STATEN ISLAND, NY (March 10, 2013) – The Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) Service Auxiliary is the oldest continuous auxiliary in the United States, and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2013. To kick-off this milestone, the Service Auxiliary held a fashion show fundraiser on Sunday, March 10, 2013.

The event, held at the Vanderbilt at South Beach, featured physicians, staff and volunteers modeling trendsetting casual and special occasion outfits on the runway. The show wrapped up with members of the SIUH family wearing period clothing courtesy of Historic Richmond Town. All proceeds from the show benefited hospital programs and projects. In 2012, the Service Auxiliary helped Staten Island University Hospital purchase medical and surgical support equipment for both hospital sites. Auxilians also donated $6,000 to further a breastfeeding initiative and $2,000 for a bereavement tree for families who lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or complications during delivery.

Auxiliary president Barbara Strype spoke of how the Auxiliary continues to support the mission of the SIUH a century-and-half later. Founded in 1863, the Service Auxiliary has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years to assist the hospital in attaining its goals and providing the best in healthcare to Staten Islanders.

MANHASSET, NY (March 15, 2013) – The Mazzei family’s “Gift of Life” benefit, hosted by Michael and Jamie Mazzei of NuBest Salon in Manhasset, NY, was held at the North Hills Country Club with proceeds directed toward scientific investigations to advance the transplantation specialty conducted at North Shore-LIJ Transplant Center. The Mazzei family was inspired to support the Transplant Center as a result of the successful transplant they personally experienced in 2011 when Jamie donated his kidney to his father, Michael. The surgery was performed by Ernesto Molmenti, MD, surgical director of the Transplant Center, and Louis Kavoussi, MD, the health system's chairman of urology. The guest emcee for the evening was Mona Rivera, radio personality and reporter for 1010 WINS Radio.

GREAT NECK, NY (March 25, 2013) – Girl Scouts are most often known for their famous cookies, but they also have the potential to grow-up into leaders in the science industry thanks to the Advancing Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM) program at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. At an event hosted by AWSM in February 2013, tenth and eleventh grade Girl Scouts had an opportunity to explore various career options in the world of science and medicine.

Through a community outreach program, AWSM invited Girl Scout troops across Nassau County to meet the many women who work in varying positions at the Feinstein Institute. The girls got to see firsthand how varying skills and interests could lead to a career path as a scientist, scientific writer, administrator, or other positions in medicine. In addition, eleventh graders were invited to apply for the 2013 AWSM-Girl Scouts summer internship, where one recipient will gain hands-on research experience under the mentorship of an AWSM faculty member at the Feinstein Institute. The paid internship is made possible through the fundraising efforts of AWSM, who will also award the winner a monetary scholarship toward her educational endeavors.

The AWSM group was created to advance the career opportunities of women scientists at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. By extending those efforts through this event, AWSM is bridging the gap between the scientific world and the local community.

NEW HYDE PARK, NY (April 4, 2013) – Hundreds of supporters of Cohen Children’s Medical Center recently celebrated the upcoming opening of a new $130 million pavilion that will house the region’s largest, dedicated pediatric emergency department and 50 additional beds, further enhancing the hospital’s reputation as the leading provider of children’s health services in the metropolitan area.

The six-story, 120,000-square-foot facility doubles the size of Cohen’s Emergency Department to 30 beds and two trauma bays, and expands the number of beds in its pediatric intensive care unit to a capacity of 37. The new pavilion also contains shell space for pediatric operating rooms. The expansion was especially important in meeting community needs, considering that Cohen is one of only two pediatric trauma centers in the New York area and the number of emergency visits has jumped by more than 20 percent in the past five years to over 60,000 children annually.

The new facility, scheduled to open April 22, also includes the lowest radiation dose computed tomography (CT) scanner, a dedicated pediatric-only pharmacy and 25 additional medical-surgical beds – all private rooms to accommodate parents and loved ones. In total, the expansion increases the bed capacity of the children’s hospital to more than 190.

