2023/2024 Foundation Journal by Foundation for Morristown Medical Center

2023/2024

Foundation Journal A publication of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center

Kathy Christie continues family legacy of extraordinary generosity Read more on pg 3

Dick Deskovick’s recent gift creates innovative program to support nursing education Read more on pg 9

Making an impact: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center celebrates 25 years of advancing cancer care Read more on pg 12

Legacy. Innovation. Impact.

Dear Friend of Morristown Medical Center, For more than 130 years, Morristown Medical Center donors have stepped in at pivotal moments to fund the infrastructure needed to make medical breakthroughs possible for our communities. Today, that spirit of innovation continues to drive our growth and success. In this edition of the Foundation Journal, we highlight some of the remarkable philanthropists making a difference at Morristown Medical Center. You will meet Kathy Christie, whose generosity has enabled the hospital to strengthen clinical education in orthopedics, helping to bring the care we provide our patients to a new level of excellence, and Dick Deskovick, whose latest gift is supporting a unique teaching model to train a new generation of world-class nurses. We speak with Lori Barer Ingber, PhD, secretary of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Board of Trustees and children’s health advocate who proudly supports Goryeb Children’s Hospital’s novel therapeutic approaches to combat the mental health crisis facing our youth, and Barry Kirschner, executive director of The Valerie Fund, which champions integrative medicine and other supportive care programs for children treated for cancer or blood disorders at Goryeb Children’s Hospital. In these pages, we also highlight some of the medical center’s most prominent needs. Your support for these transformative programs will help to make the future of health care possible today. What ties each of these stories together is the glimpse that they offer into the tremendous power of philanthropy at Morristown Medical Center. With your continued partnership, we look forward to making even more stories of innovation, legacy and astounding impact possible. With gratitude,

Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN President, Morristown Medical Center Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Atlantic Health System

Jennifer L. Smith Chief Philanthropy Officer, Foundation for Morristown Medical Center

Foundation Journal, 2023/2024

A publication of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center

Contents 02

Board of Trustees

Kathy Christie continues family legacy of extraordinary generosity

Trustee Q&A: Lori Barer Ingber, PhD New Foundation Trustees 06

Dick Deskovick’s recent gift creates innovative program to support nursing education

Funding Priorities

Help further innovation at Morristown Medical Center

Judy Abrams

Dedicated to improving the patient experience through legacy giving 11

The Valerie Fund’s Executive Director, Barry Kirschner 16

Foundation Happenings

Making an impact:

Carol G. Simon Cancer Center celebrates 25 years of advancing cancer care

Healing Hands Awards showcase appreciation for extraordinary caring

Editor Michelle York

Contributors

Associate Editor and Staff Writer Laura Deal

Lisa Duff

Cori McGuire

Meliha Emini

Maria Mega

Miguel Farias

Joette Rosato

Bonnie Gannon

Cynthia W. O’Donnell, JD

Editorial Support Anne Coyne Leslie Perry

Susan Johns Geraldine Kling Timothy Luby Dave Martin

Foundation for Morristown Medical Center

Eva Tarletsky Richard Titus, Titus Photo

Jennifer L. Smith Chief Philanthropy Officer

Christine Hajsok Director, Finance

Joette Rosato Director, Annual Giving

Bonnie Gannon Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Jenifer Martin Gilio Director, Major Gifts and Strategy

Michelle York Director, Donor Engagement

Sukesh Gill Director, Database Management

Cynthia W. O’Donnell, JD Director, Gift Planning

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Trustee Q&A Lori Barer Ingber, PhD

A dedicated supporter of children’s health, Lori Barer Ingber, PhD, and her husband, Michael Ingber, MD, reside in Mendham, New Jersey, with their four teenagers: Hayden (18), Shayna (17), Skyler (16) and Elliott (13). Lori is the founder and president of Parent Match, an online domestic adoption network and trustee for The Growing Hearts of Africa Foundation. For the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, Lori serves as secretary for the Board of Trustees as well as chair of the Board Development Committee and is an active member of the Goryeb Philanthropy Council. She obtained her PhD in Public Health from the University of Michigan.

