For Marilyn Baldi, philanthropy is not an abstract concept; it is a heartfelt response to a lifetime of connection and care. Her deep-rooted relationship with Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center began decades ago, long before she would experience its compassion firsthand. She made her first gift to the hospital in 1969, and her generosity has continued throughout the years.

As a member of the 1980s Monmouth County Medical Society Auxiliary—a self-described group of “doctors’ wives”—she was already part of the Riverview family, volunteering to promote community health.

Honoring Dr. Baldi: “Renaissance Man” and Decorated Veteran

Her late husband, Aldo Gaetano Baldi, M.D. (1929–2003), was a highly regarded pathologist at Riverview for more than 30 years, and a man of diverse talents whom Marilyn lovingly calls a “renaissance man.” He was an Italian national born in China who became a proud U.S. citizen, a dedicated physician who was instrumental in developing the hospital’s pathology program and a patriot who served 20 years in the New Jersey Air National Guard as Commander of the 108th clinic, rising to the rank of colonel. He also served as New Jersey State Air Surgeon between 1996-1998.

Marilyn’s support transformed into a profound and personal mission when her husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2002. As her husband valiantly fought the disease, Marilyn was treated with warmth and compassion.

“When my husband was in and out of the hospital being treated for pancreatic cancer, I was so appreciative of the fact that the entire hospital teams were very considerate of the needs of both of us,” Marilyn recalled. She was deeply impressed by how every level of care proved to be exemplary, with team members who were always trying to assist as quickly as possible, giving as much care and attention as a family could hope for.

Marilyn Baldi’s Intentional Acts of Philanthropy

This experience became the bedrock of her giving.

“That’s why I focus my gifts on making patients and their loved ones more comfortable during their Riverview experience,” she said.

Noticing the small details that make a significant difference, Marilyn’s giving has been both practical and poignant. She saw the deteriorated flooring in a family waiting room and paid to have it replaced. She replaced a coffee machine and offered to fund new furniture. Recognizing the need to provide a "comfortable interlude" for patients and families, Marilyn brought a harpist to the cancer wing to play soothing music. The harpist, who was also Marilyn's harp teacher, volunteered to return weekly to the delight of patients and Hackensack Meridian Health team members.

In 2004, she dedicated a stunning polarized light collage by artist Austine Wood at the hospital’s entrance—a soothing, therapeutic sight for all who walk through its doors. In a more recent, lasting tribute, a significant donation led to the dedication of the pathology lab in Dr. Baldi’s name in 2020.

A Substantial Gift to Honor a Loving Husband

And earlier this year, Marilyn ensured her legacy of care will endure for years to come through a remarkable gift to the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation in support of research — including for pancreatic cancer — a testament both to her philanthropic spirit and an exceptional act of love in her late husband’s memory that promises better outcomes for patients everywhere.

“This donation is hugely impactful, and it’s an incredible gift,” said Alvin Makohon-Moore, Ph.D., assistant member of Cancer Research at the Center for Discovery and Innovation and assistant professor at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

How Donations Fuel Promising Treatments and Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Makohon-Moore has extensively researched pancreatic cancer and how it spreads to other parts of the body, which is a major reason it is clinically aggressive and difficult to treat. His lab currently studies the evolution of pancreatic cancer cells in order to develop novel treatments and therapies.

“There’s so much that we don’t know. If we can shine a lens on how pancreatic cancer cells develop, that opens up all sorts of possibilities for early detection and more effective intervention,” he said. “Honestly, that’s how we’re going to do it. We have to discover the mechanisms occurring behind the scenes.”

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is roughly 13 percent, up from 4 percent in the mid-1990s, but still the lowest survival rate for cancer. Dr. Makohon-Moore says generous donations like Marilyn’s are “game-changing.”

“We have made some strides in treatment, in better therapies that target the pancreatic cancer cells, but we have a long way to go,” he said. “This donation allows us to pursue the kinds of ideas that could have a huge impact clinically.”

To learn more about how you can help the Center for Discovery and Innovation make much-needed medical breakthroughs, visit givehmh.org/CDI. If you would like more information about how you can leave a Planned Gift in your will, head to hmhf.planmylegacy.org.