Jersey Shore University Medical Ctr. & K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Donor Impact Report

THANK YOU

DONOR IMPACT REPORT

Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation

Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital

CANCER CARE JUST FOR KIDS

Thanks to the generosity of our donors to Tackle Kids Cancer, a new pediatric clinical research coordinator and clinical research pharmacist allow us to broaden our clinical trial portfolio through the Children’s Oncology Group, which is of paramount importance in improving outcomes for children with cancer. Now, patients at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital are able to participate in clinical trials, while remaining close to home, family and critical support services. In addition, to make our youngest patients’ experience more pleasant, the recently renovated pediatric infusion center features a fish tank, beach inspired murals and brighter paint colors, offering a serene and inviting space for our younger patients and their families.

“I truly feel it’s a more pleasant experience for our patients, the environment is more welcoming and kid friendly.”

ABBY CASTALDO, assistant nurse manager, Pediatric Infusion Center

“Not

only has this helped me advance in my nursing education, but it enabled me to continue doing so in Frank Hedges’ memory. I love being a nurse and the way it makes me feel, and having opportunities like this to help me along my educational journey, is greatly appreciated.”

JACQUELYN CARLOCK, BSN, RNC, EFM

Frank Hedges

Scholarship recipient

Educating Our Nurses

Nursing scholarships provide incredible opportunities for team members to excel in the nursing profession, while easing the financial burden many students face when financing an education. Donor-funded scholarships at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center fuel their passion to learn, enabling our nurses to bring the most compassionate, advanced care to our patients.

ALS Patients Benefit from Latest Advances

Jersey Shore University Medical Center team members attend the Northeast ALS Consortium’s conference, where they exchange research and best care practices with the nation’s leading ALS experts and clinics, discuss potential new therapies and prepare for clinical trials. This learning advances the services and care provided by our team of ALS experts, helping patients manage their condition and optimize their health. The ALS Center brings together an array of specialists in one all-inclusive visit, providing patients and families with a complete, convenient health care experience. We are grateful for our donors who support the Center.

Bone Marrow Transplant Care Right Here, Close to Home

Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s new 12 room inpatient bone marrow transplant unit allows for the proper isolation of patients undergoing the transplant procedure and provides the specialized high level care needed for the patient population. Now, patients requiring a transplant in central New Jersey may no longer have to travel long distances for care. In addition, the Radiation Oncology Department’s linear accelerator provides total body irradiation, which reduces the risk of donor cells being rejected by the patient’s immune system.

“Jersey Shore University Medical Center has always been home to state-ofthe-art medical interventions. We are thrilled to bring this advanced form of cranial radiosurgery to our patients. ZAP-X is a powerful tool in the noninvasive treatment of brain tumors and other cranial conditions.”

SHABBAR DANISH, M.D., chair of neurosurgery at the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center

ZAPPING BRAIN TUMORS WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY

Thanks to an extraordinarily generous gift from visionary philanthropist Mary Ellen Harris and the Golden Dome Foundation, the Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris ZAP-X Center for Noninvasive Neurosurgery at the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute of Jersey Shore University Medical Center debuted the first-in-the-world combination of the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® for the brain and the neuro-dedicated Synaptive MRI. Their combined technology increases patient access to imaging and shortens the time lapse between diagnosis and treatment. ZAP-X is an alternative to brain surgery and conventional types of radiation therapy, delivering high doses of radiation to tumor tissue with incredible precision, resulting in a lower risk of side effects. It also provides a more pleasant patient experience as the MRI is mostly silent, and patients are able to return to normal activity the same day after each treatment.

“The best part of my job is meeting new patients and their families from this community. I am so happy to provide support and collaborate with other professionals throughout the hospital.”

NATALIE RIGGIO, M. ED., BCBA, pediatric behavior specialist

THERAPY DESIGNED WITH KIDS IN MIND

A donor-funded pediatric behavioral specialist at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital prepares patients and families on what to expect from their hospital visit and serves as an advocate throughout their experience. The behaviorist also serves as a valuable family resource, providing information about ancillary services and working with the child’s school district. In addition, the therapist educates their peers on issues such as caring for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays and behavioral difficulties so the entire team is able to meet the unique needs of each patient.