Suzanne Leahy, MAR - Chaplain
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Suzanne Leahy, a chaplain at CTCA at Western Regional Medical Center (Western), says of her duties at CTCA, “I am empowered to meet the spiritual needs of my patients, knowing that faith and hope are very important aspects of wellness.”
Leahy attended York College of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. After raising two children and owning a bread shop, Leahy followed her desire to become a chaplain. As a result, Leahy enrolled in Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. There, she earned a Master of Arts in Religion degree, with an emphasis in counseling, in 2002.
Prior to joining CTCA, Leahy served as a chaplain at a hospice facility in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania and as a volunteer coordinator at another local facility. She also taught several seminars around the Philadelphia area. In 2006, Leahy joined the Pastoral Care Department at CTCA at Eastern Regional Medical Center in Philadelphia before moving to Western in September 2008.
Leahy says of the decision to serve at CTCA: “I have been involved in cancer care since the age of 18, but never had the freedom to discuss issues of faith with patients. At CTCA, I saw that pastoral care was as important as any other aspect of care. I wanted to use my gifts and my faith to walk with patients during the cancer journey—regardless of the outcome.”
When asked what she likes best about working at CTCA, Leahy explains: “I have the freedom to use my gifts and talents to bless our patients and caregivers, as well as employees. While not everyone is an active part of a faith-based community, each patient, caregiver, and employee has concerns that I can help them work through.”
Leahy heads initiatives such as a caregiver’s group and a separate prayer time for patients and caregivers who want to participate. Leahy states, “Not only do these sessions provide opportunities to communicate with God, but many people also meet and become part of one another’s support system.”
In her spare time, Leahy enjoys reading, hiking in the mountains, and spending time in the sunshine. She also devotes time to her two grown sons, one-daughter-in-law, and a miniature schnauzer named Wesley.
