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 while trying to heal the body,” recalled Helena. “I spent many an hour sitting in the cafeteria watching the first Healing Garden being installed just outside the cafeteria’s walls. The gardens provided solace for me, and I decided to help raise funds so that others would be helped just as I was.”
In honor of both mothers, Helena and Howard purchased two bricks in the Healing Gardens in their names, and draw comfort from that spiritual connection with their loved ones. “Although the sale of bricks is a vital part of fund raising, their greater importance is that they memorialize your loved ones,” Helena said. “Anyone can purchase a brick by contacting the Foundation at 215.710.2591 or calling SueWert, President of the Community League.”
Howard readily credits Helena for getting him involved with St. Mary, and a telephone call from then Foundation Board member Jim McCaffrey sealed the deal. Howard has been an ardent advocate, reaching out to his colleagues in the dental community to ask for their support of St. Mary. Clearly, his approach is persuasive, his tone authentic as he cites his own reasons for serving on the Foundation Board.
“I tell my colleagues that one does not have to live in Bucks County to benefit from an institution such as St. Mary,” Howard said. “If you have a practice as I have in Yardley, there may be a need either for you, an employee, or your patient to seek immediate medical attention. Some way, some how,most of us may be going to a local hospital, so it is important that that facility is equipped with the finest available technology, and staffed with superior medical professionals.”
As a dentist,Howard recognizes the negative effect that fear can have upon a patient’s well being, and his goal is always to allay that fear by comforting the person. Since he has been in practice since 1978, one can conclude from that history that patients respond positively to him and his approach.
“My dad lived his last years in Philadelphia, but when he needed emergency care, he wanted to come to St. Mary because of the care and caring attitude of all the staff,” Howard said. “My involvement as well as Helena’s comes from our heartfelt response to what we have experienced at this facility. My message has always been consistent — a strong, competent well-equipped hospital that serves every income level, every class, is a win-win for everyone.”