Established in 2014, Comfort Project 360 (CP360) complements the outstanding care provided at The Cancer Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center by creating supportive and healing environments in which patients and their loved ones are treated.
“Community is the lifeline of Comfort Project 360,” says Suzanne Unger, co-founder, CP360. “Our community is what has made our vision and mission – that we put forth six years ago – into a reality.”
This year marks the sixth anniversary of “A Reason to Rock”, the annual fundraiser that supports physical and programmatic improvements for The Cancer Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center to enhance the experience for individuals with cancer. Each year, an Inspirational Journey Award is given in memory of Mindy Roth, a founding member of CP360. This year’s Mindy Roth Inspirational Journey Award will be given to Jodi Bloom for her leadership and inspiration over the past six years.
“Jodi is an inspiring, passionate leader. She cares about our community and is responsible for getting our youth involved in CP360, helping them understand that they can make a difference in people’s lives,” says Hyla Weiss, co-founder, CP360.
Jodi Bloom has spent much of her life involved in various volunteer and leadership positions in organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of others. Jodi has been involved with CP360 since the beginning, and remains a driving force. Her passion for helping cancer patients and their families stems from her own personal experience. She has had many friends battle cancer throughout the years, and both she and her mom are two-time cancer survivors. Jodi not only knows first-hand what it feels like to be a caregiver and to watch loved ones go through the difficult cancer journey, but also knows what it is like to be a patient.
"I am involved with Comfort Project 360 because of the steadfast commitment to treating people with compassion and dignity - to making a difference in patients' lives,” Jodi shares. “Comfort Project 360 means the world to me. I'm able to help evolve and enhance the way patients are cared for, lead and engage others in supporting those in need, and encourage not only my own children, but other teens as well, to get involved and give back to their community. My personal experiences and work with Comfort Project 360 have enabled me to gain a greater appreciation and gratitude for life."
In addition to honoring Jodi, Comfort Project 360 will be honoring their Junior Volunteers, who have run numerous successful fundraisers, drives and have collected generous monetary donations.
“We are proud to call them our Junior Rock Stars, an active group of volunteers between the ages of 12-18,” Hyla shares. “Their combined efforts have allowed CP360 to provide outstanding and supportive cancer care in the community.”
Last year, students from Millburn, Livingston, Newark Academy and Golda Och Academy raised over $37,000 to benefit Comfort Project 360 during their annual 3rd annual “A Reason to Walk” 5K event. In addition, the CP360 junior volunteers have started their own fundraisers to support the cause including a car wash, kickboxing event, spinning, stuff the closet, volleyball tournament and much more.
“From the physical transformation of both radiation oncology and medical oncology, to the meaningful programs that make a difference for patients and their families on a daily basis, all this would not be possible without the help and support from the incredible members of our community. For that, we are so grateful,” Suzanne shares.
This year’s A Reason to Rock event will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Crestmont Country Club.
For more information, to sponsor or attend, please visit rwjbh.org/reasontorock.