Amanda Miller, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, was determined to engage with her team members when she began her new role as Senior Director, Critical Care Division at Reading Hospital a few years ago. As a result of some discussions, she realized that work-life balance was a challenge for her and her staff, and exercising was often the first thing they skipped if they were tired or overwhelmed.
The team began organizing walking meetings around the hospital campus. Then, to stay committed and hold each other accountable on their wellness journeys, they decided to kick it up a notch and join a local gym to work out together four days a week. “We’re all healthier and happier as a result,” Miller said. “It’s strengthened our working relationship and led us to develop solid friendships as well.”
Ready for their next challenge, Miller and her team are among 175 Tower Health employees lacing up their sneakers for the Reading Hospital Road Run, held this year on Sunday, October 15. Hosted by The Friends of Reading Hospital, proceeds from the annual fundraising event will support the McGlinn Cancer Institute Patient Assistance Fund. The fund assists cancer patients in need with non-medical expenses during surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy at the institute.
“As nurses, we’ve had firsthand experience seeing how patients have benefited from the donations The Friends provide to the Hospital,” Miller said. “Their initiatives help and support our patients and colleagues, and this is a way we can thank them for all they do.”
Nearly 700 community members have registered for the 2023 Reading Hospital Road Run. The event is open to individuals of all skill levels and includes a half-marathon (13.1 miles) course or a 5K (3.1 miles) course. Both courses cover a variety of scenic roadways around the Reading Hospital campus in West Reading and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Online registration is available at RhRoadRun.com until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 14. In-person registration will also be available on race day. All pre-registered runners will receive a short-sleeve wicking race shirt, while supplies last, and half-marathon finishers will receive a custom medal. Both events offer five-year age group awards and cash prizes for top finishers which will be presented during a post-race celebration.
The Friends of Reading Hospital is an association of dedicated community leaders that focuses on raising funds through events like Reading Hospital Road Run to support and enhance Reading Hospital's commitment to "Advancing Health. Transforming Lives." By funding health and wellness programs, grants, and initiatives, The Friends have made a powerful and sustainable impact on the hospital, its patients, and the surrounding community, and are resolved to continue this support for years to come.
“I’d like to thank The Friends of Reading Hospital for all they do for the hospital and the community,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Because of their generous sponsorship of the Road Run, participants, spectators, and volunteers will have the opportunity to gather together and show our support for patients at McGlinn Cancer Institute.”
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years (and moving up to America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2022) and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.