Winter 2013
ALSO INSIDE: A Healthy Aging Primer Soothing Pediatric Rooms New Trustees Navigators, Liaisons and Bargain Boxers
Fine-tuning Family Fun
The Kids4Kids Committee – the Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Group – has grown expert when it comes to entertaining kids and raising funds for Goryeb Children’s Hospital. The 4th annual Family Fun Day, on November 17, 2012, drew 152 kids and netted over $12,000 for Goryeb needs – a dramatic climb from year one’s $2,800 profit. Sponsorships climbed, too, building from three in 2009 to 17 in 2012. This year’s proceeds will help to fund an iPad recharging cart and the Valerie Fund Children’s Center birthday club, which provides gift cards to patients on their special day.
Family Fun BY THE NUMBERS Volunteers 221 Dollars raised since 2009 Goody bags filled and distributed
521
Teddy bear check-ups by child life specialists
469
Gallons of green slime
Photos: Jayne DePontes
$35,685
8
Photo: Sal Benedetto
MD Dr. Mulford is medical director of Atlantic Rehabilitation Services and chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Morristown Medical Center. Recognized by his peers as a ‘Top Doctor’ in New Jersey, Dr. Mulford has lectured on strength training, weight reduction and performance enhancement in athletes. Here, he explains the art and science of healthy aging as presented at the annual Brookfield Society Luncheon, held this past October.
a primary care physician who will know you as a person, instead of just an illness. A doctor who knows your entire health history – including health risk factors – can advise you better in preventive care. Preventing illness is the most powerful care available at any age and becomes even more crucial for optimal health as we age.
Q: What assessments need to be done as we get older? A: Everyone needs to monitor for risk factors by
checking blood pressure and body mass index (to gauge obesity, diabetes and cholesterol) and by looking at unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking and drug use. Genomic testing – studying DNA sequence – is a relatively new way to evaluate a person’s risks for illness. Gene testing is now becoming more mainstream and is helpful in detecting many different conditions, such as breast and other cancers, and in guiding treatment decisions.
Q: What forms of exercise are better for older adults? A: People usually think of aerobic exercise when
they talk about health and fitness. Aerobic exercise is good for heart health and overall fitness, but it doesn’t strengthen muscles, improve flexibility or increase balance. Resistance exercise is a must for
everyone. Aquatic exercise is an excellent choice as we get older for both aerobic and strength benefits because of the resistance of the water. It’s easier on the joints than running or walking, particularly for people with arthritis.
Q: Everyone has seen the food pyramid since grade school. Is there anything different we should know about it now? A: There is more emphasis on foods that offer anti-
inflammatory benefits for optimum heart and joint health. Inflammation used to be identified only in its acute form related to trauma: when something is red, hot and swollen. Now we know that chronic inflammation can affect our blood vessels, joints, heart and other organs. A diet rich in antioxidants, fish oils, flaxseed, whole grains, fresh vegetables and legumes has proven to reduce chronic inflammation and promote good health for many reasons.
Q: Is Human Growth Hormone the new magic bullet to transcend age? A: It is a very powerful hormone that is produced
in our body and, as we age, our natural levels decline. Supplements of human growth hormone do give us a benefit against the aging process, but it’s not selective in how it will ramp up cell metabolism in our body. Use of growth hormone could accelerate cancer growth and lead to many other health problems. Currently, the risks are not worth the benefit.
Viewpoint
Q: Why is having a primary care physician a key to healthy aging? A: It’s important to establish a relationship with
f4mmc.org · 3
Riding a merry-go-round, eating cotton candy, and splashing in the ocean are fond memories for any child and also a perfect distraction while in the hospital undergoing a painful medical treatment. The Starlight Children’s Foundation Site Care Rooms program transforms pediatric treatment rooms with themed designs, such as the beach scene recently unveiled in the new Dorothy Ross Comfort Room at Goryeb Children’s Hospital.
Photo: Media Services
FacesinPhilanthropy To plan an event of your own, call Michelle Meszaros at 973.593.2417.
Starlight’s Day at the Beach
Pictured above at the room’s unveiling: (l-r) Roger Shiffman, Starlight’s global board chairman; Fran Drigun, Atlantic Health’s director of women’s and children’s services; Elaine Siver, Starlight’s executive director; Michele HallDuncan, Starlight’s vice president of programs; and room donors Diane and Richard Ross
A Superlative Notion Who could get $250,000 for a pair of Super Bowl tickets? The Women’s Association (WAMMC) of course. Determined to help kids eat right and stay fit, WAMMC has set out to sell 2,500 raffle tickets at $100 each for the 2014 Meadowlandsbound game with proceeds earmarked for the Kid-FIT program at Goryeb Children’s Hospital. The raffle winner, to be announced in May, will receive two tickets and $1,000 in Visa gift cards. “It’s a wonderful link between the Super Bowl, which celebrates the height of athleticism, and a program at the hospital that instills the importance of fitness and healthy eating for all kids,” says Beth Wipperman, WAMMC president. To purchase a raffle ticket, go to wammc.org.
