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 Saint Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers. Established in 2014, Comfort Project 360 complements the outstanding care provided by The Cancer Program at Saint Barnabas Medical Center by creating supportive and healing environments in which patients and their loved ones are treated.
Changing the Cancer Care Experience
Each and every gift to Comfort Project 360 enhances 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
Saint Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers. Comfort Project 360’s ongoing patient programs include:
- Comfort Cart – A mobile cart that delivers healthy snacks to patients with a personal touch.
- Welcome Kits – filled with items to soothe body, mind and spirit.
- It’s a Wrap – Scarves and hats to welcome new patients and celebrate the completion of treatment.
We are now focused on transforming the Cancer Center in the East Wing into a more comforting and compassionate environment. Currently underway, Phase One of this multi-phase project is remodeling the Cancer Center’s two waiting areas into a more uplifting environment, creating a supportive and relaxing Ella Platnick Short Stay Suite and illuminating hallways with beautiful artwork.
We seek your support as we embark on Phase Two of this exciting project. Our goal is to introduce thoughtful changes to the Cancer Center’s twenty-three infusion rooms, creating a more soothing environment for the nearly 100 patients that receive chemotherapy or infusions in this space every day.
Give Now to Comfort Project 360
Please join Comfort Project 360’s mission to enhance the patient experience at Saint Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers. To learn more about Comfort Project 360 programs or services or to make a donation, please contact Beth Rosenthal at 973.322.4604 or beth.rosenthal@rwjbh.org.
Meet the Comfort Project 360 Team
Comfort Project 360 Founders
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 Saint 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 Saint 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.
Comfort Project 360 Leaders
We remember and celebrate Mindy Roth,
who served as Creative Director and will always be an inspiration.
Comfort Cart Project Leaders
Lori Gelman
Ellen Loventhal
Comfort Project 360 Teen Advisors
Michelle Berger
Jodi Bloom
Mindy Golin
Mindy Scherago
It's a Wrap Project Leader
Evie Singer
Comfort Project 360 Teen Leaders
Emily Berger
Sklyar Bloom
Sammi Golin
Harley Scherago
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Comfort Project 360, please contact Beth Rosenthal at 973-322-4604 or beth.rosenthal@rwjbh.org.
Inspirational Journey Recipients
- 2017 – Linda Ross
- 2016 – ShariBeth Susskind
- 2015 – Cathy Silverman
- 2014 – Mindy Roth
Events
A Reason To Rock
Hyla Weiss, Cathy Levison, Jodi Bloom, Suzanne Unger, Wendy Marcus
Suzanne Unger, Cathy Levison, Linda Ross, Jodi Bloom, Wendy Marcus, Hyla Weiss
Advisory Board Members
- Jodi Bloom
- Craig Krandel
- Richard Ritholz
- Jane Wilf
Cancer Center waiting area.
Ribbon cutting event for Cancer Center waiting area.
The Education Room in honor of Maxine Malina Edwards.