it can be the simplest of things: a glass vase, as

filled with memories as it is with flowers, or it can be the weighty responsibility of carry-ing on a farming heritage or family business passed on through generations.

Father and son Al and Ted Douglass of Allentown have inherited many family trea-sures of their own but perhaps none more impactful than the spirit of philanthropy that’s so deeply rooted in their personal and professional values.

“I just remember my grandmother saying, ‘You get a dollar and you put some in sav-ings and some you spend and some you put into the (offering) plate,’” says Ted.

Al and his wife, Jill (Raker Hudders) Douglass who is the granddaughter of Good Shepherd’s founders The Rev. John “Papa” and Estella “Mama” Raker, was also taught early on a lifelong lesson that’s motivated him to give back as a donor and volunteer at Good Shepherd and schools and organiza-tions in the community.

Ted Douglass (left) with fellow volunteer leaders on the Sporting Clays committee Bob Heimbecker and J. Shauger.

1919

“All my life, I was expected from my parents to give,” says Al. “If you were lucky enough to be able to help people out, you should. My father and grandfather sat on the board of the Allentown Orthopedic Hospital and later I served on the board of Lehigh Valley Health Network.”

The Douglass’s have long been benefactors to Good Shepherd and are well-known faces at many special events. One fund raiser in par-ticular has historical resonance: the annual Conrad W. Raker Sporting Clays. Conrad served as administrator at Good Shepherd for

four decades and learned to hunt from his father, Papa Raker. Papa grew up in a rural log cabin in Raker, Pa., and once hunted to help provide food for his family back in the late 1800s.

As a sportsman and competitive shooter, Conrad had great fondness for this event where participants test their mettle by shoot-ing clay discs. He also had a deep love for Good Shepherd’s residents and proceeds from Sporting Clays once supported the com-munity access fund which helped residents enjoy greater independence.

After Conrad’s death in 2002, the funds raised by Sporting Clays were designated to another passion of Conrad’s: education. Proceeds now support a fund benefiting ongoing educational opportunities for Good Shepherd employees.

Ted and Al, through The Douglass Group of financial advisors, part of the Bank of America-owned Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Group, have long supported Sporting Clays. This year is no exception with The Douglass Group stepping forward as presenting sponsors of the event.

Knowing the value of philanthropy in their professional lives as senior vice presidents and wealth management advisors, Ted and Al are well-versed in strategies to help others find ways to include philanthropy in their financial planning.

“The idea of charity differs with every client,” says Ted, “we use goal-based strategies to help bring clarity to people’s life priorities.”

Al and Ted Douglass

Philanthropy becomes

one of those priorities

for those who want

to make a meaningful

and lasting difference

in their communities.

2020

Philanthropy becomes one of those priorities for those who want to make a meaningful and lasting difference in their communities.

“We’ve lived in an unusual time of tremen-dous wealth creation and people who have acquired wealth are thinking more about what that wealth can do for society,” says Al.

“And, it’s a desire to leave a legacy,” adds Ted.

The way in which generations give back is also changing, says Ted.

“A lot of people want to not only get mone-tarily involved, but also get involved person-ally with their time and you may see giving manifest itself differently,” says Ted. “For example, young people coming together for specific causes that are relevant to them or volunteering their time.”

That desire to be philanthropic extends to those who may not have vast wealth, but still place a high value on charitable giving. For many families, who have seen the cor-nerstones of their retirement erode – falling real estate values, precipitous losses in the stock market and the abolishment of corpo-rate pension plans – the challenges of strik-ing a balance between survival and saving are considerable.

“The retirement landscape is changing drastically,” says Ted, “and people are ask-ing, ‘How can I fulfill my desire to give yet fulfill other priorities in my life?’ Families don’t always have a lot of resources to give. They’re trying to survive. We help them find clarity in that second phase of life that allows people to accomplish their philan-thropic priorities.”

Al Douglass

Create your own legacy of caring. The 1908 Raker Society is open to those who have included Good Shepherd in their will or estate plans. Learn more at www.1908rakersociety.org

For more information about the

20th Annual Conrad W. Raker

Sporting Clays Invitational

turn to page 17.

2121

symptoms worse. It’s an easy way for me to not push that far. You kind of have to plan out your days and weeks and definitely don’t want to push so hard that you set yourself back.”