Richard and Diane Ross contributed $50,000 to Starlight through the Frances Davis Fund, a nonprofit organization designed to help children that was set up by Mr. Ross’s grandmother. Mr. Ross was thrilled with the results: tranquil beach scenes mounted on the walls, a boardwalk and ocean waves painted underfoot and a large crab embedded into the floor. “Unfortunately, as a kid I went through a surgery and was not in an atmosphere like this,” says Mr. Ross. “To make it less scary for a child is very appealing to me.” Needles and syringes that were once in sight are concealed in new cabinets, while a wall-mounted flat screen television and an iPad loaded with games help a child’s mind wander to other things. “People young and old respond to these types of environments,” says Lisa Ciarrocca, systems manager of Child Life for Goryeb. “Bright colors and cheery paintings can be a critical factor in a child’s sense of security and perception of pain.”
Close at Heart Medical supplies, baby clothing and stuffed animals may not sound like glamorous gifts but when 20 boxes arrived at the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, it was like Christmas in October for the doctors, nurses and patients in need of these basic goods. The humanitarian effort was a joint initiative among Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, Mended Hearts (a nonprofit organization serving people with heart disease), the Kids4Kids Youth Philanthropy Committee and the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center. The nurses on the third floor of Gagnon rallied together with the local chapter of Mended Hearts to raise $5,000 for mailing costs. Plans to offer management expertise to the Kabul hospital are now in the works.
4 · f4mmc.org
Readying the shipment: (l-r) Nicole Borowsky, Mark McDonnell, Ryan McDonnell, George Pometti, past president of the Morristown chapter of Mended Hearts, and Kurt Borowsky
Getting a double purpose out of a donation of 10 new iPads required some fancy footwork. A $5,000 donation from the NJ SIM Foundation, Inc., which focuses on serving the information technology needs of the state’s nonprofit organizations, recently funded 10 new iPads for the Child Life Program at Goryeb Children’s Hospital. Before delivery to the hospital, the new technology was routed to the Hanover Marriott to be used at the Goryeb 10th Anniversary celebration. Goryeb graduates with iPad donors from NJ SIM Foundation Ten former patients of Goryeb Children’s Hospital walked around with the iPads during the cocktail reception so that guests could view the hospital’s website, a 10-year timeline of milestones, and a list of other events related to its anniversary celebration. “This was a nice touch for the evening,” says 19-year-old Samantha Stewart, a former thyroid patient at Goryeb and member of the Kids4Kids committee. “The guests were interested to see how far the hospital had come in 10 years.” Now being used with the Child Life Program at the hospital, the iPads are an invaluable distraction for children who play games, watch movies and listen to music while awaiting surgery or treatment. Doctors are also able to download videos and show a child what is going to happen during a procedure or surgery to ease some anxiety.
A Loving Remembrance Investing in medical staff education helps Priscilla Welles keep the memory of her father, Dr. Eugene Watkins, former chief of surgery, alive at Morristown Medical Center. Mrs. Welles, along with other generous donors, funded the Distinguished Lecture Series for a second year in a row, featuring Fabrizio Michelassi, MD, a world-renowned surgeon specializing in gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers, as the Dr. Eugene Watkins Visiting Professor. Held this past November, the two-day event included a dinner, lecture and Grand Rounds for the surgical staff and residents. “His exemplary surgical technique and devoted patient care set the bar high for those who followed him,” says Mrs. Welles. “He prized education and had a thirst for knowledge that never left him. The lecture series seems like a fitting way to honor him.” Priscilla Welles and her father, Dr. Eugene Watkins, at age 92
When kids are in the hospital for long periods of time, the unexpected gift of a new game or favorite toy can really make their day. This premise inspired the first annual Swim-a-Thon held at Harbor Hills Day Camp last August. As 500 campers swam up and down the pool, their parents donated money for each lap, raising more than $2,000 for Goryeb Children’s Hospital. “We want to instill in our campers the need to help those less fortunate,” says Herb Tannenbaum, PhD, owner of Harbor Hills Day Camp. “We know the money raised will go far in purchasing merchandise to help bring a smile to kids with long-term illnesses at the hospital.” Pictured: (l-r) Jim Quinn, the Foundation’s chief development officer; Fran Drigun, Atlantic Health’s director of women’s and children’s services; David Shulkin, MD, president of Morristown Medical Center; Herb Tannenbaum, PhD, owner of Harbor Hills Day Camp, Kim E. Rodgers of Harbor Hills, and Lisa Ciarrocca, systems manager of Child Life for Goryeb.
