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Get ready to grab a paddle and join St. Luke’s colleagues and friends for a day of pickleball, music and fun at the 3rd Annual Trina Wijangco, MD Memorial Scholarship Pickleball Tournament, Sunday, October 18, at St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley, 4636 Crackersport Road, Allentown. Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m. and play begins at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public.
Now in its third year, the event includes opportunities for players to hit the pickleball courts in social and competitive games while others can enjoy the SportsPlex golf simulators. The day will also feature lunch, live music and a 50/50 raffle, making it a great opportunity to spend time with colleagues and friends while celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Wijangco.
Proceeds benefit the Trina Wijangco, MD, Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, which awards scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate a commitment to service, expanding educational opportunity, and improving access to care for underserved or under-resourced communities. Dr. Wijangco earned her MD from the Temple/St. Luke’s School of Medicine in 2021 and helped co-found the Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce at Temple/St. Luke’s, a student organization focused on fostering an inclusive learning environment, expanding opportunities for students, and supporting those who have historically faced barriers in medical education. She was pursuing her residency in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York at the time of her passing.
“There is something special about seeing our St. Luke’s family and our community come together to have fun and celebrate Dr. Wijangco while supporting a cause that meant so much to her,” says Shaden Eldakar-Hein, MD, Senior Associate Dean of the Temple/St. Luke’s School of Medicine. “Trina cared deeply about creating opportunities for others, and this event allows us to continue that commitment while remembering the joy, creativity and energy she exuded.”
Tournament attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase items featuring original artwork by Dr. Wijangco, who enjoyed painting in her downtime.
Art prints and greeting cards will be available for purchase at the event. Attendees can also scan QR codes to order additional items featuring her artwork, including ornaments, mugs and tote bags.
The artwork offers a personal way to celebrate Dr. Wijangco’s creativity and support a cause inspired by the values she carried throughout her life and medical training.
“Trina’s impact is still felt here today, particularly in the way our students support and advocate for one another,” says Ike Akusoba, MD, Director of Student Advocacy and Community Engagement at Temple/St. Luke’s School of Medicine. “This tournament is a wonderful way to bring our St. Luke’s community together in her memory and help give future physicians the opportunity to make their own impact.”
Whether you’re ready to compete on the pickleball court, try out a golf simulator or simply enjoy music, food and good company, the tournament offers plenty of ways to take part in a fun day for a meaningful cause.
Registration, which is available online, is required for both players and spectators for the Trina Wijangco, MD Memorial Scholarship Pickleball Tournament. Please reach out to Lynn Glass at 484-526-8876 or at Lynn.Glass@sluhn.org with any questions.