“Alex and I are committed to helping sick children get well and we are very pleased that the Cohen Pediatric Center will help innumerable Long Island families and their children heal,” said benefactor Steven Cohen. The children’s hospital was named in honor of his wife Alexandra and him in 2010, after their $50 million pledge enabled the new pavilion to be built.

“This pavilion is an exciting new chapter in the illustrious 30-year history of what is truly becoming a world-class children’s hospital,” said Michael Dowling, president and chief executive officer of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, of which Cohen Children’s is a member.

“We stand as a beacon of hope for the communities in the New York Metropolitan area and beyond,” said Kevin McGeachy, executive director of Cohen Children’s. “Last year alone we received transfers of more than 2,500 patients from more than 100 hospitals throughout the New York metropolitan region.”

Charles Schleien, MD, chair of pediatrics, said the expansion of the hospital’s emergency department and pediatric ICU (PICU) will have a dramatic impact on the delivery of pediatric care in the community. “Obviously, the idea of bringing their child to an emergency room or intensive care unit is traumatic for the parents as well as the patients,” he said. ”Great care was placed in the design of this new facility.” For example, the new PICU has been designed as a forest, with custom floor patterns, mosaic murals of wildlife and unique staff stations. To add to their comfort while visiting, each private patient room contains a dedicated parent area.

The expanded medical-surgical unit has been designed as a mountain ecosystem. Tracks of mountain animals crisscross the floor, encouraging discovery and play. Rooms designed with families in mind have a sleeper sofa and two televisions in each patient room (one for the patient, one for family) and a gaming system for the child. Each unit will provide family focused amenities such as shower facilities, free WiFi, a parent/family lounge and a dedicated playroom for patients.

This modern facility would not have been possible without the generosity and vision of Steven and Alexandra Cohen, who have enjoyed a 17-year-relationship with the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Prior to the $50 million gift that led to the renaming of the Children’s Hospital in March 2010, the Cohen Foundation donated $7 million to North Shore-LIJ to build a new ambulatory pediatric chemotherapy unit at the children’s hospital and to establish an endowment called the Philip Lanzkowsky, MD, Professorship in Pediatrics. Dr. Lanzkowsky, the long-time executive director of the hospital, was one of more than 200 supporters to attend the dedication of the new facility.

The opening of this new facility marks a crowning achievement in the history of the hospital, which celebrates its 30th anniversary of service to the community since its official opening in 1983.

NEW HYDE PARK, NY (April 10, 2013) – Moms Who Kick Inc. is a volunteer-driven organization committed to funding research that can improve women’s health and aid recovery from cancer. Their mission is to inspire, motivate and empower women to choose a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. This group of amazing women made a commitment to support the efforts of the North Shore-LIJ Health System by participating in the Every Woman Matters Walk, and raising significant funds for breast & ovarian cancer research. Dr. Annette Lee, associate investigator at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Dr. Iuliana Shapira, director of cancer genetics at North Shore-LIJ’s Monter Cancer Center, are leading a multi-year research project that analyzes patient tissue samples used as a resource to discover and validate biomarkers for early detection and predictors of disease outcomes and responders to treatments. Deciphering the genetic underpinning of prognosis and disease response to treatments is unprecedented, making their research so important.

MANHASSET, NY (April 9, 2013) – The North Shore-LIJ Health System announced the receipt of a $7,500 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, which will enable The Katz Institute for Women’s Health to launch the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program to first-time mothers throughout Queens and Long Island.

The NFP program is a national evidence-based community health model that brings invaluable resources to mothers early in their pregnancy. The program partners expecting mothers from low-income, minority and other at-risk communities with registered nurses (RNs), who then conduct ongoing home visits that continue through the child’s second birthday. First-time mothers from underserved communities often face a host of challenges, which can lead to negative outcomes for them and their children if left unaddressed. Visits from the RNs help transform the lives of vulnerable women pregnant with their first child by helping them engage in good preventive health practices, which not only improves pregnancy outcomes but improves child health and development. Women in the program also learn to develop a vision for their own future, plan future pregnancies, continue their education and find work.