Photo: Media Services
Pooling Their Resources
f4mmc.org · 5
Photo: Chris Marksbury
The iPad Shuffle
FacesinPhilanthropy
Twigs Strengthen Patient Care Twigs are known for their fragility, but the Twigs of the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) are strong and hearty and, with two new groups added this year, they continue to thrive. The new Knitting with Love Twig is making lap blankets for patients at the hospital, and the new Rolling Hills Twig raised $1,159 through two Zumba on the beach fundraisers at Shongum Lake in Randolph. The monies helped purchase breast pump lactation guides for Sam’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The Cromwell Olive Twig donated six iPads and accessories for the Barbara D. Tomlinson Medical Intensive Care Unit as well as $2,000 for the WAMMC scholarship fund. Seven other iPads were also donated by the Harding, Madchatters, Spring Brook and Township Twigs for use throughout the hospital.
Other Twig donations this year: •C hatham $500 to the Pet Therapy Program, $1,000 to the Child Life Program. •H arding $6,231 for the Gagnon Children’s Emergency Center to purchase coloring books, two scales, and a transilluminator light for the NICU. •S pring Brook Baby clothes donated to the NICU valued at $1,000. •T ownship $1,500 for Integrative Medicine in Oncology and $4,000 for Palliative Care “It’s all of these little touches that make a big difference for the hospital,” says Twig Chair Gayle Khoury.
Rolling Hills Twig’s Zumba on the beach fundraiser
Full House Straight flushes were plentiful, but a generous spirit ruled the tables at the Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament sponsored by Villa Enterprise and Scotto Properties, held this past fall, at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. The charity event, dinner and awards ceremony raised $32,500 for the Carol W. and Julius A. Rippel Breast Center. More than 100 attendees listened to Florham Park resident Laurie Spiegel as she spoke of the extraordinary care she received from the doctors, nurses and staff at the breast center while undergoing treatment in 2011. “Having this facility only seven miles from my home was incredible,” says Ms. Spiegel. “The state-of-the-art equipment and procedures were excellent along with the doctors who helped to save my life.”
To plan an event of your own, call Michelle Meszaros at 973.593.2417.
Spirits Soar At Grand Tasting 2012, sponsored by Gary’s Wine and Marketplace at the Park Avenue Club, more than 500 guests gathered to sample food and wine from around the world. The fact that the event raised $6,000 for Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute and Atlantic Home Care & Hospice made it that much more satisfying. “We’ve been doing this fundraiser for 26 years now and during that time have been able to donate more than half a million dollars to Morristown Medical Center and others in the community,” says Gary Fisch, owner of Gary’s Wine and Marketplace. “It has always given us a good feeling to give back.” 6 · f4mmc.org
Gary and Liz Fisch at Grand Tasting 2012
Photo: Media Services
Tee Up for Charity The Morristown Rotary Club continued its steady support of the hospital with its 12th annual Golf Outing at the NJ National Golf Club in Basking Ridge this past June. The organization raised $14,000 for the Geriatric Assessment Center, which is expected to open in July 2013. The new center will enhance the quality of life for seniors through comprehensive diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up care. Pictured: (l-r) Trish O’Keefe, RN, chief nursing officer; Dr. Arthur Sheppell; Rusty Schommer, Rotary president; and Dr. Marc Benton
Think Pink It took a good amount of precision and a little bit of patience to apply hundreds of pink hair extensions, but the stylists at Laboratory Hair Studio in Morristown had fun while raising money for a good cause. This creative fundraiser for breast cancer kicked off this past September at the 2012 Morristown Festival on the Green and continued throughout October as salon clients purchased the extensions for $10 each. Donating $3,700 to Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, owner Mark Kuzma said: “A lot of our clients have been affected by breast cancer, and we saw this as a great way to help.”
Kind regards, Rob O’Leary
y Kusn Shelle Photo:
As I sat with my son Tim in his hospital room celebrating Thanksgiving (even though he was unable to eat the traditional Thanksgiving feast – Jell-O does not qualify!), I could not help but think about the meaning of the two words that make up “Thanksgiving.” Thanks: grateful thoughts; an expression of gratitude. Giving: to devote or apply completely; to make a present of … I wanted to say “Thanks” and formally express my family’s gratitude to all who helped Tim from the time we arrived at the Emergency Department through his surgeries and discharge. In addition to [his] doctors, the residents and the integrated health team, I wanted to give a shout out to the nurses and administrators on Jefferson 1 South who were all so “giving.” As the days went on, it became apparent that the nurses and nursing assistants genuinely and completely care about what they do on a daily basis. As an expression of our gratitude, please accept the enclosed unrestricted gift to be used as the Foundation sees fit (although some additional sleeper chairs would be nice!).
etz
Giving Thanks
Stefania Sharkey applies a pink extension to Toniann Biamonte’s hair.
