Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine Raise $60,000 in 3rd Annual Take a Walk in Our Genes Event

(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) Sunday, June 9 marked the 3rd Annual Take a Walk in Our Genes event hosted by the Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation and the Hackensack Meridian Health Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine. More than 300 people were in attendance and $60,000 was raised to benefit the patients and families under the care of the Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine.

“The funds raised through this event are critical,” explained Hélio Pedro, M.D., chief of the Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine. “The money allows our patients to pay for care in situations where they are experiencing financial or insurance limitations. By providing them with financial assistance, we prevent any interruption in their treatments and counseling. All the funds from this event go directly to help the patients and their families.”

In past years, the event has benefitted many individuals, including a young woman with Mitochondrial Complex Deficiency whose medication is not covered by insurance, and a young man with Cobalamin C Deficiency whose medication bills are supported through these funds.

“We had a fabulous turnout and a very enthusiastic crowd of families, staff, and community supporters at Sunday’s walk and fundraising event,” said Judy Aschner, M.D., chair of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. “It shows that our community really understands the importance of ensuring that all of our patients in need of genetic services can receive the best, most appropriate care. We are extremely grateful to those who took part in the event, either by walking with us, volunteering, raising and donating money, or a combination of them all.”

Donations are still being accepted for this year’s Take a Walk in Our Genes fundraiser. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so by clicking here.

Photo: Hélio Pedro, M.D., chief of the Hackensack Meridian Health Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, stood alongside Team Diego at the recent Take a Walk in Our Genes event in Ridgefield Park. The event raised $60,000 to benefit patients and families under the care of the Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine.

About Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the county’s first hospital, it is now part of one of the largest networks in the state comprised of 33,000 team members and more than 6,500 physicians. Hackensack University Medical Center was listed as one of the top two hospitals in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018-19 Best Hospital rankings. It was also named one of the top five New York Metro Area hospitals. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more years in a row. Becker’s Hospital Review recognized Hackensack University Medical Center as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America 2018. The medical center is one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country according to Practice Greenhealth, and received 25 Gold Seals of Approval™ by The Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet® recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its fifth consecutive designation in 2014. Hackensack University Medical Center has created an entire campus of award-winning care, including: the John Theurer Cancer Center; the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women’s and Children’s Pavilion, which houses the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Women’s Hospital, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and listed on the Green Guide’s list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. Hackensack University Medical Center is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and is Official Medical Services Provider to THE NORTHERN TRUST PGA Golf Tournament. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events especially the Tackle Kids Cancer Campaign providing much needed research at the Children’s Cancer Institute housed at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. To learn more, visit www.HackensackUMC.org.