Mary Lillman, LPN, with LVPG Pediatrics–East Stroudsburg, is honored as the Pocono Record’s Health Care Hero for November

Each month, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and the Pocono Record honor the remarkable efforts of the Health Care Heroes who care for and heal patients in the Pocono community.

Celebrating her 13th year in health care, Mary Lillman, LPN, with LVPG Pediatrics–East Stroudsburg, is November’s (2020) LVHN Health Care Hero. Nominated for her dedication to nursing, Lillman improves the lives of all her patients through her quality, compassionate care. Through her countless volunteering efforts and selfless acts of kindness, she is known for touching the lives of everyone she meets.

After getting married and having children at a young age, Lillman decided to enter health care because it was something she knew she’d enjoy, while also being a role model for her kids.

Beginning her career at LVHN, Lillman considers herself fortunate to have started at Pleasant Valley Family Practice, with such great doctors and nurses who taught her the importance of good communication and teamwork. It was here that Lillman also learned that when you work in a friendly environment, doing your job is even more rewarding for yourself, your colleagues and your patients. She has taken these values with her throughout her career, including the last two years at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono. Lillman now loves working in the community where she lives, especially when it comes to building relationships with her patients and the community.

While being a health care worker during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, Lillman credits her co-workers and her family for helping her get through the toughest days, acknowledging that a strong support system is key. When she learned that she was nominated as a Health Care Hero, she was just as surprised as she was excited. “I was shocked. I didn’t even know that ‘Health Care Hero’ was a thing,” she says. “When I heard that I was nominated for it and that I actually won – you know, it’s nice to know that you’re appreciated. It’s humbling.”

For more inspiring stories and colleague recognitions, visit LVHN.org/COVIDStrong.