Midlife Maintenance Many women sail through adulthood only to hit hard that brick wall of hot flashes, weight gain and moodiness. In response to these common midlife ailments, the hospital launched the Menopause Center of New Jersey. The doors opened this past fall at 101 Madison Avenue with the help of De Snook, of Bernardsville, who donated the first leadership gift toward the new center. “Many women need to function at a high level during midlife when their careers and family are at full throttle,” says MaryJo Peay, RN, APN, integrative nurse practitioner at the center. “It’s all about hormone balance and adjusting lifestyle and diet to look and feel your best.” f4mmc.org · 7
Focus on... Maternity It had been a normal pregnancy for Aileen De Guzman, and she began to progress through the stages of labor in the Maternity Center at Morristown Medical Center. “All of a sudden the room started spinning, and I couldn’t breathe,” she says. The nurse caring for her knew immediately to set off all emergency protocols. This single act saved Mrs. De Guzman’s life. The cause of her distress was diagnosed as an amniotic fluid embolism, which typically has an 80 percent fatality rate. “It was explained to me that some debris from the amniotic fluid traveled through the uterine vein into my lungs and ultimately caused my breathing problems,” says Mrs. De Guzman. “I passed out and woke up briefly while being transported to the operating room. Then I passed out again and woke up in the ICU the next day. That’s when I found out I had a baby boy.” Coming out of this potentially tragic situation with a healthy baby and mother points to the meticulous emergency procedures, state-of-the-art technology and highly trained nursing staff on hand in a maternity center that
swelling that did occur and prevented brain damage. “What was amazing to me was that the reaction in this emergency was almost like a perfectly choreographed ballet,” says Dr. Hersh. “All the pieces fell into place. There was never a panic; it was incredibly calm and orderly. Strangely, it was a very positive experience because you knew you were doing everything you could do, and it was all working.” While Mrs. De Guzman’s high-risk delivery was unexpected, many women turn to Morristown Medical Center because complications are expected. Take the case of maternity patient Yolanda Ghanime, who delivered her son prematurely at 34 weeks because of placenta percreta, a rare condition in which the placenta erodes through the back wall of the uterus and requires a complicated, high-risk surgery. “A team of experts was assembled for my surgery and C-section,” says Mrs. Ghanime. “My son was born at 5½ pounds, a good weight for him considering he was so early. Everyone was a life-saver to me. I really didn’t know how this was going to turn out.” For most women, however, routine birthing experiences are the norm. This vast majority of mothers is able to take advantage of the spa-like environment, private rooms and the new labor and delivery areas with birthing tubs. Karen Galluzzo, RN, who has worked in the Labor and Delivery Department for 10 years, chose a water birth with the delivery of her —Dr. Corey Bosin second baby this past summer. “If I decided to have a third child, I would is classified as a Level III Regional Perinatal Center. With have a water birth again,” says Mrs. Galluzzo. “I had maternal-fetal specialists available around the clock, wonderful midwifery care in one of the safest maternity Mrs. De Guzman had access to expertise that is second centers around. It was the best of both worlds.” to none in the area. What’s more, the entire team trained Midwife JoAnn Yates, who assisted Mrs. Galluzzo in rigorously in obstetrical emergencies through the OB/GYN her delivery, notes the benefits of water births: “Studies Safety Initiative, funded by Barry and Jan Zubrow. are pretty clear that women who use water immersion “Everyone knew where they had to be and what they seem to be able to avoid epidurals and episiotomies. Less had to do,” says OB/GYN Judith Hersh, MD, who along intervention is definitely a benefit.” with partner Corey Bosin, MD, had been an integral part “Women are seeking out our services because we offer of the patient’s prenatal and postpartum care team. “This this as an alternative for pain management,” she adds. center is in a league of its own,” says Dr. Bosin. “No one The integrative medicine program, made possible can compare with what we have from the top down in by support from David and Mary Beth Lohuis, has also being equipped to care for critically ill pregnant patients.” helped many women alleviate pain and stress during and After Mrs. De Guzman’s emergency C-section, experts after labor. Techniques include aromatherapy, relaxation/ from Sam’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stepped breathing techniques, yoga, hypnosis, Jin Shin Jyutsu in for her newborn. A mother’s oxygen level usually drops and massage. dramatically with this kind of embolism, resulting in New moms also take advantage of the award-winning death or severe neurological damage for the baby. Lactation Consultant Program, funded in large part by “We had two systems in place in our emergency Dick and Cathy Herbst. The program is staffed by nurses protocols that, without a doubt, saved this mother and who are board-certified lactation consultants. baby’s life,” says Dr. Bosin. First-time mom Jaclyn Kaufmann had read a lot about First, an anesthesiologist continuously monitored breastfeeding, but to have an expert on staff stopping by Mrs. De Guzman’s oxygen levels and kept them stable. to check on her and give advice was very beneficial. This simple procedure circumvented severe neurological “It just put me at ease to have this resource,” says damage for the baby. Second, the neonatologist placed Mrs. Kaufmann. “I was able to relax and have confidence the baby on a cooling blanket in the NICU for 72 hours. that I was fulfilling my most important responsibility: This emergency protocol alleviated the slight amount of taking care of my baby to the best of my ability.”
“ This center is in a league of its own. No one can compare with what we have in being equipped to care for critically ill patients.”
