While most 80-year-olds might celebrate their day with cake and candles, John Lentz chose a basketball and a challenge. His love of the game and his WellSpan care team have kept him serious about his health.  So, when his family asked how he would spend the big day, he gave it some thought and knew how to make the celebration a slam dunk. John set out to make 80 foul shots for his 80th birthday.  

He walked into the gym in his WellSpan Orthopedics t-shirt and gym shorts, expecting a quiet morning. Instead, he was greeted by cheers, camera flashes and the familiar squeak of sneakers on hardwood. His wife and three daughters, extended family, his close friends, students from the school and local media outlets had filled the gymnasium to celebrate his day with him. 

“Each day, I support people in all walks of life, through every milestone imaginable. It’s a privilege to guide my patients to better health,” shared Dr. Lisa Beck-Helwig, WellSpan family medicine physician and John’s PCP. “To see John celebrating his 80th birthday by accomplishing something as physically demanding as shooting 80 foul shots – it makes me so proud to know him and have a hand in his health.” 

Lebanon county-natives might remember John’s name from his impressive basketball career at Lebanon High School, where he excelled before continuing as a standout at Elizabethtown College. The legendary scorer was one of the very first Cedars to ever receive the All-State first team honor, leading his team to a second-place spot in the Central Penn League and with a career total of 1,141 points. 
 
“I had two basketball uniforms retired – in high school and in college. But I can’t think of anything more impactful and meaningful than this. The joy that was spread was immeasurable,” shared John, as he recounted his arrival to the gym.  

John returned to Lebanon about 10 years ago and quickly established primary care at WellSpan Family Medicine – West Cornwall.  

John has been a patient of Dr. Lisa Beck-Helwig ever since. The pair share a love of basketball, and Dr. Helwig speaks the language that helps to personalize his care. John shared that he’s been positively impacted by a number of WellSpan teams, applauding the work of WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital and WellSpan Orthopedics – Lebanon, in addition to the care delivered by Dr. Helwig. John has a chronic lung condition called bronchiectasis – putting him at an increased risk of infection and occasionally requiring inpatient treatment. He says he’s also facing some of the routine ailments of age, such as trochanteric bursitis – a painful swelling near your hip joint. From John’s perspective, the work of all three teams have simultaneously helped to keep him on the court over the years.  

“They fix me up and keep me going. What I think WellSpan does well is culture and nature – it’s the relationship,” shared John. “The people at WellSpan are learning about their patients and personalizing my care. You have a sense and perception that you’re well taken care of and it’s a good place to be if you’re sick.”  

John has a few wise words for others who hope to spend their 80th birthday doing something as inspirational as making 80 foul shots:  

• Find something you love to do and do it the best you can.  That’s done by staying in the game and keeping your heart in it. 
• To make 80 foul shots, I had to take a lot more. That’s the game — and life.  Set your goals and stick to them, no matter the obstacles. 
• If it’s worth doing, it’s worth measuring.  Identify quantifiable and appropriate health goals with your care team and measure against them daily.  

Just like John, you deserve a care team that keeps you doing what you love. Let us help you stay in the game — whatever your court may be. Get acquainted with a primary care provider who gets to know you — for you — by utilizing our Primary Care Nurse Navigator.  

Help us wish John a very happy 80th birthday!   


John shooting one of his celebratory shots on his 80th birthday.