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ARESTY FAMILY FINDS A SECOND HOME AT MORRISTOWN
Patti Aresty became familiar with Morristown Medical Center more than 30 years ago when her late husband, David Aresty, began treatment for a series of conditions. She recalls the excellent support system and how the doctors and nurses cared for her husband and her family during their most challenging experiences of loss. In return, she and sons Adam and Benjamin Aresty, daughter Rachel, son-in-law Danny, and granddaughter Dylan Solomon gave $500,000 to support Carol G. Simon Cancer Center’s first-floor renovation, a part of the Growing Forward Campaign.
The reconfiguration of the first floor will create a new Patient Access Center in the lobby. This will allow for a one-stop, convenient outpatient experience where patients can check in for all appointments simultaneously. The centerpiece will be The David and Patti Aresty Family Registration Area. Patti Aresty, a Washington Partner* and Carol G. Simon Cancer Center Philanthropy Council member, is glad that the donation will leave her family’s name indelibly marked at a place she has grown to love. Thinking back to when her husband was a patient, she remembers how quickly the Morristown Medical Center team became like family. “My husband always felt Morristown Medical Center was about the people, not bricks and mortar,” Aresty said. “His attitude was to have fun. He would stop and buy Danishes before his appointments. The nurses loved to sit and visit with us, and the doctors were so caring, always by our side.” Over time, her gratitude grew and ignited her interest in volunteering. This in turn spurred a variety of gifts over 29 years, totaling more than $1 million in support of three of the hospital’s Centers of Excellence: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute and Goryeb Children’s Hospital. As a volunteer, her passion runs deep, and her stories, each more interesting than the last. She designed pediatric gowns with Marguerite Goryeb. She also worked tirelessly alongside Carol G. Simon, delivering flowers to patients, bringing them newspapers, and sitting and visiting with those who looked like they needed some cheer. “I have known the hospital forever, and I love everything about it,” Aresty said. “All of our children were born there.” When the pandemic surged last year, Aresty purchased 100 baby monitors for the Sameth Emergency Department so that caregivers could communicate with COVID-19 patients in a safe way. She contributed to Serve It Forward, supporting the purchase of restaurant gift cards. She arranged for gallons of homemade chicken soup from Chef Loryn’s in Madison, New Jersey, to feed frontline caregivers. When she moved from her Short Hills, New Jersey-home, she donated her paintings to line the hospital’s hallways. “It’s such an amazing place,” Aresty said. “I can’t say enough about it. When I walk through the doors, I feel like I’m home.”
*Washington Partners are donors who have given $1 million or more over their lifetimes.
–Patti Aresty If you are interested in donating to Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, contact Lisa Duff at
