See SUNNYBRAE

was the key to the title. It was the winner’s bracket final and both teams had won their first two contests. The victor would get two days off, a chance to preserve pitching, and only had to win one more game. The loser would have to win three straight.

Surprisingly, Robbinsville touched Brae ace Quino Gutierrez for three runs in the first three innings. Jonathan Posivak entered and pitched 2.1 scoreless frames to give his team a chance to rally.

“I had a big job, I had to contribute to my team,” Posivak said.

Sunnybrae took advantage of Posivak’s work. In the fourth, Dominick DeFrancis walked and Gutierrez singled. Things looked bleak when the next two batters were retired, but Cullen Bressler walked to load the bases and DeFrancis and Gutierrez both scored on wild pitches.

Still trailing 3-2 in the sixth, Gutierrez drew a leadoff walk, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Ditta’s ground out. Two walks later, JJ Bucchianico delivered the game-winning single.

“Everyone was down in the second inning,” Posivak said. “We started getting hits and just racked up the runs and JJ hit the walk-off and everybody went crazy.”

DeFrancis felt the triumph was the key to the title.

“Winning that was huge,” the centerfielder said. “We didn’t want to put ourselves in the losers bracket because we would have to pitch people every day. Robbinsville had almost no pitching (in the championship game).”

Ditta added, “That was a big win; probably the biggest win we ever had.”

“Robbinsville played the winner’s bracket game perfect and just didn’t win the game,” Riley said. “They burned Yabo (pitcher Gavin Yablonowitz) hoping to get to (the championship) game and they would have had more pitching.

“We knew the only pitcher they had (for the championship game) was (Gavin) Hopkins. We went up there and we were gonna make him throw strikes. We were gonna make him beat us. If he beats us, he beats us. If not, we’re gonna run his pitch count up. We get walks, Jonathan comes up with a timely hit (a two-run single) and we take advantage on the bases.”

Riley came back with Gutierrez — who threw a 4-inning perfect game against Nottingham in the district opener — in the title game and he bounced back from his previous subpar outing against Robbinsville. Gutierrez responded with 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out 10. Yablonowitz was his biggest problem as the slugger belted two home runs, but the right-hander was masterful against the rest of the lineup.

Gutierrez said was the difference from his first start against Robbinsville was that “I threw more strikes.”

Catcher Joey Riley confirmed that, saying, “He threw strikes. He hit his spots. It’s hard to hit him when he’s pin-pointing his spots.”

Posivak, who got the final out, said Gutierrez was “Amazing. There’s no other word. He did a great job.” Asked how it felt to be the winning pitcher in a historic game, Quino said, “It’s a big deal. It’s the first one. We’re a hard team to beat, you have to beat 13 people.”

That was evident by the offensive attack in the title game. Riley, Posivak, Ricky Bender, Ditta, Raffa Tramo and Bucchianico all scored runs, while Posivak, DeFrancis, Bressler and

Coach Rob Riley lefts the Little League District 12 trophy with the Sunnybrae Little League team. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

See SUNNYBRAE, Page 17

Because taking payments, shouldn’t be hard. Simple, made possible.

We are payments experts

The Bank of Princeton helps businesses of every size with payment processing products and services to meet all your payment acceptances needs. With a diverse range of acceptance options, we can recommend the right solution for any business. From a way to streamline your website checkout process to an in-store and mobile processing solution, we can provide the option that is right for you.

Supporting the most popular payment types.