The NFP model has been implemented by a growing number of organizations throughout the United States with astounding results: In New York, 93 percent of mothers had children immunized by 24 months; 88 percent of mothers initiated breast-feeding and 33 percent continue to breastfeed at child age 6 months; 76 percent of mothers had no subsequent pregnancies; and 49 percent of mothers are in workforce at program completion, up from 35 percent at intake.

TD Bank has been extremely supportive of the North Shore-LIJ Health System and The Katz Institute for Women’s Health and Katz Women’s Hospitals over the past four years. They have sponsored the Commerce and Industry Council’s corporate breakfasts since 2009 and have sponsored the Every Woman Matters Walk since 2010. In addition to the recent TD Charitable Foundation grant, TD Bank will be one of the sponsors at the upcoming North Shore-LIJ Health System Gala to be held April 25, 2013.

A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® and the TD Charitable Foundation provide support to affordable housing, financial literacy and education, and environmental initiatives, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.

NEW YORK, NY (April 1, 2013) – The Annual Mets Welcome Home Dinner at the Hilton New York officially welcomed back the team to Citi Field on April 1, 2013. Mets players, coaches, alumni, along with over 650 guests were in attendance.

During the dinner program, Stacey E. Rosen, MD, Vice President, Women’s Health, Katz Institute for Women’s Health (KIWH), was presented with the “Every Woman Matters Award.” Each year, the award is presented to an individual associated with the KIWH and Katz Women’s Hospitals of the North Shore-LIJ Health System who exemplifies outstanding leadership, care and achievement. Dr. Rosen oversees the development and coordination of a comprehensive and integrated approach to women's services at North Shore-LIJ. 

The dinner raised more than $550,000 for The Katz Institute for Women's Health and Katz Women's Hospitals and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Additionally, the Mets announced their continued commitment to North Shore-LIJ by promising to donate $2,500 to the KIWH and Katz Women's Hospital for every game won at home or away.

BLUE POINT, NY (May 11, 2013) – While pregnant with her second son, Courtney Blakeslee-Cush learned that she had stomach and esophageal cancer. Her caregivers at North Shore University Hospital not only played an important part in her care, but provided support to her family. Courtney told her sister, Lindsey Chalifoux, “When I get better, I’m going to volunteer here because the staff is unbelievable.” Sadly, Courtney succumbed to this disease shortly following the premature birth of her son, Sloane.

To celebrate her life and honor her memory, her family formed the Courtney Lynn Blakeslee Foundation, whose mission is to help families that have a parent who is terminally ill and need financial support. Spearheaded by her sister Lindsey, the foundation held its inaugural “Courtney’s True Blue 5K” race in May 2012 to raise money for these families. A portion of the proceeds were donated towards the Katz Women’s Hospital’s Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (high-risk pregnancy) at North Shore University Hospital, under the direction of Burton Rochelson, MD.

Lindsey recently honored her sister at the second annual “Courtney’s True Blue 5K” race on May 11, 2013 and is planning for 2014’s race.

MANHASSET, NY (May 24, 2013) – The March of Dimes New York State Chapter has awarded a grant to the North Shore-LIJ Health System that will provide patient-centered prenatal care through the implementation of the CenteringPregnancy® model at the North Shore University Hospital Center for High-Risk Pregnancy. The CenteringPregnancy® model is a program that provides women with individual health education, peer support, and self-management training in order to promote improvements in perinatal health behaviors, knowledge, and ultimately, birth outcomes.

Beginning at fourteen to eighteen weeks gestation, group participants will have the opportunity to meet with care providers for much longer than the traditional prenatal care visit. “The March of Dimes grant will provide women who are at high-risk with the additional education and support they need throughout their pregnancy,” said Dr. Burton Rochelson, Chief, Depart of Obstetrics, North Shore University Hospital. Soon-to-be moms will find companionship and support from other pregnant women in their group as they discuss common pregnancy concerns and plan for their babies.

