Connections Winter 2023

I’M HERE

John: A Father will Dance at his Daughter’s Wedding

I’M HERE

Olivia: A Mother’s Heart Heals After a Long Journey

I’M HERE

Carmen: A Grandmother’s Hopes and Dreams are Restored

THE SIT DOWN

Violet Merle McIntosh, MD Chief of Breast Surgery at Englewood Health

FACES OF PHILANTHROPY Richard Han Englewood Health Trustee

KNOW THE PROS Omicel F. Catambay, MSN, RN, PCCN-K Englewood Health Nurse Manager HAPPENINGS The

Englewood Health has delivered the highest quality healthcare to the community for more than 130 years.

Established in 1995 as a separate 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, Englewood Health Foundation raises private funds to further Englewood Health’s vision to become the regional leader in providing state-of-the-art compassionate care to the community it serves.

I’M HERE

Forty years ago, I sat at my mother’s bedside at a local hospital. I knew she was losing a three-month battle against lung cancer. An incredible team cared for her, but the truth is there were limited treatment options. One evening, a nurse on duty suggested I go home to rest. I suppose sensing my hesitation, she offered assurance that my mother would not pass that night. At 2:00 am, the call came. Returning to the hospital, that same nurse immediately took my hand. She explained that my mother could not - and would not - leave with me by her side. So, once I left, this kind nurse opened her window and let her go. It was a painful time, yet I found comfort in the compassion that allowed my mother to pass with grace.

When I was offered an opportunity years later to work in the community where my family lived and received such compassionate care, I wanted to pay it forward. Even more fitting, in this new role with the Englewood Health Foundation, I would help spearhead a campaign to raise money for a state-of-the-art cancer center. I knew I could contribute and took the job.

That campaign was a success and the Foundation continues to do good work because of you, our philanthropic partners. At Englewood Health, victories happen every day. In this issue, of Connections, we share just a few of those many inspirational stories.

I made a choice to join the Foundation 12 years ago because of my strong desire to make a difference and do what I could not do for my mother. I’m here for her, the patients you will read about and so many others who are living healthier and happier because of the work we do together.

I am incredibly grateful.

Debra

Debra Albanese Executive Vice President Englewood Health Foundation

John and his daughter, Kaitlin

A 2008 back injury robbed me of the active life I loved. Chronic pain replaced time with my family, backyard pool parties, golfing with my buddies – even loading the dishwasher. Every day was a fight. Eventually, I became depressed and withdrawn. Last year when my daughter shared the exciting news that she was engaged, my wife and I were thrilled. Yet, inside I knew – lost was the dream of walking my only daughter down the aisle.

For too many years, I sought relief from physicians and agreed to surgeries without success. With almost all hope lost, I decided to visit Englewood Health and met with Chief of Neurosurgery Kevin Yao, MD. He immediately put me at ease and we discussed a plan of action. Even though I was beyond skeptical that a fourth surgery could bring me back to health, I placed my trust in Dr. Yao. It was the right decision.

I knew after the procedure that this time was different because I was sitting up and walking almost immediately. Today, I’m here. The weight is lifted. I’m smiling for the first time in years. You better believe that I will walk my daughter down the aisle and watch out - I’m hitting the dance floor too!

The ExcelsiusGPS® is the revolutionary surgical technology that raises the bar even higher on spine surgery and helped John achieve better health and a renewed spirit.

Englewood Health is one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery according to Healthgrades and is also a 5-star recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery for the second consecutive year.

JohnTo learn more on this revolutionary robotic equipment, scan this QR code:

John, Olivia and daughter, Aria

I’m here, holding this perfect baby in my arms and watching her laugh. There is no better gift and no other place I’d rather be. Life was not always this sweet. I was accustomed to the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, but I never imagined a stage-4 cancer diagnosis in my 20s. Throughout it all, John stayed right by my side until we finally heard the words ‘cancer free.’ Soon after, we joyously walked down the aisle to become husband and wife. Plans to start our family were immediate – but far from easy.

