Press Release from The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
November 6, 2007
Contact: Michele Fisher
732-235-9872
fisherm2@umdnj.edu
12th Annual Gala and Benefit Auction Helps
Raise More than $1-Million for Cancer Programs
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation Honors Former CINJ Director at Award of Hope Event
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NEW BRUNSWICK – Dinner, dancing, support and admiration was the order of the day for New Jersey healthcare notables and community members, as they attended the 12th Annual Award of Hope Gala and Benefit Auction to help raise more than $1-million for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation. The event, held October 27 at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick and hosted by the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation, helps support cancer research, patient care and education programs at CINJ, which is a center of excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Honored with the “Award of Hope” were William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D., former director of CINJ and senior vice president and worldwide head of hematology/oncology research and development, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development; and Robert E. Campbell, chairman of the CINJ Director’s Advisory Council and retired vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Johnson & Johnson.
Dr. Hait, founding director of CINJ, graciously noted he was deeply honored by being recognized by those at the world-class facility he called “home” for more than 14 years. Mr. Campbell echoed that sentiment, adding it is the thousands of patients who have come to CINJ over the years who really are the true heroes, “It has often been remarked how life changes when you hear those three words ‘You have cancer.’ But those who come through our doors show such courage and fortitude that they are truly an inspiration to me and exemplify why we all join together through our efforts and resources to win this battle against cancer.”
One of those courageous patients, Lou Pennucci of Clinton, came to thank and honor his long-time doctor. Pennucci, who has participated in seven clinical research studies since being diagnosed with lung cancer nine years ago, presented Eric Rubin, M.D., associate director for clinical science and professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, with the “Leadership in Patient Care Award” for his dedication to patients, research and the community. Susan Goodin, PharmD, FCCP, BCOP, director of pharmaceutical sciences at CINJ and associate professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School also was a recipient of the award this year for her role in advancing clinical trials and helping patients.
“The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation raised this record breaking amount, because our committed board and generous sponsors know the power of individual action. The Award of Hope Gala is one way we raise awareness about the promise that CINJ research and personalized patient care brings to the community of families with cancer,” said Leslie Logan Taylor, chair of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation Board of Directors. “It is an honor, indeed, for us to acknowledge the talented and compassionate leadership of this year’s honorees.”
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation raises funds to support cancer research, treatment, prevention and education programs at CINJ. Gifts are received from corporations, foundations, individuals, special events and through planned gifts. To make a tax-deductible gift to New Jersey’s only NCI -designated Comprehensive Cancer Center call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinjfoundation.org.
About The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is dedicated to improving the prevention, detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer. CINJ’s physician-scientists engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice quite literally bringing research to life. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is a center of excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides a mechanism to rapidly disseminate important discoveries into the community. Partner Hospitals: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Atlantic Health (Morristown Memorial Hospital and Overlook Hospital). Affiliate Hospitals: Bayshore Community Hospital, CentraState Healthcare System, Cooper University Hospital*, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, JFK Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton (CINJ-Hamilton), Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Somerset Medical Center, Southern Ocean County Hospital, The University Hospital/UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School*, and University Medical Center at Princeton. *Academic Affiliate
