Hackensack Meridian Health

“I didn’t have time for cancer,” Colleen says.

It was summer, and Colleen had enough on her plate: a Caribbean cruise, her son's busy travel baseball schedule and her role as a nurse manager at Raritan Bay Medical Center.

She'd been putting off getting her mammogram, and her friend and colleague Lisa, an RN on her unit, had been pushing her to go. Finally, Lisa told her, "I scheduled two appointments. You're going today."

For Colleen, the screenings were always nerve-wracking. Breast cancer runs in her family: her mom, a survivor, was diagnosed at 46, and her aunt passed away at 48 after an 11-year battle.

When something didn’t look right on the mammogram, Colleen started to hyperventilate. The same thing happened the next day when she went for an ultrasound.

Colleen credits radiology RNs Jason and Maria and ultrasound technologist Carline with calming her down. "They were my angels," she says.

“Maria and I explained to her that a breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t always mean chemotherapy and bad outcomes. There are a lot of therapy options today. We talked her through the next steps,” Jason says.

They happened quickly. By August, Colleen was in surgery. “I was very fortunate it was caught so early,” Colleen says, and her team made it easy for her to focus on her treatments.

“They really stepped up. Plus, I was showered with gifts from everyone. Hospital leadership was so supportive,” she says.

Colleen was able to return to work the week before Labor Day.

“I feel great,” she says. “It’s funny, this is the most relaxed I’ve ever been. I always had the fear of cancer hanging over me.”

Colleen knows her early diagnosis is why her prognosis is so positive. Her message is simple: Early detection, a positive attitude and support are so important.

She can’t stress enough: Don’t put off getting a breast cancer screening. “I already have my next appointment scheduled.”

Happy Halloween from our littlest patients, who are celebrating their first one! 🎃

What costume will you wear this year?

Nicole knows firsthand how a cancer diagnosis can feel. As an office coordinator in colorectal surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, she feels for her patients. After all she was once in their shoes.

Nicole was working in pre-admission screening when she mentioned an odd symptom to her supervisor, who strongly urged her to get tested. The screening led to a diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer.

“Being at Hackensack 100% saved my life,” she says.

Nicole swiftly began treatment at John Theurer Cancer Center, where oncologist Dr. Waintraub, surgeon Dr. Petrulo and plastic surgeon Dr. Therattil worked to get her where she is today: cancer free.

Today, in addition to her current role, Nicole assists in the breast surgery department as an advocate for early screenings.

For those who know Nicole, the decision to pay it forward is no surprise. She's always been passionate about helping others, having worked as a special needs educator for preschoolers before joining Hackensack University Medical Center. She brought the patience, compassion and community she'd cultivated with her.

“I have always thrived being a part of something that was bigger than myself,” says Nicole.

Her brush with cancer strengthened her resolve. She's found countless ways to use her experiences to help others, whether through her advocacy or simply relating to the patients she sees every day.

“It’s so important to help patients see that it is possible to return to normality,” she says. “There can be a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Throughout October, our hospitals lit up pink to spotlight our patients, their families, and the team members who courageously fight against breast cancer, this month and year round.

This World Stroke Day, let's raise awareness about the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting FAST. Every minute counts! Learn the signs, save a life.

BOO! These expert pumpkin carving tips will make your jack o'lantern both spooky and safe 🎃

Go pink 💗 This October, we brought awareness to the fight against breast cancer and stood in support of our amazing patients by wearing pink. Cancer is no match for the care of this team!

“Each day is the best day of my life. Being able to put a smile on a patient’s face who was going through a difficult time was all I wanted to do.”

For those walking the halls of Ocean University Medical Center, Mo is a familiar friendly face. His warm smile and helpful disposition have introduced him to countless patients, families and team members.

But his passion for helping others is not his only one. A three-time restaurant owner, Mo is now blending both his dreams into one with the creation of Ocean Bistro.

Born and raised in Egypt, Mo dreamt of moving to the United States. At 33, he took the leap and moved to the Jersey Shore, where he threw himself into work at an Italian restaurant. It paid off, and he opened three pizza shops of his own.

He found fulfillment in serving others—with no idea an unexpected opportunity would change the course of his life.

While visiting a friend at Ocean University Medical Center, he ran into Jason Beelitz, director of patient experience, who offered him a position as a security officer. A few months into the job, Mo sold his restaurants and planned to open another in about a year—but he fell in love with his new workplace, and never looked back.