8 · f4mmc.org
The Renovation’s
Last Stage Deliveries at the Maternity Center increased by more than 10 percent in the last six years. This growing demand led to the center’s $12 million renovation, which is now in its final stages. Unfortunately, sheer volume has forced the hospital to place some expectant mothers in the un-renovated section, creating a have vs. have-not situation. An estimated $2.7 million is still needed to complete the project. If you can help, please contact Mary Ellen Graf, major gifts officer, at 973.593.2405.
After
Before
Before
After
Before
Photos: Shelley Kusnetz, Buckl Architects and Richard Titus of Titus Photographics
After
f4mmc.org · 9
A Place for Peace The new Weinstein Inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care Center, expected to open in 2014, will help patients and their families cope with death by experiencing it as a natural closure that, when done properly, can bring an unexpected comfort to those left behind. Recently, several donors have come on board to see to the completion of the proposed 11-bed unit, which will be located within the medical center. Virginia Moriarty, who has given a generous donation, Renderings of the center’s patient room and family lounge
believes that caregivers who are trained in helping patients die are an important part of medical care: “The time before death should be filled with positive memories for the family.” At the request of Nancy and Bob Boye, the Boye Foundation, Inc., has also donated toward palliative care. “Our daughter died in the hospital,” says Mr. Boye. “We are certainly in favor of improvements in this area so that everyone has the ability to die with dignity.” Monies were also raised by the Township Twig who hosted Mary Lou Quinlan in a benefit performance adapted from
NewsofNote
her book The God Box, which describes the impact of her
10 · f4mmc.org
Guiding Lights Advances in health care have saved millions of lives over the last few decades. However, with more treatment options come more decisions, shifting a patient’s focus from getting well to navigating a confusing array of choices and actions. Enter patient-navigation services whose mission is to guide patients and their families through an increasingly complex medical system. Navigators help patients receive prompt care by assisting with such tasks as the coordination of doctor’s appointments, the filing of insurance papers and even the scheduling of rides to and from the hospital. Recognizing patient navigation services as a critical component of overall patient care, the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer recently announced that, to meet new accreditation requirements, all cancer centers must offer these services by 2015. Morristown Medical Center invested in navigation services several years ago when hiring a gastrointestinal nurse navigator at the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and another navigator to assist patients at the Carol W. and Julius A. Rippel Breast Center. Grateful patient Tom Marino made generous gifts this year and last toward the GI navigator position because of the extraordinary care he received from Aaron H. Chevinsky, MD, during an
late mother’s letters.
emergency operation. “He saved my life,” says Mr. Marino. “I know that navigation services is a program that he wants supported, so if that’s what he wants, that’s what I’ll do.” Looking to add navigation services to palliative care, donor Bev Afonso and another anonymous donor recently offered their financial support for this new position. Mrs. Afonso had found it difficult to keep on top of the little things when helping her husband during his last days battling brain cancer: “I am hoping that this new position will help people like me who didn’t know who to call or where to go for assistance.” To kick off funding for a new navigator position at the Women’s Cancer Center, donor and volunteer Mary Lou Mauro recently hosted a coffee reception with Daniel Tobias, MD, speaking about the vital need for navigation services in this area. In addition to funds raised at the reception, a substantive anonymous gift came in toward this position. “Morristown Medical Center is committed to providing an environment that encourages healing and patient support,” says Ms. Mauro. “The nurse navigator will be a critical component to assuring that all patients who require navigator assistance will be able to receive it.”
Corporate and Foundation Sponsors Gold Barclays Hi Touch R Baby Foundation Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center Silver Atlantic Health System Buckl Architects Emergency Medical Associates Francis Cauffman
Photos: Sal Benedetto and Chris Marksbury
