Like many 5-year-olds, Brooks Lynch is an active, energetic child who loves to play. While he's had a handful of treatable health challenges—from recurring ear infections and breathing problems to vision and speech concerns—his mother, Mary Kate Lynch of Hellertown, says one thing has remained constant: the compassionate, coordinated care has received through St. Luke's Children’s Hospital.
"What has stood out to me the most is how connected everyone is," Lynch says. "Every provider works together and communicates with one another. They're not just treating one issue—they're caring for Brooks as a whole person. That has meant everything to our family."
Brooks receives primary care from Patricia Geil, MD, at St. Luke’s Anderson Pediatrics and has also been treated by specialists in St. Luke’s Pediatric Pulmonology, St. Luke’s Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) and Pediatric Therapy at St. Luke’s.
Access to such a wide range of expertise at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital is part of what sets St. Luke’s University Health Network apart from – and ahead of – others. In a 2025 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, St. Luke’s had the highest quality score of the nation’s recognized top three high performing health systems.
Brooks' healthcare journey began before his first birthday when repeated ear infections led to hearing tests that revealed significant fluid buildup affecting his hearing. At age 1, he underwent surgery to receive ear tubes at St. Luke's ENT. "On the drive home, it was like he was hearing clearly for the first time," his mom recalls. "The sounds around him seemed so much louder. It was incredible to watch."
As Brooks grew, new challenges emerged. He developed breathing problems that frequently woke him in the middle of the night gasping for air and resulted in repeated emergency room visits. A referral to St. Luke's Pediatric Pulmonology proved to be a turning point.
"They got him in quickly and immediately began working with his ENT physician to determine exactly what was causing his symptoms," Lynch says. "Watching different specialists collaborate so closely gave us tremendous confidence that Brooks was getting the best possible care."
Today, when Brooks experiences breathing difficulties, he uses an inhaler that helps control his symptoms and allows him to get back to the activities he enjoys.
Most recently, Brooks received outpatient speech therapy services in conjunction with Pediatric Therapy at St. Luke’s to support his speech, language development and everyday communication.
Despite seeing multiple specialists, Brooks actually enjoys his appointments. "He looks forward to them," mom says. "Everyone is so patient, kind and encouraging. They make him feel comfortable, and that makes all the difference."
For Lynch, what sets St. Luke's apart is the way every member of Brooks' care team works together.
"It isn't just one specialist treating one problem," she says. "Everyone has collaborated to figure out what was really going on."
Looking back, Lynch is grateful not only for the expertise of each provider but also for the seamless communication among the entire team.
"We have a lot of specialists for a healthy kid," she says with a smile. "The peace of mind that comes from knowing everyone is communicating and looking out for Brooks is priceless. We truly feel like we're part of one team, and we couldn't ask for better care."
