In 1968, our first child was born as a premie and was cared for in the old St. Joe hospital by the group. At a birth weight of 2 lb., 12 oz., he responded well to the excellent care in the nursery and was discharged without benefit of a NICU to our home, where he thrived. My memory is that Lancaster Pediatrics waived many of the expenses generated in view of the fact that I was a full-time college student working part-time as a respiratory therapist.

My second interaction with the group began in the early '70s, around the time Dr. Boben first joined the group. I was a medical student at Penn State - Hershey, and I did my pediatric clerkship in the K/M/B practice. Once again, I found myself in debt to this great practice. From that came a host of great memories, including hearing of the merciless practical jokes by Dr. Kurtz played on Dr. Boben as the new guy. So many good memories stirred up. I am grateful.

Thank you!

George B. Stoltzfus

I am writing today to express my gratitude for the great care I received as a child through Dr. Boben, Dr. Kurtz, and Dr. McSparren. It is not an understatement that your team saved my life when I was a child. I suffered from asthma and allergies and a number of accompanying complications (including foot fungus, head-to-toe eczema, asthma attacks on Memorial Day, and at least one more in the fall). Thanks to your care, guidance, and advice, my family successfully navigated those uncertain episodes.

Some of my lasting memories from my childhood include visits to your office on West End Avenue for my weekly allergy shots. I played with the big brick blocks, read the Highlights magazine (mostly the pictures and puzzles), and was always on the lookout for a new toy. Other memories include:

• One of the doctors (who shall remain nameless) sneaking out for a "union" break between patients

• The classic cold stethoscope

• Always making time to see us

• Getting a lollipop after my shots

• My physical, at age 16, when Dr. Boben misread my chart and blurted out, "You grew 16 inches!" In truth, I grew 6 inches in one year, still a tremendous growth spurt. I had to help Dr. Boben reread the chart.

Some of the best advice ever given by Dr. Boben and team included:

• “Get him in the water. Make him swim. It will keep him healthy.” And it did! Twelve years of competitive swimming kept me healthy.

• “The best air for you is the sea air. Live near an ocean.” I do. I live about one mile from the Pacific Ocean today.

Congratulations on 50 years of success! Please share my well wishes to Bill and the rest of your family. I would not be here without you!

Warm regards,

David T. Miller