Gala Glitters The camaraderie was palpable to the more than 500 guests at the10th anniversary celebration of Goryeb Children’s Hospital. Public tribute was given to several generous donors and, when everyone in the room came to their feet in a roar of applause for Joseph P. Goryeb, eyes glistened. To commemorate the hospital’s first decade of service to the community, the Foundation held a dinner and fundraiser in October at the Hanover Marriott. Mr. Goryeb served as the honorary chairman for the evening, which raised more than $180,000 to benefit the Joan and Edward Foley Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Pediatric Inpatient Unit and The Farris Family Center for Advanced Medicine in Pediatrics. The evening included a four-course meal created and presented by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef,” a silent auction, and a presentation honoring hospital benefactors Jill and David Farris, R Baby Foundation and the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center. “The expertise of our staff, the expansion of our specialty services and our technological capabilities give us many reasons to celebrate,” says Walter Rosenfeld, MD, chair of pediatrics at Goryeb. Pictured above: A birthday serenade for Joe Goryeb and (l-r) Dr. Walter Rosenfeld and wife Lynne, Dr. David Shulkin, the Foundation’s Bonnie Gannon, and R Baby’s Phyllis and Andrew Rabinowitz
Pictured left: The Farris Family Pictured below: The audience applauds representatives from the Women’s Association
Individual Sponsors Silver Steven and Bonnie Holmes Bronze Michael and Dori Ellsworth Steve and Lauren Hollender David and Mary Beth Lohuis Ajay and Debbie Nagpal Les and Eileen Quick Deborah D. Visconi Michael and Janine Webb Kim and Finn Wentworth Maryanne Wood Friend Patti and David Aresty Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Atlas Drs. Elizabeth and David Baorto Harvey Bennett, MD Deborah C. Block, MD Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Carr Robert Donnelly Stacy and Thomas Eng Anne Evans Estabrook and Peter R. Grimm Glen Goryeb Dr. Juan Gutierrez and Dr. Marina Jaramillo Steven and Debby Halpern Drs. Eric and Lorraine Lazar Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, and John Hallacy Mr. Andrew J. and Dr. Robyn Murphy James M. Porfido, Attorny at Law, LLC Michael and Susanne Ricca Dr. Joel and Mrs. Susan Rosh Nancy and Nelson Schaenen, Jr. Ellen and Martin Sperber Vincent and Katherine Teti Paul and Doris Zoch
Mid-Atlantic Neonatology Associates New Jersey Fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey Pediatric Eye Physicians Spinnaker Foundation Summit Pediatrics Bronze Anesthesia Associates of Morristown Axispoint Becton Dickenson The Eckroth Planning Group, Inc. Faith West Events J P Morgan Laufer, Delena, Cadicina, Jensen & Boyd, LLC, Attorneys at Law Morristown New Jersey SIM Foundation Toyota of Morristown Toyota Motor Sales USA Watson Pharmaceuticals Wyndham Worldwide Friend Wm. Blanchard Co. C. Moschella Builders, Inc. Creative Wallcoverings and Interiors Denville Pediatrics Garden State Urology John P. Connor, MD, FRCS © and David L. Taylor, MD, FACS The Hidden Pond Foundation Hospital Central Services Cooperative, Inc. IBEW Local Union 102 Jackson Lewis, LLP Jacobs Levy Equity Management McKesson Meade Johnson Nutritionals The Medicines Company Mid-Atlantic Surgical Associates Morristown Pathology Associates The Park Savoy PWI Engineering, Inc. Quest Diagnostics Red Hook Management RoNetco Supermarkets Ross Rosenthal and Company, LLC Welsh, Chester, Galiney, Matone Inc. Wolff & Samson, PC
f4mmc.org · 11
Liam’s Legacy Thanks to a recent $150,000 donation from the Liam’s Room, Inc., Foundation, a new pediatric palliative care room at Goryeb Children’s Hospital will have the look and feel of a child’s bedroom to help seriously ill patients feel more at home. Liam’s Room, Inc. was founded by Lisa and Peter McNamara, of Westfield, in memory of their son who, at just 16 months old, lost his life to an incurable neurological disorder. “In caring for Liam, we came to learn of the shortcomings of the medical system when Lisa and Peter McNamara with supporting a family whose child would spend sons Nathaniel (Liam’s twin) and countless hours in the hospital,” says Mrs. Trevor (standing) in Liam’s Room at Overlook Medical Center. McNamara. “The idea of pediatric palliative care stuck with us, and we wanted to help others who were walking a similar path.” “Rooms like these are rare and very much appreciated by families and staff alike,” says Colin O’Reilly, DO, medical director, Pediatric Palliative Care Services. “In addition to the comfort of the room, its presence helps to remind our staff of the needs of families who are living through disease and the impact of illness on their lives.” For more information, visit liamsroom.org.
NewsofNote
Money Well Spent
12 · f4mmc.org
As a trader on Wall Street, Alden Siegel became an expert in studying cash flow. This gift at understanding finances spilled over into his personal life where he frugally saved money in an IRA account. Now enjoying retirement with his wife, Doll, the couple realizes that, if their IRA were left to relatives outright, it would become heavily taxed. An IRA of approximately $1 million that is left in a sizable estate may only net relatives about $250,000 after taxes. The Siegels decided to name Morristown Medical Center as a partial beneficiary of their IRA, in addition to naming family members as primary or contingent beneficiaries. “By naming the hospital as a partial beneficiary of these highly taxed assets you can avoid double taxation and you don’t have to pay income tax or estate tax,” says Cynthia W. O’Donnell, JD, director of gift planning for the Foundation. “You don’t even have to contact an attorney or pay legal fees; just contact the administrator of your IRA.” For additional information or a complimentary proposal, please contact Ms. O’Donnell, at 973.593.2418 or cynthia.odonnell@atlantichealth.org.
