Northwell Health Foundation

05/18/2026

New York Islanders Children’s Foundation donated $150,000 to create a child support center named in memory of Matthew Schaefer’s late mother, Jennifer.

“My mother was someone I looked up to immensely,” Schaefer said. “I remember sitting by her side while she was battling cancer, and she always had a smile on her face. She was full of joy. By teaming up with Northwell Health, I hope we can bring a little of her joy to others who are fighting cancer, and to their families as well.”

“Matthew Schaefer represents the strength and spirit of Long Island, and we are honored to have him join our team,” said Richard Barakat, MD, physician in chief and executive director of the Northwell Cancer Institute . “His partnership transcends the ice; it's a tribute to that shared spirit of determination.”

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3R13N3m

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

05/16/2026

The countdown is on! 🎉 Just 2 days until the Northwell Walk to Raise Health on May 17!
From a warm-up with Marie O’Brien to a complimentary Bagel Express breakfast, AVX Productions music, and a magnificent raffle (cash, check, card accepted!), it’s a morning you won’t want to miss.

Plus, your 5-mile walk (starting at 10:00am) directly supports the Fortunato Breast Health Center.

Register now: https://northwellwalk.com/PJ26

Northwell Health Foundation

05/16/2026

Jan was surprised to find a lump on her breast in her late 60s. Despite diligent screenings and family history, she believed her window for developing breast cancer had passed.

Trusting her instincts, Jan made an appointment with Dr. Susan Lee, chief of Breast Surgery at Peconic Bay Medical Center - Northwell Health. After an MRI and biopsies, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. From the very beginning, Dr. Lee made sure Jan felt informed and supported. She carefully explained exactly what was happening in Jan’s body and how they would move forward together. Before Jan even left the office, Dr. Lee had already reached out to a team of specialists on her behalf.

During surgery, Jan’s care team discovered another type of cancer. She chose to move forward with a double mastectomy.

Throughout it all, Jan never let her diagnosis stop her, and today, she is in full remission. Reflecting on her journey, Jan says, "I'm alive because of what my care team did for me." 💗

Tomorrow join Jan at Northwell Health's Walk to Raise Health, presented by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union to ensure more patients receive the lifesaving care they need close to home. 👟 ☀️ Funds raised at the East End Walk support Peconic Bay Medical Center’s cancer services and breast health programs, ensuring that patients have the chance to receive a timely diagnosis and lifesaving care before, during and after their cancer diagnosis.

🔗 Register at 🔗 in bio.

05/15/2026

"It was like a scene out of a movie. They were all ready to receive him and to save his life.”

RJ was born with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare genetic disorder that prevents his body from producing cortisol, the essential 'fight or flight' hormone. One day, RJ came down with a stomach bug. His mom, Dia, gave him his medications, and driven by a mother’s intuition, decided to spend the night in his room. When the alarm for the next dose went off, she knew something was wrong. RJ was lying in bed, moaning. Dia ran to tell her husband, Andrew, and when she came back, RJ was in the midst of a full-blown seizure.

RJ was rushed to a hospital where they ran tests, but RJ remained unconscious. As his vitals worsened, Dia became increasingly worried and reached out to a friend who suggested she request an immediate transfer to Cohen Children's Medical Center — a decision, she believes, saved his life.

Vickie, a heroic transfer nurse from Cohen Children’s, stabilized him mid-transport while they drove to the hospital where a full pediatric emergency and critical care team was waiting to receive him. After nearly a week in the intensive care unit, RJ made a full recovery and was eager to return to school and see his friends. Now a vibrant 12-year-old, whenever RJ begins to feel sick, he goes to Cohen Children’s where he knows he will be in great hands.

This Sunday, May 17, join RJ at Northwell Health's Walk to Raise Health, presented by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union to ensure more patients receive the lifesaving care they need close to home. 👟 ☀️ Funds raised at the Jones Beach Walk support lifesaving programs at Cohen Children's and the Katz Institute for Women's Health.

🔗 Register at northwellwalk.com/register.

05/14/2026

Nearly six years after receiving treatment for breast cancer, Mariann’s cancer returned and spread to her liver. She underwent several treatments and therapies, and as her needs evolved, Dr. Anna Komorowski, chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Northern Westchester Hospital, and her team were there for Mariann and her family every step of the way. 🩵

From the administrative staff, food service and other support personnel, the team consistently showed kindness and compassion, creating a comforting environment when it was needed most. Mariann's family holds profound gratitude for every single person who touched her life from the moment she received care up until her passing.

This weekend, join Mariann’s family at Northwell Health's Walk to Raise Health, presented by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, to ensure more patients receive the lifesaving care they need close to home. 👟 ☀️ Funds raised at the Walk in Westchester support:

🟢 The Integrative Health Department at Northern Westchester Hospital to support team member wellness initiatives.

🟢 The Westchester Community Paramedicine Program at Phelps Hospital to support expanded health care access to homebound seniors and other vulnerable members of the community.

🟢 The Thomas E. and Alice Marie Hales Caregivers Center at Phelps Hospital to help support family members caring for a loved one.

Register at northwellwalk.com/register .