Gratitude2 0 1 9 VO LUM E 2H O W P H I L A N T H R O P Y I S S H A P I N G N O R T H W E L L H E A LT H

Fueling life-changing, lifesaving innovation for

generations to come

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Gratitude is written and produced by the Northwell Health Foundation.

Michael J. Dowling President and CEO Northwell Health

Brian T. Lally Senior Vice President Chief Development Officer

Carolyn Vivaldi Assistant Vice President Strategic Communications & Donor Engagement

Julie Robinson-Tingue Senior Director, Strategic Communications Executive Editor, Gratitude magazine

Kerri L. Tortorella Associate Director, Strategic Communications Editor, Gratitude magazine

Northwell Health 2000 Marcus Ave New Hyde Park, NY 11042 (516) 321-6300 give.northwell.edu gratitude@northwell.edu

© 2019. Printed in USA.

Photography: Northwell Health Studios

Designed by: Onward Publishing, Inc.

On the coverPaul and Diane Guenther with Varinder P. Singh, MD, Northwell’s Paul and Diane Guenther Chair in Cardiology, in a cardiac catheterization lab at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Campaign Co-ChairsLeonard Feinstein

William Mack

Roy Zuckerberg

Campaign Executive Committee Sandra Atlas Bass

Mark Claster

Daniel M. Crown

Michael Epstein

Lloyd Goldman

Paul Guenther

John Kanas

Susan Karches

Iris and Saul Katz

Arthur Levine

Donald and Barbara Zucker

Opposite page: The 2019 endowed chairs and professors at Northwell Health’s inaugural Celebration of Excellence. From left: Varinder P. Singh, MD; Karina W. Davidson, PhD, MASc; Jeffrey M. Lipton, MD, PhD; Louis Potters, MD; Stacey E. Rosen, MD; Kevin J. Tracey, MD; Nicholas Chiorazzi, MD.

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Every groundbreaking moment at Northwell Health results from philanthropic support by passionate visionaries who believe in our mission to make the impossible possible, every day. Endowment support goes beyond the lives that can be saved today to dramatically change health care in perpetuity.

Increasing our endowment is a priority of Outpacing the Impossible, Northwell’s $1 billion comprehensive campaign. To date, we’ve raised $120 million toward our $165 million goal for endowment.

Fueling life-changing, lifesaving innovation for

generations to come

Celebrating our esteemed benefactors whose vision and generosity are giving the world a new kind of health care

By Erin Burk

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“An endowment gift creates the future,” says Brian Lally, senior vice president and chief development officer. “It is a very powerful statement of belief in Northwell, in our mission and in the people delivering that mission.”

This October, at Northwell Health’s inaugural Celebration of Excellence, we honored our esteemed donors who recognize the powerful impact of endowment, driving new research, advancing medicine and educating generations of healthcare professionals, now and into the future. This momentous event brought together our benefactors and the newly endowed chairs and professors — Northwell’s elite physicians, scientists and academic leaders who continue to pioneer solutions in their fields.

“To compete with the very best academic medical systems — even if you deliver the best care — you also need research that allows you to deliver tomorrow’s care today,” says Lawrence G. Smith, MD, executive vice president and physician-in-chief at Northwell Health and dean of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. “Increasing our endowment is a cultural step from where we’ve been to where we are going.”

Honoring a legacy and accelerating breakthroughs Susan Karches, an active board member of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, met Dr. Rai at Northwell in 2000, during her late husband Peter’s battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A lead clinical investigator at the Feinstein Institutes, Dr. Rai has dedicated nearly 40 years of his career toward diagnosing and treating CLL.

“We liked him immediately. He was such a wonderful doctor and was determined to find better treatments for my husband,” says Susan. Sadly, despite

every effort, Peter did not survive his stem cell transplant.

Prior to his passing, Susan and Peter together decided to support Dr. Rai’s research. Susan’s recent gift established an endowed professorship — the Kanti R. Rai, MD, Professor in Cancer Research — named to honor Dr. Rai and to ensure that his legacy lives on forever. “I thought it’s a lovely way to let him know how much our family, and so many others, appreciate all of the work he has done,” says Susan.

“I am both humbled and honored by this most gracious gesture,” says Dr. Rai. “Even though we lost Peter Karches, this support from Susan and her family gives me confidence that all of us around the world who are researching CLL will soon find a cure for this disease.”