The High-Risk Pregnancy Center delivered approximately 230 patients in 2011 and serves patients with high-risk conditions including: diabetes, hypertension, renal disease, cardiac disease, multiple pregnancies, substance use, poor fetal growth, genetic or other fetal anomalies, a prior preterm delivery, and other poor pregnancy outcomes.

This grant, made possible through public participation in events like March for Babies and other donations, is one of many that the March of Dimes awards in pursuit of its mission to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

MANHASSET, NY (May 30, 2013) – The Junior Coalition of the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer (MWCABC) presented a $10,000 check to Feinstein Institute for Medical Research investigators Iuliana Shapira, MD and Annette Lee, PhD (holding check in photo). The Junior Coalition of MWCABC are high-school age members who run their own fundraising efforts in support of North Shore-LIJ programs, as well as share holiday treats with families on the North Shore University Hospital Palliative Care unit. The money, part of the MWCABC’s $90,000 gift made in April 2013, will go directly to the Breast and Ovarian Specimen Bank, a joint research endeavor of the Feinstein Institute and North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute. The specimen bank serves as a vital resource for discovering and validating new biomarkers for the early detection of breast and/or ovarian cancer, as well as predicting the disease course and outcomes, treatment response and risk of relapse.

PORT WASHINGTON, NY (June 3, 2013) – Once a month, a group of teenagers gather around the table at the Marinelli household to paint birdhouses. They come together not only to share a meal, hang out and have fun, but for a cause: to raise money for cancer research.

The group started “Hanging Out for a Cause” after the Marinelli children’s grandfather was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Christina, age 15, explains, “I like participating in Hanging Out for a Cause because we all know someone who is struggling through something." Her grandfather has been responding well to treatment thanks to the care provided by Kanti Rai, MD, chief of the CLL Research and Treatment Program at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research.

The Marinelli children and their friends sold 50 birdhouses at the Port Washington Harborfest on June 2, 2013, and will donate all $1,100 of the proceeds to the CLL Research and Treatment Center. Nicholas, age 16, who was in attendance at the event stated, “I am grateful that I can help my grandfather and others with this disease while having fun with my friends.” This past summer in 2012, Julianna, age 11, presented Dr. Rai with a check donated from the proceeds of her handcrafted jewelry sold at various events that support CLL. Julianna, who hopes to be a genetic research scientist, speaks for her siblings when she says, “I am so happy to be able to do something to help my grandfather.”

Relive Moments from this year's Gala Destination Celebration!

NEW YORK, NY (April 25, 2013) - The North Shore-LIJ Health System announced today it raised a record $21.5 million at its spring gala, Destination Celebration, held last Thursday, April 25, at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan. The system-wide fundraiser exceeded expectations, attracting a sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 who enjoyed special performances by Harry Connick, Jr. and the LaGuardia Arts High School. The event, which the health system holds every five years, was co-hosted by Bravo television host and author Andy Cohen and NBC-TV News special correspondent Meredith Vieira.

North Shore-LIJ President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Dowling said the health system's multi-year fundraising campaign, called Destination 2020, is the largest fundraising campaign in the health system's 16-year history. "Every five years we hold a health system gala to benefit the more than seven million people living in the communities we serve across the metropolitan area," he said. "It is our mission to be constantly transformative and innovative but at the core of all we do, it is always about the patient."

Thanks to the proceeds from Thursday night’s gala, North Shore-LIJ Chairman Richard D. Goldstein said, “We have surpassed the halfway mark of our $750 million campaign, Destination 2020. It was truly a remarkable evening and all of our patients and supporters should be proud of what we have accomplished.”

Mr. Cohen and Ms. Vieira talked about the important services and programs provided by North Shore-LIJ and the more than four million lives that the health system touches every year. “North Shore-LIJ has an unparalleled commitment to our military men and women, and is working directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help those returning soldiers and their families,” said Mr. Cohen. Ms. Vieira added, “As a mother, I know the importance of having a dedicated children’s hospital and Cohen Children’s Medical Center is the largest provider of pediatric health services in New York State.”

