At the age of 50, Peter Wallendjack is a complex man – very bright with a biting wit and a mischievous way with people. He also has a remarkable heart – and not just the part that Deborah Heart and Lung Center has been looking after.

Peter doesn’t have to volunteer to deliver food to the elderly. He could spend all day on his magnificent farm. He certainly has enough to do there, with growing hay and keeping the farm machinery in working order. But Peter doesn’t isolate himself to his farm and work. He truly enjoys service to others. Through his many volunteer efforts, including delivering meals to those in need and offering his farm for hayrides and picnics to his church congregation, Peter has become a whole person, living the good life. Deborah Heart and Lung Center has helped make living that “good life” possible.

Peter’s relationship with Deborah began with a recollection. Many years ago, his neighbors, Joan and Anthony Delia, needed Deborah because of Anthony’s heart condition. When Anthony was treated at Deborah and returned home well, Peter never forgot the care that Anthony received, or the fact that Deborah never sent them a bill.

By naming Deborah as a beneficiary in his will, Peter became a proud member of the Heritage Circle, Deborah’s recognition society for those who have chosen to designate Deborah as a beneficiary in their estate plans. Deborah’s nearly 400 Heritage Circle members have made provisions for Deborah through their wills, bank accounts, life insurance policies and/or investments. Annually, they are invited to a Heritage Circle recognition luncheon, and, upon induction into the group, are presented with a pin and certificate, and honored as cherished friends of Deborah.

In an ironic twist of fate, just last year, Peter’s relationship with Deborah became even closer. Never dreaming that he would ever need Deborah’s services, Peter was apprehensive and a little scared as he was being transferred to Deborah in January of 2005. But, when he arrived in his patient room at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, he began to feel a little better. On the board, at the foot of his bed, was a note that read, “Peter – Welcome to Deborah. I will be back to see you at 5pm. Karen”.

For Peter, it was such a relief to read Karen’s note. Karen was a member of the Planned and Major Gifts staff of Deborah Hospital Foundation. She and Peter had worked together years earlier to make his bequest plans for Deborah a reality. Peter underwent surgery and was released from Deborah. He returns periodically for testing and check-ups, and to visit his friends – friends who helped make his dreams a reality… dreams of being able to continue to maintain and enjoy his farm, as well as providing for Deborah well into the future.