Planned Gift Will Advance
Cardiovascular Disease Research

“When my husband developed heart disease back in 1984, his doctor told us that the best hospital to help him was in Texas, so we traveled there to be treated by Dr. Denton Cooley,” explained Corea S. Keener of Stockholm, NJ.   “After my husband’s death in 2004, I decided that I would bequeath our estate to help an organization in New Jersey so that others with cardiac disease could stay close to home to get the high quality care they need.”

Knowing that her interests lie in advancing the treatment of heart disease, Mal Wernik, director of planned giving at the Foundation of UMDNJ, suggested to Mrs. Keener that her gift be donated to the Foundation for the benefit of the Cardiovascular Institute of New Jersey (CVINJ).  She agreed.

“I researched the Foundation and the work that the Cardiovascular Institute is involved with and I knew it was a good match for me.  I have confidence in how the Foundation of UMDNJ is run and I’m certain my gift will be used exactly as I have designated,” she said. 

John Kostis, MD, founding director of the Cardiovascular Institute and a world-renowned cardiologist, is honored by her gift.  The two met recently so that Dr. Kostis could talk with Mrs. Keener about the work of the CVINJ.  Following their conversation, Mrs. Keener felt relieved to know there was a place close to home where people could receive the same high quality care and expertise that she and her husband received in Texas.

When my husband became ill I was forced to learn a lot about our health care system and heart disease,” Mrs. Keener said.  “Dr. Kostis is a very dedicated, humble man who is involved in ground-breaking research that I know will someday change the way cardiovascular disease is treated.  I am confident that my gift to the CVINJ will help others long after I am able to and that gives me great satisfaction.”