L. SAUCON TWP., Pa. - Lehigh Valley Health Network has announced a gift to name the Spence Family Women’s Heart and Pregnancy Program – one of just a few like it in the nation that manages high-risk pregnancies through obstetrics and cardiology, according to the health system.
LVHN did not disclose the amount of the gift, given by Bill and Denise Spence and inspired by their daughter’s own experience. Bill Spence, who is on the LVHN board of trustees, is retired chairman and chief executive officer of PPL Corp.
The Spence Family Women’s Heart and Pregnancy Program is part of Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute. LVHN says the program gives women access to a specialized team that manages high-risk pregnancy and heart disease or a heart-related condition before, during and after pregnancy.
The health network recognized the Spences’ philanthropy during a dinner at Saucon Valley Country Club.
Health network doctors said the program is different because of the collaboration for comprehensive care.
“It makes sense to have a clinic where maternal-fetal medicine doctors and a cardiologist can work together, see the patient together and give patients a comprehensive view of the situation from an obstetrics and a cardiology perspective,” Dr. Ronald Freudenberger, physician in chief of the Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, said in a news release. “We’re able to help women who otherwise may be too high risk to go through pregnancy or who are high risk and pregnant.”
“This was something near and dear to our hearts.”Denise Spence
Preconception counseling is also provided through the program. The clinical team implements a treatment plan to guide patients through a successful pregnancy.
“We pride ourselves on being a group of physicians and clinicians who collaborate across our areas of specialty to give women the quality care they expect and deserve,” said Dr. Deborah Sundlof, director of the Spence Family Women’s Heart and Vascular Program.
Denise Spence said the Spences’ daughter Rachel was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia during her own pregnancy, which put her and her baby at risk.
Rachel Spence took many obstetric and cardiac appointments separately in her home state of California. Now, with a healthy daughter and grandchild, the Spences say they hope to share concern for others who are experiencing what their daughter did.
“This was something near and dear to our hearts,” Denise Spence said in the news release.
Sundlof said the Spences’ generosity not only funds multidisciplinary collaboration, but will also support a coordinator/educator to assist in developing educational initiatives for doctors and clinical staff.
LVHN President Dr. Brian Nester said the program is staffed by 10 female cardiologists and two female vascular
surgeons across multiple LVHN sites. He said the 25-year-old program focuses on the distinct cardiac needs, risk factors and symptoms of women, who are often underrepresented in cardiac research.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Lehigh Valley Health Network is a financial supporter of Lehigh Valley Public Media and a founding supporter of LehighValleyNews.com. LVHN has no influence on our editorial or business operations.