Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack Meridian Health Founded in 1888, it was the county’s first hospital.

Hackensack University Medical Center, a 771-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state.

“The odds of matching a stranger are incredibly slim. For a nurse on a transplant unit, the call felt like fate.”When th...
10/06/2025

“The odds of matching a stranger are incredibly slim. For a nurse on a transplant unit, the call felt like fate.”

When the Brennan 6 bone marrow transplant unit opened at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Julie was among the first nurses on the team. When she treated her first transplant patient five years ago, she was immediately inspired to join the National Marrow Donor Program registry. She completed the simple cheek swab and sent it in.

The years passed. Julie became an assistant nurse manager, and witnessed countless patients experience both excitement and heartbreak.

Four years after she registered, a voicemail stopped her in her tracks. Surrounded by her transplant team, she played it again, and again, and again. Each and every one of them was stunned: Julie was a match for a stranger in need.

The months-long process of blood work and screenings began, with her team's support. Dr. Michele Donato, chief of the adult stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy program at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center , coordinated with the NDMP so she could complete the donation under the expert care of her colleagues at Hackensack University Medical Center.

The procedure allowed her to see the other side of an experience she'd had so many times. Having a central line inserted, which allowed an apheresis machine to spin her blood, retrieve the stem cells and return the remaining blood to her body, was a humbling lesson.

The process gave her a raw, unfiltered understanding of a routine part of her patients’ reality, right down to the lingering bruises and the vulnerability of needing help with the most basic needs. "It was surreal," she says.

Fortunately, being treated at Hackensack felt like being cared for by family. Her nurses were former colleagues of her own leader, and she saw the familiar faces of Jersey Shore physicians in the hallways. Dr. Donato also visited to check in on her.

While she must remain anonymous to the recipient for a year, she has already sent him a letter. “I thanked him for the opportunity to connect with my patients more,” she says. “A lot of patients who go to transplant have life events that they would otherwise miss if they didn't get treatment, such as seeing a grandchild be born or going to a daughter's wedding. I told him, ‘Whatever your thing is, sir, I hope it happens.’"

The journey gave her a perspective that has forever changed her practice.

“There’s no better reward than knowing you’re someone’s cure for cancer,” she says. “It’s a minor sacrifice—some blood work, some shots and 12 hours at an outpatient infusion—to give someone their life back.”

10/03/2025

Your health is on the move 🚐

We're all about bringing the best in care to our community where they are — and now, we're taking it to a whole new level!

Introducing our two state-of-the-art mobile health vans, ready to offer prevention and wellness services in underserved areas for our neighbors who need them most.

10/03/2025

Sleep solutions that feel supernatural. 🧛

Tossing and turning for what feels like an eternity? Schedule a visit with one of our primary care physicians to talk about your symptoms and get your sleep back on track for all the twilights ahead. That’s how healthy happens.

Find a doc at http://bit.ly/4gUziov

10/02/2025

Harry Carson became a hall of famer for his relentless pursuit and bone-jarring tackles on the New York Giants. Off the field, he put the same dedication into a different fight: advocating for men's health.

For years, Harry has partnered with us to promote the life-saving importance of cancer screenings. He never knew how close to home that cause would become.

Earlier this year, Harry went in for a routine screening, just as he's done for decades. But the results were different. They showed that his prostate-specific antigen level had increased—a warning sign for cancer.

He turned to an old friend: Dr. Michael Stifelman, chair of urology at Hackensack University Medical Center, the top urology program in the state according to US News.

“Harry has been a passionate advocate for screening since he was 39,” says Dr. Stifelman. “Because he was so proactive and not afraid to get checked, we caught this early, before it had a chance to grow or spread.”

After additional imaging revealed a suspicious area, Dr. Stifelman and his team used state-of-the-art technology combining detailed MRI scans with 3D ultrasound, allowing physicians to target tissue while significantly reducing infection risk in the newest, safest and most effective technique.

It confirmed a diagnosis of intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Harry and Dr. Stifelman reviewed the options, and given his age and excellent health, they decided the best path was surgical removal. Harry underwent a robotic single-port prostatectomy, an innovative procedure that allows the entire operation to be performed through a single small incision below the belly button.

It was a success—and it took less than two hours.

Today, thanks to early detection and innovative treatment, Harry is considered cancer-free with an excellent prognosis. And it's only fueled his mission.

The key message from Carson’s journey is undeniable. “Don't be afraid of what you might find,” Dr. Stifelman says. “Many men have a ‘Superman’ complex, but what you don't know can hurt you. With the incredible advances in medicine and technology today, there is very little we can't handle when we find it early. Harry's story is a testament to that.”

