What Motivates You?

Many are inspired to give back to create a better community

Employees, physicians and community members, more than 7,853 strong, all came together, united as one. By supporting our major fund-raising campaign, Investing in Excellence Here at Home, they helped ensure LVHHN will continue to deliver the highest quality care now and for generations to come. Their tremendous support allowed us to reach our campaign goal of $45 million three years earlier than anticipated.

Each person who supported the campaign had a story. Here are just two of the many stories behind the gifts.

In 1977, Don Hougendobler’s father arrived at LVHHN’s emergency department in cardiac arrest. His care team saved his life. Eight years later, Hougendobler’s mother was sent by her physician to another hospital for a biopsy on her lung. The test revealed cancer, and the hospital she went to was not as technologically advanced. “If she would have been in a hospital with better care, technology and resources, she would have come home,” says Hougendobler, LVHHN safety director.

These realities inspired Hougendobler to chair the employee portion of Investing in Excellence Here at Home. He shared his story with other employees, who pledged more than $1.3 million combined. In return, he hears inspiring stories, which are the true rewards. “We all understand why this hospital is important and know families here are confident their loved ones are in good hands,” Hougendobler says.

When anesthesiologist, J. John Collins, M.D., president of Allentown Anesthesia Associates, recruits future physicians from teaching programs in Boston, New York and Philadelphia, he loves their reaction when they visit LVHHN. “They’re amazed this hospital is so advanced,” Collins says.

To help ensure that incoming physicians will continue to see LVHHN as a place they want to practice, Collins and his Allentown Anesthesia Associates colleagues pledged a major contribution to the campaign. “Contributing to a world-class hospital like LVH is an investment in our community and in our future,” he says.

What makes the anesthesia department stand out? Technology like the Anesthesia Information Management System (AIMS). “During a patient’s surgery, we monitor his vital signs on a minute-by-minute basis. Their data now is gathered and collected electronically, which allows us to focus solely on the patients,” Collins says. “AIMS also allows for more accurate record keeping.” Only 11 percent of anesthesia departments in the country have this technology.

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