Q: Can you explain what optimal children’s health looks like to you? A: My vision for children’s health has always been holistic in nature, where all specialists work together for the overall mental, emotional and physical health of a child, treating each area with respect and making sure they have equal time in the playing field. My passion is to help achieve the integrative well-being of children on every level. This emphasis on holistic well-being is evident to me in the Child Life Program at Goryeb Children’s Hospital and is why I am a huge advocate and supporter of this effort. Research supports the premise that children who have been mentally and emotionally prepared for surgery do much better in their ability to deal with fear and anxiety. They can face long-term medical challenges with a better frame of mind.

Welcome new trustees

The Ingber Family

Q: Your interests at Goryeb Children’s Hospital have been wide-ranging over the years; what areas of children’s health are you most focused on now? A: As Michael and I see our children getting older, we are very aware of the specific issues that affect them and their peers and want to help as much as possible. One major topic is the escalating behavioral health concerns in children and young adults since COVID-19. What’s heartwarming to me is that Goryeb Children’s Hospital and Morristown Medical Center have been at the forefront of this issue and have implemented novel ways to innovate and combat this crisis. The Behavioral Health Assessment Center initiative on the hospital’s main campus as well as a Collaborative Care Program that places mental health specialists in pediatric offices to help children at risk are both impressive moves recently made by the medical center. I’m very proud to be a part of this important effort that is already making a positive difference in the youth of our community and their future wellness.

Thank you to our volunteer leaders for their tireless dedication to our mission of inspiring community philanthropy for Morristown Medical Center. Their passion for furthering extraordinary health care benefits our medical center in countless ways. Robert B. Tafaro Chair, Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Board of Trustees To view our full board of trustees, visit f4mmc.org/trustees

Left to right: Shawn Brennan, Co-founder & Managing Partner, SIR Capital Management, LP; Robert Coyne, MD, Cardiologist, Electrophysiology Assoc., Atlantic Medical Group; Deborah Hanson, Principal, Chief Risk Officer, Fund Manager, The Hampshire Companies, LLC; Sam Maddali, CEO, United Pharmacy Network GPO; Kathy Ross, Community Volunteer; Dale Scolnick, President, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center; Honorary Trustees Robert “Dick” and the late Louise “Jackie” Deskovick

Kathy Christie continues family legacy of extraordinary generosity

“When I look to the future, I want to make sure we will continue to have excellent orthopedic doctors and surgeons to help people out in this critical area.” KATHLEEN “KATHY” CHRISTIE

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Kathy Christie continues family legacy of extraordinary generosity There were no better role models for Kathleen “Kathy” Christie growing up than her late parents Stuart and Sheila or lessons on giving left untaught for her and her siblings. “My parents modeled giving in so many ways,” said Kathy, “I think it’s almost in my DNA to give back.” Kathy recently gave one of the most transformational gifts in Morristown Medical Center’s history to strengthen comprehensive medical education in orthopedics – establishing the five-year Christie Family Orthopedic Residency Program as well as the Christie Family Orthopedic Fellowship Program, which offers a one-year advanced curriculum in Adult Reconstruction.

The Christie Family Orthopedic Residency Program & the Christie Family Orthopedic Fellowship Program Made possible by Kathy Christie’s transformational gift to Morristown Medical Center

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Her support significantly adds to the caliber of orthopedics at Morristown Medical Center, ensuring it will remain one of the nation’s most sought-after programs for years to come. In 2022, more than one million hip and knee replacements were performed in the United States, according to the American College of Rheumatology. That number is expected to double over the next decade. “At this stage in my life, it seems I need orthopedic care, and so many of my friends are saying the same thing; when I look to the future, I want to make sure we will continue to have excellent doctors and surgeons to help people out in this critical area,” said Kathy. This gift has profound personal significance as she knows her parents would be proud of it. “My parents gave of themselves so freely – I don’t know where to begin to describe their lives,” said Kathy. “For years, they led a youth group together at our church; my mom did everything in the community, she was a Girl Scout troop leader and helped run a summer camp for inner-city youth. Whenever anyone had a need, they were there to fill it.”

During her time with WAMMC and as a Foundation for Morristown Medical Center trustee, Kathy has enjoyed discussions on the hospital’s most crucial needs which keep her intentional about her giving. “It inspires me to find the resources to help,” she said. “I have more than I need and choose to fill my time by helping others. It’s a very fulfilling way to live.” With hours of volunteer work at the hospital each week, Kathy is a familiar face as she walks the hallways from one project to the next, doing her part to support the extraordinary care that has come to define Morristown Medical Center and the people who make it all possible.