Credit & Debit Cards EBT Gift Cards ACH & Electronic Checks

NFC & Mobile Wallets

@capitalhealthnj

HEALTH

AUGUST 2021

HEADLINES

BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM CAPITAL HEALTH

Center for Neuro-Oncology Leads New Brain Tumor Guidelines Paper and Advances Participation in Immunotherapy Trials for Glioblastoma Patients

Capital Health’s Center for Neuro-Oncology, part of Capital Institute for Neurosciences and the Capital Health Cancer Center, continues to demonstrate nationally the program’s leadership and commitment to clinical excellence. Recently, the center’s neurosurgical director, DR. NAVID REDJAL, led publication of guidelines for the treatment of brain tumors, in addition to announcing the participation of Capital Health in two new immunotherapy trials for glioblastoma patients. “Our commitment to our patients is to provide exceptional care with treatment plans specifically developed to meet each individual patient’s needs,” said Dr. Navid Redjal, director, Neurosurgical Oncology. “To offer this, we have to stay at the forefront of new options, and provide leadership in the broader medical community on what we offer patients with brain tumors. This allows us to consider what will best meet the needs of our patients, and be involved in taking care to the next level.” Dr. Redjal, who runs the program’s multi-disciplinary Brain Tumor Clinic, as well as the program’s weekly brain tumor board where patients’ care plans are all reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team of experts, was lead author on a recently published paper discussing updated evidence-based guidelines for treating brain tumors in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology. The paper, which includes co-authors from Massachusetts General Hospital, Case Western, Mount Sinai, and Emory, was part of his work with the Joint Section on Tumors of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Capital Health also recently added two new immunotherapy trials, being run by the National Cancer Institute as part of its clinical trial research program. Both trials involve immunotherapy drugs ipilimumab and nivulomab in treating glioblastoma. Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the immune system to help fight diseases, such as cancer. New approaches using immunotherapy are being tested to see how it works as part of different treatment plans. Glioblastoma is a particularly aggressive cancer that is very difficult to treat. “Immunotherapy has shown itself to be effective in treating many cancers. Glioblastoma, however has not responded to traditional immunotherapy approaches because it is what is referred to as a “cold” tumor. Unlike “hot” tumors, cold tumors are not recognized by, and do not provoke a response by, the immune system,” said Dr. Neel Gandhi, medical director, Hematologic and Oncologic Diseases, and a principal co-investigator of one of the immunotherapy trials. “In a cancer like glioblastoma, new research is focusing on turning this "cold" tumor "hot,” to then stimulate the immune system to respond and attack the tumor. This can be tested by combining immunotherapy with surgery and radiation therapy. The hope is that future immunotherapy protocols will be successful in treating glioblastoma using this approach." The Center for Neuro-Oncology participates in and develops numerous research studies and clinical trials. The goal is to help provide greater understanding, develop new methods to detect and diagnose those diseases, and focus on innovative treatments that are not broadly available to patients. Clinical trials offer patients some of the very latest in care while giving physicians and researchers the opportunity to study the safety and effectiveness of new treatments. Participation is voluntary. Our experienced neuro-oncology team carefully reviews study criteria, potential benefits, risks, and other considerations with eligible patients for enrollment into a clinical study. Once enrolled, our clinical research staff carefully monitors patients throughout the research trial and is available to answer questions. Over the last decade, Capital Health and its Institute for Neurosciences have been trusted providers of advanced neuroscience care for patients in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Some of the most complicated patients we treat are those who are diagnosed with brain tumors. For those patients, access to advanced care must be coupled with access to clinical trials and supportive services. Learn more about our Center for Neuro-Oncology at capitalneuro.org

NEW LOCATION, EXPANDED TEAM AND HOURS FOR Capital Health Primary Care–Lawrenceville

