The Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via is quickly approaching. Runners preparing for the race on Sept. 7 include the hospital's own "Get Psyched" team. Made up of psychiatric professionals, the team says they'll push each other to the finish line if necessary. From left, Jerry Rodriguez, Ken Zemanek, M.D., Carolyn Gaffney, Karen Burke, R.N. and Terry Norcott-Gibbons take the definition of team spirit to a new level. They are excited to support Via, an organization that helps people with disabilities. Registration for the race is open at vianet.org.

Lehigh Valley Hospital MedEvac is back in business at the Mazzuca Helipad in Pottsville, Pa. An unidentified neighbor made this sign to welcome the crew back. Medical transport service was voluntarily suspended there after a hard landing destroyed a MedEvac helicopter, sending crew members to the hospital with minor injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a report about the incident on June 13. Lehigh Valley Hospital MedEvac resumed service in Pottsville on June 28, providing Schuylkill County residents with fast access to specialty trauma services.

Sometimes a cuddly bear brightens the day. Just ask Lehigh Valley Hospice volunteer Gertrude Flicker (shown) and her daughter, perinatal nurse Kay Schwalm, R.N. They make plush bears for hospice patients. The bears bring comfort at the end of life for patients, spouses, children and grandchildren. So treasured, these bears even make appearances at viewings and funerals. To date volunteers have sewn close to 500 bears.

Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network emergency medicine physician Andrew Miller, D.O. (also known as "Dr. McDreamy"), and his wife Kerry walked the red carpet at the recent Sunkissed Soiree. The event, co-sponsored by The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley and Lehigh Valley Magazine, featured what's hot this summer in fashion, food and drink while raising $2,300 for the hospital's Regional Burn Center. For $10, shoppers enjoyed discounts in select stores, refreshments, entertainment, a celebrity fashion show, cooking demonstration, giveaways and prize drawings.

As part of our partnership with Salisbury Township, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network security director Gerry Kresge (left) recently presented a new fingerprinting machine to township police chief Allan Stiles. The machine digitizes a person's fingerprints into high-resolution images for easier identification. It's just one of the many partnerships the network has with local municipalities and agencies.

There's a new dog in town. Lehigh Valley Hospital MedEvac's former mascot, Buster, has retired to the Carolinas. Taking his prized position is Epi (above), a nine-month-old English bull dog owned by Mark Walck, a MedEvac flight paramedic, and his wife Veronica McMichael Walck, a MedEvac flight nurse. Epi, short for Epinephrine Nitro (two life-saving drugs), is still a puppy so she won't be flight material for another year. In the meantime she enjoys swimming and can perform the full spectrum of dog tricks. She's even been known to shake hands with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network President and CEO Elliot J. Sussman, M.D.

Fifteen-year-old Alisha is beginning to discover her artistic talents. She recently displayed several of her paintings (including this self portrait) at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network's Adolescent Medicine art show. The adolescent medicine practice, located at 400 S. 17th St., Allentown, hosted the art show to recognize teens' artistic talents. "We are advocates of the arts," says practice therapist Mikki Felix. "We wanted to honor teenage artists and show how the arts can be healing." Ninety works of art, created by teens throughout the Lehigh Valley, filled the practice's walls for the show.

Racing a NASCAR stock car might look easy, but people who experienced this year's Sprint Racing Experience simulator will tell you it's not. Mike Machinski of Towamensing tested out his driving skills recently when the simulator was at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2004, Machinski was a recipient on Oprah's recent hit television show "Big Give." He is shown here with his children (l-r) Kylie, Mya and Emma. The simulators allowed the hospital's patients, employees and visitors to race each other inside a scaled, simulated version of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car. Proceeds from the Sprint Racing Experience supported the hospital's pediatrics department.

Members of the Philadelphia Force, the region's only professional women's fastpitch softball team, and Belle, their oversized, huggable and flirtatious team mascot, recently helped to cheer up children in the pediatric unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest. Armed with stuffed teddy bears and monkeys, the team was able to coax a smile from the shy 12-year-old Kaylyn. As she got to know the team and Belle, Kaylyn became quick friends with the Force and didn't want to see them go, but settled on seeing them again for their next home game at Bicentennial Park in Allentown.

Nancy Zosky (left) of Emmaus always took care of everyone else and ignored her own health care needs. Eventually, life's stressors caught up to her, and she suffered a heart attack. However, our fast-action heart attack program (MI Alert for Heart Attacks) opened Zosky's blocked artery in only 18 minutes. Now that she's recovered, she's making more time for herself. With her sister, Jayne Dzienis (right), she plans to get her heart pumping at some country music concerts.

Twelve-year-old Ethan savors his moment in the spotlight during a medal ceremony at this year's Lehigh County Special Olympics. Hundreds of volunteers, including more than 40 from Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, made the competition safe and memorable for athletes and spectators. Our nurses provided first aid, the emergency department donated ice packs and the trauma department was on hand to share information about trauma prevention. Some of the volunteers even painted the medal stand, ensuring it was ready for these proud photo moments. More than 400 athletes competed in this year's event.

When he lost his right arm and both legs after being struck by a train seven years ago, Cameron Clapp was told he'd never walk again. He defied the odds. Not only does the California native walk, but he also competes in triathlons, has earned cameo appearances in popular network television shows, and is an avid golfer. Clapp served as the guest of honor during the recent Lehigh Valley Hospital Amputee Support Group Golf Tournament at Wedgewood Golf Course. The event raised more than $13,000 for the group, which was started by hospital nurses. If you would like to learn more about the amputee support group, visit Support Group 402-CARE.

	LVHHN Nurses and Other Caregivers are Honored with Friends of Nursing Awards During National Nurses Week "Our caregivers are the reason Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network stands out among other hospitals for patient and family care," says Terry Capuano, R.N., LVHHN's senior vice president of clinical services. More >>
	Lower Macungie Township Couple Donates Chair in Cardiology to LVHHN This 12th endowed chair will be held by cardiologist Michael A. Rossi, M.D. More >>
	Lehigh Valley Hospital MedEvac Adds First of Three New Helicopters to Fleet LVHHN unveiled one of its new blue and silver helicopters today at the Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest helipad, located next to the emergency department entrance. More >>
	Honor Your Burn Hero Valley Preferred, Burn Prevention Foundation and LVHHN's Regional Burn Center Seeking Nominations for Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Heroes More >>

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