FDNY Foundation, Cento Amici, and RWJUH
I occasionally write or post stories about the great work of the FDNY Foundation and Cento Amici, two organizations I have been on the Boards of for 23 and 37 years, respectively.
But I rarely mention Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where I’ve been a member of that Board for 19 years.
Over the past five years, I’ve watched our chairman’s vision become a reality, with the planning for, construction of and now opening of the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, one of just 12 freestanding and NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States.
I watched Jack put together one of the most spectacular projects I’ve ever witnessed. Walking into the completed Center last month, I was a bit in awe of the magnitude, beauty and patient-focused facility. Anyone walking in would have second thoughts about whether they were in a Cancer Center, or a 5-star hotel. Just amazing.
To get there, he had to orchestrate a land purchase, donate land he owned, and provide a first gift that got the project underway. When hospital officials told him they wanted to name the Center after Jack and his wife Sheryl, he and she balked…until they were convinced that adding the Morris name would attract others to donate.
Now known as “The Morris,” the building will be home to the care he wished his grandmother had received when she was diagnosed with cancer many years ago.
Jack is known as a hard-working and tough guy to do business with…but also a guy who inspires people to excel. Those patients in New Jersey who are now diagnosed with this terrible disease…will be the beneficiaries of his vision and tenacity.
I’ve attached links to a few of the stories that were generated by the opening, as well as a brief video (done by former NYSE partner, Billy Fitzgerald). Enjoy…and thanks.
