The Women's Council for the Leon Hess Cancer Center at Monmouth Medical Center

Mission Statement

The mission of the Women's Council for the Leon Hess Cancer Center at Monmouth Medical Center is based upon three important goals:  to offer women the latest information on health and well-being through lectures and programs; to provide support to women and children during diagnosis and treatment of cancer; and to raise funds for the Leon Hess Cancer Center.

The Women's Council was founded in 1995 by cancer survivor Bonnie Levin and a concerned group of women in the Two River area. The organization sponsors lectures featuring health experts throughout the year on a variety of topics.

Focus on Education

Upon the establishment of the Women's Council, the founding members identified a need to inform women about the importance of early detection of cancer and the progress being made in cancer research.  As a result, the Women's Council sponsors lectures featuring experts from diverse fields of study.  Recently sponsored lectures have included:

• Lung Cancer Awareness and Wellness event.
• Colon Cancer Lecture presented by Dr. Michael Arvanitis, colon specialist as Monmouth Medical Center.
• Dr. Renjka Verma, Mindy Wiser-Eisten and Dr. Rosemary Fiore - HPV Human Papillomavirus:  Life-saving discussion.
• Susan Ciminelli, of Susan Ciminelli Day Spa featuring an in-depth discussion on "Beauty from the Inside Out."

Power of Pink - An Event For and About Women

The luncheon, now called Power of Pink, is an event for and about women.  The Women's Council believes women can make a difference by celebrating their collective power.  Past luncheon speakers and honorees have included Dr. Michael Goldfarb, Chairman and Program Director of the Department of Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center.  Dr. Mehmet C. Oz, nationally known health expert, and actress Lynn Redgrave, breast cancer survivor.  The event brings women together to raise funds and enhance the quality of care delivered to cancer patients at MMC.  Proceeds raised have contributed to a wide range of services and programs offered through the Leon Hess Cancer Center that include but are not limited to the following:

• Acquiring state-of-the-art technology for the detection and treatment of cancer, including digital mammography system for breast tissue evaluation and a "real-time" treatment planning system for prostate cancer implant therapy.
• Contributing to hospital facility projects, including refurbishments to The Valerie Fund Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
• Recruitment adn support for a genetic couselor to join the Hereditary Risk Assessment Program.
• Providing funding for the Goldsmith Wellness Center, which provides cancer patients with safe and effective complementary health options, including yoga and guided imagery.
• Purchase of the MRI biopsy cadstream for the Department of Cancer Services.

Other Women's Council Initiatives

• "Spa for the Spirit" - is a day of rejuvenation, relaxation and beauty held twice a year for about 30 women who are cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• "Wrap Yourself in Love" robes - The Wrap yourself in Love Robes are luxurious robes given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• "Buddy Bears" plush animals are provided as a comfort to women and children undergoing cancer treatment.

The purchase of the robes or the bears makes a perfect gift for a friend or family member, or given as donation to a patient undergoing cancer treatment.  Click here to purchase a bear or a robe, or to make a donation to Spa for the Spirit.

        Our Invitation to You...

Is to join the Women's Council and lend your support to the Leon Hess Cancer Center and our community. To become a member, click here or call Evelyn Nitis at 732-923-7525.