Comfort Project 360
Cancer has changed the lives of Hyla Weiss and Suzanne Unger in very different ways. Their unique-yet-similar connection to cancer inspired them to join forces to transform the patient experience at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers.
Changing the Cancer Care Experience
Established in 2014, the mission of Comfort Project 360 is to complement the outstanding care provided by The Cancer Program at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center by creating supportive and healing environments in which patients and their loved ones are treated.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, family, and friends, Comfort Project 360 has raised more than $6 million to create an impact in the following ways:
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Physical transformation of the radiation and medical oncology spaces include:
- New waiting areas with more comfortable seating and privacy elements.
- Private dressing areas for men and women.
- Reconfigured medical exam rooms in radiation oncology to improve patient and physician interactions.
- Updated and expanded the Ella A. Platnick Short Stay Unit.
- Thanks to the generosity of our community, 23 infusions rooms were upgraded featuring modern recliners, televisions and additional seating to offer comfort to patients and their loved ones.
- Redesigned Maxine Malina Edwards Education Room so that patients can better understand their diagnosis and learn about psychosocial services available.
- Centralized registration areas with improved check-in to provide privacy for our cancer patients.
- Renovated nurses station in radiation oncology and medical oncology to foster seamless communication between members of the nursing staff and patients.
- Underwritten by The Rita and Burt Tansky Foundation and The Berson Family, inspiring calming flora and fauna artwork was designed to create a more relaxing environment.
- New patient robes designed for comfort and increased coverage for a supportive feel during treatment.
- New amenities to include a welcoming care package, warm blankets, comfortable hats, eye masks, and hydro flasks.
- The Comfort Cart with daily volunteers to provide friendly and supportive interactions while offering snacks, water, coffee, crossword puzzles, books, and adult coloring books.
Give Now to Comfort Project 360
Help Us Make a Difference
Each and every gift to Comfort Project 360 focuses on patient comfort and well-being. Generous donations and community support have enabled Comfort Project 360 to fund meaningful renovations and introduce important programs and amenities into Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers.
As we look towards the creation of the new comprehensive Cancer Center, our work continues. Comfort Project 360 will be an integral part of the new Center in caring for our community. We have ambitious plans to enhance the patient experience and need your support.
Please join Comfort Project 360’s mission of putting the patient first at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers. To learn more about Comfort Project 360 programs or services or to make a donation, please contact Breanne Matloff at 973-322-4336 or breanne.matloff@rwjbh.org.
Meet the Team
Hyla Weiss
Livingston resident, Hyla Weiss, a wife and mother is a breast cancer survivor. Hyla’s personal journey led her to co-found Comfort Project 360, an initiative to improve the experience of patients undergoing cancer care at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Despite her positivity, Hyla found her cancer treatments emotionally taxing. She recognized the medical care she received was excellent but the experience could have been improved with some simple changes. Understanding that the physical environment is an integral part of healing, Hyla began to focus her time on creating healing spaces and developing programs that harness the power of the mind-body connection at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
Suzanne Unger
Livingston resident, Suzanne Unger’s mother and best friend, Renee Greenwald, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 48. Suzanne lost her mother to cancer six years later. Since that time, this wife and mother of two, has been involved in cancer related charities. She chaired the American Cancer Society’s Diamond Ball, all to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. Forever touched by cancer, Suzanne recognized the value of a nurturing and supportive environment in which to receive care. With the same vision, determination, and empathy, Hyla and Suzanne launched Comfort Project 360, to ease the mind and lift the spirits of cancer patients in their community.
Community Involvement
Comfort Project 360 serves as a beacon of inspiration in rallying community members to embrace our mission through volunteering and philanthropy. Notably, a group of exceptional young adults has emerged as catalysts for change, leading impactful food drives for the comfort cart and orchestrating the annual A Reason to Walk event every spring, embodying the essence of leadership and unity.
Comfort Project 360 Leaders
Comfort Cart Project Leaders
Lori Gelman
Ellen Loventhal
Comfort Project Special Project Leaders
Mary Doherty
Amy Esralew
Randi Wolfson
Comfort Project 360 Teen Advisors
Keri Gorsky
Comfort Project 360 Teen Leaders
Zoe Gorsky
Molly Klein
Dylan Kotler
Jacqueline Lenner
Rebecca Lenner
Chase Miller
Alexa Schonbraun
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Comfort Project 360, please contact Breanne Matloff at 973-322-4336 or breanne.matloff@rwjbh.org.
Inspirational Journey Recipients
For six years (2014-2022), we were proud to come together at A Reason to Rock to celebrate members of our community who demonstrated strength and inspiration while on their cancer journey.
- 2019 - Jodi Bloom
- 2018 - John F. Bonamo, MD
- 2017 – Linda Ross
- 2016 – ShariBeth Susskind
- 2015 – Cathy Silverman
- 2014 – Mindy Roth
Please join us as we start a new decade of support with An Evening of Hope. For more information, please reach out to Gia Gagliari by phone at: 973-322-4320 or by email at: Gia.Gagliardi@rwjbh.org.
Cancer Center waiting area.
The Education Room in honor of Maxine Malina Edwards.
We remember and celebrate Mindy Roth, who served as Creative Director and will always be an inspiration.