Capital Health Primary Care–Lawrenceville, part of Capital Health Medical Group and a trusted provider of primary care in eastern Mercer County, moved to a new office at The Atrium, located at 133 Franklin Corner Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. The office was previously located in the office building next to its new location. Although the office is in a new location, patients will receive care from the same trusted providers, including DR. DIANA BUSH, DR. MICHAEL DASH, and PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT JACQUELINE RITTER. DR. KHURRAM ZUBAIR and DR. SRIVANI RACHAKONDA, formerly of Capital Health Primary Care–Brunswick Avenue, have joined as well. They are available for appointments and video visits to provide check-ups, sick visits and preventive care from infants to older adults (including women’s health). The office’s phone number remains the same. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned more than ever before that finding a trusted primary care provider to manage your day-to-day medical needs is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones,” said Dr. Khurram Zubair, lead physician at Capital Health Primary Care–Lawrenceville. “Our experienced, board certified team is dedicated to providing the safest, highest quality care here in Mercer County, and our move to a larger space and expansion of services and hours further shows our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our neighbors.” In addition to office visits, all of the providers at Capital Health Primary Care–Lawrenceville offer video visit appointments using secure connections on their computers or mobile devices for routine follow-up appointments or questions about medications. They also provide easy access to experienced specialists and surgeons when necessary and the most advanced care in the region at nearby Capital Health hospitals when it is needed most–virtually everything patients need to keep them on the path to better health. Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Khurram Zubair provides care for adult patients. He has been affiliated with Capital Health for more than 20 years, including completing his internal medicine residency at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Prior to joining Capital Health Primary Care–Lawrenceville, he was part of the team at Capital Health Primary Care–Brunswick Avenue and in private practice since 1997. Dr. Zubair continues to serve as a faculty member of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Capital Health. Dr. Diana Bush is board certified in family medicine and provides care for children ages infant and older, as well as adults, including women’s health. She earned her medical degree at University of Medicine and Dentistry–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey and completed her family medicine residency at Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Michael Dash received his medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Board certified in internal medicine, he provides care for adult patients. He completed his internship at Rutgers Medical School Affiliated Hospitals (Middlesex General Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey) and the Medical Center at Princeton in Princeton, New Jersey (now Penn Medicine Princeton Health). Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Srivani Rachakonda is experienced in providing care for children ages 12 and older, as well as adults, including women’s health. She received her medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey and completed her family medicine residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pinnacle Lititz in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Physician assistant Jacqueline Ritter is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Piscataway, New Jersey. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and is a FMCSA-certified medical examiner for DOT physical examinations. All Capital Health Medical Group offices use a shared electronic medical records system, which allows providers to access medical records on a secure network, making it convenient for patients to continue their care across our network of primary and specialty care providers. Patients can also manage their health easily while using our Capital Health Medical Group patient portal, which allows them to conveniently access information about any of their office visits online. Office hours at Capital Health Primary Care–Lawrenceville are Monday, Tuesday and Friday (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Wednesday and Thursday (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.). To make an appointment at the new office, call 609.815.7270 or visit capitalhealth.org/lawrenceville for more information.

New Post-Acute Care Program from Capital Health Medical Group

For anyone who receives care in a hospital, life after discharge can be full of challenges. Depending on the age of the patient and the intensity of care he or she receives, the care path after a hospital stay can lead in a number of different directions, including short-term facilities, long-term care or home. To help bridge the gap from acute care to the varied levels of care outside the hospital, Capital Health has launched a new PostAcute Care Program that is part of Capital Health Medical Group. “The prospect of navigating health care after being discharged from the hospital can be daunting for patients and their loved ones,” said DR. JACQUELINE GETTYS, medical director of Capital Health’s Post-Acute Care Program. “I’m excited to lead the new program that aims to improve communication and coordination of care as patients transition out of the hospital so we can achieve the best possible outcomes when they get to their next level of care. While seniors are the most common patient population to be served by the program, our services are available to any patient who receives care at Capital Health.” Acute care is defined as short-term, immediate medical care that is typically for serious illness or traumatic injury. With a focus on recuperation, rehabilitation, and symptom management, Capital Health’s Post-Acute Care Program starts working to address a patient’s post-discharge needs by providing a complete assessment upon admission to Capital Health Regional Medical Center or Capital Health Medical Center–Hopewell so that goals for each patient are set from the start. To gain a better understanding of each patient’s needs, Dr. Gettys attends hospital rounds with the Transitional Care team, working with nurses, hospitalists, therapists, social workers, and case managers—virtually everyone involved in a patient’s care—to develop a personalized discharge care plan. Outside Capital Health hospitals, Dr. Gettys has established partnerships with short- and long-term care facilities in the region to ensure the best possible services are available for the next part of the patient’s health care journey after he or she is discharged. Dr. Gettys, formerly of Capital Health Primary Care–Ewing, is board certified in internal medicine and geriatric medicine. She received her medical degree at Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire and completed her residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, New York. She has been a fellow of the American College of Physicians since 2000.

