Make a Difference in the Lives of our Youngest Patients
A parent’s greatest wish is for their child to live a healthy, happy life. Sometimes, illness or injury get in the way of that dream. That’s why Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health is dedicated to providing the best medical resources available, close to home. Donors to our pediatric programs help Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital offer comprehensive medical care from the moment they enter this world until they enter young adulthood. From providing crucial medical equipment, to cancer research and treatment, or mental, emotional and financial support, philanthropy helps to advance care for our youngest patients, and make hospitalization a little easier on everyone.Tackle Kids Cancer
Autism CAN
New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the country, with one in 34 children receiving a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. A national shortage of developmental pediatricians, siloed resources for services and support and the absence of autism-friendly care locations means that children and families face an uphill battle. As New Jersey’s largest health care network, we are taking a stand to ensure that children with autism, and their families, receive the quality care that they need and deserve.
Autism CAN is the philanthropic initiative that is establishing a program to provide access to the highest level of care, help families navigate resources and create specialized environments sensitive to the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum and their families.
Contact Us
Amy GlazerExecutive Director, Children’s Health
Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation
Phone: 551-996-4161
Email: Amy.Glazer@hmhn.org
Health Care Disparities
COVID-19 has shed a light on the vast health disparities in our country. Our Children’s Hospitals are developing targeted programs to address both preventative care and chronic health care needs. The foundation is working to support efforts in neonatology, endocrinology and hematology to better serve children and their families with limited access to health care.Sickle Cell Disease
One example can be found in our work with sickle cell disease (SCD), which is the most common genetic disease in the country, with one in 800 African Americans carrying the trait. SCD can cause serious problems for affected individuals, including stroke, eye problems, infections and pain, and it can be fatal. But an effective treatment is emerging through pediatric stem cell transplants. Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is the only center in New Jersey to offer two life-saving treatments for patients, including bone marrow transplant and gene therapy. Funds directed towards the Sickle Cell program will expand our ability to educate and successfully patients.
Weight Management and Endocrine Disorders
Healthy nutrition is the key to prevention and treatment of many diseases. Families with poor social determinants of health tend to have an increased rate of Type 2 diabetes in their children, as well as other metabolic disorders. Philanthropy supports a nutrition program for low-income and at-need populations. This support provides nutrition counseling free of charge to help improve a child’s nutrition and, in turn, their overall health outcomes.
Hackensack Meridian Health is committed to bringing this treatment to individuals in need and philanthropic support is required to help make that happen.