Pacing and making adjustments in his school day remains an important part of Patrick’s recovery. Short breaks at home or sitting in his parents’ car resting or listening to the radio are incorporated into his day. And he still avoids eating lunch in the school cafeteria because loud noises bother him.

But Patrick has come a long way. He’s swimming again and competing with his teammates although he is still working up his stamina and has difficulty diving into the pool because he is prone to dizzy spells. “I’m basically relearning how to do it,” he says, “and pretty much everything I used to do.”

Although he’s no longer getting therapy, Patrick continues to benefit from visits and ongoing evaluation with Good Shepherd neuropsychologist, Luke Caccio, Ph.D.

Now 18 years old, Patrick has applied to several colleges where he hopes to continue swimming and is getting ready to graduate in June. Betsy has high praise for his teach-ers and the Emmaus High School adminis-trators who have accommodated Patrick

through this ordeal and made it possible for him to keep up with his school work.

“His teachers were amazing,” says Betsy.

Patrick’s concussion has brought with it many lessons not just for him, but the entire family.

“Paul and I grew as parents in learning how to let go,” says Betsy. “Patrick’s mantra is, ‘It is what it is,’ and I think Patrick’s in a better place because of it and we are as parents and as people. I think one of his sisters summed it up, ‘All I want is for Patrick to get better so he can smile again.’”

Patrick’s face breaks into a wide grin. “I’m going to get better as fast as I can,” he says. “It is what it is.”

Check out more photos of Patrick at facebook.com/sweetcharityonline

Quiet time has been essential to Patrick’s recovery.

...continued from page 6

22

On a cold blustery December day, a small cadre of Good Shepherd associates and volunteers lined up to pass doz-ens of wrapped gifts from a small trailer into the Good Shepherd Home-Bethlehem in a tradition as regular as the tree lighting in Rockefeller Center. Among the faith-ful is Neil Wetcher of Bethlehem, who has been volun-teering at Good Shepherd since 2003 and will be honored as the Volunteer of the Year at a dinner on Tuesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. in the Raker Center.

A semi-retired math teacher, Neil is a welcome face on the resident floor where his daily visits to his wife Judy bring good cheer and good deeds. Whether it’s helping

with the holiday gift passing into the residents’ Santa sacks, transporting residents from one thing to

another or helping someone with a puzzle, Neil can always be counted on to be there with a smile. He’s accompanied residents to IronPigs baseball games, restaurants and the circus.

Neil Wetcher

23

Neil’s volunteering began about the time that Judy, who has multiple sclerosis, moved to Good Shepherd. A staffing shortage gave Neil a chance to help out. Soon he found himself get-ting more and more involved in the residents’ daily lives.

Neil and Judy have been married for 48 years. Judy was about 39 years old when she was diagnosed with MS, but she enjoyed a diverse career before the disease really took hold. She taught social studies, worked at the state unem-ployment bureau in Easton, and then worked various jobs at The Evening Chronicle and The Morning Call.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Neil taught math at Liberty High School for 34 years, retiring in 2002. He now is an adjunct math professor at Moravian College.

“Being a teacher, I always liked to help people,” says Neil when asked what he enjoys about volunteering at Good Shepherd. “If I see a problem, I like to try and solve it. But the main thing is, I’m always getting a ‘thank you,’ which you rarely get teaching in high school. Even if I walk in the hall and pick something up for a resident, I always get a thank you, and that’s a good feeling.”

April is National Volunteer Month. Join the Good Shepherd volunteer ranks. For information, visit SweetCharityOnline.org and click on “Get Involved,” or contact JoAnn Frey, volunteer coordinator, at jfrey@gsrh.org or 610-776-3125.

Neil Wetcher

(Left) Neil and Judy Wetcher at a recent Bethlehem resident ball; (right from top) Neil with occupational therapist, Kevin Gamble, at the residents’ Wheelchair Olympics; handing out holiday gifts for the residents.

