Marc Lehmann Spirit Of Service Award: A Partnership Thanking Caregivers

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos by Matt Johnson 

For 12 years the MARC LEHMANN SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD FOUNDATION has recognized over 50 Louisville area physicians, nurses and medical support staff for their long standing service to patients and their families in the area of oncology, hematology and other serious medical afflictions. 

Recipients have earned a clear reputation for proficiency, along with a record of dedication, empathy and understanding for those afflicted. The Foundation was established in 2013 by George Lehmann, Marc’s father, along with Paul Resch after Marc’s passing from a long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Its purpose is to encourage compassionate, sensitive administration of patient care in order to enhance the healing journey for both the suffering and the caregiver. 

With the guidance and encouragement of the Foundation’s committee members, George says he “strives to shine the brightest lights on those individuals and practitioners who provide hope, understanding and warmth in challenging medical situations. They invite written award nominations from area health systems, support groups, and especially affected patients and their families.”

Throughout the history of this initiative, an annual ceremony and banquet have been hosted by Vincenzo and Patty Gabrielle and his namesake establishment, Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant at 5th and Market Streets in downtown Louisville. 

“With a history as one of Kentuckiana’s premier restaurateurs and philanthropists, it is our Foundation’s great pleasure and honor to join with Mr. Gabrielle in recognizing these deserving humanitarian caregivers,” George said. 

This year’s event to publicly recognize the current nominees was held on March 14. The physical award art glass pieces were again custom designed, created and presented by the noted Flame Run Gallery on Market St. 

The banquet featured guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey Bumpous, M.D., Dean of the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of Health Affairs, whose impassioned address focused on teaching medical school students the benefits and rewards of treating the patient as well as the disease and doing so with humanity and compassion. 

Other notable participants included cocktail hour entertainment by the Ballard High School Jazz Ensemble under Director Carl Kling, opening and closing prayers from Archdiocesan priests Reverend G. Nicolas Rice and Reverend Michael L. Schultz, S.T.L., plus a surprise video address and congratulatory message from Governor Andy Beshear. 

The following individuals were honored for their skillful and caring patient support at this year’s ceremony: 

DR. GEETHA JOSEPH, M.D. 

Dr. Joseph is a career oncologist with Baptist Health Systems, a volunteer with numerous patient-centric initiatives, including, among others, Gilda’s Club of Kentuckiana and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She is a founding member and advisor to the Spirit of Service Award Foundation, and the only honoree to be recognized TWICE for this award. Her reputation for benevolent kindness and understanding in her practice of medicine is unquestioned. 

DR. RENATO LAROCCA, M.D. 

Dr. LaRocca is also a career oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute and Director of Kentuckiana Cancer Research. Nominated by multiple physicians, nurses and patient advocates, Dr. LaRocca is a lifelong cancer physician held in the highest regard for his innovative and charitable approach to addressing both his patients and their families’ medical, mental and emotional challenges during the treatment process. 

JACLYN V. MOORE, M.S., R.D., CSO 

Jaclyn Moore is a highly skilled nutrition specialist & dietitian at Norton Health Care. Dr. Joseph Flynn, the physician-in-chief at Norton Cancer Institute, describes Jaclyn as the most dedicated and patient-focused practitioner in her field that he has known during his 30 years in medicine. Dealing with complicated digestive issues affecting patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy has been described as an “art form” that takes expertise, experience, and compassion, skills Jaclyn has developed and honed with exuberant passion. 

REBECCA NASH 

While not directly involved in the medical field, Rebecca Nash is an often unseen, but nevertheless indispensable part of the machinery that allows this foundation to function with exceptional efficiency and obvious dedication. She has served as the Administrative Vice President to the Marc Lehmann Spirit of Service Award Foundation since its inception. 

Besides advancing its mission, Rebecca also serves as Director of Children’s Faith Formation at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church and volunteers regularly for any number of worthy initiatives that require energy and personal charity. 

DENISE WILLIAMS 

Denise Williams is a Baptist Health Systems pharmacy technician with some 15 years of dedicated service to cancer patients, young and old, rich and poor. She is said to “move heaven and earth” to secure the medicines her cancer patients need to defeat their disease. Her nomination was championed by BHS oncology physicians who depend on her tireless efforts to enable remissions and cures. Denise emphasizes that she loves both her chosen profession and her cancer patients. 

“We are pleased and proud to recognize these and other selfless caregivers who go to work daily to help patients and their families face daunting and difficult futures,” George Lehmann said. “Along with Mr. Gabriele, I hope to continue this grateful, partnering mission of thanks for years to come.”