“There’s something special about the people here and it makes you not want to leave,” says Mo. “You feel like you’re a part of the team.”

After eight years in security at Ocean, Mo transitioned to a new role as a patient experience ambassador at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he could focus on his passion for helping others. Soon after, he moved back to Ocean University Medical Center to continue in that role, and his care and compassion were recognized with an award.

But he had one more dream: On the first floor of Ocean stood a restaurant. “I kept telling myself that one day I will own this grill,” says Mo. “One day this dream will come true.”

And it did, as he opened Ocean Bistro. “It’s an honor to serve patients, their families and team members,” says Mo. “I have so much respect for health care workers and I want to pay them back for all they do.

“I love this place. I am who I am because of the people here. They mean so much to me.”

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans may have an iron deficiency.

This simple lemon garlic white bean hummus is perfect for snacking and game day — and it's a great source of iron. Paired with lemon's vitamin C, it's more easily absorbed, too 🍋

We're live from Draft Day! Team members from across specialties have joined our talent team at MetLife Stadium to hire new members of the Hackensack Meridian family in a wide range of roles and locations. Now through 3 PM!

There's one more item to add to your end-of-year to-do list! Your health insurance gives you plenty of health benefits, so take advantage of them as they may change with the New Year.

🩺 Get your annual physical
Your (often fully covered) wellness check is simple, can be scheduled online and checks off preventive care like cancer screenings, vaccines, blood pressure and tests, care counseling and more.

💸 Spend your FSA
While your HSA never expires, you may have to use some of your FSA by the end of the year. You can use this money to pay for things like hospital visits, dental and vision care, over-the-counter products and prescriptions for you and your household.

💊 Fill prescriptions
Prescription prices can increase, and if you're on Medicare, you may have a high prescription deductible. Ordering online from direct-to-consumer companies, using coupon services, asking your pharmacist and paying from your FSA can help.

✅ Know your deductible
Your deductible is how much you have to pay before insurance kicks in, and it resets every January 1. If you've already reached your deductible, your out of pocket costs for health care services may be much lower. Check these numbers!

📝 Check the fine print
Reading your policy and explanation of benefits is crucial for understanding how your plan can work for you. Check if any benefits have changed, try to stay in-network for care and always call your provider if you have any questions.

Amanda and Tamara have supported many families through loss. As a nurse manager and a patient care technician and unit clerk in a hospice unit at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, they were each determined to do all they could to ease the pain.

A few years ago, a patient was signed into hospice on one of Amanda's units. "He had a granddaughter and came to visit her Pop Pop, and I don't think she understood what was happening," she says. She fled the room in a state of emotion.

Amanda and Tamara realized this was the granddaughter's first loss, and wanted to help her through it. They were inspired by Jersey Shore's Child Life team, which will create handprints to help those who are losing their child. The Child Life team helped the granddaughter to create a lasting memory, and the process stuck.

Now, the team will go to patients who are admitted to hospice and their families, and offer a handprint for them to be made so they can have a piece of their loved one to bring home.

Of the chance to be a support in these moments, Tamara says, "It's amazing. There's really no words. We're making a difference in their lives, and it makes a difference in ours as well."

Amanda shares the same sentiment. "I went into nursing to help people," she says. "It brings back purpose to what we do. Even on the hardest day, if someone asks me to do handprints, I will stay late and I will do it because I get to go home knowing I made an impact."

Hundreds of handprints later, the stories stick with them — and the impact goes far beyond. When a young mom with ALS was put on hospice, Tamara and Amanda were determined to help her two sons make a beautiful memory. Later, a nursing supervisor on the team who had attended the memorial let them know that the family had shared how meaningful the handprint they made had become.

"It represents a connection for the patient and their family. Even in the darkest of times, when you're going through that loss, you still have that memory."

Some of us know our callings all our lives. Liz is one of them.

Today, she's the network director of language services and operator services at Hackensack University Medical Center, but her journey as an interpreter began as the firstborn child of non-English speaking parents.

Liz's parents came from Argentina to the United States 55 years ago to start a family. “I’m the only daughter and the oldest child with two younger brothers. The oldest has a lot on their shoulders, especially if you’re an immigrant,” says Liz. “I’ve been interpreting since I learned how to speak English.”