An Eye on Education
Valerie Fund Eases Patients’ Return to School When a child is sick with a cold or the flu, catching up on schoolwork isn’t too difficult. But cancer, a brain tumor or a serious blood disorder can mean weeks and even months of missed classes. Thanks to a long-term commitment from The Valerie Fund, an educational liaison will be hired this spring to help children in the hospital stay on track with their schoolwork. “The liaison will also make sure patients are not penalized academically for long absences from school,” says Steve Halpern, MD, medical director of the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital. “This is also critical for patients applying to college or who are already enrolled in college.” The new liaison will provide one-on-one intervention and advocacy such as helping to set up individualized education programs. Once the time is right to return to a full-time school setting, the liaison will also ensure a smooth transition for each patient. “Our goal is to help children with cancer continue to lead as normal a life as possible,” adds Dr. Halpern. “We don’t want the diagnosis of cancer to impede their future success in life.”
Doll and Alden Siegel
Photo: Shelley Kusnetz
BD Grant Helps Highest Risk Diabetes Sufferers
Pictured: (l-r) Chris Schlenk, BD director, sales and marketing; Linda Tharby, worldwide president, diabetes care; and Ken Miller, vice president and general manager, drug delivery and global marketing.
New Trustees Join the Team William F. “Bill” Conger, principal at Red Hook Management LLC Edward B. “Ed” Deutsch, managing partner at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP Derek T. Malmberg, partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP Gregory J. “Greg” Mulford, MD, medical director of Rehabilitation Services for Atlantic Health System and chairman, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Morristown Medical Center Guy Taylor, MD, anesthesiologist with Anesthesia Associates of Morristown Mark D. Widmann, MD, chief of Thoracic Surgery and an attending physician at Morristown Medical Center
Edward P. Reid, retired president of E.P. Reid, Inc./Fire Alarm Services, was elected an honorary trustee. Anne DeLaney, psychotherapist with DeLaney Psychotherapy, was elected trustee emeritus.
CONGER
DEUTSCH
MALMBERG
MULFORD
Determined to keep kids with diabetes out of the hospital and help them live long, healthy lives led the BD Diabetes Center for Children and Adolescents to create a High-Risk Family Focused Diabetes Intervention Program four years ago. Now, BD, a long-time supporter of the center that bears its name, boosted the innovative program with a three-year $100,000 grant. The high-risk program – the only one of its kind in the region – helps children and adolescents with poorly controlled diabetes improve their blood sugar levels by making the whole family part of the solution at home. The high-risk group accounts for 90 percent of hospital readmissions and are at significant risk for diabetes complications, according to Harold Starkman, MD. “Diabetes is a family problem and the family needs to work together,” says Dr. Starkman, director of the BD Center. “This grant will allow us to expand our education and support services, and teach effective coping and problem-solving skills that will ultimately help to improve blood sugar control for the at-risk adolescent with diabetes.” The grant will also help to launch several related longterm initiatives as well as ensure continuing services for families who are dependent on receiving psychosocial support at the center.
Concierge Is Key In Cancer Care A diagnosis of breast cancer brings fear and uncertainty, but at the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center it also brings much-needed assistance. The concierge position at the Carol W. and Julius A. Rippel Breast Center recently received a boost in funding from Katie Simon, daughter of the late Carol G. Simon for whom the cancer center is named. Ms. Simon contributed $150,000 toward this integral position that helps women as they navigate the frightening path of breast cancer treatment and survival. “Women diagnosed with breast cancer need someone to explain the many options now available in treatment and care,” says Ms. Simon. “The concierge is a resource of information about even the newest inroads with integrative medicine treatment options. She also brings comfort during this tumultuous period in a woman’s life by helping with the simple tasks of scheduling appointments and follow-up visits.” The new monies will ensure funding for the concierge for the next several years. “Women coming to the center are being cared for with a level of expertise unmatched in our area,” says Ms. Simon.
TAYLOR
WIDMANN
REID
DELANEY
f4mmc.org · 13
Portrait
The Bargain Box Volunteers
T
he words ‘thrift shop’ usually conjure up images of bins stuffed with outdated clothing and dusty shelves lined with chipped knick-knacks. But the Bargain Box Thrift Shop delights its customers with orderly arrangements and an abundance of high-end retail merchandise. Under the direction of the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center, this boutique-like shop located on Mt. Kemble Avenue in Morristown is as good as it gets in satisfying retail therapy for both young and old. Another surprising layer to its appeal: it provides a well-recognized value to the local community.
Photo: Shelley Kusnetz
Volunteers (l-r) Jane Kilcullen, Gail Decker, and Angela Cherami
For information on the Bargain Box, visit wammc.org or call 973.267.1334.
14 · f4mmc.org
Across the state, from Princeton to points north, The Bargain Box has been nicknamed the gold standard of thrift shops.
