“Between the support I have at home and the support I have here, I think that’s why I’m doing as well as I am.”
On Monday, July 13, 2026, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, officially welcomed their first patients to the brand-new Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
In a touching twist of fate, the first medical oncology patient was Maria Schpatschynskyj. Long before becoming a patient, Maria helped shape cancer care at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center as the former Administrative Director of the hospital’s original cancer center, housed in the East Wing with just five physicians at the time.
“It’s just so spectacular,” said Maria, referring to the new Melchiorre Cancer Center that encompasses approximately 137,000 square feet. “I’m so happy to see how it [the cancer center] has grown. Back then, we wanted to help as many patients as we could, but now it’s really grown into something that can help so many more people. It’s absolutely incredible. It’s not anything I ever would have anticipated.”
Maria’s cancer journey began unexpectedly last year when she came to the Emergency Department feeling unwell. What she thought would be gallbladder surgery instead led to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
“It was quite a shock and difficult to process,” she says. “But almost immediately my care team got things started, and I’ve been receiving treatment ever since.”
Maria is under the care of Sirish Dharmapuri, MD, a medical oncologist at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and Rosa, a nurse practitioner, a team she credits for helping her navigate every step of treatment with honesty, compassion, and expertise.
“Dr. Dharmapuri gives it to you straight, and I really appreciate that,” Maria says. “I always appreciate someone giving me the information I need so I can deal with it. Everyone here has been so empathetic, caring, and supportive. They make me feel extremely comfortable.”
Maria is looking forward to receiving her care in a space designed to bring everything together under one roof. “I’m looking forward to having that seamless experience continue with all the same great staff that I love,” she said. “To see this become something so much bigger than what we started all those years ago is really special.”
Dr. Dharmapuri says Maria’s story represents the heart of what the new cancer center was built to provide. “Maria’s journey is a powerful reminder that cancer care is about much more than treatment. It is about supporting patients through every step of their experience. Having someone who once helped build cancer services at our hospital now receive care in this new center is incredibly meaningful. We’re honored to be a part of Maria’s journey and encouraged by her progress.”
Surrounded by the support of her family and the care team she has come to trust, Maria remains grateful. “Between the support I have at home and the support I have here, I think that’s why I’m doing as well as I am,” she says.
This facility represents the latest milestone in RWJBarnabas Health's $1.5 billion investment to transform and expand oncology care across New Jersey, bringing advanced treatments, leading specialists, innovative clinical trials, and comprehensive support services together so patients don’t have to cross state lines for world-class care.
The Melchiorre Cancer Center is located at 112 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey. Learn more about cancer care at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.