24

IN HONOR OF… DONATED BY…all who need our help Mrs. Marion H. Foster

Mr. Edward D. Frick

Alyssa Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. Jay B. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Dale G. Ritter

Christmas Mr. and Mrs. William J. Wagner

Jared Fabian and Julia Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Erik S. Cherry

Karen Geller Mrs. Bette Ehrenberg

Ms. Anna L. Gerber The Bruce & Adele Greenfield Foundation

Mrs. Margaret Gigler Ms. Megan Shultz

Good Shepherd Nurses, Therapists, and Doctors Ms. Deborah A. Einhorn

Good Shepherd Patients Mr. Edward D. Frick

Good Shepherd Staff Mr. Edward D. Frick

Richard and Amy Hales Tom and Mary Valentine

Ephraim Hontz Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. Hontz

Dr. Frank Hyland and Mr. and Mrs. Therapy Staff Samuel R. Waddington

Helen Ritz Jones Benjamin Jones

Kyle, Evan, and Drew Lantier Fay Mackey

Ms. Shirley A. Lehman Marcella and Richard Trauger

Julia, Ben, and Ella Mackey Fay Mackey

Christina Marcewski Ms. Kathleen Kraftician

My Daughters Who Were Born Healthy Lesa Knupp-Eckert

Ms. Sharen M. Pasquinelli Ms. Karen Pasquinelli

Casey Kelly Reider Ms. Dolly Fox Kelly

Ms. Joanie Reph Mrs. Jeanne A. Dove

Richard L. Schaller, Sr Joseph and Michelle Schaller

Wes Schlauch Mrs. Eleanor P. Denuel Mrs. Ardeth W. Schlauch

Ms. Jamie St. Clair Ms. Michelle S. Tabatabai

Mr. Travis Straup Mrs. Jeanne A. Dove

Ms. Rita A. Tunnhoff Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lindner Mrs. Ruth E. Scott Mrs. Anneliese Tunnhoff

Brandon Warbington Anonymous

Ms. Lisa A. Windish Alice and Joseph Windish

IN HONOR OF the Birthday of… DONATED BY…Helen Berkenstock Mrs. Georgine Poole

Mrs. Lydia Kennedy Mrs. Georgine Poole

Mrs. Judy Pfendener Mrs. Georgine Poole

Donna Schrader Mrs. Georgine Poole

IN HONOR OF the 88th Birthday of… DONATED BY…Georgine Poole Her Angels

IN HONOR OF the 95th Birthday of… DONATED BY…Mrs. Helene M. Schaefer Karen and Rod Brooks James and Donna Schaefer Mr. John M. Schaefer

IN HONOR OF CHRISTMAS… DONATED BY…Mrs. Helene M. Schaefer James and Donna Schaefer Mr. John M. Schaefer

Charles and Mary Lou Schmerker Anonymous

IN HONOR OF A SPEEDY RECOVERY… DONATED BY…Helen Berkenstock Mrs. Georgine M. Poole

IN HONOR OF THE RETIREMENT OF… DONATED BY…Ms. Sally Gammon Mr. Elmer D. Gates

IN MEMORY OF… DONATED BY…Ms. Dianne Rev. and Mrs. John W. Johansson Adams Johnson, Jr

Angeles and Fernando Alonso Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alonso

Mr. Lawrence A. Arcuri Mrs. Dolores A. Arcuri

Mr. Scott Arner Mrs. Gloria I. Arner

Mr. Gary R. Bachman Mr. James E. Ernst

Anna Baker Mr. John H. Baker

25

IN MEMORY OF… DONATED BY…Timothy P. Bannon Mrs. Klara Aagenes Aunt Mary, Melissa, and Sean Bannon Mr. Patrick J. Brown Mr. and Mrs. John F. Casey Ms. Carol Lynn Fell Mr. and Mrs. John Hanchick Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hanchick Ms. Judy V. Mudri Tim and Lisa Sandler Pat and Karen Sobrinski & Family Elizabeth & son Dan Warjas

John J. Baranko Mr. and Mrs. Leslie A. Matthews

Edward E. and Dora H. Barr, Sr. Ms. Francia B. Marshall

Joseph W. Benzak, Sr Mr. David J. Benzak

Ruth E. Benzak Mr. David J. Benzak

Billy Mr. and Mrs. Samuel G. Glasmire, Jr

Mary Jane Bolen Mr. and Mrs. Mario A. Spagnoletti

Gloria F. Bond Mrs. Dorothy A. Perschy

Mr. David P. Brewer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Brewer

Donald Brewer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Brewer

Ms. Robin J. Brewer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Brewer

John Brunell Mr. Ernest J. Barbarics

Bill and Joyce Buck Ms. Linda J. Highhouse

Thomas H. Burns Mr. and Mrs. John V. Cooney

Mrs. Susan N. Capper Mrs. Mary N. Walker

Max Chant Anonymous

Mrs. Solveig Cherim Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Linvill

Roy J Chubb Mr. and Mrs. Walter Chezik

Ruth S. Cole Mrs. Linda S. ConineLeon Constanzer Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Yoder