Capital Health Primary Care–Ewing welcomes board certified Dr. Sylvia Bolock

DR. SYLVIA BOLOCK, board certified in family medicine, is now seeing patients at Capital Health Primary Care–Ewing, a growing primary care practice in Mercer County. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Bolock has more than 20 years of experience in providing care for adolescents (ages 16 and older), adults, and seniors. Patients who wish to schedule appointments for regular check-ups and follow-up visits to prevent illness or handle everyday medical needs can now schedule appointments with Dr. Bolock at Capital Health Primary Care–Ewing, located at 1230 Parkway Avenue, Suite 203, Ewing, NJ 08628. “It is an honor to join the Capital Health team in the effort to improve the health and well-being of community members in the greater Mercer, Bucks, and Burlington county region,” said Dr. Bolock. “I look forward to meeting new patients, learning about their health and wellness goals, and serving as a dedicated member of their health care team.” Dr. Bolock earned her medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey. She completed her family medicine residency at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, St. Luke’s Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Bolock served as a family practice physician at Geisinger Medical Group for more than 20 years. Capital Health Primary Care–Ewing consists of a highly skilled team of board certified physicians, including Dr. Carolyn Gaulker, Dr. Robert Hogan, Dr. Paul Pierrot, Dr. Tara VanHise, and Dr. Eric Williams, in addition to Dr. Sylvia Bolock, who are committed to supporting patients as they embark on the path to better health. As part of Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 500 physicians and other clinicians who offer primary and specialty care, Capital Health Primary Care–Ewing offers easy access to experienced specialists and the most advanced care in the region at nearby Capital Health hospitals. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bolock or another experienced physician on the Capital Health Primary Care–Ewing team, call 609.883.5454 or visit capitalhealth.org/ewing.

Capital Health Earns NATIONAL HONOR FOR EXCELLENCE in Treating Pancreatic Cancer

The National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) recently recognized Capital Health Cancer Center as an NPF Center for treating pancreatic cancer. After a rigorous audit, Capital Health earned this designation by demonstrating a focus on the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer—treating the whole patient—with a goal of achieving the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life. “Being named an NPF Center for the treatment of pancreatic cancer is a great honor for Capital Health, but it is even better news for patients who need our services,” said DR. CATALDO DORIA, medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center and a hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeon. “This designation is a result of the great work done by teams across disciplines at our Cancer Center every day and reaffirms Capital Health’s commitment to providing innovative, worldclass care that is close to home for patients in Central New Jersey and surrounding regions.” To earn recognition as an NPF Center, Capital Health met comprehensive standards developed by a task force of pancreatic cancer experts and patient advocates. The criteria includes having expert physicians in specialties such as gastroenterology, pancreas surgery, and interventional radiology, along with more patient-focused programs such as a pain management, behavioral health, and more. Capital Health Cancer Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center-Hopewell, is the area’s most advanced provider of cancer treatment delivered by some of the most experienced medical experts, led by medical director Dr. Cataldo Doria. At the Center, a team of physicians from related fields such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecological oncology, neurosurgery, hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, interventional GI and pulmonology, radiology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery and other specialties collaborate and provide patients with a network of physicians trained in the most complex oncology issues. For more information, visit capitalhealth.org/cancer.

KNOW THE RISK OF PANCREATIC CANCER

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancerrelated deaths in the US, with more than 48,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Though the exact cause of pancreatic cancer are not yet well understood, research studies have identified certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop the disease.

OBESE people have a 20% increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to people who are of normal weight SMOKING is associated with 20 – 30% of all pancreatic cancer cases AGE: Most people diagnosed are greater than 60 years of age

FAMILY HISTORY: 2 – 3 times increased risk if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child), is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

DIET high in red and processed meats is thought to increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer

Slightly more MEN are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than women

PANCREATIC CANCER RISK FACTORS

LONG-STANDING, (over 5 years) diabetes PANCREATITIS: Chronic or hereditary

Tramo drove in runs to give Sunnybrae a 7-0 lead.