Both also spoke about the role of North Shore-LIJ’s Center for Emergency Medical Services in meeting the needs of local residents and employees during Superstorm Sandy, noting that all 16 hospitals remained fully operational and accepted and transported more than 700 patients from other facilities, as well as provided mobile medical services in devastated regions like the Rockaways.

The evening’s performances began with a patriotic rendition of, “God Bless America,” sung by the show choir of the famed LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. After dinner there was a special performance by Grammy award-winning, multi-talented Harry Connick, Jr. and his orchestra, followed by a spectacular fireworks display by Grucci on the Hudson.

CNN News anchor Chris Cuomo presented Mr. Dowling during the evening’s program. Also in attendance were award-winning actress Cynthia Nixon, music industry icon Clive Davis, co-host of ABC’s The View Sherri Shepherd, award-winning actress Bebe Neuwirth, award-winning actress Christine Baranski, fashion icon and supermodel Carol Alt, award-winning photographer Joe McNally and sports commentator Al Trautwig.

The event not only announced the launch of the public campaign but also celebrated North Shore-LIJ’s growth and progress achieved over the past five years, including the opening of the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine and the health system’s expansion into Manhattan with the addition of Lenox Hill Hospital.

Relive Moments from this year's Concert!

Grammy award-winning singer Kelly Clarkson performed to record-setting crowd.

MANHASSET, NY (July 17, 2013) - The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research held its eighth annual summer concert on Wednesday, July 17, at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, NY. Taking center stage to perform for this private benefit was multi-platinum singer and songwriter, Kelly Clarkson, who is also known as the original American Idol.

The Feinstein Institute, the research enterprise of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, has made important discoveries in many therapeutic areas including cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Ms. Clarkson was drawn to the Feinstein Institute because of its success in shedding light on what triggers those diseases, which affect millions of Americans.

Emceeing the evening was Good Morning America’s weather anchor, Sam Champion. Champion, who shared his thoughts about the benefit on the Thursday, July 18th edition of Good Morning America, also commented at the event on the record-setting $1.5 million raised and the important work being conducted at the Feinstein Institute. “Your attendance here tonight validates the research already in progress at the Feinstein, and now, more than ever, with reduced government funding, tighter budgets and diminished support from the National Institutes of Health, philanthropy is playing a greater role.”

Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president of the Feinstein Institute, said during the program at the concert, “The mission of the Feinstein Institute is to discover the basis for curing disease…There is no better way to celebrate our progress to date, and to rededicate ourselves to the unfinished work – to completing our journey, to discovering cures – than by coming together with music.”

The evening also included the announcement of the 2013 Fellowship Award in honor of Barbara and Donald Zucker, who are long-time supporters of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Ms. Zucker currently serves as the chairwoman of the Feinstein Institute Board of Directors and a trustee of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, while Mr. Zucker serves on the executive committee of health system board of trustees. This year’s fellowship award was presented to Bart Peters, MD, PhD. Dr. Peters is a trainee in the Zucker Hillside Hospital and does research on schizophrenia, a major disease that affects young people in the prime of their lives with devastating and debilitating consequences. His promising work is opening a path for not only a bright future for him, but hope for people with this devastating disease.

View photos from this year's event!

OLD WESTBURY, NY (September 19, 2013) — The tent at Old Westbury Gardens was filled to capacity with 565 guests all in attendance to preview the Fall 2013 collection of American designer Michael Kors and to support the 21st Annual Partners Council for Women’s Health of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. The event, sponsored by Americana Manhasset, raised more than $475,000 for the Katz Women’s Hospitals at LIJ Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital and Katz Institute for Women’s Health (KIWH).

Taking the stage as emcee for the day’s event was Rosanna Scotto, co-anchor of WNYW-TV FOX 5’s Good Day New York. Ms. Scotto along with Stacey Rosen, MD, Vice President of Women's Health, spoke to the packed house of the importance of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, why women’s health is different and the need of caring for the women in our lives. Introducing a video that captured the stories of female patients treated at the health system, they reflected on the exceptional team of doctors who specialize in women’s healthcare and who are passionately dedicated to giving women of all ages the tools, information and support they need to make the healthiest choices in every area of their lives.

