HNL Lab Medicine employees nominated their favorite non-profit organizations for a charity contest. Five organizations were selected to each receive $2000: Lehigh Valley Humane Society, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Wounded Warrior Project, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Women’s 5K Classic.

Our employees shared deeply personal stories about these charities and how their lives have been affected by the causes these organizations represent. HNL Lab Medicine is proud to support our employees’ causes by donating to their deeply deserving charities.

Lehigh Valley Humane Society was nominated by Amanda Murphy, whose love for animals motivated her to select the charity. “LVHS is such an amazing nonprofit and the people that drive their mission are so incredibly inspiring. Oh, and the animals are the cutest!” LVHS was founded in 1906 and has provided services to homeless, neglected, and abused animals.


Nicholas Barbera tragically lost his 27-year-old daughter, Nicole, to suicide on August 15, 2015. He chose to nominate the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In his testimonial, Barbera wrote, “The effect suicide has on survivors is devastating. This organization strives to not only support survivors of suicide, but it has tremendous resources related to prevention, too.” Since 1987, AFSP has focused on suicide awareness and prevention, research, and support.


Martha Shoemaker nominated Wounded Warrior Project in honor of her father. “My father was part of the Korean War where he was injured and received a Purple Heart and Five Bronze Stars for his service.” WWP began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to the hospital bedsides of the first wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Make-a-Wish Foundation was nominated by Jessica Bargilione, who has been a volunteer for 10 years. “Coming face to face with children, many that have experienced more suffering than most ever will, and watching their eyes light up when their wish is granted is truly altering. Since many “wish kids” have been waiting longer than usual due to COVID slowing fundraising efforts, there are more children waiting for wishes than usual.” Founded in 1980, Make-a-Wish helps fulfill the wishes of critically ill children between the ages of 2.5 and 18.


Driven by her personal battle with breast cancer, Alicia Erdman nominated Women’s 5K Classic. “In August 2019, I was diagnosed with Stage 2, triple positive breast cancer. The medical team at LVHN Topper Cancer Institute was instrumental in my treatment which consisted of 6 cycles of chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy, radiation therapy, and reconstructive surgery. While I still remain on hormone therapy, I crushed cancer! I couldn't thank the LVHN Topper Cancer Institute enough!" Since 1993, Women’s 5K Classic has cumulatively donated over 4 million dollars, providing funding to programs and organizations in the greater Lehigh Valley, including LVHN Topper Cancer Institute.

We hope our donations can help make a difference in the lives of those in need. We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come and encourage those who are able to do so, to consider donating to these vital organizations along with us.