Jefferson Health’s ‘Tree of Lights’ Raises Over 2k for Cancer Patients

Cherry Hill, NJ (November 25, 2025) —Jefferson Health’s 16th annual ‘Tree of Lights’ celebration at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, and its first-ever ‘Tree of Lights’ event in Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, honored the lives of those who have battled cancer while raising over $2,000 dollars for Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center’s New Jersey Cancer Transportation Fund, which helps patients continue to receive vital treatments without the added burden of transportation costs. Annually, the fund provides approximately 2,500 rides to vital treatments.

Held on November 19 & 20, the ‘Tree of Lights’ ceremonies provided participants who made donations in advance to have the names of loved ones who have battled cancer read aloud while a tribute ornament was hung on the branches of each campuses’ Tree of Lights in their honor— a collective symbol of resilience and remembrance. The ‘Tree of Lights’ ceremonies also featured uplifting music and light refreshments as the trees are illuminated.

“Our ‘Tree of Lights’ events are beautiful reminders of how deeply we’re all connected — patients, families and caregivers alike,” said DeAnnette Stanton-Cross, BA, OPN-CG, Cancer Program Administrator. “At our advanced care hubs in Cherry Hill and Washington Township, we see every day how compassion and innovation come together to help patients heal. These events captured that same spirit.”

Congressman Van Drew Urges Action on Alpha-gal Bill

Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after reports confirmed the first documented death tied to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a serious allergic reaction triggered by a tick bite that causes a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat and products containing alpha-gal.”This tragedy that happened right here in New Jersey is heartbreaking, and it shows exactly why Congress needs to take alpha-gal seriously,” said Congressman Van Drew.

“One bite from a lone star tick can make a person violently allergic to red meat and other products that contain alpha-gal. People can go into anaphylaxis from foods they have eaten their whole lives, and most have no idea what triggered it. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of Americans have already developed AGS, and cases continue to rise rapidly as tick populations expand. We cannot wait for another tragedy before we act. We need research, we need awareness, and we need clear labeling so people know exactly what they are putting in their bodies. My bill, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act, would designate alpha-gal as a major food allergen so Americans can clearly identify products that pose a risk. It is a simple, commonsense step that will save lives, and Congress should move on it immediately.”Click here to read more about H.R. 9382, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act.
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Commissioner Frank J. DiMarco Reminds Residents About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Commissioner Frank J. DiMarco would like to remind residents that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) often increases during this time of year. Although this illness can occur year-round, outbreaks are most common in the summer and early fall.

The New Jersey Department of Health has reported an increase in cases at this time. A Few Key Points to Remember:

HFMD is a common viral illness, usually affecting infants and young children, and is characterized by a rash and blisters on the hands, feet, and in or around the mouth.

It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with blister fluid or feces of an infected person. A person with HFMD is most contagious in the first week, though the virus may be shed for weeks to months.

There is no specific treatment — symptoms like fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications, but always consult your physician first.

To Help Prevent Transmission: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, or coughing/sneezing. Teach and help children wash their hands regularly and keep blisters clean.

Avoid touching your face.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items.

For any questions, please contact the Gloucester County Department of Health – Nursing Division at 856-218-4101.

Stay safe and healthy, Gloucester County!

Virtua Voorhees Hospital Earns National Awards for Excellence

(VOORHEES, N.J., October 30, 2025) Virtua Voorhees Hospital has earned multiple honors for superior performance in orthopedics, including joint replacement and outpatient orthopedic surgery.

Healthgrades, a national healthcare rating organization, has recognized the Voorhees, N.J., hospital with nine 2026 Specialty Excellence Awards , each for at least two consecutive years.

The new Healthgrades awards for Virtua Voorhees Hospital are:

· America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Joint Replacement

· Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence

· Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence

· Top 5% in the nation for Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence

· Top 5% in the nation for Outpatient Joint Replacement

· Top 10% in the nation for Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence

· Top 10% in the nation for Outpatient Joint Replacement

· Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment

· Five-Star Recipient for Outpatient Total Knee Replacement

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South Jersey Families Can’t Afford Higher Healthcare Costs

Since October 1, the federal government has been shut down, and Speaker Mike Johnson hasn’t called Congress back into session since. That means critical services are disrupted and public servants are working without pay.

Now, families across South Jersey are beginning to receive notices of soaring healthcare premiums. This is because cost-saving healthcare tax credits will expire in December. In our congressional district, 24,000 people will see their healthcare costs rise if Congress does not act now.