The runway showcased the fall fashion collection of Michael Kors. Accentuated by vibrant oranges, animal accents, cool blues and graphic prints, the models wore styles for both daytime and evening. The Michael Kors fashions were complemented by the effortless makeup and sleek hair styles provided by nuBest salon and spa in Manhasset. All guests were treated to cosmetic bags courtesy of nuBest along with a gift certificate to the Michael Kors shop at Americana Manhasset.

Acknowledging that her success was due in large part to the women in her life, Rosanna cited that had it not been for her sister, her mother, her aunts and grandmothers, all who served as the foundation of the Scotto family, she wouldn’t know where she would be. “The Scotto women are the lynchpins of my family,” shared Ms. Scotto. “I understand the importance of taking care of a woman’s health and recognize the need to support the work being done at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at North Shore-LIJ.”

All funds raised will help North Shore-LIJ in its continued effort to transform women’s health services throughout the region. The Katz Women’s Hospitals, along with the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, continue to grow and serve as a valuable resource for women and their families.

Partners Council for Women’s Health of the North Shore-LIJ Health System has raised more than $6.5 million over the last 20 years to help buy important equipment, fund critical research projects and build programs for the betterment of the women in and around our community.

NEW YORK, NY (September 19, 2013) — This past September 19, 2013, Delta Air Lines, JFK held the 4th annual Delta Golf Classic supporting Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). This year, the Delta Golf Classic raised $270,000, money designated towards the lifesaving work being conducted at CCMC.

Delta has been a great friend to CCMC providing opportunities for their employees to get involved in order to raise money for Cohen Children’s Medical Center. “Together, with our business partners, Delta has raised close to three-quarters of a million dollars to date, critically needed funds which have impacted so many of the lives of the children, and their families, at CCMC,” states Henry Kuykendall, Vice President, Delta Air Lines, JFK and this year’s honorary chairperson.

MANHASSET, NY (December 18, 2013) — Participants of the third annual Long Island Bike Challenge (LIBC) raised $12,000 to benefit The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.

Edward Diller, a lifelong cyclist and native Long Islander, started LIBC in 2010 with the goal of raising money for medical research conducted locally on Long Island. “All of the donations raised by our riders directly support the outstanding medical research being done right here within our community,” said Diller. “The Feinstein Institute is doing great things that will not only benefit Long Island, but everyone in our society.”

The money will support the work of the Feinstein Institute’s scientists who study many diseases, including cancer, inflammation, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Diller presented the $12,000 check to Edmund Miller, PhD, head of the Center for Heart and Lung Research at the Feinstein Institute.

This past August, 4, 2013, the 33 LIBC participants, including several North Shore-LIJ employees, rode 40, 60 or 100 miles, ending in East Hampton. Diller hopes to increase ridership next year and is setting a fundraising goal of $20,000. LIBC occurs annually on the first Sunday in August, and is gearing up for the fourth challenge next August 3, 2014. Diller added, “whatever the weather, we ride.”

GREAT NECK, NY (January 8, 2014) — The North Shore-LIJ Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, announced that it has launched a mobile version of the Foundation website. The new mobile-optimized site provides a better user experience for smart phone visitors.

Accessible from any web-enabled phone or smart phone, the site connects on-the-go supporters with the ability to make a donation from their phone. Mobile usage and accessibility prompted the need to develop a streamlined version of the North Shore-LIJ Foundation site, which allows supporters to make donations with the touch of a button.

Additional features of the site include:
• The latest news articles about our donors and the much needed support they provide.
• Upcoming events, which allow visitors to purchase tickets right from their phone.
• The ability to watch videos shot at past events and our incredibly moving patient stories.
• The ability to stay in touch with the Foundation through their social media channels, Facebook and Twitter.

Site images were optimized to load quickly and are sized for small screens, while text and navigation buttons were made for use with fingers, not a mouse and keyboard. The full site is also accessible through the mobile site.

