From the Executive Director: Our journey continues

When it comes to the strategy of delivering the Foundation’s core programs, we never planned for providing our services in a completely remote and virtual environment because our values and approaches are often associated with establishing and maintaining in-person connections and services. However, several years in advance, the Foundation’s leadership and staff used the duty of foresight to establish remote connections and a strong continuity of operations plan during a crisis. We had the opportunity to deploy the plans during a severe snowstorm, but we never quite imagined a pandemic. Nonetheless, here we are, a little over a year on the other side of a pandemic and I could not be prouder of our staff or more grateful for our donors and program participants who moved seamlessly with us through each twist and turn.

The past year gave all of us time to reflect and gain deeper insight into ourselves, our purpose, and our commitment to each other as human beings. Like most folks, I experienced times of uncertainty and profound sadness. I deeply mourned the loss of a cherished and respected Pennsylvania Medical Society colleague, Crystal Morret. Her work ethic and integrity were second to none.

I also experienced moments of profound gratitude and transformation. As we said goodbye to one of our leadership visionaries, Dr. Abram M. Hostetter, I was reminded of his generous mentorship that often came in emails and kind notes. At 90-years of age he continued to gently guide me by sharing many words of wisdom. COVID reminded me to give thanks for colleagues, friends, family – and the moment.

As we move past the pandemic, the Foundation continues its journey of transformation in the direction of hope, refocus and reconnection. We continue our steadfast commitment to helping medical professionals who are suffering from moral injury and PTSD after putting their lives on the line to care for our communities. We persist to create a welcoming environment that fosters and demonstrates an authentic commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to incorporate lessons-learned through the pandemic keeping the best of our creative and adaptive efforts.

The Foundation continues to grow and evolve to meet the demands of the third decade in the 21st century. It is with deepest gratitude and humility that I say, “THANK YOU” for your commitment of time, expertise and charitable dollars to support the Foundation and its core programs. We are grateful that you are part of our journey and our story.



Be well,

Heather A. Wilson, MSW, CFRE, CAE | Executive Director