A grateful heart, a second chance, and a commitment to give back

For Tina Connar, what began as a long-cherished vacation with her husband, Mark, became an unexpected turning point, one that deepened her gratitude for life, reinforced her trust in St. Luke’s University Health Network, and inspired a generous philanthropic commitment to the place she calls “my hospital since I was four years old.”

In April 2023, Tina and Mark were visiting Anguilla, a place they had loved for more than 40 years. “The people are very kind, and when we saw the water for the first time, we said, ‘Oh, my God! We found our paradise!’” Tina said. But this time, paradise quickly gave way to fear when Tina suddenly collapsed and lost the ability to stand or walk.

Local doctors believed she had muscle spasms, but Tina knew something wasn’t right. Reaching out to longtime friend and St. Luke’s orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Brogle, she received advice that likely changed the course of her life: “Get home as soon as you can.”

“I was very calm, surprisingly,” she recalled. “I wasn’t in any pain. It’s just that I couldn’t stand or walk. I prayed and had faith that everything would work out, but I could tell that Mark was scared.”

That faith was rewarded when Tina arrived at St. Luke’s University Hospital Bethlehem Campus, where care teams were prepared and waiting. St. Luke’s is ranked #1 in quality, safety, and patient experience by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An MRI revealed a dangerous spinal condition, and within hours, Tina underwent emergency surgery performed by spinal neurosurgeon Dr. Justice Agyei. The operation stabilized her spine and prevented further neurological damage.

“When Tina arrived, it was clear she was facing a serious and rapidly evolving spinal condition,” Dr. Agyei said. “Our goal in neurosurgery is always to act decisively to protect a patient’s neurological function, and in her case, every minute mattered… but the true success of her recovery is a testament to her determination and the exceptional rehabilitation that followed.”

Tina spent several days in the ICU and more than a month at St. Luke’s, much of it in the Acute Rehabilitation Center (ARC). There, she faced the hard, daily work of rebuilding strength and independence, beginning with learning to walk again.

“The therapists, nurses, and aides all kept me motivated during that time, as well as my own determination. I was not going to just sit back and do nothing. You push yourself for your family, too,” she said.

After months of outpatient neurorehabilitation, she was able to walk on the beach and swim in the pool, as well as host a Christmas party and travel. “Rehabilitation is not just about restoring movement; it’s about restoring confidence, identity, and hope,” said Dr. Jason Davis, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist.

For Tina, gratitude goes hand in hand with action. Having volunteered for decades, serving in the Gift Shop, leading the Auxiliary as president, chairing the Auxiliary fashion shows, serving on the Network Board of Trustees, and chairing and co-chairing the St. Luke’s Charity Ball, she and Mark felt compelled to give back once more. They made a generous donation to The Neurosciences Endowment Fund in appreciation for the care, rehabilitation, and compassionate mission that carried Tina through the most vulnerable moments of her life.

“When Mark and I were first talking, we wanted to make sure it went to the overall program for St. Luke’s Neurosciences, because that fits so deeply into the equation,” Tina said. “How it gets spent, we’ll leave that to the experts,” said Mark, who, like Tina, has a lifelong relationship with St. Luke’s dating back to both of their mothers having been involved in volunteer work, and both their families’ names on various plaques in the St. Luke’s hospitals.

“I was so happy to give back to my hospital,” Tina said. “It’s been my honor. I’ve done so much at the hospital as a volunteer, and I would trust any of the doctors, nurses, and therapists again, and would recommend them to my friends.”

For Tina Connar, her gift is more than a donation. It is an expression of thanks, faith, and an enduring belief in the power of exceptional care to restore lives.

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