GREAT NECK, NY  (February 10, 2014) — The North Shore-LIJ Health System today announced the appointment of Brian Lally as senior vice president and chief development officer. In leading the North Shore-LIJ Foundation, Mr. Lally will work to cultivate private charitable support for the health system’s programs, endowment and facilities. He will be responsible for establishing charitable partnerships with the region’s leading individuals, corporations and foundations.

Mr. Lally succeeds Foundation President Ralph Nappi, who has assumed the position of executive vice chair of the health system’s Board of Trustees.

Mr. Lally has led development operations for several high-profile healthcare organizations over the past 30 years. He comes to North Shore-LIJ from the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, where he was chief development officer/associate vice president. Previously, he was with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center/Dartmouth Medical School in Lebanon/Hanover, NH, for 13 years, serving first as vice president for development and alumni relations before being promoted to the position of chief advancement officer. He began his career at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he held numerous positions of increased responsibility over 16 years, including director of development/individual gifts.

Mr. Lally received a bachelor’s degree from Queens College and an MBA in finance from St. John’s University, Queens, NY.

MANHASSET, NY (February 24, 2014) — The Arnold P. Gold Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to the North Shore-LIJ Health System to establish a new structured, longitudinal mentoring program focused on promoting humanistic patient care. North Shore-LIJ and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine will launch the MAP-IT (Mentoring and Professionalism in Training) Program, designed to rigorously train and empower a cohort of experienced physician and nurse mentors, who will guide medical students, residents, and early-career nurses through teaching and modeling humanistic behavior.

Under the leadership of Alice Fornari, EdD, RD, as well as key educational and clinical faculty within the health system and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, the mentorship program will directly impact a large number of early-career professionals. “The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s commitment to fostering caring, empathetic physicians and nurses will serve to cultivate future providers who will put into practice the values of patient-focused, humanistic care,” states Dr. Fornari.

Through MAP-IT, physician and nurse mentors will complete a Mentoring Humanism curriculum, designed with input from Dr. William Branch Jr., a renowned leader in humanistic medicine. The 12-month curriculum will focus on increasing participants’ knowledge and skills, specific to mentoring of early-career professionals, through an interactive small-group learning model. This interdisciplinary process will foster a community of practice mentors who will have the opportunity to lead by example and positively influence the development of a cohort of 120-150 mentees—comprised of medical students, residents, and early-career nurses. >Mentors will work with their mentees to develop nurturing relationships and transfer the skills essential for humanistic practice in order to cultivate a high-skilled workforce grounded in the values of patient-centered, compassionate care.

MONTAUK, NY (February 26, 2014) — For the past two years, the Montauk Canyon Challenge has helped raise $8,000 for the Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center at the North Shore-LIJ Health System.  

Proceeds from the sales of raffle tickets and donations from participants of the annual off-shore fishing challenge help to cover costs typically not covered by insurance providers and other organizations. These include the purchase of specialized equipment, such as Haberman Feeders and feeding plates, that ease the difficulties children born with clefts or other craniofacial disorders often experience during feedings. Haberman Feeders are specially designed for babies with impaired sucking abilities and are provided at no charge to families. The plates are customized for each patient to help improve feedings by covering the hole present in those with cleft palates. Funds have also been put towards the purchase of specialized nasal molding devices that help realign the nose, often reducing the amount of surgical correction required during treatment.

“Children with craniofacial disorders require many services that are considered non-essential by insurance providers,” said Stephen Sachs, DDS, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the Hagedorn Center. “Having the support of Rich Lucas and David O’Halloran, who organize the Montauk Challenge every year, provides an invaluable service to children.”

This exceptional two weekend tournament has seen the participation of 200sport fish enthusiasts and hopes to attract new anglers in upcoming years. The 2014 tournament presented by Staten Island Yacht Sales will take place July 18 through July 27. To find out more information on the challenge, contact Rich Lucas at rcluas@siyahcts.com or David O’Halloran at david@pinegroveranch.com, or visit: montaukcanyonchallenge.com.