Local Girl Scout Cadette and Brownie troops are recognizing two Reading Hospital departments as “Hometown Heroes” to celebrate their hard work, passion for medicine and high-quality patient care.
This is the second consecutive year Girl Scout Cadette Troop 1385 from Daniel Boone School District selected the hospital’s Emergency Department as their “Hometown Heroes” recipient.
Last year they selected the team to thank the employees for their ongoing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the treatment of their Troop Leader, Kathryn Tilley, who received care at Reading Hospital after suffering anaphylactic shock in October 2021.
At this year’s celebration on July 6 the Troop presented a “contract” stating that as long as Cadette Troop 1385 is in existence they will continue to recognize the ED team as their “Hometown Heroes” every year. “Every contract has a stipulation,” Tilley jokingly shared with the ED team at a recent recognition event. “And this contract will be valid as long as you all continue to save lives.”
The Pediatric Department was also recognized on Thursday by Brownie Troop 1052, with Troop Leaders Mrs. Tilley and Ashley Gill, from Daniel Boone School District.
“I want to thank you and recognize you for the tireless work that you put in all the time. I know that I would only bring my child here just based on what I’ve seen in the hospital staff and all of the wonderful people here” said Tilley.
“Our entire Troop would like to thank you for being here for all the kids that need you. It takes a special person to take care of those who are sick or injured” said Girl Scout Alexandra Tilley.
Girl Scout Sadie Gill also shared a similar message, “We know that we would be well taken care of if we had to be brought here. On behalf of all the kids, thank you.”
The Hometown Hero Program is a nationwide community service project where troops decide on a charitable organization or service group they would like to support with cookie donations. These organizations include healthcare facilities, shelters, food banks, and military organizations.
“We are honored that the Girl Scouts and Brownies have selected our Emergency and Pediatrics teams as their ‘Hometown Heroes’,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Our team members pride themselves on the care they provide. “To be recognized by this group of young people in our community serves as an important reminder that the work they do impacts far more people than just their patients. Each patient is an important member of a family and in our community.”
Olubunmi Ojikutu, MD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics at Reading Hospital and Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Board Member is an advocate for community education and partnerships.
“These events are so special to me because they bring together two organizations I’m very passionate about – the Girl Scouts and Reading Hospital,” she said “I’m a former Girl Scout myself and this is a wonderful opportunity to host the troops. I hope there are additional opportunities for the hospital and the Troops to partner together in the future. It would be our honor to help them earn one of their badges.”