Nicholas Chiorazzi, MD, is the inaugural holder of this professorship. “I am immensely grateful to the Karches family for their sustained support of our research,” says Dr. Chiorazzi. “It is a true privilege to have a position that carries Dr. Rai’s name and to try to live up to his legacy of groundbreaking research in the fight against CLL.”

“It’s important to me that this CLL research continues, and now it will,” says Susan. “Dr. Chiorazzi has been a longtime partner in this research and he, and those after him, will always have funding to carry it forward.”

Susan’s second endowment came through her work on the board of the Feinstein Institutes. Its president and CEO, Kevin J. Tracey, MD, discovered a new field of medicine called bioelectronic medicine — it’s using devices, instead of drugs, to treat disease.

“I was fascinated by his research,” says Susan. “Dr. Tracey is looking into the future of health care, finding alternatives to prescriptions and helping people live healthy lives. I definitely wanted to support this initiative.”

To do so, Susan established the Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. “Dr. Tracey is so deserving of this gift and this honor — and now this position will live on forever,” says Susan.

“Holding the Karches Family Distinguished Chair is a privilege,” says Dr. Tracey. “This endowment support is foundational for our studies of the links between the nervous and immune systems and for advancing the field of bioelectronic medicine.”

Both endowed positions are deeply meaningful for the Karches family. “It’s reassuring to me, and to my family, to know that the funding is secure and the good work will always continue. Countless individuals will benefit from this medical research,” says Susan.

Kanti R. Rai, MD; Nicholas Chiorazzi, MD; Susan Karches; Kevin J. Tracey, MD

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Channeling firsthand experience in pursuit of better treatments“Our family has had a strange history with cancer,” says Barry Rubenstein. “Three members of our immediate family went through this horror of cancer — all with a unique type of the disease.”

Barry and his wife Marilyn are both cancer survivors, as is their son Brian. They have seen the isolation of those suffering and the power of breakthrough research in radiation oncology. The couple has turned their own experiences and compassion for others into an endowment gift that will propel discoveries in cancer research.

Louis Potters, MD, an internationally renowned expert in the use of radiation therapy to deliver precise amounts of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing the damage to healthy tissue, treated Barry’s prostate cancer. “Lou saved Barry’s life,” says Marilyn.

Dr. Potters’ own family history was a driving force behind his choice of medical specialty. “Unfortunately, cancer struck early in my family,” says Dr. Potters, deputy physician-in-chief of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute and professor at the Feinstein Institutes. “My father was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma and passed away when I was 13. I knew early on I wanted to be a doctor, but my trajectory then changed to oncology. I haven’t looked back.”

Bonded in their dedication to the study of cancer and in gratitude for the incredible care they received, Dr. Potters was named as the Marilyn and Barry Rubenstein Professor in Cancer Research. They envision the gift’s direct impact on individual lives — setting an international standard for radiation oncology and providing better cancer treatment outcomes.

“I’m humbled at the opportunity and tremendously thankful for this gift that perpetually funds outcomes research while impacting patients immediately,” says Dr. Potters.

Fueling healthier, better futures for kidsThomas “Tom” Gambino and his wife Frances have long believed that the smallest and most vulnerable patients deserve the best and most highly specialized care. With the generous support of the Gambino Medical & Science Foundation, we have dramatically elevated care for those very patients at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

The Gambinos recently established an endowed professorship, the Frances and Thomas Gambino Professor of Hematology/Oncology. The first Gambino professorship was awarded to Jeffrey M. Lipton, MD, PhD, a foremost expert in Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare inherited bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome.

“This endowment allows me to grow our team as we explore the most fundamental aspects of hematology through the study of a very specific disease,” says Dr. Lipton, professor at the Feinstein Institutes. “It allows us to answer critical questions about specific problems that affect children with cancer and blood diseases. The Gambinos’ endowment is how real progress in academic medicine is made possible.” Through their generous support, a relationship between a benefactor and a physician scientist will impact patient care in perpetuity.

Tom and Frances will forever impact the future of children’s health care by building a legacy of excellence in pediatric blood disease and cancer research, and treatment at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Read more about Tom and Frances’ story on page 14.

