Penn Highlands Mon Valley Auxiliary Gift Helps Purchase Rehabilitation Equipment

On April 6, 2026, Janet Rippel, Treasurer of the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Auxiliary presented a check for $14,490 to Ruth Sepesky, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Penn Highlands Mon Valley, for the purchase of a new device that will aid in providing Penn Highlands Mon Valley patients with the gold standard of rehabilitation care and improve patient safety.

The Lite Gait 360PG is a gait trainer that will be used for rehabilitation patients who experience difficulty walking following strokes or fractures. The device, which allows patients to safely walk while harnessed, will assist the hospital’s rehab team in providing early mobilization and the evidence-based care without risk to patients and staff.

“We are very appreciative of the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Auxiliary for their support of our rehabilitation services,” said Ruth. “They are committed to helping the Rehabilitation staff make care safer for our patients and staff.”

The recent check is the second one presented to the hospital’s Rehabilitation Department this year bringing the total gift to date to more than $17,000. The first check was for the purchase of a Sara Stedy, a device that helps patients rise from sitting positions safely to improve their balance and strength while decreasing risk of patient and staff injury.

The Penn Highlands Mon Valley Auxiliary raises funds through festivals, raffles and from proceeds from food trucks and vendor sales.