News & Stories

Welcome From The Cooper Foundation President & CEO Susan Bass Levin and Chairman Edward D. Viner, MD

Welcome back to The Catalyst, our eNewsletter designed to deliver the latest Cooper University Hospital Foundation news and happenings directly to your inbox.

This spring, we are celebrating 125 years of excellence at Cooper University Hospital, as we undergo the most dramatic transformation in our history. The Cooper Medical School of Rowan University will open in August 2012, and the new, state-of-the-art Cooper Cancer Institute will open in the Fall of 2013.

We hope you will join us on Wednesday, June 13 for a Tribute to the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, at 5 p.m. in the Roberts Pavilion. The Tribute will honor Dr. William Sharrar, Chief of the Department of Pediatrics from 1998 to 2010, Dr. Sidney Sussman, Chief of Pediatrics from 1978 to 1993, and the entire team at the Children’s Regional Hospital for outstanding comprehensive pediatric services.

The Cooper Foundation continues to work side by side with our many generous partners as we provide world-class healthcare in our region. On behalf of Cooper, we thank you for your continued support.

See you next issue,
Susan Bass Levin and Edward D. Viner, MD

Join Us on June 13….

A Tribute to the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper

Please join us as we honor two esteemed physicians: William G. Sharrar, MD, Chief Emeritus of the Department of Pediatrics; and Dr. Sidney Sussman, MD, Chief Emeritus of the Deparment of Pediatrics, whose work led to the State Legislature’s designation of Cooper as the Children’s Regional Hospital in 1991. The event is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Cherry Hill and the Cooper Women’s Board. Tickets are $125 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. To register or become a sponsor please visit cooperhealth.org/child or contact Suzanne Winderman at 856.963.6704.

Date: June 13, 2012
Time: 5 PM
Location: Robert’s Pavilion, Cooper University Hospital

Co-Chairs:

Michael H. Goodman, MD, Chief, Department of Pediatrics
Michael Hartung, Owner, Mercedes-Benz of Cherry Hill
Anne Koons, Sales Associate- Realtor, Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors

Cooper Profiles

Meet Michael H. Goodman, MD, Chief of the Department of Pediatrics at the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper; Michael Hartung, a member of the Cooper Foundation Board of Trustees; and eighth grader Melvin Sheppard, a former patient in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cooper and a fundraiser par excellence.

Michael H. Goodman, MD

When Dr. Michael Goodman thinks about why he chose to specialize in pediatrics and child neurology, he looks back to his time as a child and the special bond he had with his pediatrician.

Dr. Milton “Billy” Graub was a great pediatrician, recalls Dr. Goodman. He demonstrated clinical excellence and compassion, and he nurtured children as if they were his own.

Today, Dr. Goodman is Chief of the Department of Pediatrics at the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper. Dr. Goodman and the entire Cooper team treat children and families with the same compassion and dedication his childhood pediatrician demonstrated.

When a child requires medical management or hospitalization, the family may feel helpless. At the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, the staff provides expert medical care with a focus on communication and meeting the emotional needs of patients and their families.

Dr. Goodman is honored to serve as the head of the only state-designated acute care children’s hospital in South Jersey and is committed to making the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper the destination hospital for pediatric patients and their families. He proudly states, “We are here to take care of all children throughout the region, whether they have a simple illness or a complex medical condition.”

Michael Hartung

As Michael Hartung walks through the halls at the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper he realizes just how important it is to give back.

“You realize there is another reason for you to be around,” says the owner of Mercedes-Benz of Cherry Hill. “There’s a bunch of people out there you can do good for.”

Indeed, Hartung has been “doing good” for more than 20 years with his ongoing support for the Department of Pediatrics at Cooper.

Hartung chaired the annual Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship Golf Tournament, which raised more than $2.5 million over 18 years. Now Hartung has a new idea and he is the Co-Chair with Anne Koons and Dr. Michael Goodman for the upcoming 1st Annual Tribute to the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper.

Hartung credits Cooper University Hospital Chairman George E. Norcross, III and Susan Bass Levin, President of the Cooper Foundation, for taking those efforts to the next level.

“They both have done so much good for Cooper and the Camden community,” says Hartung, who himself spent a little time in Cooper for a heart condition.

“It was the first time I was a patient in a hospital,” Hartung says. “The level of care was tremendous. The entire medical staff just made me feel good.”

A father of three, Hartung currently serves as 2nd vice chair on the Board of Trustees for the Cooper Foundation. His daughter Amanda is also on the Board.

“All three of my children are involved,” Hartung says. “I would like to think this will be a family tradition for the next hundred years.”