Louis Potters, MD, with Marilyn and Barry Rubenstein

Thomas and Frances Gambino with Jeffrey M. Lipton, MD, PhD

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Supporting leadership in cardiac carePaul and Diane Guenther have generously supported Lenox Hill Hospital for more than 20 years, with Paul serving as chair of the hospital board and as a member of the Northwell Health Board of Trustees. In the years since joining the board, “the changes that have taken place have been absolutely extraordinary,” says Paul. “The hospital and all of the affiliated care sites on Manhattan have leaped tremendously ahead, thanks to the relationship with Northwell. It’s been hugely beneficial.”

Recently, Paul and Diane furthered their support by endowing the first chair at Lenox Hill Hospital since 2001. “We wanted to participate in the Northwell campaign and when the idea of an endowed chair came up, it was a no brainer,” adds Paul. The Paul and Diane Guenther Chair in Cardiology recognizes the cardiovascular expertise of Varinder P. Singh, MD, chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, naming him its first recipient. Dr. Singh has played an integral role in reestablishing Lenox Hill as a leading center for cardiovascular medicine in Manhattan.

“Dr. Singh is a good friend and also our doctor,” says Paul. “He is incredible. We are absolutely thrilled to support his work. Support like this enables people to excel not only as doctors but in their research and other aspects of cardiac care. This gift will help advance Northwell’s preeminence in cardiac care.”

“The Guenther endowment is an overwhelming personal honor that is shared by every member of our team,” says Dr. Singh.

“This gift will foster current and future cardiovascular therapies, innovation, research and education.”

“It’s one thing to donate a building or a room. But an endowment gift is alive and functioning, and we get to be involved in the process and the ongoing plan. It’s very stimulating,” says Paul.

“For us,” adds Paul, “this is about supporting an institution we love that does good for mankind. It is just so personally satisfying.”

Transforming the future of academic medicineSince the inception of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, future doctors, nurses and researchers have been supported by the vision and generosity of Donald and Barbara Zucker, who recognize the role of education and research in transforming the future of medicine.

The Zuckers’ latest endowment gift establishes the Donald and Barbara Zucker Professor in Health Outcomes, which supports the work of Karina W. Davidson, PhD, MASc, a leading psychology and personalized trial scientist. As the head of the Center for Personalized Health at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Dr. Davidson focuses on leading-edge trials to determine optimal treatments that demonstrate the greatest success with the fewest side effects for

Paul Guenther, Varinder P. Singh, MD and Diane Guenther

individual patients. The mission of her center is to creatively disrupt the way we manage chronic diseases, conditions, symptoms, and behaviors through the use of innovative technologies that incorporate patient feedback. As senior vice president of research and dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Davidson is on the forefront of significant and transformative research to reshape our healthcare systems to provide evidence-based and patient-preferred treatments.

Dr. Davidson shares, “I am honored to have the support of Donald and Barbara Zucker, philanthropists with a passion for and interest in helping us change the way health care is delivered.”

“Our desire is for this endowment to accelerate Dr. Davidson’s research, and the research of those who come after her, fueling ongoing breakthrough studies for managing chronic disease in a more personalized and inclusive way,” say Donald and Barbara.

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Barbara Hrbek Zucker, Karina W. Davidson, PhD, MASc and Donald Zucker

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Karches Family FoundationNicholas Chiorazzi, MD Kanti R. Rai, MD, Professor in Cancer Research

Kevin J. Tracey, MD Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research

Donald and Barbara ZuckerKarina W. Davidson, PhD, MASc Donald and Barbara Zucker Professor in Health Outcomes

Gambino Medical and Science FoundationJeffrey M. Lipton, MD, PhD Frances and Thomas Gambino Professor of Hematology/Oncology

Marilyn and Barry RubensteinLouis Potters, MD Marilyn and Barry Rubenstein Professor in Cancer Research

Partners Council for Women’s HealthStacey E. Rosen, MD Partners Council Professor of Women’s Health

Paul and Diane GuentherVarinder P. Singh, MD Paul and Diane Guenther Chair in Cardiology

View our full honor roll of endowed chairs and professors at bit.ly/endowment-honor-roll.

2019 Endowed Chairs and Professors

Learn more about the impact of endowment at bit.ly/endowmentgifts.