Mrs. Lois E. Cook Thomas S. Cook, PhD

Michael F. Dapko Mrs. Yvonne C. Dapko Mr. and Mrs. John J. Davies Mr. and Mrs. John W. Dentith Ms. Dorothy R. Dudgeon Ms. Deborah L. Flynn Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Jocsak Mrs. Nancy M. Miklus

Henry and Edythe Dennis Carol and Ray DennisMr. Charles H. Dorn, Jr Mrs. Diane J. Dorn

IN MEMORY OF… DONATED BY… Mrs. Mary Dreisbach Brenda, Gary, Sarah, and Laura Baxter Mrs. Linda A. Dreisbach-Ferrol

Kathleen C. Eichelberger Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Burke

Mr. Francis H. Ely Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Bless, Jr

George K. Emch Donald I. Lindman

Mr. Norton Evans Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Koncsics

Walter Fleck Mrs. S. June Fleck

Helen Foldes Mr. Joseph N. Foldes, Sr

Betty K. Frack Mr. John Frack

John and Maggie Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Frankenfield Frankenfield

Iradell C. Galyen Mr. and Mrs. James A. Miller

Emil L. Godshall Mr. and Mrs. Howard V. Peters Dr. Timothy and Mr. Howard Peters-Strickland

Louis and Mildred Grunt Dr. Richard F. Grunt and Ms. Sharon Gaiser

Denise Handlon Jessica, Tom, and Jeri Handlon

Miss Krista J. Harakal Mr. and Mrs. Donald Harakal

Pamela Heard Mrs. Ardath Heard

Gerald L. Hein Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Burke

Mr. Scott R. Hess Mr. Gary M. Roth

Kate and Gerhard Hille Lt. Col. and Mrs. Eric J. Hille, USAF

Walter Hottle Anonymous

Eleanor, Fred, and Oscar Keiter Barbara and Mike Malloy

Joseph W. Kloiber Nancy E. Cheeseman Lucy and Joe Demeter Ms. Marilyn E. Fenstermaker Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Grossman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Gulla Mr. and Mrs. Ernie M. Pongracz Mrs. Charlotte M. Romig Ms. Nira J. Stichter

Henrietta Knappenberger Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. FrankenfieldDorothy M. Kurtz Mrs. Frances S. Larash

Carole Beth Levin Mr. and Mrs. Erik S. Cherry

Morris Litrenta Mrs. Constance M. Litrenta

Donald Lynch Mr. and Mrs. Michael Free

We thank the generous families and friends who honor their dear ones with memorial gifts and living gifts of honor. These gifts help support Good Shepherd’s mission of service to people with disabilities, many who otherwise could not afford the therapies or long-term care they need.

2626

IN MEMORY OF… DONATED BY…Miss Alberta MacMillan Carol Copland and Ted Cohen

Margaret and Thomas Mastandrea Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alonso

Jim Maul Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Auerweck

Mrs. Marie Maurek Mr. Frank S. Maurek

Mr. John F. McKiernan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rose

Hilde E. Meier Mr. William G. Meier

Mr. Luis H. Mendez Ms. Consuelo Almodovar Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Devaux Good Shepherd Employees Mr. Frank J. Hyland Ms. Dolores Lugo Mr. Victor Lugo Ms. Isreal Mendez Mr. and Mrs. Willy Mendez Ed and Shirley O'Brien Ms. Rosa Sabater Myrtelina Sifflet & Family Jean and Emil Suarez

Robin E. Miers Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Billera

Richard F. Moyer Mrs. V. Sue Moyer

Kenneth C. Muschlitz Mr. and Mrs. John D. LaBarre

My Family Ms. Josephine Andrioli

Newhart Family Mr. and Mrs. Roland Hansen

Josephine Oehmke Anonymous

Christine Otto Chrisanne Ondrovic

Mrs. Dorothy S. Peters Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Peters

