Retired teacher, poet, dog-lover, and climate activist writes about the Hospital

David Brian Pederick Fowler — whose ancestors hark back to the founding of the country when his tenth great-grandfather traveled from England with a deed in hand from William Penn to settle land in South Jersey – was faced with serious twenty-first-century problems when in 2016 he had a heart attack while teaching high school at Burlington County Special Services School.

“Our quick-thinking nurse at school realized right away that something was wrong,” he recalled. “An ambulance came, but on the way to the nearby emergency room they realized it was a very serious situation and instead brought me straight to Deborah.”

David said that he’s been treated at the Hospital since then, receiving several stents and post-stroke treatment. “Dr. Fish has been great! Deborah has always been there for me. I wouldn’t be here now if not for them.”

Now retired, David focuses on his 34-foot sailboat, his rescue dog Duke (an Airedale Terrier, one of several that David has had), his writing, and “Climb Aboard for Climate Change Awareness”, an educational endeavor focused on restoring an old yacht designed to bring students on board to study first-hand the effects of climate change. “I am passionate about teaching and working towards stopping damage to the environment.”

A prolific writer, David’s recent poem “A Visit to Deborah” captured his admiration and thankfulness to the Hospital. “I do a lot of writing and so does Duke, who has his own Facebook page.” Together this writing duo captures their life’s milestones and the growing eco-movement.

“None of this would be possible without the care I received at Deborah. I am extremely thankful to Deborah for my care, and the second lease on life I received.”