For the Gardner family, Jefferson is a family affair. Four generations — and no less than a dozen members of the extended family — claim Jefferson as its alma mater. Fathers, children, siblings, uncles, and cousins have all followed the same path to create a legacy of compassion and caring for their communities.

"It all began with my grandfather, a highly respected surgeon in the area, and then my father, also a highly respected surgeon," says James Gardner III, MD '02, a family medicine practitioner in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. "The conversations at home centered on where they were trained, and it planted the seeds early in our minds that there is one place you can go to get the right training."

Gardner brought that same spirit of service back to his hometown practice. Philanthropically, he founded The Good Samaritan Fund to aid patients' medical financial needs — helping individuals in Lawrence County, Mercer County, and surrounding communities overcome financial barriers to care.

He and his brother recently led a team of 19 medical professionals to Northern Petén, Guatemala — his seventh such mission trip. "The more you give, the more you receive," he says. "You come back encouraged, enlightened, and just so thankful for the skills we can offer people in that way and offer hope to the underserved."

At the heart of everything is his grandfather's motto, adopted from Colossians 3:23: "Be the best you are at whatever you do."

(New Wilmington, PA) — The Good Samaritan Fund, a charitable program supporting individuals throughout Lawrence and Mercer counties and the surrounding region announced today the appointment of Lisa DiMuccio‑Zgela as its new Executive Director. DiMuccio‑Zgela brings a vast array of leadership experiences in strategic marketing, healthcare communications, community engagement, customer success and brand and image development.

In her new role, DiMuccio‑Zgela will lead growth initiatives, expand donor and community partnerships, and strengthen the Fund's mission of providing compassionate assistance to patients facing financial hardship.

"Lisa's vision, energy, and deep commitment to community health make her the ideal leader to guide the Fund into its next chapter," stated President of The Good Samaritan Fund, James Gardner, MD, III. "As we continue to expand our offerings, her ability to unite providers, partners, and donors around a shared mission will significantly enhance our impact."

DiMuccio‑Zgela has served in key communications and business development roles regionally and nationally and has led corporate marketing, media relations, branding and fundraising initiatives across the region. Her leadership will focus on expanding access, elevating donor engagement, and amplifying the Fund's role in supporting patients during their most vulnerable moments.

The Good Samaritan Fund continues its mission of helping patients overcome financial barriers to care. Under DiMuccio‑Zgela's direction, the Fund will pursue new opportunities to strengthen community support and broaden its reach.