11/23/21

At Valley, people of all ages have long stepped forward with philanthropic support of the hospital’s Breast Cancer Program. This October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the spirit of giving was felt across the region with fundraisers hosted from high school soccer fields to fitness studios. “It’s incredible to see members of the community giving back. This philanthropic support enables us to offer patients a broader range of programs in the health, wellness and survivorship space,” says Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, Head, Breast Medical Oncology at The Valley Hospital. Dr. Laura Klein, Director, The Valley Hospital Breast Center and Breast Surgical Oncologist, agrees: “This fundraising has a direct impact on people’s lives. It’s because of these individuals that we are able to launch programs without skipping a beat.”

When Ellen Faber passed away from inflammatory breast cancer, her battle against the disease inspired her close-knit family to continue the fight in her memory. This October at Eastern Christian High School – Ellen’s alma mater – her nieces Gianna and Gabriella did just that. After designing new “Stronger Together” t-shirts for the school’s annual “Pink Out” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the girls and their soccer teammates launched a fundraiser in support of The Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Program, raising more than $2,000 from over 100 t-shirt orders. “When I asked them what organization they would like to support, they picked Valley because it’s where Ellen received treatment,” explains Ellen’s sister Jo-Ann Angelucci. “The whole team at Valley, including her doctor, Dr. Klein and nurse navigator Karen Kwilecki, were amazing.”

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, F45 in Paramus hosted four classes on Saturday, October 23^rd in support of The Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Program. As a newer business in the area, owner Lenny Rodriguez was passionate about giving back locally, and chose Valley after connecting with Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky over Instagram. The F45 community came out in force, helping to raise over $2,000. “A big thank you to this one-of-a-kind community for supporting such a worthy cause,” Lenny exclaimed. “Our fundraising effort was an incredible success thanks to their generosity.”

In 2013 Julie Haledjian Buccino set about to plan a fundraiser at Indian Hills High School. The varsity girls’ basketball coach designed “Be Brave” shirts – a take on the school’s teams known as “The Braves” – for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with sales from each shirt supporting The Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Program. Eight years later, the t-shirt sale has become a beloved annual fundraiser for both the team and the community. This year the girls and coaches of Indian Hills basketball once again committed to fundraising for Valley, selling over 300 shirts and making a generous $500 donation, bringing their cumulative giving to more than $4,000.

Mercedes-Benz USA is committed to being a valued and vibrant member of the communities in which their employees live and work. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mercedes-Benz of Paramus made a generous gift of $6,500 in support of cancer care at Valley Health System.

For 20 years, Teens Against Cancer (TAC) has been a popular club amongst the students of Pascack Hills High School, raising both awareness and funds for numerous worthwhile organizations. This fall, in honor of a beloved faculty member receiving treatment at Valley, the group hosted their first fundraiser in support of The Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Program. Remarked Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, “It’s wonderful to see the younger kids getting involved and to see teenagers embracing philanthropy.”

When Sharp employee group -- Women Influencing Sharp’s Evolution (WISE) -- formed in 2019 at the company’s Montvale headquarters, they chose Valley as the philanthropy partner for their Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraising initiatives. “Valley is not just a name,” explains co-chair Tracy Burns. “It’s a place that most people at Sharp have a connection. It was a natural fit!” After pausing in 2020, WISE found that their colleagues were excited to return in 2021, and October’s fundraising events and initiatives were met with enthusiasm and eager participation. Thanks to the philanthropic efforts of Sharp employees, 20 treatment bags were created for Valley’s chemotherapy patients, and more than $3,600 was raised for The Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Program.