Ashton Family

Ashton Family

The Emergency Department is not a likely setting for meeting one’s life partner, except perhaps in a daytime television drama.
But for Meg and Howard “Pete” Ashton, the ER of St. Mary Medical Center was where Meg was first introduced to Pete, a Pennsylvania State Trooper, who was there as a patient 25 years ago.

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Cathy and Joe Bondi

Cathy and Joe Bondi

Fifteen years ago Joe and Cathy Bondi heard words no parent wants to hear. Their six year old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

It proved to be a call to action that has led the family to reaffirm what is truly important in their lives—family, friends, and community. “We were given a tremendous medical challenge which thankfully turned out well for our son,”

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Dr. Alan and Eileen Brackup

Dr. Alan and Eileen Brackup

Dr. Brackup knows whereof he speaks. He is a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine, board certified in both cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology, presently a clinical assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and a principal in his own practice located in the St.Clare office building at St.Mary Medical Center.

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Marsha Brown

Marsha Brown

Working in banking in New Orleans, Marsha was feeling unfulfilled. Her client Ruth Fertal had connections in the community and Marsha thought if anyone could help her make a change it was Ruth. While at a dinner party one night with Ruth, Marsha wrote a note on a napkin; “I am unhappy and want to make a change. If you know anyone who is looking to hire, let me know.” A simple note on a napkin changed Marsha Brown’s life forever.

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Gary Buch

Gary Buch

Although Gary Buch doesn’t recall exactly when he became a donor to St. Mary, he does remember why. Over the course of several years, Gary and his family had all been treated here for various health issues and came away impressed with the advanced technology and quality of care. But it was his daughter Mindy’s fierce devotion to her husband during his battle with cancer that sparked his transformation from occasional patient to ardent supporter. Mindy became an active advocate for the St. Mary Medical Center Foundation,

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Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb

John Celentano, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Public Affairs, and Philanthropy at Bristol- Myers Squibb, proudly announced a partnership with St. Mary Medical Center with an extraordinary $2 million grant from the pharmaceutical giant.

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Andy and Phyllis Chamra

Andy and Phyllis Chamra

Andy and Phyllis Chamra have lived in Bucks County for 23 years. Their interest in St. Mary began 11 years ago when Phyllis’s mother came to live with them because she needed a great deal of medical care. During that time, the Chamras realized just how important it is to have great, state-of-the-art healthcare close to home. Through the numerous hospitalizations and multiple surgeries, they came to

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Dr. Joseph Conroy

Dr. Joseph Conroy

Dr. Joseph Conroy took a moment from his busy schedule as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of St. Mary Medical Center to reflect on some of the reasons why he chose St. Mary as the facility where he wanted to practice his profession. As a young man, I had a vision of working at a hospital that identified the needs of its community, and then fulfilled them,” he said. “Our community has embraced St. Mary because of the philosophy that has guided its development.” When Dr. Conroy first joined St. Mary in the late 1980’s, the hospital was in its infancy. He had already practiced medicine at other hospitals, but St. Mary’s philosophy of treating three aspects of patient care — mind, body, spirit — reinforced his own long-standing beliefs for becoming a physician.

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The Deshpandes

The Deshpandes

In 1987 Dr. Anil Deshpande and his wife Aparna moved to Bucks County to start his medical career. St. Mary Hospital, as it was known then, was a small community hospital servicing a growing population. With the arrival of Dr. Deshpande came the expertise for advanced cardiac care that he used to help develop a comprehensive cardiac program. In 1997 he performed the first Open Heart procedure in Bucks County. Twenty-five years ago the Deshpandes had no way of knowing how their involvement with St. Mary would move beyond his medical training.

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The DiFrancos

The DiFrancos

Louis DiFranco, Lower Makefield resident, is a very busy man. He and his wife Jacki are fully engaged parents of two “tween” children who participate in many school and extra-curricular activities. His professional career is equally demanding. As an executive in the field of Finance and Asset Management, Louis’ time is a precious commodity. However, he has found the time for St. Mary Medical Center, and says that decision has led to a tremendously rewarding and enriching experience in his life. How does a New Jersey transplant find his way to St. Mary? According to Louis, he and Jacki moved from Lawrenceville several years ago to Bucks County, and as a responsible member of his new community,

