Northwell hosts cancer survivor event

Continued from Page 2 when he was 16 of acute myeloid leukemia. But that was 52 years ago, and back then chemotherapy was primitive and bone marrow transplants were in more of a testing stage.”

Saladino explained that following her brother’s death, her family became involved with Northwell in their Cold Spring Harbor research labs, as well as raisingspecifc designated funds for the transplant program and helping to organize events such as Cancer Survivors Day.

“We do parties for the patients periodically,” she continued, “and when you look around at all the people during this event, you’ll say, ‘Wow, they look happy.’ I think they need that, to be together, and some of them have been coming back for many, many years. It’s a hopeful event, that’s the whole point.”

Dr. Richard Barakat, physician-in-chief and director of Cancer Services and Research at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, expressed how crucial the work of doctors, nurses and caretakers is to creating a safe environment for patients.

“I think what makes us such a great healthcare system is the culture here, which is incredible,” he said. “I think it stems from the top, the leadership of Michael Dowling. It’s such an inclusive culture that focuses on the [patients’] voices and well-being. I think that when you have satisfed and engaged employees, patients pick up on that.”

Barakat explained that Northwell is rated one of the best places to work in health care in the United States, the No. 1 health-care system by diversity and the largest private employer in New York with 83,000 employees.

Through ongoing philanthropic support, Northwell’s surpassing of its $1 billion capital campaign and the revenue generated by the system made up of 21 hospitals, the health care provider will be expanding.