My parents modeled giving in so many ways. I think it’s almost in my DNA to give back.” Kathy Christie

Kathy has done it all, too, mirroring her parents through her work with the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC), where over the last ten years, she has held many roles, including treasurer, finance chair, and co-chair of the Hospital Gift Shops and Hospital Liaison committees – most recently serving as the volunteer organization’s president.

Left to right: The late Stuart and Sheila Christie and Kathy Christie

Support orthopedics at Morristown Medical Center Scan the QR code or contact Cori McGuire, foundation officer, at 973-593-2409 or coriellen.mcguire@atlantichealth.org.

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Funding Priorities Help further innovation at Morristown Medical Center Philanthropy plays an important role in driving Morristown Medical Center’s commitment to innovation. Through generous donor support, we can continue funding the latest research, enhancing clinical education and expanding and modernizing our facilities – all to the direct benefit of the communities we serve.

Funding Need Spotlight

To support one or more of the funding needs highlighted here or to learn more about other areas of need throughout the medical center, scan the QR code or call 973-593-2400.

Project Independence Founded and supported by the William E. Simon Foundation and other benefactors for more than 30 years, Project Independence is a crucial relief fund designed to help Morristown Medical Center patients recover from financial hardship caused by injury or illness. New donors are urgently needed to provide for the patients and families who desperately require assistance.

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We hope you will consider joining us in our vital mission by investing in one of the following areas:

Cardiovascular Rescue and Recovery Program

Collaborative Care

The Cardiovascular Rescue and Recovery Program at the nationally-ranked Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute provides the most advanced life-saving care for patients with complex cardiac illnesses. Continued funding is necessary to invest in leadingedge practices and procedures in the treatment of heart failure, cardiac surgery, and interventional cardiology, as well as the treatment of patients suffering from cardiogenic shock.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, mental health issues have spiked dramatically, hitting crisis proportions. To address this growing need, Atlantic Behavioral Health at Morristown Medical Center offers a collaborative care model that provides mental health evaluation and support to children and adults during their visits with a primary care physician to ensure their physical and psychological needs are met. Funding will help expand the program by adding two behavioral health clinicians and an adult psychiatrist.

Dick, Jackie and Kim Deskovick Joint Faculty Nurse Educator Program

Gagnon Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation

In this unique nurse training model, experienced joint faculty nurse educators teach clinical skills to novice nurses in the hospital setting while helping seasoned nurses further develop their practice skills. Joint faculty nurse educators provide direct patient care in clinical specialties and teach university nursing students who are clinically rotating at Morristown Medical Center. This joint appointment will provide additional skilled nursing support and ease the transition for novice nurses beginning their careers.

The Gagnon Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation offers physicians, nurses, medical students and other health professionals a safe and controlled environment to practice clinical skills. Funds will support the expansion and modernization of the space, the purchase of highly-advanced simulation manikins and simulation equipment as well as the hiring of an expert team to develop a robust training curriculum.

Advanced Interventional Gastrointestinal (GI) Fellowship This new clinical fellowship reflects Morristown Medical Center’s commitment to providing the highest level of medical expertise and is essential to developing the top interventional GI program in the state. The Advanced Interventional GI Fellowship will train future generations of physicians in advanced endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology, motility, and general GI for emergency, inpatient and outpatient care for our communities.

Atlantic Fetal Diagnostic and Treatment Center Although one out of every 33 babies born in the United States has a birth defect, highly advanced diagnostic technologies and treatments offer new hope for parents and significantly improved outcomes for their unborn child. The creation of a new, centralized location for the Atlantic Fetal Diagnostic and Treatment Center will equip specialists with cutting-edge diagnostic testing and medically advanced procedures while catering to women experiencing high-risk complications during pregnancy.

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Judy and Brad Abrams

Judy Abrams Dedicated to improving the patient experience through legacy giving

Giving tip

During her time as a volunteer at Morristown Medical Center, the late Judy Abrams always found new ways to make patients more comfortable during their hospital stay. The Washington Partner* and member of the Brookfield Legacy Society first began thinking about the patient experience when her late husband Joe was undergoing cancer treatments at the medical center. She noticed the companionship of their family pet Memphis made him smile once he got home from treatment – taking Joe’s mind off the stress of dealing with a chronic condition.