Because of my health, we needed a surrogate. Although there were no pregnancy complications with our first surrogate, our daughter arrived stillborn at 38 weeks. The loss was devastating. My husband and I grieved for a long time. We hung on to our dream to be parents and as fate would have it, met another surrogate locally through a mutual friend. In planning for the baby’s arrival, she selected Englewood Health. I reached out to the Labor and Delivery nurse manager at the Karen and Gary Singer Family Family Birth Place. She immediately put me at ease by embracing our journey with compassion and understanding. I knew we were in the best hands as we arrived days later for a scheduled induction. This phenomenal Labor and Delivery and NICU team at Englewood Health delivered more than our beautiful Aria that day. Welcoming us like family, allowing us to be present for every moment and orchestrating the smallest details with such expertise – they delivered our future.

In its 2022 Best Hospitals for Maternity list, U.S. News & World Report named Englewood Health one of the best hospitals in the country for maternity care with their “High Performing” distinction, which fewer than half of all hospitals considered for the list earned.

Carmen Porch

Caring for others brings me true joy. I suppose it is why I chose to be a hospice nurse. Happy to allow work and raising a family fill my days, I never thought ahead to a time when I might need care. But it happened one night at work with excruciating lower abdominal pain. I was diagnosed with stage-4 endometrial cancer.

Suddenly, I was asked to make decisions about doctors, treatment and surgery. It was all so unexpected and overwhelming. As a nurse, I knew Englewood Health’s reputation for clinical excellence and patient safety. Their bloodless medicine program was particularly important to me as a Jehovah’s Witness because a blood transfusion was not an option. Even though I live in Piscataway, I chose Englewood Health and met with gynecological oncologist and surgeon Nimesh Nagarsheth, MD. No distance is too far to travel for peace of mind. After chemotherapy, a complete hysterectomy and several months of immunotherapy, I optimistically closed this chapter. Although it did not stay that way for long.

A routine CT scan just a year later revealed an enlarged abdominal lymph node, and a biopsy confirmed my worst fear – cancer had returned. I immediately began immunotherapy treatment again. Despite this grueling journey, I am blessed and grateful. An amazingly gifted and compassionate clinical team gives me hope, and the stress from many medical bills is eased with the help of The Jonathan and Robyn Lefcourt Financial Navigation Program and The Alice Youngman Fund. This experience rewarded me with downtime, reigniting my passion for creative writing. I’m here feeling good in body, mind and spirit!

The Sit Down

Violet M. McIntosh, MD | Chief of Breast Surgery at Englewood Health

In the early 1990s when Violet M. McIntosh, MD, completed her surgical residency, she was among very few females in the field. It is not a statistic she noticed. As a surgical intern conducting ambulatory surgery rotations, her attention was square on the many breast cancer patients she met. She quickly realized that the emotional, social and psychological impacts of breast cancer were as important as the clinical. Addressing that fact is where Dr. McIntosh felt she could really make a difference. She was right.

Any one of her countless patients will agree that Dr. McIntosh is a star in the operating room, but shines even brighter when it comes to helping them cope with the rigors of this disease. Dr. McIntosh says the ability to deliver peace of mind fuels her. And she seems to always have a full tank.

We sat down with Dr. McIntosh on her 25th anniversary with the health system to learn more about why she’s here.

Do you remember your first day at Englewood Health 25 years ago today?

I sure do! I immediately felt the camaraderie and admired the unique way various subspecialities worked together in the best interest of the patient. That mattered to me then and it matters to me now. I’m here 25 years later because Englewood Health feels like a family in the way we care for each other and our patients. Of course, the health system has grown tremendously since then, but that personalized level of care remains.

