Charity basketball tournament to benefit People in Crisis

Written by Staff Reports Friday, September 21, 2012 01:00 am

OCEAN CITY ­­–– A charity basketball tournament will be held at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia to benefit People in Crisis, a local organization that helps those in need obtain medical care and pharmaceutical assistance.

St. Joseph’s students are organizing teams for the competition and will raise money through entry fees and donations. The tournament is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at the O’Pake Sports Complex.

People in Crisis, founded by Ocean City resident Lana Samuels, now operates in three states and has gained the support of physicians, pharmacists, lawyers and others.

Dr. Sandra Weibel, physician of pulmonary care at Jefferson Hospital, is its co-president. Phil Martelli, St. Joseph’s University basketball coach, recently joined PIC’s Outreach Committee and has volunteered to assist with fundraising. With the help of Conor Lesch, intramural coordinator, Martelli has established an intramural, charity basketball tournament at the university to raise money for People in Crisis.

The event will cap a weeklong SJU initiative called Wellness Week when the focus is on health and assistance to others.

“I was impressed with the humanitarian work that People in Crisis is doing in the Delaware Valley area. They have helped many people and saved lives thanks to the organizational skills and determination of Lana, Dr. Weibel, Dawn Davis, John Cooper, Cathy and Frank Schaeffer and others,” Martelli said.

Samuels began People in Crisis because a friend helped save her life. She was seriously injured in a work related accident, suffering a head trauma and neck injury. The friend, a factory worker and bus driver of modest means, became Samuels’ advocate. He contacted physicians and agencies to provide resources. He also gave personal financial help even though he needed money for his own medical expenses.

“His resources and financial help saved my life when I was too weak to help myself,” Samuels said.

Her friend’s advocacy and humanitarian efforts so impressed Samuels that she decided to do for others what he did for her. In 2003, she founded People in Crises.

With all the success of the organization, Samuels still goes door to door to raise funds for the cause.

 “She’s an amazing woman,” Martelli said. “Others are inspired by her grit and determination.  My definition of a hero is an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. That’s Lana. She is the primary reason why People in Crisis is helping more and more people every day.”