Meet Our Donors
Jerry and Wendy Santoro
Caring for Patients and for Lankenau
"We've known each other since fourth grade," says Wendy Santoro, wife of Jerome Santoro, MD, Infectious Disease specialist and former Chairman of the Department of Medicine for Main Line Health. The two met at Lamberton Elementary School. They struck up a friendship that would later blossom into a romance, a working relationship, and a partnership as strong supporters of Lankenau Medical Center.
Both Wendy and Jerry grew up in Overbrook Park with Lankenau practically in their backyards. Jerry recalls his first encounter with Lankenau was at age 10. It was Little League season and he broke his elbow. Staying overnight at Lankenau with its excellent doctors and nurses made a lasting impression on him. The hospital had recently moved and you could see the Rosengarten wing from City Avenue.
Jerry decided to open a private medical practice and he convinced Wendy to help run the office. She had been teaching and then home with their two young sons. It was supposed to be temporary — "until I can afford to hire someone," Wendy recalls Jerry saying. That was in 1979, and Wendy is still involved with the practice.
The Santoros were happy to locate Jerry's practice at Lankenau and become part of the Lankenau family. They are long-time and generous supporters of the medical center, and when asked what it is that motivates them to contribute, both answered readily.
Jerry believes that the very strong, collegial medical staff sets Lankenau apart: "Lankenau's excellent physicians stem from an emphasis on medical education, strong residency and fellowship programs, research, and always putting the patient first. "Jerry's motivation to support Lankenau is simple: he wants to see this excellence perpetuated.
Wendy adds: "I tell our staff in the office that you can always be proud of where you work." Several of our patients have moved away, but continue to come to Lankenau for their medical care. "That says a lot...people are willing to travel for the doctors, the nurses, and the overall good care they know they will receive."
The Santoros made a gift to Lankenau in the form of a deferred Charitable Gift Annuity, which provides generous support to Lankenau and eventually will supplement their retirement income. The Santoros not only support Lankenau generously, but encourage others to do so as well. Jerry helped spearhead the creation of the 1860 Society, a group of Lankenau physicians and scientists who pledge at least $25,000 over five years to help sustain Lankenau's excellence in patient care, medical education, and research.
In the future, Wendy and Jerry see philanthropy as playing a more important role than ever in maintaining the high standards of care at Lankenau. They understand that the changing economics of health care means that Lankenau has to be leaner and smarter to retain its strength. With the help of highly involved donors, however, the Santoros are convinced that Lankenau will continue to offer superior medical services, training for future generations of physicians, and a strong research program for decades to come.