“At one point, we moved back to Argentina for five years. We returned to the United States when I was 18 years old. I had to finish my high school years,” says Liz. “I completed four years in 2.5 years attending night school, while working two jobs to support my family.”

Her decades of family interpreting experience prepared her well for her career. When she first joined Hackensack University Medical Center, it was as the assistant manager for switchboard operators, and her cheerful voice and helpful nature helped her excel. Two years later, Liz was asked to create a language services division.

“The department has grown exponentially in the past 21 years,” says Liz. She expanded the program across our network, which now provides interpretation services in more than 240 languages, remotely or in-person.

Her work helped lead to Hackensack University Medical Center becoming first in the nation to achieve the Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification.

“There isn’t any other hospital in the state of New Jersey or New York that has a program as robust as ours. I’m proud to work for an organization that supports our patients and their needs when it comes to language,” Liz says.

And she remains in touch with her roots, interpreting for her father whenever needed.

“From the time I was a young girl, my father always told me that ‘you need to love what you do.’ I have a sign in my office that says that! It’s exactly who I am! If you love what you do, it’s never work,” says Liz. “I love my job, and I love what I do. I live and breathe it every day.”

Avoid the back-to-school bug this year with these common illness prevention tips 🤧

Like many families, the Chiribogas emphasize the importance of gathering together at the end of the workday to share a meal and quality time. At these moments, parents Edwin and Blanca not only pass down family recipes to their kids, Natalie, Natasha and Edwin Jr. They've given them inspiration.

Edwin has been a member of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center family for 26 years. Thanks to the stories he shares, all three of his children are in health care too.

“I remember when I was in nursing school and just beginning my career. I was and still am excited about being a nurse,” says Edwin. “I would come home from work and sit down to talk about the good and bad about my day. My girls and son got inspired by those conversations and decided to go into health care as well.”

When Bring Your Children to Work Day gave them the chance to "see what Papi did in the orthopedic department," it sealed the deal.

“Our dad paved the way. He encouraged us to be nurses. I pursued shadowing opportunities in physical therapy and never looked back,” says Natalie, an inpatient rehabilitation physical therapist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at Ocean University Medical Center.

Natasha also had the opportunity to work with her father as she completed one of her clinical rotations at Jersey Shore. “I always knew I would work in health care,” she says. “We always enjoyed coming together at dinnertime with stories about the day. It’s a bonding experience." She began her career as an acute care therapist at Ocean University Medical Center earlier this year.

They aren't the only members of the Chiriboga family at Hackensack Meridian Health. Their cousin Rolando works in IT at Ocean University Medical Center. “I’m very passionate about my job and seeing my family members throughout the day is an added perk,” he says.

Two and a half decades in, Edwin remains just as passionate about orthopedics. “Every day there’s something different," he says. "I never get tired of helping people and seeing them get better.” Now, his children will say the same.

When Kylie was born at Riverview Medical Center, doctors noticed something was wrong. Within hours, she was transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for specialized neonatal care, where it was revealed Kylie suffered from Diamond Blackfin Anemia—a very rare genetic bone marrow disease.

Eventually, Kylie received a bone marrow transplant from one of her siblings. She completed her procedure aftercare at Jersey Shore, where resident Dr. Charlie Changchien was part of her care team. “Kylie was one of our favorite patients. She was always so friendly and would go to the nurses station to say hello to everyone,” says Dr. Changchien.

Years later, Kylie’s life came full circle. Today, she is a NICU nurse at Jersey Shore — the same unit where she spent the first days of her life.

After three months of transport orientation, Kylie received her first solo on-call transport assignment. “My on-call shift was just about to end when I received a call saying a baby needed to be transported from RMC to JSUMC – the same hospital I was born at 25 years ago before being transferred to Jersey Shore,” says Kylie.

As fate would have it, Dr. Changchien was the physician who ordered the transport.

“Dr. Changchien called the NICU to speak with me. About two weeks later, we finally met up at RMC,” says Kylie. “Seeing the happiness on his face when he saw how well I am doing and also working in the NICU was unforgettable.”

“It’s so nice to see Kylie follow her dreams despite all of the medical issues she endured. To me, it’s amazing she became a NICU nurse. She’s got the heart and bravery needed to help the little ones,” says Dr. Changchien. “It’s just awesome that all these years later, we are now coworkers!”

