THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 5:30 - 9:30 pm

Location:

Address: 4700 Drexelbrook Dr, Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Emcee: Jeff Hammond

Cocktail Attire: Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail attire in - blue, purple, green, cyan - Merakey's core colors to help create a cohesive and meaningful visual experience.

Other Details:

Cocktail, hors d'oeuvres & dinner stations
Silent auction, raffles, fund-a-need
Dancing & dessert stations

Accommodations:

Holiday Inn & Suites

Address: 5400 Ferne Blvd., Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Note: The Holiday Inn & Suites is located adjacent to The Drexelbrook.

Phone: 484-461-9820

Rate: Ask for the Merakey Foundation Gala room block by September 30, 2026 (Room rate: $169 + tax).

HONORING

Mark Taglianetti founded Life Tree Pharmacy in 2005 after serving as Director of Pharmacy for several long-term care and institutional pharmacies. With more than 27 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs, he has dedicated his career to advancing integrated, patient-centered care.

A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, Mark began in retail pharmacy before discovering his passion for long-term care pharmacy, where collaboration among healthcare providers leads to better patient outcomes. In 2013, he transitioned Life Tree Pharmacy to Merakey (then NHS Enterprises) to expand access to specialized pharmacy services and improve consistency of care. Mark attributes Life Tree's success to the compassion and commitment of its team and values the partnership of Merakey's direct care staff.

He cherishes time with his wife, Linda, and children: Julia, a schoolteacher; Nanine, a pediatric nurse; and Frankie, a biomedical engineer. He also enjoys cooking, gardening, running, and listening to music.

Ed Scott

Ed Scott has dedicated his career to long-term care pharmacy since 1994, building extensive leadership experience with both family-owned and national pharmacy organizations. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science, he was among the first pharmacists in the nation to earn Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CGP) and later completed Executive Education studies at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business.

Throughout his career, Ed has served in roles ranging from pharmacy intern to VP of Operations, successfully building and growing a long-term care pharmacy. His experience spans clinical operations, managed care, medication therapy management, formulary oversight, and healthcare advocacy.

Today, Ed serves with Life Tree Pharmacy, where he is passionate about improving the health and well-being of those they serve alongside a dedicated team of pharmacy and healthcare professionals. He lives in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Kristin, and enjoys spending time with their two children.

Zacharia, Oluwafemi, and Jeyfred exemplify the partnership, compassion, and dedication that define the spirit of the Egan Courage Award. When a nonverbal individual on the Autism Spectrum with significant support needs, entered their care, the team was immediately faced with extraordinary challenges. Shortly after his arrival, they had to provide services in a temporary setting, requiring creativity, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to create a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment tailored to his needs.

When he first came into services, he was fearful, withdrawn, and unable to trust his surroundings. Through trauma-informed care, consistent routines, and a calm, supportive presence, they patiently earned his trust. Their persistence transformed moments of anxiety and isolation into opportunities for connection, comfort, and hope.

Recognizing that he needed more than supervision, the team tirelessly advocated for a living arrangement that would better support his growth and independence. Their efforts helped transition him into his own apartment, where they created a stable and comforting environment that fostered a true sense of safety and belonging. At the same time, they dedicated themselves to learning his unique communication style, carefully interpreting his gestures, expressions, and behaviors. By listening beyond words, they empowered him to express himself with greater confidence and dignity.

The team's commitment extended far beyond their scheduled responsibilities. They frequently volunteered for additional assignments to ensure his needs were consistently met and to provide continuity of care. With patience and encouragement, they introduced him to new experiences he had never enjoyed, including dining at restaurants, attending dances, participating in community activities, and competing in Special Olympics. Each success became a building block toward greater confidence, independence, and community inclusion.

The individual who once lived in fear now actively participates in his community, embraces new experiences, and enjoys a life filled with safety, belonging, and joy. By seeing beyond behaviors and focusing on his potential, they have profoundly changed the trajectory of his life. Their courage, collaboration, and unwavering belief his potential make them exceptionally deserving of recognition through the Egan Courage Award.