'Why We're Giving Back'

Colleagues show why they're inspired to support the hospital and the community they call home

Bob Ruhf and his wife, Tina

Colleagues like Bob Ruhf, Rosalie Ackerman and Tatyana Sokolova work in different areas of the hospital, but they all share one thing in common: a desire to help others. They do it every day in their jobs, and now they’re doing it by giving back through the employee fund-raising campaign “Investing in Excellence Here at Home.” Here’s why they feel compelled to give back:

“For My Family”
For 30 years, sterile processing coordinator Bob Ruhf always enjoyed his role in preparing the hospital’s operating rooms (OR) for each day’s surgeries. But he found even more meaning in his job when his parents needed surgeries here several years ago.

“My mother had a successful total hip replacement, and my father had a successful surgery to remove cancer,” he says. “If it wasn’t for this hospital, I know they would’ve needed to get care in Philadelphia or New York instead.”

Ruhf is grateful for the care his family receives, and for the opportunities his family enjoys here. He first started in perioperative services, cleaning surgical instruments. Now, he supervises a team that makes sure the OR is stocked with all necessary equipment and supplies. His wife, Tina, works here too, as an R.N. who assists patients calling 402-CARE.

“We have great pride in working here, and getting to have lunch together at times is an extra bonus,” Bob says.

“We’re taking our reimbursements from Culture of Wellness programs and reinvesting them in the fund-raising campaign to show our pride.”

“For My Community”
When Rosalie Ackerman stops at the coffee stand in the Jaindl Family Pavilion prior to a meeting, she’s already engaged in conversation with colleagues.

“I enjoy talking with physicians and other caregivers to hear what they need to do their jobs best,” she says. “The great part about working here is that we can provide what they need.”

Ackerman, a marketing coordinator for home care and hospice, sees the hospital’s growth every day when she walks on the recently renovated inpatient hospice unit at LVH–17th and Chew Streets. It includes two new patient rooms, an overnight room for patients’ family members, and comforting touches, like a water fountain in the waiting area.

“The Lehigh Valley is growing and changing, and as a hospital we need to keep up with that growth,” Ackerman says. “This hospital believes in what’s best for the community, and giving back to the hospital helps deliver the services people truly need.”

“For My Patients”
Five years ago, Tatyana Sokolova never dreamed she’d be working and living in America. Today, Sokolova, an R.N. and a native of Russia, is living her dream.

A nurse for 17 years, Sokolova received an opportunity three years ago to visit America and study the world’s most advanced health care system. Now, she’s here to stay, caring for patients like Angelina Smith, resides at New Season’s, on the transitional skilled unit at LVH–17th and Chew.

“In Russia, most nursing is focused on education, but in America, nursing is focused on patient care,” she says. “This hospital is very progressive and always thinks of the patient first. I’m giving because I’m thankful for the opportunity they gave me, and because it will help the hospital stay up-to-date.”

“It’s better than investing in the stock market,” says Sandi Marsh, shown here with her mother, Marie Henriques.

Sandi is inspired to give backby the cancer care her father received. Learn more about her story and get updates on the employee campaign each week by visiting the intranet at www.lvh.com starting May 10 and reading the weekly campaign newsletters. They are also available from your department’s campaign leader.

Why your generosity matters - LVHHN is financially strong. But even with that strength, we can only fund two-thirds of projects our doctors say we'll need in the next five years to keep delivering quality care. Learn how philanthropy fits into our mission from Chuck Lewis, our new vice president of development, by calling 610-402-CARE.

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