Take advantage of the new Legacy IRA Act The definition of Qualified Charitable Distributions has now been expanded to include one-time distributions to create life income plans – specifically charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder unitrusts or annuity trusts. For donors 70 ½ and older, gifts coming directly from an IRA (up to a combined $50,000) will count toward the annual required minimum distribution and will be excluded from taxable income.

“Our family has always had a love of dogs,” said Brad Abrams, Judy’s son. “Memphis never left my dad’s side during his long illness and the dog also helped my mom. Afterward, when she was mourning the loss of my father, my mom recognized the power these beautiful creatures have on people’s emotions and their innate instinct to provide love.” It soon became Judy’s passion to bring this same love and support to patients at the hospital. Her efforts paid off after persistently advocating hospital leadership to include animal-assisted interventions during a patient’s stay. Today, Morristown Medical Center is home to Atlantic Health System’s Soothing Paws® Program, where the pure joy of a dog’s affection promotes a healing

When she was mourning the loss of my father, my mom recognized the power these beautiful creatures have on people’s emotions and their innate instinct to provide love.” Brad Abrams, Judy’s son

environment, helping to alleviate stress for patients and their families. With one meaningful project underway, Judy turned her attention to those needing financial support and services, making a generous bequest to create the Joe Abrams Oncology Patient Liaison Fund in memory of her husband. Her vision and gift were transformative, providing funding to hire patient liaisons to assist in communication and coordination between families and care teams. This essential service is now central to the patient experience at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and Morristown Medical Center. *Washington Partners are donors who have given $1 million or more over their lifetime.

Soothing Paws animal-assisted intervention at Morristown Medical Center

Create a lasting legacy If you are interested in creating a lasting legacy like Judy Abrams that will have an impact on Morristown Medical Center patients and their families or would like to learn more about the new Legacy IRA Act, contact Cynthia W. O’Donnell, JD, director of gift planning, at 973-593-2418 or cynthia.odonnell@atlantichealth.org.

Deskovick family gift helps create innovative program for nursing education

“I guess I was lucky. I was a high school dropout, but my success over the years has left me with a lot to give away.” ROBERT “DICK” DESKOVICK

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Left to right: Dick Deskovick accepts a framed mandala from Joette Rosato, director of annual giving, and Michelle York, director of donor engagement, from the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center. Nurses at the hospital colored the mandala in gratitude for the Deskovick family’s support.

Deskovick family gift helps create innovative program for nursing education As a Morris Township resident for close to 70 years and self-proclaimed patriot who reads the Constitution regularly, Robert “Dick” Deskovick knows that giving to others in need is essential to good citizenry. Whether it’s helping his favorite waitress at the local diner to catch up on bills, buying a new ambulance for the local squad in town or supporting high priority needs at Morristown Medical Center, Dick is quick to listen and eager to help those around him. The 94-year-old Foundation for Morristown Medical Center honorary trustee and Washington Partner* knows he has many reasons to count his blessings. “I’ve lived a charmed life,” said Dick. “I don’t know how I traveled the world, accomplished so much, and did so well; I guess I was lucky. I was a high school dropout, but my success over the years has left me with a lot to give away.” Dick’s connection to Morristown Medical Center began when his good friend, the

late Joseph Goryeb, asked him to consider supporting the hospital.

He didn’t think twice about stepping in and lending a helping hand and, over the last ten years, has donated nearly $7 million to support the medical center. The Deskovick family’s latest gift of $1.7 million launched the Dick, Jackie and Kim Deskovick Joint Faculty Nurse Educator Program, an immersive education model for nurses in which highly experienced, hospital-b ased joint faculty nurse educators teach clinical skills to novice nurses in the hospital setting while also helping seasoned nurses further develop their practice skills. The Deskovicks' support for the program has made it possible to hire four nurses with

advanced degrees, each with respective clinical expertise in pediatrics, the pediatric emergency department, mother-baby and labor and delivery. “I appreciate what Morristown Medical Center has done for my family – it means a lot to me,” said Dick. “I am especially grateful for how well they cared for my wife. It gives me a lot of pride to see our family’s name at the hospital and know we have made an impact.” Calculating his return on investment is second nature to this self-made successful businessman and philanthropist. He knows his generosity fuels a vision made possible through collective effort, and everyone in the community plays a part in helping to maintain the remarkable reputation that Morristown Medical Center holds today. *Washington Partners are donors who have given $1 million or more over their lifetime.

