Holy Name Press Releases

HOLY NAME HOSPITAL'S "WALK FOR MOM" RAISES $220,000 FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND SCREENING SERVICES FOR NEEDY KOREAN-AMERICANS

May 15, 2009

Teaneck, NJ - The Korean Medical Program's 2009 Walk for Mom breast cancer awareness walk-a-thon at Leonia's Overpeck Park on May 9 was a great success, garnering $140,000 in cash donations and over $80,000 in event sponsorships for a total of $220,000.

"This year was one of our most successful," says Kyung-Hee Choi, Director, Holy Name Hospital Korean Medical Program (KMP), who noted that about 1,000 people participated in the walk-a-thon. "Each year we attract more recognition from individuals in the community and greater support from the corporate community."

Ms. Choi says the campaign is "now ready to take the next step, which is to receive applications from low-income Korean-American women to perform free mammograms." The application period will run through June. Beginning in July, the KMP's ob/gyns will give clinical breast exams and issue prescriptions for mammograms. When necessary, the program will provide additional procedures, such as ultrasounds and biopsies, as well as cancer treatment services.

At the walk-a-thon, there were about 300 student volunteers from several Bergen County high schools, including Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest and Old Tappan, Leonia High School, and Dwight Englewood, among others. Twenty physicians from the Korean Medical Program conducted free consultations, Holy Name Hospital nurses provided free blood pressure screenings and BMI readings, and about 30 Holy Name employees volunteered in various capacities.

Hai-Kyung Suh, the internationally acclaimed concert pianist and Walk for Mom's Goodwill Ambassador, walked in support of the event, and many cancer survivors joined her.

The president of Amore Pacific, Marc Shin, spoke about breast cancer during his formal remarks, commenting on the importance of early detection to maintain a full quality of life. Amore Pacific, well-known in Korea as a loyal supporter of breast cancer initiatives, was a platinum sponsor of the HNH walk-a-thon and supplied 1,000 cosmetic bags as a giveaway to participants. Town Motors Englewood, NY Life and State Farm were also event sponsors and hosted vendor tables, and CEED (Cancer Education & Early Detection) conducted breast self-exam education programs.

Several community organizations walked with their banners: Senior Citizens Association of NJ, Korean Association of Fort Lee, and the Bergen County Korean-American Parent Association, which also sold food for fundraising. Others exhibited their talents: Jo Eun School in Palisades Park presented a choral concert, AWCA in Teaneck showcased their line dancing prowess, and the FGS Korean Community Center performed a traditional Korean folk dance.

Holy Name Hospital is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, acute care community hospital located in Teaneck, New Jersey. Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1925, the hospital is now a comprehensive 361-bed medical center offering leading-edge medical practice and technology, administered in an environment rooted in a tradition of compassion and respect for every patient. Affiliation with the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System brings further advantages to our Bergen County community, including access to clinical trials, highly specialized physicians, and expanded opportunities for professional medical education.

Contact: Katherine Emmanouilidi, 201-833-7092