Monday, January 6, 2014
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Roper St. Francis Foundation Receives Donation from Mt. Pleasant Manor
Moultrie News
Roper St. Francis (RSF) Foundation received a donation from Mt. Pleasant Manor in honor of Dr. John von Lehe, who lost his battle with colon cancer in 2009.
His family and staff from Mt. Pleasant Manor attended the presentation Friday at Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital. The $1,400 gift is earmarked for Roper St. Francis Cancer Care.
A dedicated public servant, Dr. von Lehe was a member of the Physician Partners network and served on the medical staff. “He loved Roper St. Francis,” said his wife, Andrea von Lehe. “His heart, my heart are with Roper and we wanted to share this in his memory.”
Although he passed away before the opening of Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital, his influence is felt every day – a plaque commemorating his work at Roper St. Francis, the community and the country is located at the entrance of the hospital. “He was so excited that a hospital was being built here in Mount Pleasant,” Andrea von Lehe said. “He didn’t get to see it finished but he saw the plans and he was happy.”
In addition to being a skilled physician, Dr. von Lehe was also a soldier. He served two tours during war-time in Iraq and Afghanistan. “He was always working, always helping,” Andrea von Lehe said.
Dr. von Lehe also practiced at Mt. Pleasant Manor, a skilled nursing facility. For the last four years, the facility has honored Dr. von Lehe with a community Happy Hour benefit. His friends, family and former patients attended. “He was always telling jokes and is really missed,” said Renee Burton with Mt. Pleasant Manor.
In addition to today’s gift, von Lehe’s family and friends will hold the third annual Cast and Blast Fishing Tournament in May 2014 to raise money for Roper St. Francis Cancer Care. To learn more about this event, visit www.CastandBlast.biz