Good Shepherd gala raises $155,000 for Pliskatt Pediatric Unit
Hundreds of guests gathered on a picturesque Saturday night to help raise $155,000 for the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit, 2855 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network hosted the 2022 “Gala in the Garden: Drive-In Edition,” June 4, on the campus of Olympus Corporation of the Americas, Center Valley, just down the road from Good Shepherd’s under-construction rehabilitation hospital, slated to open in 2023.
Guests dined on gourmet boxed dinners and an assortment of food-truck desserts and played lawn games.
With a smile and an encouraging countdown from the outdoor crowd, 4-year-old Nephtali “Nephy” Andujar took the 1 millionth step in the Trexo Plus, a robotic gait training device that empowers children to walk, maybe even for the first time.
Good Shepherd is the only health-care provider in the United States to provide all three sizes of the Trexo device, and, thanks to Nephy’s momentous steps alongside physical therapist Alyssa Metzger, is the first provider in the world to reach the 1 million steps milestone.
“Good Shepherd’s clinical experts continue to conduct research with the Trexo to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients with pediatric stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and other gait disorders,” Amanda Kleckner, administrative director of pediatrics, told the assembled Gala crowd.
“We appreciate you all being here tonight and for helping us provide hope to children facing complex medical challenges,” said Kleckner.
Good Shepherd’s six Trexo devices in all three sizes (small, medium and large) are available for outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation. The wearable device allows children with lower-extremity weakness and-or spasticity to get on their feet and walk.
Good Shepherd’s 20-bed Pediatric Unit is the only pediatric rehabilitation unit in the region and the only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities-certified vent weaning provider in Pennsylvania.
Presenting sponsors for the gala were Lutron Electronics and Orlando Diefenderfer Electrical Contractors.