A milestone for the protection of life was reached at LC Medical in Kutztown on June 2 when the Knights of Columbus dedicated their 100th ultrasound machine in the state, a legacy that signifies over a decade of commitment to providing mothers with a “window into the womb.”
This centennial donation, provided on behalf of a local council and subsidized by the Supreme Council, highlights a partnership that many described as divine intervention.
David Spacht, State Life Director for Pennsylvania for the Knights of Columbus, framed the broader scope of the initiative, noting that Pennsylvania leads the order in placements and emphasized the profound psychological impact of technology.
“If a mother can see her child in the womb,” he said, “it’s a very high probability that she will deliver that child and take care of the child on her own … so the chances for abortion decrease dramatically, and that's well worth it.”
The recipient of this landmark ultrasound machine was LC Medical, where Executive Director Joy Stutzman welcomed guests and staff. She led them through a tour of the center’s newly renovated and freshly painted facility, highlighting the improvements made to better serve women and families.
The machine was formally blessed by Monsignor Francis Schoenhauer, Pastor Emeritus of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown and resident at St. Thomas More, Allentown. Several key leaders offered brief remarks before a light reception.
Stutzman expressed heartfelt gratitude for the upgrade, emphasizing that enhanced image clarity is essential for women facing difficult and often life-shaping decisions.
“We welcome any new mom, anyone who has a positive pregnancy test,” she said. “We welcome anyone to come here. It might be someone who has no insurance…. We are here to fill the gap between a positive pregnancy test and their first OB appointment.”
Stutzman also shared the remarkable origins of their partnership with the Knights of Columbus, recalling a moment about seven years ago when staff were praying about starting an ultrasound program and received a literal knock on the door from a medical equipment representative.
That "knock on the door" came from Barbara Sheriff, now the Director of Applications for Probo Medical. Sheriff, a sonographer by trade, recalled the moment she first visited LC Medical while selling equipment.
"When I knocked on the door,” Sheriff described the encounter, “[Stutzman] said, ‘We're just getting ready to sit down. [An ultrasound machine] is on our list for this meeting, and I don't know what to do.’” This serendipitous meeting quickly turned into a lasting relationship that paved the way for the Knights’ involvement.
Jim Fongheiser, Grand Knight of the local council, coordinated the logistical and fundraising efforts required for the donation. He noted that the collaborative funding model between local councils and the Supreme Council makes the initiative uniquely sustainable.
The spiritual significance of the event was underscored by Monsignor Schoenhauer, the State Chaplain Designate, who performed the formal blessing of the unit.
In his blessing he said, “We pray for those who will be served by this unit, for the mothers who come here in hope or in fear, that they may be filled with your peace and reassurance, and for the precious children in their womb, that they may be protected and cherished as your own.”
Monsignor Schoenhauer linked the donation directly to the Diocese of Allentown’s commitment to the sanctity of life. “Life is the most precious gift God gives to all of us and is meant to be cherished,” he said.
Finally, Gary Danich, the State Deputy for the Pennsylvania Knights of Columbus, in his remarks, urged the attendees to look past the statistics toward the human impact: “This moment invites us [not] to focus on a number, but on the lives, families, and futures that God has entrusted to our care.”
Photos by Waldo Alvarado.
Copy Permalink