Amplifying women’s health advocacyStacey E. Rosen, MD, has dedicated her life to tackling the inequalities in women’s health, fighting the perception that women are little men. “Women are grossly underrepresented in clinical research. This means we make discoveries about prevention, diagnosis and treatment for men and assume the results are the same for women,” says Dr. Rosen, senior vice president of Women’s Health at Northwell.

Dr. Rosen proudly leads the Katz Institute for Women’s Health where, because of the extraordinary vision and generosity of Iris and Saul Katz, the most innovative clinicians and scientists have been brought together to find new ways to see women fully and focus on an expanded view of women’s health.

And now, Dr. Rosen’s fierce fight will be amplified as the first Partners Council Professor of Women’s Health. This endowed professorship was funded by the Partners Council, a group of remarkable women who, for nearly three decades, have devoted themselves to improving women’s health by educating women and funding progressive programs, facilities and technology.

“This endowment has given us the resources to grow the Katz Institute and fulfill our mission,” says Dr. Rosen, “empowering women to optimize their health and the health of their families. I am honored to hold the Partners Council Professorship and grateful to the many who support this mission.”

Read more about Dr. Rosen and the work of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health on page 8.

Marilyn Rubenstein, Dayle Katz, Iris Katz, Stacey E. Rosen, MD, Harriet Rosen, Ruthie Slade and Merry Slone

These esteemed visionaries are among many benefactors who are accelerating groundbreaking work at Northwell. Their generosity sees beyond what’s possible today and ensures perpetual support to advance research and medicine and fuel Northwell Health as we continually outpace the impossible.

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Stacey E. Rosen, MD, senior vice president of Women’s Health and the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, is an expert in how health care and medical research have historically bypassed women’s physiology and symptoms. Dr. Rosen, who is the Partners Council Professor of Women’s Health, discussed this important subject during her remarks at the Summer Hamptons Evening (SHE) event. SHE was held in Water Mill, NY, at the residence of Victoria Moran-Furman, who hosted alongside presenting sponsors Iris and Saul Katz, the benefactors of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, and Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events. More than 300 supporters attended, donating

$575,000 to help Northwell pioneer solutions that address women’s specific health needs through individualized, integrated care at Northwell’s Katz Women’s Hospitals and locations across the metropolitan area — from Manhattan to Montauk.

Dr. Rosen recently appeared on NBC’s The Today Show as a women’s health medical correspondent, sharing practical tips with women on how to lower their risk for heart disease. Here, she discusses the history of women’s health care, and how the Katz Institute for Women’s Health is reshaping health care for women.

You’ve said that women “aren’t little men.” What do you mean?

The medical community historically made the general assumption that, except for the obvious differences such as reproductive organs, women are pretty much just smaller versions of men. In past research, women were ignored because researchers thought it would be too complicated to take our hormones into consideration. They even use male rather than female lab rats! Women’s unique health needs were too often ignored.

What’s been the effect of this underrepresentation of women in research?

To date, it’s meant that when investigators make important discoveries about prevention, diagnosis and treatment, those discoveries are often

extrapolated to women, as though the same approach works for women as for men. And that’s not true! This has had unfortunate consequences, particularly in heart disease, which women experience differently from men. We’re just beginning to understand how many other diseases, including autoimmune conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, depression and certain non-reproductive cancers, are different for women. We won’t be able to move forward in the field of women’s health care until we focus on the real, crucial differences between women and men.

What’s happening at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health to address these disparities?

Thanks to the vision and generosity of Iris and Saul Katz, Northwell has created a collaborative institute that is based on an expanded view of women’s health. We start with the premise that women’s health needs to be customized and coordinated by experts in women’s health. Medical research works at a glacial pace, but we are narrowing those unfortunate disparities now, through our clinical programs, our community partnerships, and through research and education.

What can women do to make sure their health needs are properly addressed?

The best thing women can do is to be their own advocates, to trust their instincts and speak up. Try to find doctors who really listen to your concerns and take you seriously. Prepare for doctor appointments by coming to your doctor armed with a list of medications and supplements and your list of questions. The doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. Listen, take notes. If you don’t understand something, ask. Protect your health by asking for details and getting the explanations you need. Call us at (855) 850-KIWH to talk to a women’s health specialist and find the care you need!

Who is SHE? A conversation with Stacey Rosen, MD

You can become a member of the Katz Women’s Circle, a vibrant community who shares an interest in learning about women’s health and wellness topics. Visit bit.ly/katzwomenscircle for additional information and to join today.

