Singers, poets, and liturgical dancers helped bring another successful Gospelrama to Medical Alumni Hall, including Chaplains Johnnie Dawson, Madeline Dawson and Betty White. “We were her back-up singers!” Dawson said. “We had such a good time.” This celebration has been a part of Black History Month at HUP for 24 years, thanks to the efforts of our Pastoral Care staff.
This year’s program included the announcement of the newest members of the Pastoral Care Circle of Friends. These “honorary chaplains” display a giving and supportive spirit, doing things “from the heart,” Dawson said. For the first time, new members came from multiple entities, not just HUP.
This year’s Circle of Friends are:
- Joe Forte, director of Security at HUP
- Rebecca Aker, BSN, of CUPP Pavillion 3 East, PPMC
- Patient and Guest Services at PAH: Eileen Murphy, Barbara DeFlavis, Olga Bruno, Maegan Kyser and Keither Symon
Next year’s Gospelrama – the 25th! – promises to be the best yet. “When we first started Gospelrama, just a few hospital employees performed. Then we included family members,” Dawson said. “But soon we expanded to include community groups that they participated in.” In 2020, they’ll extend invitations to Princeton Health, Chester County Hospital and LG Health. Stay tuned!