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Jane Eagleston

Jane Eagleston

What would you say to a cherished loved one if both of you knew he had only thirty six hours to live? Jane Eagleston faced that excruciating moment two years ago, and her answer is truly a love letter to her beloved husband Mark, and in the telling, to St. Mary Medical Center. “Mark and I are both New York born and bred,” admitted Jane. “Moving to Bucks County in 2003 was a major move for me, but Mark was enthusiastic about expanding his company into Southern new Jersey and Pennsylvania.” They spent the next few years exploring this new environment and enjoying the beauty that is Bucks County. Life,

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Endoscopy Center

Endoscopy Center

Leadership happens when individuals seize the moment and show others the path to a greater good. Certainly, leadership was demonstrated when the physician partners at the Endoscopy Center at St. Mary pledged a major gift to the St. Mary Medical Center Capital Campaign, Expanding on Excellence, Your Health, Your Hospital. Drs. John Volpe, Anne-Marie Marcoux and Richard Goldstein led their partners Drs. Salowe, Barash, Kravitz and Modena to become one of the first medical groups to make a donation.

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John Gilbert and Sarita Tirpak

John Gilbert and Sarita Tirpak

Passion, commitment to excellence and community support from area leaders; these are some of the reasons John Gilbert and Sarita Tirpak got involved in St. Mary Medical Center. Both are lifelong residents of the area. Sarita grew up in Levittown and John in neighboring Washington Crossing, New Jersey. John’s first contact with the hospital was through his friend and business associate Sid Yates, one of the founding members of St. Mary. John started working in Newtown in 1975 when Sid introduced John to many other area business leaders who were also involved with the hospital.

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Greg Hayes

Greg Hayes

As First Vice President — Investments, Global Wealth Management Group for Merrill Lynch, Greg Hayes knows a thing or two about the meaning of the word “currency.” For sure, we know it means legal tender, but Greg’s understanding of currency extends its dimensions so that it embraces many reasons for supporting a worthwhile institution such as St. Mary Medical Foundation. “Dollars are just one form of currency, and certainly one means of contributing to St. Mary,” Greg said. “But there are other forms of currency which are equally as valuable, such as contributions of time, wisdom and work. Greg’s commitment to his community attracted the attention of long time St. Mary supporters Jim McCaffrey and

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In memory of Robert Hendrickson from his wife, Kay

In memory of Robert Hendrickson from his wife, Kay

Music to fill the soul and uplift the spirit of chapel visitors Having a sick loved one or experiencing their loss in the hospital can be physically and emotionally draining. Kay Hendrickson knows firsthand how the chapel at St. Mary Medical Center can be a place of solace and reflection on such occasions. Kay and Robert Hendrickson were happily married for fifty-three years. They were proud of their family and enjoyed spending time with their children, Bruce and his wife, Nancy; Kimberlea and her husband, Thomas; as well as their three wonderful grandchildren

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Howard & Helena Hopenwasser

Howard & Helena Hopenwasser

It is not an overstatement to say that St. Mary Medical Center attracts compassionate, caring community leaders who take on the facility’s mission and make it one of their own. Howard and Helena Hopenwasser are two individuals who exemplify the character of St.Mary supporters. Their personal lives have been touched by St. Mary, and now, both work enthusiastically to help the institution. Helena has served in the Community League since 2001, and Howard is a member of the Foundation Board. “When my mother and Howard’s were waging their individual wars against cancer, we saw firsthand the importance of having a medical facility that nourished the spirit

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The Leshner Family

The Leshner Family

A Family Focus on Serving: Dr. Richard Leshner and his family share a history with St. Mary Medical Center that is generational. “My father was a physician whose office was three blocks away from the original St. Mary Hospital located on Frankford Avenue and Palmer Street,” said Richard. “Other kids my age went with their dads to the ballpark, I accompanied my father to the hospital and made home visits. That was when I made the decision to become a physician myself.” Richard’s office, Newtown Cardiology Associates, is located at St. Mary Medical Center, where he also serves as Chief of Cardiology.

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Steve Mazda

Steve Mazda

Registered Investment Advisor, teacher, surfer, public speaker, author, licensed pilot, car enthusiast, triathlon runner…all these adjectives describe Steve Mazda. But if there is a common theme to all of his endeavors, it is his firmly held belief that you can be whatever you dream, and Steve Mazda has dreamed big all of his life. However contagious and spontaneous his enthusiasm, Steve is very disciplined about the decisions he makes, applying specific principles for making prudent decisions. “Become aware of your options, don’t make decisions based on emotion alone, read the small print, evaluate the investment properly, and gain as much knowledge as possible to make a prudent decision,” explained Steve.