Speaking of growth, let’s talk about the recently announced Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship. This is a wonderful development. When I finished my surgical residency in 1993, I looked far and wide to find a fellowship. I finally found one in Boston. While fellowships are more prevalent today, there are less than a handful in New Jersey. In fact, our one-year fellowship is the first in Bergen County. We are very excited to offer this training opportunity to young surgeons.

Why is a program like this important for patients? The founding of this program, which is accredited by the Society of Surgical Oncology, is a testament to the range of our breast care services. It also highlights Englewood Health’s commitment to supporting an emerging generation of breast surgeons, as well as exemplary patient care through teaching and research. I am very proud to be a part of it.

After 25 years practicing at Englewood Health, has a lot changed for you?

Twenty-five years ago, I fully expected that medicine would evolve over time. I was eager to be a part of that and still am. We are always finding better ways to treat patients, which is so rewarding. It is also challenging and I love that. Look at The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Health. The care here is second to none. We are always raising the bar higher in what we can do for patients through technology, medicine and clinical talent. There are many reasons for that, but philanthropy plays a key role.

How important is philanthropy to what you do?

I recognize the impact and it is why I choose to be a Physician Partner. The power of philanthropy has a very real and meaningful benefit to patients. Everyone can and should do something. For Walk for Awareness this year, Dr. Leong and I formed a group with others here at the hospital. Our group, The Best of the Breast, was the top fundraising group! My church youth group of almost 40 walked with us.

Is the youth group something that keeps you busy outside the operating room?

Yes, and believe it or not, I love camping with my youth group! We go two or three times a year and every five years we attend a huge international campery of more than 65,000. It’s quite an adventure.

unwind

FACES of

philanthropy

Cresskill resident and financial investment professional Richard Han is an avid golfer who works hard to hit fairways and greens. When asked, he can quickly call to mind any one of many memorable milestones in his game. But there was one day on the 17th tee in 2017 that Richard says had the biggest impact by far. “I started feeling strange, like I pulled a muscle in my chest,” he explains. “By the time I reached the next tee, I was pretty winded, sweating and unable to stand.” With the help of course staff, he made his way to the clubhouse, although symptoms did not improve. Richard’s foursome that day included long-time friends and Englewood Health Trustees who insisted on taking him to Englewood Hospital immediately. He arrived within minutes to the Emergency Department and quickly received a completely unexpected diagnosis. At just 47 years old with no family history, Richard was having a heart attack.

Thankfully, the proximity of the golf course allowed for speedy access to award-winning cardiac care. Richard is confident this saved his life. For this husband and father of three, this experience emphasized the importance of quality healthcare and re-awakened a personal commitment to service. “The truth is that until this health scare, I didn’t really appreciate the value of having such a high-caliber health system in reach. I took it for granted,” admits Richard. If that was once true, it is no longer. Today, as an Englewood Health Trustee, Richard enjoys the opportunity to help advance the health system’s collective mission to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality care. He firmly believes that philanthropy is a differentiator that allows for the most cutting-edge technology, brightest clinical talent, and essential preventive and diagnostic programs. “These must-haves for our community are the hallmark of an outstanding health system and only possible thanks to the generosity of donors. It is a fact that is crystal clear to me now and why I choose to support the Foundation,” says Richard.

Richard Han, Englewood Health Trustee

the Pros

Englewood Health Nurse Manager Omi Catambay, MSN, RN, PCCN-K, jokes that he wears roller skates on most days. With four young daughters, it is easy to imagine how zipping around on wheels might prove an asset. The busy pace continues for Omi on Englewood Hospital’s Dean 6. Since joining the health system in 2019, Omi’s broad scope of responsibility centers on close collaboration with his team and helping ensure greater patient outcomes. It is a mission that he thoroughly embraces and one that he aspired to from an early age. “A career in nursing was my dream. Coming from a family of nurses, I’ve always viewed this profession as extremely rewarding and one that provides so many different paths of opportunity,” he explains.