Watch the full story at https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/patient-perspectives/2025/09/new-york-giants-legend-harry-carson-faces-his-toughest-opponent-prostate-cancer.

"I wanted a career where I could help others heal and know they aren’t alone.”Today, Natalia is an assistant nurse manag...
09/29/2025

"I wanted a career where I could help others heal and know they aren’t alone.”

Today, Natalia is an assistant nurse manager in inpatient oncology at JFK University Medical Center, but her journey began with a very different role.

She joined the JFK team in 2015 as a full-time housekeeper on the night shift. Her brother, employed in the linen department, let her know about the opening, and the hours fit her lifestyle as a single mom.

It wasn't easy, but Natalia quickly excelled, eventually becoming an operations manager. Sometimes, as she rounded, patients would call out to her—not only for housekeeping needs, but for a blanket, a glass of water or reassurance. These small interactions sparked a larger dream, and she set out on the path to become a nurse.

This, too, would be a challenge. Natalia enrolled at JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging, all while working full-time.

Her routine was relentless. “I learned how to exist on five hours of sleep,” she says. “I literally got changed at work, did my clinicals, and fit in studying and work.”

Her determination got her through. “Going back to school while you’re working is not easy, but it’s worth it. It’s never too late to change your goals. Everyone’s journey is their own, and people are more capable than they think.”

Then her environmental services director introduced her to our tuition reimbursement program. It made Natalia's dream possible, and soon she started in the emergency department armed with an associate's degree.

She moved to oncology, a specialty that had captivated her. She found her place among patients facing their toughest battles, and discovered the strength and compassion that would define her career.

She completed her bachelor's, again with the help of the tuition reimbursement program. Now, Natalia pays it forward by telling team members about the program, hoping it will open doors for them as it did for her.

As soon as she graduated, she was promoted to assistant nurse manager. Still, she hasn't left the bedside behind. “I love taking care of others. I want to be a resource for my team. I lead by example.”

Natalia’s journey has inspired those closest to her. Her younger sister is now applying to nursing school and plans to use the tuition reimbursement program, while Natalia dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner.

It's advice she shares with everyone. “You are more capable than you think. Take it one step at a time. Consistency is key. If you have the heart for it, you can rise above any challenge and make your mark in the lives of others. I made it work because my heart wanted this.”

For John, numbers are a way of life. As a chemical engineer, his days are spent on complex projects — but a few years ag...
09/27/2025

For John, numbers are a way of life. As a chemical engineer, his days are spent on complex projects — but a few years ago, one digit changed his life.

His PSA, a key marker for prostate health, had always been normal at under 3. Then, in less than a year, it shot up to 9. The diagnosis that followed was terrifying: aggressive prostate cancer.

The treatment plan was clear and immediate: a radical prostatectomy to surgically remove the prostate and some surrounding lymph nodes.

But even with the best surgery, a shadow of uncertainty often remains. For men with high-risk cancer, the chance of the disease returning can be as high as 40% within a decade. It’s a statistic that can weigh heavily on a patient's mind.

This is where John’s story takes a pioneering turn. He was offered a chance to fight the cancer before it was even removed. He became the very first patient to enroll in the PRELUDE Trial, a groundbreaking clinical study aimed at preventing recurrence.

Led by Dr. Nitin Yerram, co-director of urologic oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center's John Theurer Cancer Center, the trial represents a paradigm shift in treatment. “We are dedicated to advancing the treatment of prostate cancer and proud to be the first center in North America to conduct this innovative clinical trial,” says Dr. Yerram.

Such a sophisticated treatment requires a seamless, multidisciplinary team. Dedicated specialists from urologic oncology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology work in close collaboration, resulting in an integrated effort is so specialized that Hackensack University Medical Center is currently the only institution where urologists can offer patients this approach.

The PRELUDE Trial is testing a powerful, FDA-approved therapy called Lu-177-PSMA-617 in a new way. Instead of being used for cancer that has already spread, it’s being given to men like John before their surgery.

The therapy contains two parts: a molecule that targets a protein, PSMA, found almost exclusively on prostate cancer cells, and a radioactive particle that delivers a precise dose of radiation. The goal is to eliminate any microscopic cells that might have escaped the prostate, effectively stopping a recurrence before it can even start while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.

As the first participant, John received two cycles of the therapy, six weeks apart, before undergoing his scheduled prostatectomy.

Today, John is back in his home office, feeling well and looking forward to a trip to Philadelphia. He recently attended a high school reunion where he met a former classmate who had gone through a similar prostate cancer diagnosis. The conversation was a powerful reminder of his unique journey—one man had followed the standard path, while John was helping to forge a new one.

Being the first has given him more than just a novel treatment; it has given him peace of mind. He is proud to be a pioneer in a study that could change the future for countless men.

