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Portrait dedication honors therapy dog Riley Ashner

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Betsy Woerner, 609-748-7539, (C) 609-385-6361,

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For Immediate Release: December 23, 2013

Portrait dedication honors therapy dog Riley Ashner

Friends of Riley, a Wheaten Terrier, gathered December 13 to honor the dog. Riley, accompanied by longtime friend and owner Marvin Ashner, of Longport, served as a volunteer at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center since 2010.

Riley, who passed away in May, left a legacy. "Research tells us that pets can lower our blood pressure and even reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness," said Lori Herndon, president and chief executive officer, ARMC. "Riley brought countless smiles to our patients and helped reduce the stress that many patients feel when they are sick and away from home."

Riley's contribution to ARMC patients – and the affection between the Riley and Ashner – is commemorated in a portrait by artist Missy Mohn Schwartz, of Haddonfield, commissioned by AtlantiCare's Healing Arts Program. "Today is our chance to give back to these special volunteers – to remember Riley and to offer our perpetual thanks to Marvin, who continues to make contributions to our community in many ways," Herndon added.

The portrait will hang in the Stanley M. Grossman Pediatrics Center, where Riley's memory will continue to bring smiles to the children, family members and visitors to AtlantiCare's City Campus.

Marvin Ashner with portrait low res Marvin Ashner, of Longport, stands beside a portrait commemorating his Wheaten Terrier, Riley. AtlantiCare's Healing Arts Program commissioned the portrait in honor of the dog, who served as a therapy pet at AtlantiCare's City Campus.

Missy Mohn Schwartz Jon Ashner Sara Franklin Richard Swanson Lori Herndon Marvin Ashner Nancy Carliner Robert Franklin Dahlia Smythe low res Left to right are Missy Mohn Schwartz, of Haddonfield; Jon Ashner, of Waban, MA; Sara Franklin, of Linwood; Richard Swanson, of Margate; Lori Herndon, president and CEO, ARMC; Marvin Ashner, of Longport; Nancy Carliner, of Cherry Hill; Robert Franklin, of Linwood, and Dahlia Smythe, Customer Relations, AtlantiCare.

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AtlantiCare is an integrated system of services designed to help people achieve optimal health. It includes AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, AtlantiCare Health Engagement, the AtlantiCare Foundation, and AtlantiCare Health Services. Its more than 5,282 employees and 600 physicians serve the community in more than 60 locations. A 2009 Malcolm Baldrige Award winner, AtlantiCare was also included in Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2010. ARMC became the 105th hospital in the nation to attain status as a Magnet™ designated hospital in March of 2004 and was redesignated a Magnet™ hospital in 2008.