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Four-hour blood transfusions used to tax 14-year-old Akayllah McEwan’s mind as much as her body. While the healthy red blood cells pumped into her body treated her sickle cell disease, she struggled with the scourge of adolescence: boredom.

Then child life specialist Sammy Sherman taught Akayllah to make “Blood Soup,” mixing water, red food coloring, marshmallows, red hot candies and toffees in mason jars to illustrate sickle cell disease’s effect on a cellular level and what the transfusions do to help her.

“I wanted to eat the food,” Akayllah giggles, then acknowledges, “I always kind of understood why I needed the transfusions. Sammy made it specific for me.”

At Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Sammy is one of two certified child life specialists in the hematology-oncology division who accompany kids from diagnosis through treatment. Since 2014, her position has been funded by a generous gift from Delta Air Lines.

Over the past decade, Delta has contributed more than $2 million to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. “Child Life is one of the programs not covered by health insurance,” explains Tricia Rumola, Delta Air Lines’ general manager of community engagement. “We hope our support will help families and patients have a sense of comfort going through an incredibly difficult time in their lives.”

Delta’s sponsorship of Sammy’s position helps kids overcome fears and anxieties

and learn to cope with challenging medical experiences. “My goal is to empower patients and families,” says Sammy, who holds a master’s degree in child life.

She uses Surgi Dolls and medical play to walk patients through upcoming procedures and desensitizes scary hospital equipment through therapeutic activities. Sammy

also supports kids when they receive a terminal diagnosis, giving them space to mourn their loss, enjoy time with their family and feel like kids who happen to be sick — not sick kids.

“Sammy has an extraordinary ability to connect with children,” says

Cynthia Rodriguez, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program director. “While they may think they are just having fun with Sammy, she is undoubtedly teaching them, supporting them, and helping them to learn how to navigate their journey successfully.”

Sammy also connects patients with each other since they have limited opportunities to socialize with other kids. She started a monthly newsletter where they can submit jokes, stories and artwork to express themselves.

“Sammy is my go-to person at the hospital,” says Akayllah. “She takes my mind off of the transfusion and makes the hospital a normal area where I can be myself.”

“Sammy is really doing the work that is her life’s calling,” says Tricia. “Delta couldn’t be prouder to have our name connected to Sammy and the work she is doing.”

“ While they may think they are just having fun with Sammy, she is undoubtedly teaching them, supporting them, and helping them to learn how to navigate their journey successfully.”

By Kristen Ziegler

Child life specialists help kids be kids — even while in the hospital

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Sean Reilly’s 27th birthday wish was the same as it’s been for 10 years — longboarding to Jones Beach with his younger brothers Steven and James and their friend Devin Votta. Growing up together in Levittown, 25-mile round-trip treks to Jones Beach became a tradition.

On those Jones Beach rides, the crew joked of riding 120 miles to Montauk. In 2018, they did it for the first time, calling it Ride 4 Life: Carving 4 A Cause. They rode to honor their grandfathers and an uncle, all of whom had recently passed away from cancer.

As they planned 2019’s ride, Devin, 24, was an intern and a PEACE volunteer at Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center. “I wanted a way to say goodbye and to honor a local program where our small contribution could make a difference,” says Devin. He heard about Survivors Facing Forward at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The program’s annual event, The Les Nelkin Pediatric Cancer Survivors Day presented by Northwestern Mutual, is held at Jones Beach — the crew’s regular longboarding destination — and the decision was made to raise $5,000 to fund this party that celebrates people who have survived childhood cancer.

Survivors Facing Forward is a lifelong follow-up program providing screening and counseling for anyone cured of pediatric cancer. “We’ve gotten pretty good at curing cancer in children,” says Jonathan Fish, MD, section head of the program and associate professor of pediatric medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. “But that cure comes with a cost. There are consequences of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.” More than 700 program participants — the youngest, a 3-year-old; the oldest, 60 — receive the care they need to lead a prosperous life.

On Sunday, September 22, the Ride 4 Life crew attended The Les Nelkin Pediatric Cancer Survivors Day with their longboards. “Seeing the outcome of what we did, meeting survivors, made this so much more personal,” says James, 24.

