Nursing Philanthropy
Hackensack Meridian Health nurses are empowered by gratitude.
At Hackensack Meridian Health, we believe in recognizing our nurses for all that they do for our patients, families and communities. Our nursing philanthropy effort is designed to harness gratitude expressed by our patients and their loved ones in support of new programs and resources that will help our nurses achieve professional and educational excellence.
Nursing Philanthropy Impact
The Power of Nurse Philanthropy as Gratitude Inspires Giving
The Sheila Cancro Institute for Nursing Leadership and Practice Excellence at Hackensack Meridian Health offers nurses and aspiring nurses access to education, professional development, research and career guidance. Philanthropy has been a driving force in bringing the Cancro Institute to fruition, and hundreds of donors have given millions in support of its growth and development.
Donor Generosity Spurs New Program to Support Next Generation of Nurses

Through the Hackensack Meridian Health Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Employment Bonus Program, students can receive up to $35,000 to help pay tuition or loans and alleviate the burden of debt as they advance their nursing education.
Nathaly Alvarado, a Patient Care Technician at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, recently took advantage of the program. She shared her experience with us.
Why did you decide to participate in the ABSN program?
It is a big financial help that relieves the burden of tuition and student loans. It also helps with the costs of living and gives me the ability to work per diem while attending school full-time
What would you say to someone considering the ABSN program?
It is a big help when taking such a heavy load in the accelerated program. It is good to have financial support during the program and after the completion of the program. While I already had a per diem job at the ER, the program also assists with finding a per diem job. This will enhance your experience in health care.
Why did you choose to pursue your career at HMH?
I volunteered at Jersey Shore University Medical Center throughout high school and I knew this is a place I would like to work while in school and once I receive my license. HMH is a good network that provides good resources, especially to those pursuing higher education.
What do you see yourself doing professionally within the next five years?
After extensive experience as a nurse, I would like to enhance my career and pursue an NP program. I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of all my patients and I believe as I grow my career, I will be more capable of doing so.

Terri Wall began her career in the financial sector with a well-known mutual fund company and later moved to pharmaceuticals, where she focused on medical education. But something was missing. She had always liked working with people, yet the higher she climbed the corporate ladder, the less she spent doing the things that really fulfilled her. Terri knew it was time for a change.
Today, Terri is a registered nurse at Riverview Medical Center, after completing a rigorous 14-month ABSN program at Georgian Court University.
“I knew once I started taking classes that nursing was the right path for me. I would be helping my community, and that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to make a difference where it really matters,” says Terri.
Terri works in the oncology unit at Riverview. “It’s a real privilege to share these moments with patients and families. People really let you in, and you connect with them when they are often most vulnerable. It’s a very humbling - and yet rewarding experience - to become an important part of their life and someone they trust.”
Terri worked hard to complete her ABSN degree: “The program is very difficult, and there’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time. It’s a huge commitment, but it is absolutely worth it. I have found my path, and I couldn’t be happier.”
And, thanks to donor support, Terri’s education didn’t stop with the ABSN She recently completed a hospice education class at Hackensack Meridian Health. The class met monthly throughout the year, learning how to talk to patients and families going through end of life situations, helping them to communicate with their loved ones and also how to recognize when the end was near.
“We learned how to be in that difficult space with these patients and families, how to be compassionate and supportive. It’s not easy; it can be depressing, and it’s often sad. But if I can give them some comfort, some peace in those final moments, it can make such a difference,” says Terri. “A lot of times they don’t know what they need. Sometimes it’s just a hug - and I’m really good at that.”
Lisa Silber Honors Her Parents with Generous Gift to Support Nursing

Senior physical therapist Lisa Silber celebrated her 10 year anniversary at Hackensack Meridian Health in September. Her career was largely inspired by her mom, who worked nights as a nurse in the ICU when Lisa was growing up. She shared, “I remember curling up next to her when she would get home from her shift and asking her what she saw that day, always interested in hearing about all of her patients.”
When deciding what career path she’d pursue, Lisa’s mom arranged for her to shadow professions within the hospital setting, including physical therapy. Lisa also credits her dad as an inspiration, calling him an amazing mentor in the pharmaceutical industry. Lisa ultimately went on to earn her B.A. in Biological Sciences from the University of Delaware and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Drexel University.
Sadly, Lisa’s dad passed unexpectedly in 2021 after a very short battle with pancreatic cancer. Her mom also unexpectedly passed after a brief battle with endometrial cancer in 2023. Fueled by her parent’s generosity and giving spirit, Lisa turned her heartache into a catalyst to help others by providing a significant gift that will help establish a nursing scholarship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Lisa shared, “My mom was the type of person who would do anything for anyone in need. Not only was she an extremely caring and compassionate nurse, she was an amazing friend and family member. She was a talented seamstress and sewed masks for all our family and friends during COVID.” Lisa also noted that her mom enjoyed teaching young nurses and in her final years as a nurse, worked as a consultant for home health nurses who had patients with wounds requiring her expertise.
“With the gift my parents left me and my family, I wanted to do something to honor them and that they would be proud of. I could not think of anything that would suit them more than to begin a scholarship in their name to help nurses looking to advance their skills and degree,” Lisa said. “This gift also represents my gratitude to all the amazing nursing and hospital staff who took care of my parents in their final hours. This was my way to hopefully honor them as well.”
Launched in 2022, our nursing philanthropy effort at Hackensack Meridian Health recognizes that gratitude is an essential part of patient and family healing, and helps to advance exceptional patient care. This effort is designed to harness gratitude expressed by our patients in support of new programs and resources that will help our nurses achieve professional and educational excellence.
“I am incredibly proud of the nursing team at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for the care they provide to our patients each and every day. Our nurses have helped to build a culture of gratitude at Jersey Shore and it is so rewarding to see them recognized by grateful patients and families in such an impactful way,” said Chief Nursing Officer Ellen Angelo, DNP, MSN, RN, CENP, CCRN.
The gift from Lisa to support a new nursing scholarship is a great example of gratitude in action.
“I think it’s such an incredible thing to be able to give this gift to someone. I am so excited for the opportunity to provide this scholarship and I know my parents would be happy with this gift,” Lisa shared. “Despite going through the heartache and sadness of losing my parents the last few years, I am grateful they gave me this gift that I am able to share in their memory, and in that way, they live on in others lives as well.”
Through its collaboration with nursing, the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation team has been able to recognize gratitude and cultivate meaningful relationships with the goal of securing funding to support our greatest clinical needs.
Are you grateful for your care? Please join the patients that have received outstanding care and have donated to share their appreciation. Our clinicians are impacted by patient giving in tremendous ways from advancing their careers to supporting their profession as they care for our communities. To give a gift, please visit give.hackensackmeridianhealth.org. You may also contact the Foundation at 848-308-5000 or giving@hmhn.org.
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