Contribute to future nursing needs Scan the QR code or contact Joette Rosato, director of annual giving, at 973-593-2412 or joette.rosato@atlantichealth.org.

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Spotlight on:

The Valerie Fund’s Executive Director, Barry Kirschner Barry Kirschner, executive director of The Valerie Fund, a nonprofit organization in Maplewood, New Jersey, makes it his mission to garner philanthropic support for the more than 6,000 pediatric oncology and hematology patients fighting cancer and blood disorders at the region's eight Valerie Fund Children’s Center locations. In his role, Barry has been instrumental in helping to direct the more than $5.9 million donated from The Valerie Fund to the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital since 1999.

6,000+

$5.9 million

pediatric oncology and hematology patients fighting cancer and blood disorders at the region’s eight Valerie Fund Children’s Center locations

donated from The Valerie Fund to the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital since 1999

This longtime philanthropic partnership has played a key role in furthering crucial services such as counseling, integrative medicine, educational liaison and social work intervention, dietary assistance and the Child Life Program. “We are so proud to provide layer upon layer of support and to be a part of the incredible psychosocial services that take place with the Goryeb team,” said Barry. “Our vision for each child is for them to thrive and have the full complement of emotional and social care they deserve when going through the long journey of pediatric cancer and blood disorder issues.” Barry’s philosophy of treating the whole child is embodied by The Valerie Fund’s support for Goryeb Children’s Hospital programs that improve mind, body and spirit and honors the legacy of the nonprofit’s founders Ed and Sue Goldstein who lost their daughter Valerie to cancer

Our vision for each child is for them to thrive and have the full complement of emotional and social care they deserve when going through the long journey of pediatric cancer and blood disorder issues.” Barry Kirschner, Executive Director of The Valerie Fund

in 1976. The Goldsteins found out how serious illnesses can take a toll on the entire family while caring for their daughter. “Ultimately, our support sustains a healthier family unit during chronic illnesses, especially if there are other children or the added demands that aging parents can bring,” said Barry. Helping to reduce the stress that patients and their families face, The Valerie Fund recently supported the hire of a patient navigator at Goryeb Children’s Hospital to assist families in making appointments and referrals, investigating social services in the community and much more. “It’s essential to have someone to coordinate all followup visits so that everything gets noticed in the treatment protocol,” said Barry. “We try not to leave any stone unturned in our quest to provide calm, caring, comprehensive care.”

Adriana A., a patient at the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital, spends time getting comfortable with a mock MRI.

Contribute through a nonprofit foundation or corporation To contribute to Morristown Medical Center through a nonprofit foundation or corporation, please contact Bonnie Gannon, director of corporate and foundation relations, at 973-593-2419 or bonnie.gannon@atlantichealth.org.

The late Warren “Russ” and Lois Neil

The Estate of Warren R. Neil Jr. made it possible to design a unique Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program that offers specialized training to some of the top oncologists in the country.

A grant from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation in honor of Peter Simon will help make the new Beckman Advanced Cellular Therapy Unit for high-acuity patients undergoing immune effector cell treatments possible.

Meaningful support from the Gagnon Family Foundation helped to seed the creation of Carol G. Simon Cancer Center.

Philanthropy from the late Leonard B. Kahn helped to launch the Leonard B. Kahn Head and Neck Institute.

Leonard Kahn (L) and James Wong, MD (R)

A lead gift from Growing Forward Campaign Chair Les Quick and his wife Eileen supported the most recent expansion and modernization efforts at the cancer center.

A few weeks before Sandra “Sandy” Olson’s passing in January 2022, the Olson family gave a generous gift to Carol G. Simon Cancer Center in gratitude for her care and remembrance of the friendships she made as a patient.

I am more and more impressed as the years go on. The giving never stops — it’s constant.” Peter Simon Former Chair of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Board of Trustees and Current Board Member

The Simon Family has remained an integral part of the growth and success of Carol G. Simon Cancer Center.