John Radio Mrs. Mary Radio

Dr. Conrad W. Raker Mrs. Lee S. Berkley

Estelle Raker Mrs. Jill Raker Hudders Douglass

Mama and Papa Raker Mr. Anthony C. Petrocci

Katie Raub Ms. Maxine R. Colver

Reed Family Mr. and Mrs. Roland HansenMrs. Ann Sweeney-Rodden Mr. Gregory T. Rodden

Margaret Rogers Ms. Kathleen Kraftician

Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Roth George A. Sensinger

Mr. Michael D. Rovak Mrs. Nancy L. RovakScott G. Sandler Ms. Geraldine M. Rogers

Mrs. Nancy L. Rovak

IN MEMORY OF… DONATED BY…Mr. Kenneth J. Schaefer James and Donna Schaefer

Anna F. Schaum Carol and Ray Dennis

Mr. John M. Schaum, Jr Carol and Ray Dennis

Anita Marie and Stanley Schumack Miss Anita B. Schumack

Myron F. Schweibinz Mrs. Betty P. Schweibinz

Herman D. Sharrer Mrs. Lucy H. Whitehead

Jeane E. Siwy Mr. and Mrs. John C. Siwy

Barbara Sloyer Mr. Stanley D. Sloyer

Rodney and Mary Smith Carol and Ray Dennis

Claude and Esther Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Frankenfield

Mrs. Hilda H. Snyder Franklin C. and Rose H. Snyder

Ralph and Marion Snyder Diane Snyder Hriniak

Anne and Oscar H. Spitzer Mrs. Sandra Spitzer McKelvey

Mrs. Elizabeth D. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Stewart, JrMr. Robert K. Stewart

Mrs. Ellen H. Tiefenbrunn Mr. James A. Tiefenbtunn

Dale A. Tretter Mr. Henry L. Blauser

Mr. Paul Tunnhoff Mrs. Anneliese Tunnhoff

Harry and Minnie Umholtz Mr. Thomas H. Umholtz

Lily Keim Van Sweden Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Keim

Karen M. Vikingstad Ms. Anne S. Vikingstad

Wahrmann Family Mr. and Mrs. Roland Hansen

Dot Webb Ms. Carol A. Sachs

Frank A. Weber, III Mrs. Sylvia H. Weber

Harold G. Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Kushner

Arlene Wetzel Mr. Stanley D. Sloyer

Mr. David H. Wruble Mrs. Sandra A. Wruble

Mrs. Irene Yezefski Mr. Leonard Yezefski

Ms. Edith C. Yocum Mr. and Mrs. Stephen W. Nachesty

Larry L. Ziegler Mr. and Mrs. Bryan C. Clugston Ms. Ginamarie McNamara Mrs. Lucy H. Reed Shirley Epps Artwork, Inc.

Theresa Zwickl Ms. Doris A. Gribbin

Gifts were received from September 25 through December 16, 2013.

27

Good Shepherd serves persons with disabilities on the basis of need regardless of

ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or religious creed and is an equal

opportunity employer.

Sweet Charity is printed by Kutztown Publishing Company

USPS-530800. A bi-monthly publication of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, Good Shepherd Plaza, 850 South 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103, 1-877-734-2247, a non-profit corporation, founded February 21, 1908, by the late Rev. John H. Raker, D.D. Incorporated by decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1909, under the corporate title of “The Good Shepherd Home.” Postage paid at Allentown, PA, and at additional mailing offices.

Spring 2014

Official Publication Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Allentown, PA Volume 107, Issue 1

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and its affiliates are tax exempt organizations as

provided by IRS regulations. Pennsylvania law requires us to inform you of the following:

The official registration and financial information of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network

may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within

Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOOD SHEPHERD REHABILITATION NETWORK