“Survivors love this day,” says Dr. Fish, “spending time with others who understand what they’ve been through. We all — staff and patients — greatly appreciate what the Ride 4 Life guys have done.”

Devin, Sean, James and Steven surpassed their goal, raising $7,250 for Survivors Facing Forward. “The word ‘quit’ doesn’t exist with this group,” says Sean. “We just kept going. And that’s what cancer patients do, too.”

Interested in setting up a fundraiser to support a program, department or hospital that is important to you? Visit give.northwell.edu/fundraise to find out how you can do what you love, while raising funds to support health care in your community.

Going the distance to support Cohen Children’sBy Carol Cool

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“I remember Gavin’s 20-week ultrasound like it was yesterday, and I wish I didn’t,” says Nicole Mogil. “The doctor drew two hearts on a piece of paper. She pointed and said, ‘This is a normal heart. This is Gavin’s heart.’ That was the last thing I heard.”

Nicole was induced at 39½ weeks. “The doctors told me I wouldn’t even be able to hold my baby after he was born, but my husband, Greg, fought for me to have a few moments before they whisked him away.”

Six days later, Gavin faced seven hours of open heart surgery. And two weeks later, Gavin needed another surgery to have a pacemaker implanted.

“We were in the hospital over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s,” says Nicole. “It felt like Groundhog Day every day, sitting in the same chair for 14 hours a day.”

Gavin needed additional surgeries at ages two and five but is now a second-grader, active in tennis and karate. “We felt so indebted to everybody who gave us our son,” says Nicole. “We didn’t know how to

pay it back other than to help people who are in the same position.”

The nonprofit they started, Gavin’s Got Heart, provides financial support to parents of children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) — the most common birth defect in the U.S.

“Life doesn’t freeze because your baby is in the hospital,” says Nicole. “Parents often have to make the choice, do I care for my child right now or do I go to work?”

Gavin’s Got Heart helps with bills, travel expenses or lost wages and offers critical emotional support. “We can help give parents meaningful time with their baby,” says Nicole.

The Mogils also wanted to have a broader community reach by raising awareness of CHDs.

The BEAT program initiated by Southside Hospital in nearby Bay Shore resonated with them. BEAT offers high school

students screenings, such as blood tests and electrocardiograms, that illuminate their heart health. They’re taught hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

“We were thinking of Gavin and how important it is for other students to be aware of congenital heart defects and to know how to use the lifesaving strategies he and others may need,” says Nicole.

Gavin’s Got Heart has provided three $10,000 gifts to support the BEAT program. “Gavin’s Got Heart is an incredible organization,” says Barry Goldberg, MD, Southside Hospital’s director of Pediatric Cardiology, who runs the BEAT program. “If everybody in the world would respond to adversity like the Mogils did, the world would be a better place.”

By Carol Cool

Supporting families of kids born with congenital heart defects

“ If everybody in the world would respond to adversity like the Mogils did, the world would be a better place.”

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Compassionate care in the last weeks of life spark a gift to help caregivers

As Geoffrey Schwartz spent long hours at his wife Susan’s bedside during the last four weeks of her life, he marveled at the compassionate care she was receiving at Northern Westchester Hospital.

Twenty months earlier, Susan had come to Northern Westchester Hospital for gallbladder surgery with Jerald D. Wishner, MD, at her gastroenterologist’s recommendation.

The surgery didn’t alleviate Susan’s symptoms. After discovering a large tumor, Dr. Wishner performed a colon resection. The tumor was cancerous and chemotherapy was recommended.

“We knew we would go to Northern Westchester for Susan’s chemo,” says Geoffrey. “Our experiences there were always the easiest time you can imagine in a hospital. We fell in love with the place. We couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.” Through six months of

chemotherapy, the Schwartzes made the 80-mile round-trip.

Unfortunately, Susan’s cancer progressed rapidly, and in May of 2019, she was readmitted to Northern Westchester Hospital.

“Those last weeks made a tremendous impression on me,” Geoffrey says. “We were already impressed with Dr. Wishner, Dr. Jonathan Goldberg (her oncologist) and the nurses, but now we were interacting with people in the Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center, the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center, and palliative care and hospice. They were just incredible, visiting Susan several times a day. They came separately to see me, knowing I was there 10–12 hours a day.”

“ It’s really from Susan,” says Geoffrey. “She lost her life, but she is still doing what she did her entire life — caring for people.”

