One mom whose son sought treatment for leukemia at a major New York medical facility and at the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital found the care at both places excellent. Yet, what tipped the scales for her was the Valerie Center’s soothing, nurturing environment.
“She felt he got the same level of care, but being at Morristown and close to home was less disruptive and he received more personalized care,” says Steve Halpern, MD, the new director of the Valerie Center.
Dr. Halpern’s goal is to continue providing the best medical care while catering to the emotional needs of patients and their families. To that end, the center is seeking philanthropic support for several items. First, Dr. Halpern envisions creating a long-term follow-up clinic for children who have finished cancer treatment: “We’d like to follow the effects cancer treatment had on these patients, both physically and psychologically.” This clinic will help his team plan future medical treatments and psycho-social support offerings.
Other funding needs include a dietician, who will give nutritional guidance to chemotherapy patients; an educational liaison with a master’s in education, who will help patients return to the classroom and assist with educational issues related to cancer diagnosis and treatment; and televisions to distract patients during treatment.
To offer your support, please contact Gerri Kling, major gifts officer, at 973.593.2414 or geraldine.kling@atlantichealth.org.
Pictured: Dr. Steve Halpern with patient Thomas Rice and his mom, Kelly