Omi shares that one early and significant opportunity came in nursing school. There, he met his wife, Ly-Ann, who is a pediatric nurse. He started his career on the frontlines and soon after chose to continue his education by pursuing a master’s degree in nursing leadership and management. That decision ultimately led him to Englewood Health to complete his clinical residency. “I was immediately struck by the intimate culture here at Englewood Health. It was very clear to me how that culture translated to delivering a higher level of care and patient satisfaction. It is why I am here,” he says.

Omi has also been on the receiving end of that care – times four – with the birth of each of his daughters. He knows firsthand how nurses can shape the healthcare experience through good work, compassion and commitment. “I am continually impressed by a remarkable environment of teamwork and innovation. It is a privilege to work alongside incredible nurses who consistently rise to the next level,” Omi explains. He credits community support and investment in The Kaplen Institute for Nursing Excellence at Englewood Health for continuing to raise the bar on nursing excellence. “Support from our community allows us the ability to be incredibly innovative in our care, recruit high-caliber individuals, and educate and empower our nurses.”

Omicel F. Catambay, MSN, RN, PCCN-K, Englewood Health Nurse Manager

HAPPENINGS

From every corner of the community, supporters of the Englewood Health Foundation are stepping up to ensure that patients and families have access to the highest quality care. Here is just some of what is happening to benefit Englewood Health patients throughout the region.

WALK FOR AWARENESS

Hundreds joined the Englewood Health Foundation for the 2022 Walk for Awareness on October 23. Outstanding community support raised more than $230,000 to provide diagnostic and treatment services for uninsured and underinsured patients at The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Health.

Left to Right: Honorary Co-Chair Jen Maxfield, Englewood Health President and CEO Warren Geller, Honorary Co-Chair Trish McEvoy

MINDFUL MOMENTS

Winner! Fourteen-year-old Bobby Park recently won Bridge Opticians’ monthly raffle, where customers can direct their winnings to a charity of choice. Along with a matched gift and $250 he raised, Bobby donated $2,250 to support The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center at Englewood Health.

Winner!

A COMMUNITY THAT CARES

The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center at Englewood Health proudly received new plush blankets to comfort cancer patients. This generous donation is thanks to the ongoing support of Town Motors and the Subaru Loves to Care program.

HOLIDAY ELVES SPREAD CHEER

Brownies from Girl Scout Troop 98006 in Bergen County spread holiday cheer with art packages containing homemade crayons and coloring sheets as a gift for patients at Englewood Health.

Bobby Park (left) with members of the Englewood Health family during the check presentation

Subaru of Englewood at The Lefcourt Family Treatment and Wellness Center

Brownies from Girl Scout Troop 98006 in Bergen County

Moments before Tracy walked into the operating room, she put on her red lipstick and a big smile, hugged her family and promised her son that she would be in the front row for his Division 1 national baseball showcase. Just a few weeks earlier, this family’s world was turned upside down with Tracy’s breast cancer diagnosis. Thanks to her Englewood Health clinical team, Tracy kept her promise.

I’M HERE.

As I sat in the stadium watching my son at bat in the country’s premier baseball showcase, I held my breath. This moment was a gift. A celebration and a victory for us both – thanks to Englewood Health.

Tracy

Make a gift to honor an Englewood Health caregiver. Please visit EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org or scan the below QR code with your smartphone.

Tracy’s son, Ben Fishel

It was an evening to remember as hundreds joined the Englewood Health Foundation for the Standing Ovation Gala 2022! Congratulations to Honorees David L. Abramson, MD, and Lynne and Marty Zaikov. An enormous thank you goes to our many supporters for helping raise more than $1.4 million for Englewood Health and the patients it serves.

Scan this QR code to view the highlights video from the evening.

350 Engle Street Englewood, NJ 07631

EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org

Saturday, September 9, 2023 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

THE GLASSHOUSE 660 12th Avenue, New York, NY HONOREES WARREN GELLER GREGG LOBEL, MD