By Carol Cool

Both Susan and Geoffrey retired from the United States Navy, with 24 and 21 years’ tenure, respectively. The staff at Northern Westchester honored their service to their country. Eugene Cauvin, DNP, associate director of pain management and palliative care and a retired Air Force veteran, personally attended to the couple’s needs. Dorothy Cafran, RN, certified hospice and palliative nurse, quilted an American flag pillowcase for Susan.

On the Saturday that would be Susan’s last day, Geoffrey sat by her bedside. She was not conscious and had difficulty breathing. “Suddenly, Eugene poked his head in. He was not in his hospital coat. He saw how she was, and said, ‘I’ve got this,’ heading to the nurses’ station for meds. After he returned, I asked why he was here. ‘I just came in to see how you were doing,’ he said.”

“The care at this difficult time was so exceptional, I wanted to try to do anything I could to support what they do,” says Geoffrey. “I talked to Susan about making a gift. She nodded her head, yes.”

The Schwartzes $25,000 gift will assist the Bruce and Andrea Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program, the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center, and palliative care. It will support other patients and families as they grapple with difficult health care circumstances.

“It’s really from Susan,” says Geoffrey. “She lost her life, but she is still doing what she did her entire life — caring for people.”

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Taking Baby Steps to honor a compassionate colleague

Marianne DiStefano never counted the number of babies she delivered in her 30-year career, but it’s safe to say there were thousands. Everyone she encountered — coworkers, patients and families — recognized how much she loved her job as head nurse in labor and delivery at Staten Island University Hospital. It brought her indescribable joy.

This spring her coworkers honored her passion through the 2019 Northwell Health Walk at Staten Island. After Marianne’s passing in February 2018, her colleague Linda Spadafina set a team goal of raising $25,000 to name a labor-and-delivery room in Marianne’s honor within the new Gruppuso Family Women & Newborn Center, slated to be open late 2021.

“Marianne was a mentor and leader to many nurses during her career at Staten Island University Hospital,” says Laura Wenzel, senior director of maternal and child nursing. “It was heartwarming to see Linda and the staff collaborate with Marianne’s family to keep her legacy alive. Marianne continues to live on in the hearts of the nurses and families she impacted over the years.”

Since the inception of the Northwell Health Walk at Staten Island in 2016, Linda Spadafina has been an exemplary committee member and team player who is made for unwavering support. As captain of Team Baby Steps, Linda raised more than $34,000 in the walk’s first three years to benefit Staten Island University Hospital. From “Taco Tuesdays” and “Waffle Wednesdays” to hosting big-ticket raffles and events, Linda’s fundraising tactics exemplify her creativity.

With 2019’s walk goal to honor Marianne, Linda took ownership of the challenge, bringing the hospital community

together. “Even though we are part of a large hospital system, Staten Island University Hospital is still very much a community hospital,” Linda says. “The support that was shown at that walk in May is certainly proof of that.” With her persistence and dedication, and support from the walk committee, fellow employees and community members, the team surpassed their goal, raising nearly $30,000.

Linda and her team exemplify the dedication that Northwell Health employees bring to their patients, each other and the places they work.

Northwell’s employee giving program — What matters most — offers team members additional

ways to help us meet our $1 billion Outpacing the Impossible campaign goal. They can make a one-time gift, enroll in payroll deduction or contribute their myRecognition points to support the program or hospital of their choice.

Through their generosity and passion, Northwell Health employees like Linda are leading the way in helping push boundaries and redefine health care.

Linda and her team exemplify the dedication that Northwell Health employees bring to their patients, each other and the places they work.

By Jamie Lynn Macchia, Lori Peterson and Tracie Saitta

“Simply put, it’s a labor of love,” Linda says. “I do all of these crazy things because I love raising funds for this hospital and the community it supports.”

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GR ATITUDE

At Cohen Children’s Medical Center, no birthday goes uncelebrated — birthdays are markers of life and health, of living joyfully and fully.

The surprise birthday party held on August 16 celebrated all these things, but with a twist — the crowd was gathered to honor not a ninth birthday, but a 90th.

Thomas “Tom” Gambino has never been a patient at Cohen Children’s. Yet, he’s been a loyal patron. Since 1990, the Gambino Medical & Science Foundation he and his wife Frances established has raised millions of dollars to support vital clinical programs at Cohen Children’s.