“The feeling of finally being able to work side-by-side and give back to all the doctors and nurses who worked so tirelessly for years to take care of me is heartwarming. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason,” says Kylie. “I love being a NICU nurse, even on the tough days. It’s all I have ever dreamed of and more.”

In other words, Kylie was born to be a nurse.

The best protection against the flu is getting your flu shot. Here's what you need to know.

Mosquito-borne illnesses continue to hit New Jersey, with a case of life-threatening EEE detected. Here's what you should know.

When Jerome came across an ad for our annual men's health fair, he almost ignored it — but a gut feeling stopped him. Prostate cancer ran in his family, and the event offered free screenings.

On the last day of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Jerome's bloodwork revealed he had prostate cancer. In an instant, the father of 5 and grandfather of 10 became the 1 in 8 men diagnosed with the disease.

As an African American man, he was at even greater risk. Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer.

“Honestly, I was so lucky that it was caught relatively early. Since it was Stage 2, I felt like I had a good chance of getting it taken care of. But if I didn’t go to that screening, who knows where I’d be,” Jerome says.

Instead, just months later after a successful surgery, Jerome was playing and laughing again with his grandchildren. He'd regained the energy he didn't even know he was missing, exercising regularly.

Now, he wants others to learn from his journey. “You can’t wait. Don’t delay going to doctors like I did. If you have an issue, get it taken care of right away and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” he says.

His family couldn't be more relieved he made that choice.

“I believe going to this screening saved my life,” he says.

Twelve years ago today, Delvoris changed her life.

She had struggled with addiction for years, but from then on, she would selflessly support those who suffered with the same.

A former he**in addict, Delvoris used drugs for the last time in September 2012. By 2016, she had joined Carrier Clinic as a mental health technician, beginning a whole new path.

Delvoris was raised in Newark by parents who'd adopted her at just three months old — but she was haunted by her unknown origins. "It was a hole in my soul," she says.

By age 13, the fear of abandonment had landed her in the wrong crowd. After years with them, she developed an addiction to he**in in her late 20s. She was miserable, but felt powerless.

"Most days I thought, please, God, let this end," she says.

One day, it did. As she sat on the steps of a church, she was approached by the local police, who had a warrant for her arrest. It'd happened before, but this time, she refused to go to her mother to bail her out. This time, she was offered drug court, and she accepted and entered treatment.

After years of suffering and struggling, she made the lifesaving decision to get help. Soon after, she would choose to dedicate her life to helping others.

In her time with Carrier Clinic, Delvoris has tirelessly pursued certifications that would allow her to impact more and more people who were going through what she had overcome. Finally, in 2023, after progressing through four roles, she was promoted once again. She's now an intensive outpatient counselor coordinator, empowering her to positively affect the recovery community even further.

But she's not done. Meeting this goal gave Delvoris a new one: Aiming to become a certified drug and addiction counselor by 2025. Even now, she is hard at work studying and preparing for the certification, a major milestone and accomplishment that once would never have seemed possible.

The impossible has never stopped Delvoris. Her dedication, drive and care for others is a beacon for those in recovery, anyone seeking a fulfilling career, and all of us in the Hackensack Meridian family.

Thank you, Delvoris.

With insect-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus and EEE on the rise, mosquito bites may be more than just an inconvenience. Try these 10 tips to lower your chances of being bitten 🦟:

🌲 Mosquito "prime-time" is pre-dawn and post-dusk. When possible, avoid being outdoors at these times.
💦 Get rid of standing water around your home, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
🧴 Use bug spray that contains DEET, one of the most effective active ingredients for repelling mosquitoes.
👶 Be cautious when applying bug spray to young kids, and do not spray directly on their hands, face or irritated skin.
🪟 Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out, or keep the windows shut and use AC instead.
🌱 Keep your grass low. Mosquitoes thrive in moist, shaded environments.
🪭 If you're sitting in your yard, use an oscillating fan. Mosquitoes have difficulty steering against the wind.
👖 Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and don't spray skin under clothing if reapplying bug spray.
🥅 Use mosquito netting to protect children in strollers, or when sleeping outdoors.
🥾 Consider using Permethrin to repel mosquitoes on clothing, boots, socks or tents, or buy pretreated clothes.