Lankenau’s Ladies Aid Society invites public to 36th Annual Tree of Life lighting ceremony - Main Line

On Monday, November 27th at 5:30 p.m. the Lankenau Medical Center (LMC) will be aglow with holiday lights as it celebrates the annual Tree of Life lighting ceremony themed "Children Are Our Future."

Joining the Lankenau team to emcee once again this year will be NBC 10's, Claudia Vargas.

The Tree of Life is an enduring symbol of LMC's commitment to the community and excellence in patient care.

This year, the committee is focusing on the special needs of the children in the community.

As a level 2 trauma center, LMC is unfortunately seeing too many adolescents and young adults impacted by violence.

"We are deeply concerned about the future of our youth," said Pat Nogar, event creative consultant. "This celebration is a time for us to come together and renew our commitment to the children in our community."

A special addition to this year's celebration will highlight contributions from three local area schools: St. Francis de Sales, Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd Middle School, and the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, Villanova. Each school will create decorations for their own six foot evergreen with the inspiration of a winter wonderland. The trees will be on display the evening of the celebration.

Adding to the contributions by community students, a chorale group will perform on the night of the lighting celebration.

"We are very excited to have Sacred Heart Academy, Bryn Mawr, joining us to sing holiday songs," said Jill Acker, event chair.

"Having students from the community take part in this tradition will make this year's celebration especially meaningful. We welcome everyone from the community to join us."

Tree of Life Honorees

Each year, the Tree of Life Lighting committee selects and honors individuals who embody the values of caring, community, and service. Three outstanding teams whose
focus and dedication to helping children live healthy and productive lives will be recognized at the celebration: Maureen Krouse, MPH, Manager — Community Health and Outreach; Delema G. Deaver Health Education Center, and Deaver Wellness Farm, LMC.

The Delema G. Deaver Health Education Center, established in 1994, is an interactive learning center committed to promoting the health and well-being of children and adults. Using eye-catching and engaging displays, the Center strives to empower its visitors to learn more about the body and discover the importance of a healthy lifestyle beginning at a young age. The creative and hands-on learning environment enhances health education efforts by offering free programs to schools, families, and community organizations. Program offerings, both in-person and virtual, include developing an understanding of the anatomy and body systems, nutrition and fitness, bullying prevention, substance-abuse prevention and refusal skills, and human development.

The Delema G. Deaver Wellness Farm was founded in 2016 to create a stronger understanding of the fundamental connection between nutrition and wellness. In collaboration with Greener Partners, an organization committed to fresh food access, urban farming, and education, Lankenau became one of the few hospitals in the nation to take the progressive step of planting a year-round organic garden. Since its opening, the farm has produced more than 34,000 pounds of produce which is provided to Lankenau patients in need of nutritional and fresh foods at their homes. The farm also serves as a living outdoor classroom that connects visitors to the source of healthy food while providing an understanding of the science behind agriculture and promoting an appreciation for healthy eating.

The free programing offered by the Deaver Health Education Center and the Deaver Wellness Farm have reached over 275,000 visitors emphasizing the importance of health, nutrition, and wellness.

Meg MacCurtin, Executive Director — Greener Partners

Meg and her team believe in strengthening community health through urban farming and the distribution of equitable fresh foods. Greener Partners works in under-served areas providing hands-on education and delivering fresh produce to the classroom and in communities so children and families better understand the relationship between healthy eating and good health. Through the Deaver Wellness Farm, the bounty of fresh produce harvested is provided to patients needing more nutritional and fresh food choices and to help manage chronic diseases.

Jeny Wakefield, MSS, LSW, Manager — LMC Care Coordination Team

Jeny manages a team of social workers and nurse care managers deployed throughout LMC. One critical aspect the team covers is adolescents and young adults presenting
the to the emergency department which is a Level 2 Trauma Center. Jeny and her team provide exceptional social services to these young adults and their families focused on
healing, restorative care, and prevention. Additionally, since LMC has the largest maternity department in the Main Line Health System, the team is often challenged with
ensuring babies born in extremely difficult situations, such as drug addiction and domestic violence receive appropriate and protective care.

"Jeny and her team are dedicated and fierce advocates for all the children and families in their care," said Brenda Jackson, Ladies Aid Society President. "Their goal is always to ensure the best possible outcomes no matter how challenging or difficult the situation may be anywhere within the hospital and throughout all stages of a patient's life."

About the Tree of Life

Through the generosity of donors, the Tree of Life at Lankenau's Wynnewood campus will be aglow with lights. This year will see a trio of trees that will light up simultaneously.
Each light represents an individual whom a donor has chosen to honor or remember.

Those designated, or their families, will receive a card acknowledging the donor's recognition and gift in their name. All names are inscribed in the Tree of Life commemorative book on display in the hospital's main lobby.

"This designation is a very special way to celebrate the people who have touched our lives," says Maureen Krouse, honoree and event co-chair. "We hope to have more lights than ever to symbolize the strength and spirit of our community."

The tree lighting ceremony will take place on November 27 at 5:30 p.m., in the Atrium at Lankenau Medical Center. Complimentary parking will be available in Garage B.

The Ladies Aid Society of the Lankenau Women's Board welcomes the community to join them in celebrating caring, community, and service by supporting this year's Tree of
Life lighting ceremony and making it the best and brightest for one and all.

The proceeds raised through this event will benefit patient care initiatives at Lankenau Medical Center. To donate, call (484) 476.2139 or visit www.mainlinehealth.org/lankenautreeoflife

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