An unforgettable Sunday Night Football! After signing New York Giants contracts during training camp, our TKC MVPs made ...
09/26/2025

An unforgettable Sunday Night Football! After signing New York Giants contracts during training camp, our TKC MVPs made their on-field debuts with the team for the National Anthem at last weekend’s home opener!

The MVPs enjoyed watching pre-game warmups alongside our Captain Eli Manning and got to say hello to the whole stadium during a break in the action!

Thank you to the Giants for such a special night for our families!

📸🎥 credit: New York Giants

As a child, Dalila had a stutter, seeing a speech pathologist to help. It would change her life far beyond her speaking....
09/25/2025

As a child, Dalila had a stutter, seeing a speech pathologist to help. It would change her life far beyond her speaking.

“A lot of the children didn’t have any way of communicating,” says Dalila. “If they did, it was through a communication device. So, seeing the speech pathologists work with them and give them a voice was really beautiful and made me want to be that for someone.”

Today, as a bilingual speech-language pathologist at Palisades Medical Center, she is.

Her story is truly full circle by her connection to Palisades: She was born at the hospital.

When Dalila had a specialist appointment at her workplace and brought her mom with her, they sat on a bench at the edge of the river and enjoyed the view before leaving.

Her mother began to tear up. “When I turned to her, she said: ‘Your father and I took a picture here after getting an ultrasound. Now I’m sitting with you here all these years later and you work here,” Dalila says.

She makes a true difference every day. Dalila’s patients come to her to address a variety of conditions from language and articulation disorders to dysphagia, in many languages thanks to the extraordinarily diverse community.

“Kids may produce sounds or use words solely based on linguistic variations of their native language or culture, which can often lead to misdiagnoses,” she says. “It’s important for us to be sensitive to this because a difference of language or culture isn’t a disorder.”

It's just one way Dalila sees the whole patient. “Sometimes our kiddos with autism have a hard time with sensory regulation, which can interfere with learning,” Dalila says. “So I like to co-treat with occupational therapy, so we can work on regulation while also targeting specific communication and fine motor/sensory skills.”

The care and attention that Dalila and her fellow team members bring to every patient they see leads to camaraderie, collaboration and quality care.

“I don’t know if it has to do with the fact that we’re in front of the river where it’s so peaceful, but everyone here is great to work with,” says Dalila. “We all want our patients to succeed.”

09/24/2025
“God saved me for a reason. I wanted to be a doctor and I wanted to help others.”When Dr. Charita Csiky was six years ol...
09/23/2025

“God saved me for a reason. I wanted to be a doctor and I wanted to help others.”

When Dr. Charita Csiky was six years old, she became gravely ill. There was a fig orchard near her home in Cyprus, and after eating some of the fruit, she fell sick from the chemical it had been sprayed with.

Her grandmother saw that she was unwell, keeping an eye on her all night.

Symptoms worsened, and she developed seizures and entered a coma. Her parents took her to the hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU. “I was so sick that they didn’t think I was going to make it,” she said. “They didn’t expect me to live.”

But a miracle occurred. “I woke up days after being admitted. Believe it or not, they’d brought all the best doctors on the island to attend to my condition.”

She had a lot of healing to do, and spent the next two months in that hospital. “I saw a lot of other children who were very sick. That’s when I decided when I grew up, I wanted to be a doctor and save children like me.”

Finally, she was well. Her mother had been pregnant when she fell ill, and she was hospitalized for so long that she arrived home to meet a little sister.

She remained adamant that she’d become a doctor. Her family friend and mentor was the minister of health in Cyprus at the time, and helped her to maintain her dream, calling her “my little doctor.”

Throughout school, she kept this dream in mind. She learned French, German and English to apply to schools across Europe, and to help patients of all backgrounds.

When the Turkish invasion of Cyprus began, her family became refugees, fleeing to London. Even this traumatic experience couldn’t stop her studies. On the contrary, it reinforced her desire to become a doctor to help people in need.

Dr. Csiky went off to medical school in Budapest. She attended the Semmelweis University of Medicine, one of the best in Europe, and acquired her medical diploma. She completed residencies and fellowships to become a neonatologist, and she continued to practice there until she met her husband. After moving to the US, she completed another medical residency at Monmouth Medical Center. She has been a pediatrician in America ever since.

Today, she’s a beloved pediatrician in Eatontown, the latest achievement in decades of medical experience. Her motivation has stayed the same: “I always wanted to be a doctor. I always promised myself I’d be a good one and listen to people. My reasoning was always only humanitarian.”

“Through my life, I’ve saved a few lives,” she says. “My patients mean so much to me.”