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Jim & Lisa McCaffrey

Jim & Lisa McCaffrey

When Jim McCaffrey opened his first supermarket in 1979, he wrote a prophetic letter to all his customers, promising that his store would be an integral part of the community. “I wanted everyone to know that we would provide financial support whenever possible, but equally as important, we would be involved with the social well-being of the area as well.” St. Mary Medical Center can attest that Jim is a man of his word. However busy he may be in running his successful businesses, Jim has found time to serve St. Mary in several leadership capacities for 18 years, both as a Foundation Board member for nine years and an equal amount of time on the Medical Center Board. Currently, he is Chair of that Board and was co-chair of the last capital campaign.

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Tom & Susan McGrath

Tom & Susan McGrath

Tom and Sue McGrath share many personal and professional interests and hobbies, but their foremost compelling passions involve family, faith and community. The McGraths have been ardent supporters of St. Mary because the philosophies of the hospital are so in concert with their own personal values and beliefs. They feel strongly that giving to St. Mary is an investment in the community and their family’s future. Tom expressed his great respect for St. Mary’s Community Ministries, Mother Bachmann Maternity Center, and Children’s Health Center which all provide social services and medical care to area families regardless of their ability to pay. When asked why he and Sue chose St. Mary as their charity of choice, Tom, as a member of the Foundation Board, quickly answered,

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Charlie & Dottie Minter

Charlie & Dottie Minter

Twenty four hours. For Dottie Minter, those 24 hours represented life or death, but at the time neither she nor her husband Charlie knew a time bomb was ticking within her heart. Both Minters have been lifelong proponents for healthy living and proper nutrition. They were the co-founders of The Newtown Racquet Club (now known as the NAC), and have always been conscious of the power of exercise. Charlie, a high-profile financial guru whose insights are frequently requested on television business channels, says he relieves the stress of Wall Street with a regular exercise regimen. Dottie also has been equally committed to an active lifestyle. She maintains a healthy weight, rides horses, plays tennis, and avoids fatty foods.

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Tom Nason

Tom Nason

Building a solid foundation that impacts patient care Tom Nason is the third generation owner of Nason Construction, which was founded in 1922 by his grandfather Walton H. Nason. Tom started his career rather ordinarily at age 13 as a laborer sweeping floors of a new freezer building construction site at Nason’s WAWA Dairy farm. His father, Walter H. “Toppy” Nason, Jr., was insistent that his son start at the bottom and learn all aspects of the business during the summers. It was important to Toppy that his son had an appreciation for each type of job involved in the construction industry, the demands of each job, and the conditions in which each employee worked. As Tom remembers, “I was not pushed into this field.

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Jim Natale

Jim Natale

Eleven months ago, Jim Natale was playing competitive basketball on a regular basis, was not overweight and neither smoked nor drank. As a Senior Corporate Vice President for a large medical products company, Jim maintained a busy professional schedule and with his wife Linda, an equally active social life. Yet, unbeknownst to Jim, while he was living his life, he was experiencing a 95% blockage in four heart vessels. A major heart attack — or worse — could occur at anytime. That it did not happen, Jim readily concedes, can be attributed to the expertise and competence of the medical team at St. Mary Medical Center. “I have a family history of heart disease, and my own cholesterol numbers were high,” he said.

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Ed & Andrea Noonan

Ed & Andrea Noonan

In the past, Ed Noonan and Washington Crossing resident John Smithson frequently spoke about issues relating to their reinsurance professions, and it was during one such discussion that John brought up a new topic that resonated with Ed.

“As an active supporter and Foundation Board member, John talked to me about the need for people to get involved with St. Mary Medical Center,” Ed recalled. “He indicated what an important role the hospital plays in the community, and convinced me to join the Foundation. I am so glad that I did, and since then my wife has joined me in our efforts.”

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Princeton Radiation Oncology

Princeton Radiation Oncology

The physicians of Princeton Radiation Oncology believe in supporting St. Mary Medical Center, their patients, and giving back to the community where they work. They have a patient-centered philosophy focused on a supportive, positive environment where patients receive every advantage in their fight against cancer. The group was recruited in a national search by St. Mary to bring the best in cancer care to Bucks County. Located at St. Mary Medical Center for the past five years, the group’s philosophy is a direct match with that of the medical center.

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Erich Weiss

Erich Weiss

In 1957 Erich Weiss left his home in Germany and moved to the United States. Having worked from a very early age — starting at just thirteen and a half — with sheet metals that made up milk processing equipment in Germany,

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