When Yablonowitz sparked a comeback with a three-run homer, things got a little tense for the Yardville Gang.

“It got real thick in here,” Rob Riley said. “Yabo hits one out, it’s 7-3, it was the first time they started to get a little tight. There’s been a lot of talk. We have people who come out and talk to us, these guys know it’s been 64 years. They’re 12-year-old kids, when it’s four or five outs away they get tight, they get a little nervous. But at the end of the day, we got it done.”

And they did so while carrying the burden of trying to make history.

“They know, they hear it, and we didn’t shy away,” Riley said. “We had great crowds. Alumni started showing up, text messages, stuff like that. It was better to tell them ‘Hey it’s been 64 years.’ There were a couple kids on the team last year that thought they would win it, and they didn’t. So I said, ‘You can go in favored to win the tournament, that don’t mean nothing. Sunnybrae’s had favorites before. But you gotta get it done.’”

Get it done they did, with a nucleus of eight players who went undefeated at the 8- and 9-year-old level and won the District 12 Tournament as 10s. There was no 11-year-old tournament last year due to Covid 19.

“I thought we could do this,” DeFrancis said. “We’re usually the top team in our district age group, so I thought we had a shot. We just said ‘Let’s just go out and have some fun.’ We did our best.”

Joey Riley agreed, saying, “We were always the best team around. We won eights, nines and 10s so we felt pretty good about this year. This feels great. We’re such close friends, to finally come together and do something that’s never been done is great.

Posivak played on the 12-year-old team that lost two straight after reaching the winner’s bracket final in the fall, and had a different feeling about this year.

“Last year we just didn’t have the team chemistry,” he said. “This year we knew we had the chemistry. We came out every day in practice and just knew what we could do. Going into it I knew we’d make history. It’s just insane.”

Rounding the out the team are John Kemler, Nick Richter, Alan Elliott and Jayden Tirado, while Jason Ditta and Benny Tramo served as Riley’s coaches. In looking back on the long road to the title, the manager could not give enough praise to all involved, including the league, the players and, especially, the parents. “We have 13 kids that generally get along and parents that generally get along,” Riley said. “I never had one parent ever say ‘My kid should play.’ Never. The group of eight who have been with us the whole time is the most infectious group. They take the new kids and make them feel at home. We had a new guy who took someone else’s spot. The parent didn’t care, the player didn’t care. You don’t get this other places. You don’t get a team that wants to be around each other all the time. If any team deserved to break this curse, it was this team.”

Riley was right. Too often when a parent is unhappy with their child’s situation, they find other places to play. And with travel ball dominating the youth landscape, a lot of kids forsake Little League All Stars to play in showcases.

But the kids of the Brae were there to stay.

“It was just a group that’s fun to be around,” Riley said. “It starts with parents. You get a group of 13 kids and their parents that never questioned me, that rubs off on the kids. These kids want to be friends. When parents get involved that’s when teams break up and stuff. These parents wanted to keep these kids together since they were eight. They could have gone and played travel somewhere else, but all the parents said ‘No, we want to stay together for 12 year old districts and finish it off.’ These parents are special, these kids are special.”

What they accomplished was very special, and will live forever in the annals of Sunnybrae Little League. * * *

The Brae’s memorable season came to an end in the Section 3 Tournament, but the Yardville Gang still represented itself well in its first-ever 12-year-old sectional.

Sunnybrae opened with 2-0 and 10-2 wins over Milltown and Tinton Falls before falling to tournament favorite Toms River East, 5-1, in the winner’s bracket final. Sunnybrae stayed alive in the elimination bracket final by scoring four runs in the top of the sixth for a 10-7 win over Point Pleasant Beach.

But TRE lived up to its pre-tourney hype with a 3-0 victory in the championship round.

The Sunnybrae Little League District 12 team celebrates the first district title in the league’s history. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)