Melvin Sheppard

When 14-year-old Melvin Sheppard was born, he could fit into the palm of his mother’s hand.

Weighing just 2.9 lbs., he spent the first month of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cooper struggling to grow.

“If it wasn’t for Cooper, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Melvin.

It’s that realization that inspired him to start his own charity to raise money for Cooper’s NICU. His efforts began six years ago when he donated $30 of his birthday money to the hospital.

Every year since then, Melvin has collected pennies and spare change from his family, friends, neighbors, classmates and members of his church, and donated the money to the NICU.

Melvin has raised more than $1,500 for the NICU – his special passion. “Cooper is very friendly,” said Melvin, who now is 5’7 and weighs 130 lbs. “It’s a great hospital and has gotten me thinking about a career as a doctor.”

His mother, Denise Sheppard, said that even though she was scared about giving birth nine weeks early, the team at Cooper helped ease her fear.

“They told me they were going to make sure everything worked out for me,” said Sheppard. “And they did.”

So to the future Dr. Melvin Sheppard, Cooper says, “thank you!”

Cooper in the Community: Housing Fair

On Tuesday, April 17 Cooper University Hospital hosted a Housing Fair to encourage Cooper employees to live where they work, and learn about the new housing in the Cooper Plaza Neighborhood constructed by St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society and M&M Development.

The Cooper Building is one of the premier housing options in Cooper Plaza. Located just one block from Cooper University Hospital, the Cooper Building is a short walk from NJ Transit train and bus terminals. Amenities include beautiful kitchens with granite countertops, a fully equipped fitness center, a club house, indoor parking and a rooftop garden with breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline.

Cooper’s Employer-Assisted Housing Program offers $1,000 in assistance towards downpayment and closing costs for Cooper employees who are purchasing a home in the Cooper Plaza or Lanning Square neighborhoods and a furniture package for employees who purchase a one bedroom unit in The Cooper.

“Cooper’s Employer Assisted Housing Program makes so much sense in today’s market,” said John P. Sheridan, President and CEO of The Cooper Health System. “Living close to work shortens the commuting time, and is a way to save money. Most importantly, it will help develop a closer connection to the community.”

For information regarding Cooper’s Employer Assisted Housing Program and the new housing in the Historic Cooper Plaza Neighborhood, please contact Brian Bauerle at bauerle-brian@cooperhealth.edu or at 856.963.6705.

Groundbreaking on the New Cooper Cancer Institute

Join us on Tuesday, May 15 at 11 AM as we officially break ground on the new Cooper Cancer Institute in Camden. You can view more details on the event here. The state-of-the-art, 100,000 square foot facility will provide access to advanced cancer treatment technologies, groundbreaking clinical trials and a full range of supportive care services right here in South Jersey. This project marks a significant milestone in Cooper’s tradition of outstanding achievement.

To learn more about the Cooper Cancer Institute contact Susan Bass Levin at 856.342.2222 or basslevin-susan@cooperhealth.edu.

Making Melanoma a Memory

The Cherry Hill based Peggy Spiegler Melanoma Research Foundation (PSMRF) and its volunteers are dedicated to a mission of research, education and prevention on behalf of the melanoma community – patients, family members and friends.

Shawn Ravitz, Vice President of Administration at ShopRite Supermarkets of Cherry Hill and Treasurer of the Ravitz Family Foundation, was presented with the Peggy Spiegler Melanoma Research Foundation Humanitarian Award on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at Sapori Trattoria Italiana in Collingswood.

One of the ways PSMRF and Shawn raise funds for melanoma research and prevention is through Shredding at ShopRite. On May 20 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, bring your paper documents to the ShopRite at Evesham and Springdale Roads in Cherry Hill, for a safe and secure shredding and disposal at a cost of $5.00 per file box or grocery paper bag.

“The connection is simple. Research leads to new treatments and fundraising events generate more research dollars,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation, who was the keynote speaker at the March 20 dinner. “With generous support from the community we can raise funds to help develop new and meaningful therapies for melanoma.”

The Cooper Cancer Institute is a sponsor of the fourth annual “Talk While You Walk – 5K Run for Peggy Spiegler” on June 23 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken.

A portion of the proceeds from both Shredding at ShopRite and the Talk While You Walk will benefit the Cooper Cancer Institute and the Cooper in Schools program.

For more information about the Peggy Spiegler Melanoma Research Foundation and upcoming events, visit www.psmrf.org.

Winners of the Cooper Super 50/50 Raffle Take Home $12,050

Congratulations to the 30 Cooper employees from Voorhees Radiology who won the Cooper Super 50/50 Cash Raffle grand prize (totaling $12,050)!

