PA nurse gives back to NICU that treated her 30 years ago

ByMatteo Iadonisi
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 4:26PM
PA nurse gives back to NICU that treated her 30 years ago

BRYN MAWR, Pennsylvania -- Allyson Smyth has a unique passion for working in the NICU at Main Line Health's Bryn Mawr Hospital, having been treated there when she was born.

Karen Lenker was one of her caregivers 30 years ago. Now, she's her co-worker.

After graduating school, Smyth was mentored by Lenker in the NICU. Lenker remembered Smyth's story as soon as she saw a photo of her parents.

Recently, Smyth became a beneficiary of an anonymous $1 million donation to Bryn Mawr Hospital to aid in student debt relief.

She is looking forward to getting married and continuing her full-circle career in the years to come.

Smyth thinks of her twin brother, William, each day on the job. He passed away just one day after they were born.

Watch the video above to hear more from Smyth and Lenker on their decades-long connection.

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