DAVID G. DeCAMPLI, MS, Chair, Allentown

SANDRA L. JARVA WEISS, JD, Vice Chair, Haverford

SCOTT A. BAKER, MBA, Secretary, Schnecksville

LAURIE K. STEWART, BS, BA, CPA, Treasurer, Center Valley

PATRICK J. BRENNAN, MD, Havertown

ALVARO DIAZ, Allentown

ROBERT E. GADOMSKI, MS, Bethlehem

F. MARK GUMZ, Bethlehem

ELSBETH G. HAYMON, M.Ed, Allentown

KATHERINE (Kassie) HILGERT, BS, Bethlehem

JOHN KRISTEL, MBA, MPT, President & CEO, Allentown

JAAN NAKTIN, MD, FACP, Center Valley

ROSALIN PETRUCCI, New Jersey

KAREN SENFT, MD, Allentown

GARY SCHMIDT, Orefield

DONALD W. SNYDER, Esq., Orefield

THE REV. DAVID R. STROBEL, M.Div., Bowers

DANIEL J. WILSON, PhD, Allentown

Trustee Emeriti

JOHN V. COONEY, MS, Allentown

NELVIN L. VOS, PhD, Maxatawny

THE REV. DR. HAROLD S. WEISS, M.Div., Allentown

BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOOD SHEPHERD SPECIALTY HOSPITAL

JOHN KRISTEL, MBA, MPT, Chair, Allentown

SAMUEL MIRANDA, Jr., MS, RN, NEA-B.C. Vice Chair, Allentown

JAMES J. DALEY, MD, Center Valley

PETER T. ENDER, MD, Center Valley

WILLIAM GOULD, MD, Bethlehem

SUSAN L. LAWRENCE, MS, CPHQ, Bethlehem

GREGORY WUCHTER, MSN, RN, Easton

FACILITY MEDICAL DIRECTORS

SCOTT K. EPSTEIN, MD Good Shepherd–Wayne Memorial Inpatient Rehabilitation Center

CLINTON C. HOLUMZER, MD The Good Shepherd Home–Bethlehem

CATHERINE GLEW, MD The Good Shepherd Home at Conrad W. Raker Center

GOOD SHEPHERD SPECIALTY HOSPITAL PROGRAM MEDICAL DIRECTORS

JAMES J. DALEY, MD

PETER ENDER, MD

WILLIAM GOULD, MD

JAAN P. NAKTIN, MD

ADMINISTRATION

JOHN KRISTEL, MBA, MPT, President & CEO

MICHAEL A. BONNER, MBA Vice President, Neurosciences

JOE HESS, MSA, NHA Administrator, Good Shepherd Home–Bethlehem

FRANK HYLAND, MSPT Vice President, Rehabilitation Services Administrator, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital

FRANCES IANNACCONE, MS, CRRN, NHA Administrator, The Good Shepherd Home at Conrad W. Raker Center

CYNTHIA LAMBERT, M.Ed., Vice President, Government and Community Relations

DAVID F. LYONS, CFRE Vice President for Development

SAMUEL MIRANDA, Jr., MS, RN, NEA-B.C. Senior Vice President, Patient Care & Chief Nursing Officer, Ethics & Compliance Officer

RONALD J. PETULA, CPA Vice President, FinanceLAURA M. SHAW-PORTER Vice President, Human ResourcesSANDEEP SINGH, MD Division Medical Officer, Vice President of Medical Affairs

HAROLD M. TING, PhD, FACHE Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning & Business Development

GREGORY WUCHTER, MSN, RN Administrator, Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital

SWEET CHARITY IS A PUBLICATION OF:

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Good Shepherd Plaza 850 South 5th Street Allentown, PA 18103

1-888-44REHAB GoodShepherdRehab.org

DEVELOPMENT

David F. Lyons, CFRE Vice President for Development

Major & Planned Giving Officers: Joie L. Barry

Carol Carpenter, CFRE

Jeannette Edwards

Andrew B. Block, MPA Major Gifts & Sponsorships Officer

EDITOR, WRITER

Elizabeth McDonald

PHOTOGRAPHY

Randy Monceaux

Elizabeth McDonald

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Klunk & Millan Advertising

To make an address correction, or remove your name from our mailing list, please call 610-776-3146.

Non-Profit Org.US POSTAGE

PAIDLehigh Valley, PAPermit No. 158

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation NetworkGood Shepherd Plaza 850 South 5th Street Allentown, PA 18103

Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/SweetCharityOnline

For information on programs, services, physicians and locations, visit GoodShepherdRehab.orgWe’ve got a fresh new look!

For information on philanthropy, special events and to be inspired by patient stories, visit SweetCharityOnline.org