“This work matters deeply to me.”Back to school is a special time, and at our East Mountain School, it's filled with spe...
09/22/2025

“This work matters deeply to me.”

Back to school is a special time, and at our East Mountain School, it's filled with special people - like Edith.

Edith's teaching career spans more than four decades, and she now marks her fourth year with EMS. It's the latest step along a path marked by impact, inspiration and advocacy for students facing behavioral health challenges.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue making a positive impact on the lives of children and adolescents,” Edith says. “Each day, I’m reminded of the importance of empathy, patience and understanding in building strong relationships and supporting student growth.”

She brings both personal and professional experience to the role, as the mother of a neurodivergent son who experienced years of misdiagnosis. “I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of tailored support and strategies for each child,” Edith says. “I am committed to helping young people develop meaningful strategies to overcome their challenges, build self-esteem and experience a level of success.”

Over the course of her journey, Edith has been certified as a teacher of students with disabilities, gained a master's in education, won the Governor's Humanitarian Award in Teaching while in North Carolina and been named Teacher of the Year while in Newark Public Schools.

She retired from Newark in 2020, but two years later, her passion for teaching called her back. A friend introduced her to EMS, and her path changed once more.

“I work with incredible colleagues and I am thrilled to be part of an organization that shares my values and commitment to supporting children and adolescents with behavioral health challenges.”

She teaches seventh and eighth grade, often the entry point for students new to the program. It's a perfect fit.

“I’m excited to meet new students this coming school year and to continue to support our returning students as they grow and progress,” Edith says. “The most rewarding part of my job is getting to know each student as a unique individual. I am constantly learning from them, and their perspectives on the world are a valuable source of inspiration.”

As we gear up for the new school year, Edith brings with her not only a lifetime of experience but also a fresh sense of purpose. “I look forward to building strong relationships and helping students develop the skills and strategies they need to succeed,” Edith says.

As a registered nurse at Ocean University Medical Center, Jody knows the importance of putting your health first. But wi...
09/17/2025

As a registered nurse at Ocean University Medical Center, Jody knows the importance of putting your health first. But with good health and no symptoms or family history, she nearly put off her routine mammogram.

It was fortunate that her gynecologist, Dr. Jocelyn Carlo, urged her not to delay. After her appointment with the Ocean women's imaging team, something suspicious appeared.

Jody tried to stay positive and keep the news to herself, until further testing revealed a cancerous lump.

“I was terrified,” says Jody. “It was devastating and surreal, but I knew I was in the best possible care.”

She had worked for years on the same-day surgery unit, often prepping breast surgery patients for procedures with Dr. Yolanda Tammaro. Jody never thought she'd be one of them, but she knew she couldn't be in better hands.

“I’m lucky enough to work alongside the most confident physicians, nurses and techs,” says Jody. “Which is why I wanted Dr. Tammaro to perform my surgery.”

Preadmission testing found another diagnosis: chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood and bone marrow cancer. She leaned on her care team, Dr. Tammaro, radiation oncologist Dr. Prashant Desai, hematologist oncologist Dr. Ruchi D. Bhatt and nurse navigator Lizzie.

“Each of them were there for me every step of the way,” says Jody. “They were super accessible and all worked together.”

Throughout her journey, Jody continued working. During her lunch breaks, she would quickly run downstairs to the cancer center where she would receive her daily radiation. Once it was over, she’d go back upstairs and care for her patients.

There were days she felt exhausted, emotionally drained or unwell, but her team never let her go through it alone. After 21 radiation treatments, Jody rang the cancer-free bell with excitement. Her husband, nurse navigator Lizzie and team members gathered to watch this milestone moment. But her celebration didn’t stop there.

Just an hour later, she walked up to the same-day unit to celebrate another milestone: her 15th wedding anniversary.

There, Jody and her husband, Ed, renewed their vows, surrounded by her Ocean family, flowers and a beautiful cake. Fellow RN Dylan officiated the ceremony.

Jody’s gratitude to the Ocean community was overwhelming. “The entire team lifted me up when I didn’t have the strength, and I am so grateful for the care I received as both a nurse and a patient.” Jody’s story has already made an impact on many, including two team members who, inspired by Jody, got their mammograms done.

Although Jody is now breast cancer-free, chronic lymphocytic leukemia has no cure. She will now undergo hormonal therapy with anastrozole, a drug used to treat early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Jody, staying optimistic, is embracing each part of her journey.

“Everything I’ve been through has made me stronger, and to anyone going through similar health challenges - talk about your journey and reach out to the people around you,” she says. “You’re not alone.”

Make a mammogram appointment here: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/womens-health/breast-health/mammography

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30 Prospect Avenue
Hackensack, NJ
07601

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