Thank you to all of our raffle participants. You helped raise $12,050 for the Cooper Cancer Institute Patient in Need Fund, which provides small grants to patients who need help paying for prescriptions, transportation, utility bills and food. When other sources of support have been exhausted, the Patient in Need Fund is there for Cooper cancer patients.

Gala Round-Up: Cooper 125 Gala Raises Record $1.25 Million for New Cooper Cancer Institute

The Cooper Foundation raised a record $1.25 million at the Cooper 125 Gala held on Saturday, March 24 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. The proceeds helped fund the new $100 million state-of-the-art Cooper Cancer Institute in Camden and the expansion of our Voorhees cancer programs.

To purchase photos from the Gala, visit www.enjoyphotos.com. Please use the following login information- Username: Cooper 125 Gala and Password: 29754-125.

“This is a tremendous tribute to Cooper’s legacy,” said George E. Norcross, III, who chaired the Cooper 125 Gala with his wife, Sandy. “As we celebrate our history, we also look toward the future and the success of this state-of-the-art cancer center, which will have the advantage of being affiliated with the new Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.”

More than 800 people attended the Gala, celebrating the theme, “Toast a Legacy. Forge a Destiny. Celebrate 125 Years.” Guests enjoyed a silent auction; tribute performances to musical legends Tina Turner, Donna Summer and Lady Gaga; a 125th anniversary cake; and a tower of 600 cupcakes, donated by Ponzio’s Restaurant of Cherry Hill.

“We made history,” said Susan Bass Levin, President & CEO of the Cooper Foundation. “We raised a record amount of money for the new Cooper Cancer Institute, which will benefit cancer patients across South Jersey. The success of the Gala and the generous support of our committed donors, demonstrate once again that Cooper is a healthcare leader in the region.”

The Cooper Foundation thanks the Co-Chairs and the Host Committee for their dedication and support.

Co-Chairs:

• Generosa Grana, MD, Director, Cooper Cancer Institute
• Francis R. Spitz, MD, Deputy Director, Cooper Cancer Institute
• Jeffrey P. Carpenter, MD, Chief, Department of Surgery
• Tamara A. LaCouture, MD, Chief, Radiation Oncology
• Joseph E. Parrillo, MD, Chief, Department of Medicine
• David P. Warshal, MD, Head, Division of Gynecologic Oncology

Host Committee:

• Donna and Rick Forman
• Judith and Charles Heuisler
• Kathleen Sweeney Jass and Daniel Jass, MD
• Kim Whelan and Christian Leomporra
• Irene and Brian Kelso
• Lynn and Sal Paolantonio

Click here for a complete listing of the 125 Gala’s sponsors (PDF).

The Cooper Foundation Awards $37,000 in Research Grants Through the Generous Support of the 2011 Pink and Teal Event

The Cooper Foundation is pleased to announce that $37,000 in research grant funding has been awarded through the generous support of the Pink Roses Teal Magnolias event held on October 23, 2011. After a competitive application process, Drs. Lydia Liao and Peter Potrebko were awarded grants to support innovative, high-impact cancer research.

Dr. Lydia Liao’s study, “Breast Malignant and High Risk Lesion Early Detection Using a Non-Invasive Multimodal Sono-contrast Spectroscopy System” will characterize high risk lesions from benign lesions using a non-invasive multimodal hybrid imaging technique. Dr. Potrebko’s study, “Pareto: A New Multiobjective IMRT Treatment Planning System,” will examine a novel treatment planning station for radiation therapy plans customized for a particular patient to allow the clinician to graphically explore the trade-offs between multiple clinical planning objectives.

“We are so impressed by the caliber of their applications and proud to fund their outstanding research projects,” said Edward D. Viner, MD, Chairman of the Cooper Foundation. “These projects have the potential to lead to major breakthroughs that will prevent, detect and treat patients at the Cooper Cancer Institute.”

We congratulate the principle investigators and their research teams, and look forward to the completion of their projects and a report of their findings.

Please save the date for the 2012 Pink Roses Teal Magnolias Event – Sunday, October 28, 2012. If  you would like to serve on the Host Committee for Pink Roses Teal Magnolias and help raise funds for breast and gynecological clinical and research programs, contact Suzanne Winderman at 856.963.6704.

In The News…..

Anne Koons, Cooper Foundation Board Member, Susan Bass Levin, President & CEO of The Cooper Foundation, and Linda Rohrer, generous supporter of The Cooper Foundation, on being named among 15 “Women to Watch” in 2011.

Follow this link to read more: www.southjerseybiz.net/articles/?articleid=473