The Gambino Foundation’s long-term generosity has helped create the region’s first pediatric bone marrow transplant unit, a stem cell transplant unit, and a trauma and imaging center and has supported important research projects and child life programs. “Our foundation is committed to supporting the superior care of children provided at Cohen Children’s,” says Tom.

In an effort to further Cohen Children’s national leadership in pediatric cancer, Tom and Frances’s children recently announced that the foundation would establish an endowed professorship in pediatric hematology and oncology, ensuring our physician scientists can continue their groundbreaking research.

Northwell Health thought it only fitting to announce the inaugural Frances and Thomas Gambino Professor of Hematology/Oncology at a celebration honoring Tom’s 90th birthday. Jeffrey M. Lipton, MD, PhD, chief of the division of pediatric hematology/oncology and stem cell transplantation — an area close to Tom’s heart — was named the recipient.

“This is a great personal honor,” says Dr. Lipton, “which enables me to create a culture of inquiry that solves problems at the highest level. The Gambinos’ endowment supports fundamental discoveries that impact the lives of

children now but also children not yet born, as future occupants of this chair make their own discoveries.”

Cohen Children’s patients shared their own well wishes with Tom through birthday cards they created just for him. He also received a special birthday gift — a white coat

with his name on it bearing the Northwell Health and Cohen Children’s logos, linking him to the hospital he has generously ensured will be a leader in pediatric cancer research and care in perpetuity.

By Carol Cool

The Gambinos’ endowment supports fundamental discoveries that impact the lives of children now but also children not yet born, as future occupants of this chair make their own discoveries.

A 90th birthday surprise at Cohen Children’s honors

a loyal patron and expands

his legacy

14 Northwell Health | GRATITUDE

2019 VOLUME 2

Seeing health care differently: An innovative solution to a unique cancer puzzle

“I noticed there was a scab,” recalls Paul Steinberg, a 59 year-old father from East Northport. “At first, I really didn’t think anything of it. I had the scab for three to four years and it never really healed.”

Paul was referred to Robert Kerr, MD, PhD, chief of Neurosurgery at Northwell’s Huntington Hospital, after a wound he sustained from bumping his head years prior became progressively bigger and more painful. A computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed one of the largest and most aggressive squamous cell carcinomas that doctors at Huntington had ever seen.

In preparation for Paul’s surgery, Northwell engineers created a 3D-printed model of his brain to help surgeons understand what his tumor looked like, its location and the kind of surgery that was required. Dr. Kerr assembled a multi-disciplinary team of specialists, which culminated in a well-orchestrated 10 ½-hour surgery involving three full surgical teams from across Northwell’s footprint.

Today, after follow-up procedures, chemotherapy and radiation, Paul is back at work.

“I feel great,” he says. “I’m so grateful to everyone who came together to take care of me. It was humbling to know that three surgeons and their teams came together to help me heal.”

Honoring their father by helping others like Paul The Messina family also experienced the innovative care of Huntington’s

neurosurgical team when their father, Phillip Messina, was battling glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. After losing their beloved father, Philip’s children — Marybeth Seus, actor Chris Messina (The Mindy Project, Sharp Objects) and musician Steve Messina — wanted to celebrate his life. They also wanted to honor his caregivers, particularly Dr. Kerr.

The family established an annual golf outing to support the growth of Dr. Kerr’s brain cancer treatment and research program to help more people with unusual forms of head/neck cancers. The inaugural Philip Messina Memorial Golf Tournament — hosted by actor Justin Long — raised $140,000

to benefit Huntington’s Department of Neurosurgery.

“Our hope was to raise significant funds so that Dr. Kerr and his incredible team can continue their pioneering work in neurological surgery to benefit future generations,” says Marybeth. “We want our community to know about Dr. Kerr and the amazing care he gave to our father and the compassion he showed us during the most difficult and heartbreaking time in our lives.”

“We are extremely grateful to the Messina family for their kindness, generosity and devotion,” says Dr. Kerr. “We are constantly looking for new and more effective treatments that will help improve the quality of life for patients suffering with brain cancer.”

By Julie Robinson-Tingue

Steven Messina, Marybeth Messina Seus, Chris Messina, Robert Kerr, MD, PhD and Justin Long

give.northwell.edu 15

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