“As a nonprofit, we need to provide value to the community and this store does just that,” says Jane Kilcullen, co-chair of the Bargain Box along with Gail Decker and Angela Cherami. “People can find everything they need at affordable prices.” The volunteers are ready to lend a hand as customers search for sought-after items on their shopping lists. “They all have needs, and we love to serve them in this way,” says Gail Decker who, along with her other co-chairs, manages more than 65 volunteers and five full-time paid staff. What’s even better: with $400,000 in profits donated annually to the general fund at the hospital, this entity is one to be applauded. Across the state, from Princeton to points north, it has been nicknamed the gold standard of thrift shops. “What makes it such a successful volunteer effort is our paid staff; they provide continuity for everyone,” says Mrs. Kilcullen. “And they all have a background in retail.” Mrs. Kilcullen and Mrs. Decker volunteer at the shop on Wednesday afternoons. Mrs. Cherami takes her turn as a volunteer on Fridays pricing the jewelry. They all can see firsthand the benefit of having the volunteers reporting to professional staff. “We get our marching orders from Joe Nassaney, our full-time store manager, who runs the operation like a well-oiled machine,” says Mrs. Kilcullen. “Ninety-nine times out of 100 he’ll tell us to tackle the piles of shoes and bags.” Sorting through shoes and bags can take on a life of its own when unusual and unexpected treasures are discovered. “The volunteers really have to acquire an eye for an item’s hidden value,” says Mrs. Kilcullen. “One afternoon I spent hours researching the authenticity of a crocodile bag that was in my pile. I was able to find its value and priced it at a bargain: $300.” It’s also important for the volunteers to know their designers and be able to price items accordingly. “We have to know what’s in vogue,” says Mrs. Decker. “If it’s out-of-date, we price it lower. What’s astounding to Mrs. Kilcullen is the sheer volume of donated items that come into the backroom on a daily basis. The eclectic mix of merchandise moves from the backroom to the showroom floor and then back out the door very quickly. “If you see something you want but hesitate, chances are slim it will be here the next day,” she says. “We move a lot of merchandise, and it all ticks along like clockwork.”
Photos: Media Services
While Goryeb Children’s Hospital’s 10th anniversary gala fundraiser had the most glitz (see story and event sponsors on page 11), the milestone was celebrated throughout the week inside the hospital with ice cream and pizza parties, magicians and mad scientists and, on the day of the gala, a visit from chef Fabio Viviani (pictured), who whipped up green eggs and ham for patients and their families.
Loyalty Meets Legacy
Photos: Sal Benedetto
This year, Brookfield Society members were joined by longtime donors to the hospital for a combined 19th Annual Brookfield Society/Loyalty Luncheon. The crowd of 140 gathered at the Fairmount Country Club on Oct. 10 and enjoyed a medical center update from Morristown Medical Center President David Shulkin, MD, a Foundation update from Chief Development Officer Jim Quinn and a presentation on The Art and Science of Healthy Aging by Gregory Mulford, MD (see the Q&A on page 3). Pictured clockwise: Loyal donors Barbara and Howard Lerner and Nancy and Guy Gulbin; Brookfield members Henry and Gudrun Gautschy and Bill and Pat Thompson.
Happenings
Celebrating Goryeb’s 10th
NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #1502
475 South Street | Morristown, NJ 07960
CalendarofEvents
For upcoming events, log on to f4mmc.org and select Events
Taking Charge
In Memoriam With deep sadness, we acknowledge the passing of former hospital board chairman, Augusta Stone Award recipient and Foundation Trustee Emeritus J. Lloyd Huck, Jr., on December 4, 2012. The retired chairman of the board of Merck & Company endowed our Huck Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine, now held by Dr. Linda Gillam. He served on numerous committees during his volunteer career with the hospital before retiring to State College, PA, to be near his alma mater, Penn State University. Mr. Huck received a degree in chemistry from Penn State in 1946, after serving in the Army Air Corps as a flight instructor and a B-29 bomber pilot. “He was a true humanitarian and civic leader, and I personally enjoyed working with him during the many years he volunteered at the hospital,” says Jim Quinn, chief development officer for the Foundation. “Our deepest sympathies go to his wife, Dottie, and his family.” In addition to his beloved wife, Mr. Huck is survived by a son, two daughters, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
AbouttheStaff
Please feel free to contact Foundation staff at 973.593.2400. For a full staff listing, log on to f4mmc.org > Who We Are > Staff
of Your Life and Health ...
Join us May 2, 2013, for a Women’s Health symposium, featuring television personality and author Hoda Kotb. Ms. Kotb, a cancer survivor, will speak on prevention and early access to care, referencing her book Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity & Transformed Their Lives. The event, to be held at Malcolm Forbes Amphitheater from 5:30pm to 9pm, will showcase women’s services in oncology, integrative medicine, cardiovascular medicine, and sports health. A VIP reception, sponsored by the Women’s Health Philanthropy Council, and a book signing will round out the symposium. Visit f4mmc.org and select Events for more information.
Writer: Laura Deal | Editor: Regi Diverio Layout and design: Susan Falcone, Envoi Design
The Foundation for Morristown Medical Center is a nonprofit public foundation whose mission is to inspire community philanthropy to advance exceptional health care for patients at Morristown Medical Center. Our objective is to utilize philanthropy to preserve and expand the hospital’s programs and services in direct patient care, clinical research, medical and public health education and preventive medicine.
FSC Logo (remove outlined box)