The Simon family

The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center provided funding for the opening of Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and continue to be loyal supporters, contributing to education, research, programming and patient experience needs.

Significant grants from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc. have helped support crucial needs at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center over the past 25 years.

Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN President, Morristown Medical Center and Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Atlantic Health System

A gift from Ed Reid permanently endowed the Lois A. Reid Fellowship in Breast Imaging.

The late Sandra Olson

A generous gift from Patti Aresty – who fondly remembers volunteering with Carol Simon in the 1980s – is helping to build a new Patient Access Center in Carol G. Simon Cancer Center’s Lobby. The David and Patti Aresty Family Registration Area will streamline the registration process and help to alleviate any added stress when checking in, a central tenet in patientcentric care.

Thanks to the generosity of our community of donors, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center continues to grow in ways we never imagined.”

Eileen and Les Quick

Carol G. Simon Cancer Center dedication in 1998.

Patti Aresty

Carol G. Simon Cancer Center

History & lead gifts

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Making an impact:

Carol G. Simon Cancer Center celebrates 25 years of advancing cancer care The family of the late Carol G. Simon knew the significance of building a program where multidisciplinary cancer care was available to the community in one location. Carol was a cancer patient and had to travel to multiple locations, including New York City, for her ongoing medical treatments, which exhausted her. A few years after her passing, Carol’s husband, the late William E. Simon, made a lead gift to seed a comprehensive cancer care program at Morristown Medical Center, and the community didn’t hesitate to support the vision. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years, but I know my mom would think that what Carol G. Simon Cancer Center offers to the community today is wonderful,” said J. Peter Simon, former chair of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Board of Trustees and current board member. “Morristown is a remarkably

supportive, loving and caring community. People want to help. They recognize the great patient care and are so grateful it leads them to want to give back.”

Ranked among the best programs in New Jersey, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center is a destination for award-winning clinical excellence, advanced therapies, groundbreaking clinical trials and unparalleled patient-centered care in a healing environment. Along with the Simon family, lead donors – including the Gagnon Family Foundation, the F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc. and Honorary Foundation Trustees Les and Eileen Quick – have been eager to support

ongoing expansion and modernization efforts throughout the years. “What distinguishes Carol G. Simon Cancer Center is that we recruit top medical, surgical and radiation oncology specialists from the leading academic centers nationwide to augment our cancer care team,” said Eric D. Whitman, MD, system medical director, Atlantic Health System Cancer Care and director, Atlantic Melanoma Center. “Together, they create innovative, personalized and compassionate clinical practices that take cancer care to the next level, helping us to sustain healthier communities.” A relentless spirit of giving trademarks this unique philanthropic culture that is carried through every new project. “Everyone who supports Carol G. Simon Cancer Center is incredibly generous,” said Peter. “I am more and more impressed as the years go on. The giving never stops — it’s constant.”

Contribute to Carol G. Simon Cancer Center Carol G. Simon Cancer Center is positioned for excellence and will excel in its ability to meet community needs well into the future with donor leadership of this magnitude and loyalty. To inquire about ways to join with your support, please reach out to Lisa Duff, foundation officer, at 973-593-2405 or lisa.duff@atlantichealth.org.

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Healing Hands Award showcases appreciation for extraordinary caring Gratitude. One three-syllable word that carries a tremendous impact. Studies show that those who practice and engage in gratitude have lower stress, less pain and improved immune system function. On the receiving end, it can help health care teams persevere through obstacles and challenges. The Foundation for Morristown Medical Center’s Healing Hands Award provides a platform for our patients to share their gratitude in a way that is not only meaningful to them personally but makes a difference in the work of our doctors, nurses and team members while helping to elevate the level of care available for our communities.

On our bed every day, you will find two red heart pillows: One is from Dr. Zaku who gave me a quadruple bypass. The other is from Dr. Magovern who inserted a new valve into my wife's heart and performed her double bypass. Every day, we thank God for these healing hands and so does our family.” Alex Kucsma, recognizing Bledi Zaku, MD, and Christopher Magovern, MD, for the life-saving and compassionate cardiovascular care provided to Alex and his wife Susanne.

The Kucsma family Photo credit: Outer Banks Beach Portraits

Gratitude in action