Relaxing on the river

Lankenau Hospital delivers time of celebration for John Deaver Auxiliary volunteers

It may be difficult to believe, but where now stands the sprawling Lankenau Medical Center (LMC) in Lower Merion, there used to be a sometimes overlooked country club named Overbrook, which now resides in Villanova instead.

Though patients, their partners, parents and physicians have come to oc- cupy the land, along with the buildings that Lanke- nau was originally built on, the hospital has also made connections with a few other Main Line medical institutions, including the hospitals in Paoli, Riddle and Bryn Mawr, as well as the latter’s rehabilitation facilities located in Malvern. What has transpired because of these partnerships and pairings is nothing short of miraculous.

To begin with, Lankenau arose from the efforts of women who were experiencing the shock of the Civil War but mustered on in spite of it to raise money for the first hospital of its kind to be supported by females. Originally located on 20th and Norris streets in the 1860s, it was nearly a century later before the hospital finally landed in Wynnewood on the site of a country club that had moved on to greener pastures.

Known for its “firsts” in ferreting out cancers that grow, the hospital became a standout when it finally procured a cobalt machine to combat the disease. In addition to cancer cells, researchers at Lankenau have made strides in several other arenas as well. From arthritis to aging and alcoholism to cardiovascular conundrums, scientists have been an integral aspect of the medical mechanisms taking place at the institute.

While there were only 17 members at the organization’s first meeting in 1934, its mission was the same then as it is now: to comfort, serve and add funds to help others in physical need regain their strength, health and outlook on life.

Those involved in the John Deaver Auxiliary recently spent an early summer evening at the Water Works on the Sckuylkill to celebrate and consecrate the continuing work done by these Lankenau volunteers.

Join those helping others heal by contacting the hospital at mainlinehealth.org/ lankenau.

Jessica Tayler, of Wynnewood, and husband Ezekiel, a critical care physician, share a spot on the dock with cardiac surgeon Matthew Thomas, also of Wynnewood, and his wife, Gina.

Longtime President and CEO of Main Line Health Jack Lynch gets accolades for his medical views from Jill Acker, of Bryn Mawr; Alice Chase, of Wynnewood; and event CoChairwoman Pat Nogar, of Trooper.

Malvern residents Christina, Giancarlo and Liz Mercoglian attend the Deaver evening on the Schuylkill with Nicole Dipenno.

Alfred Butman and wife Kathleen Jean get a chance to visit with Susan Bernheim and her spouse, Daniel, president of the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners.

Physician Mariebel Hernandez, of Penn Valley, and Dr. Richard Davis encounter Mary Alice Cheney, of Philadelphia; heart specialist Scott Goldman; and Phil Robinson, president of the medical center.

Deaver Auxiliary members who formed the silent auction committee include Haverford friends Judy Oneill, Sharon Steinberg, Kayla Muirhead and Kathy O’Doherty, a daughter of Dr. John B. Deaver, after whom the auxiliary is named.

Hunter Martin, of Narberth, and wife Kathleen, Lankenau’s director of trauma, are glad for a peace-filled sunset on the river.

Exton experts Barbara and Adolf Blauhut wait their turn to get face paintings or feathers.

Event Chair Marie Kauffman, of Wayne, gets high marks for her leadership from Sherrin Baky-Nessler, of Bryn Mawr, and her husband, Bill.

Ulf Cahn Von Seelen, of Bryn Mawr, and wife Kristin are among the guests at the annual gala.