Last week, I asked people in our district if they’ve received notices that their premiums are going up. Nearly half said yes. Of those:

63% of families said their monthly costs are increasing by more than $100 per month
25% of families are seeing increases of more than $500 per month
And some are seeing increases of more than $1,000 per month

That’s outrageous. Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying for healthcare and putting food on the table. If Republicans don’t come back to Washington and get to work, working families pay the price.

I’m ready to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, to reopen the government and lower healthcare costs.

Even during this shutdown, my office is open and ready to help you. Please visit the government shutdown resources webpage on my website for more information.

Virtua Health Earns National ‘Greater Good’ Award

The South Jersey Health System is Among Such Honorees as Audible, Mastercard, and Sesame Workshop

Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, has won nationwide recognition for its initiatives supporting social causes.

Not-for-profit Virtua has received a 2025 Greater Good Award in the category of Local Community Benefit, for its Champions of Humanity campaign. Other finalists and awardees include Audible, Mastercard, and Sesame Workshop, as well as Sensodyne and Feeding America.

Presented by a group of respected media and marketing firms, these awards “showcase the work being done around social causes, their impact and, ultimately, those working toward the greater good,” according to organizers.

Virtua’s Champions of Humanity framework includes an array of initiatives that address human needs, from food access to mobile health programs to safe, affordable housing. It recognizes that every person is unique, and that health is influenced by a wide range of factors.

“Champions of Humanity is a concept deeply rooted in the understanding that health goes beyond medical treatment, encompassing an individual’s entire life and environment,” said Virtua President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin. “It recognizes that every person has their own stories and aspirations, and that their well-being is profoundly influenced by their living conditions, opportunities, and challenges.”

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New Non-Invasive Procedure for Prostate Cancer Offered at MD Anderson Cooper

(CAMDEN, NJ) – MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is among the first health systems in southern New Jersey to offer robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedures for patients living with prostate cancer. This innovative treatment uses precisely targeted ultrasound waves to eliminate diseased prostate tissue. By focusing these waves on the affected area, HIFU generates localized heating (ablation) that targets cancer cells within the prostate gland while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

“We are excited to offer HIFU as a treatment option to certain patients with prostate cancer,” said Jeffrey J. Tomaszewski, MD, head of the Division of Urology and director of Genitourinary Oncology at MD Anderson at Cooper. “A recent publication evaluating this approach makes us confident in HIFU as a treatment option, with outcomes that can preserve men’s urinary continence and erectile function.”

A large, prospective study involving more than 3,000 patients across 46 medical centers found that HIFU provides comparable cancer control to surgery while significantly reducing the risk of side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Because robotic HIFU platforms allow physicians to precisely target only the affected portion of the prostate, many men can receive effective treatment while maintaining quality of life.

The outpatient procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires only one treatment session. This non-invasive approach involves no incision, no radiation, and no scarring. Most patients experience minimal disruption to daily activities and a faster return to normal life compared to traditional surgery.

What is HIFU?
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a leading-edge treatment that uses concentrated ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted tissue inside the body without surgery. For prostate cancer, HIFU enables doctors to treat only the affected portion of the prostate while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This approach can reduce the risk of common side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, while providing effective cancer control.

About MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is South Jersey’s leading cancer center. Through our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center – one of the nation’s leading cancer centers – our patients have access to advanced cancer treatments. Our multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to cancer care combines the expertise of our highly skilled cancer specialists with innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies and groundbreaking clinical trials.

MD Anderson at Cooper takes a disease-site-specific approach to cancer care. Experts from every area of cancer medicine work together to provide each patient with outstanding care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Patients also have access to our full range of supportive care services throughout their cancer journey. Learn more at MDAndersonCooper.org

Commissioners host annual Senior Health Fair and flu shot program launch

More than a thousand senior citizens from across Camden County will attend the Camden County Senior Health Fair and Annual Flu Shot Program Launch today at 10 a.m. at the Forum Catering Hall, 109 N. Black Horse Pike, Gloucester Township.

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How Palliative Care Eases Recovery for Stroke Survivors

Palliative care is a special branch of medicine that answers the question: What can be done to alleviate the symptoms and worries caused by a grave illness? Palliative Care deals with the quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care is different from going to the doctor—it is not a cure, but a focus on comfort and support. Alongside other treatments, this care is used to provide a holistic approach to recovery.

The journey to recovery from a stroke can be daunting. It can take a boatload of blood, sweat, and tears. Stroke patient palliative care provides a holistic approach. It is essential in promoting recovery through meeting different needs and, therefore, enhancing the quality of life.

Emotional and Psychological Support

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more than 280,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

Deputy Director Jim Jefferson and the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners encourage all residents to stay proactive—schedule regular screenings, know the signs, and take advantage of available support and resources.

Learn more at: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/