In the winter of 2005, the 61-year-old attorney underwent 33 external radiation beam therapy sessions at Winthrop-University Hospital's Radiation Oncology Center to treat his neck and chest after thyroid cancer spread to his lymph nodes. When a brain tumor was subsequently discovered, Spellman wasn't fazed, but instead, ready for the challenge.Spellman became one of Winthrop's first patients to be treated for his brain tumor using CyberKnife, the most advanced radiosurgery technology available for patients, including many who have exhausted all treatment options. CyberKnife delivers targeted, high-dose radiation beams to tumors and lesions.As a result, Spellman's tumor has been decreasing. While he was undergoing treatment, he would notice the anxiety and depression of others awaiting the same fate. This experience led to the creation of a symbol of hope. Requesting to keep his radiation treatment mask, Spellman crafted a "Mask of Courage," which he fastened on a bulletin board to be adorned with pins symbolizing strength and spirit. He presented his creation to Elaine Montchal, RN, CyberKnife Coordinator, at Winthrop's recent Cancer Survivors' Day celebration.Spellman said the idea behind the mask is that cancer patients inspire each other while facing what is coming. Anyone who enters the Center is encouraged to place a special pin to either remember someone or to simply become part of it. Each pin has a story behind it.Those interested in donating pins, please contact Ms. Montchal at emontchal@winthrop.org. For more information about Winthrop's CyberKnife, call 1-866-WINTHROP.
Winthrop Offers Free Yoga
Winthrop-University Hospital's Women's Health Forum will present a free program, "Yoga Demonstration: The Ancient Art of Gentle Stretching," on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, at 7 p.m. Held at Winthrop's Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Blvd. at the corner of Second Street in Mineola, the program will give attendees the opportunity to practice various poses as they are guided through the demonstration.Edith Jason, R.Y.T., registered and certified yoga instructor, will demonstrate how yoga can help reduce stress and improve flexibility, strength, energy and general well-being. It can also help participants relax. Those who plan to attend should wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. Registration begins at 6:45 p.m. Parking and the entrance are available in the rear of the building. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 1-888-53 WOMEN to reserve.The Women's Health Forum is coordinated by Women's Health Services, part of the Institute for Family Care at Winthrop.
South Nassau Receives Workforce Builder Award
South Nassau Hospital was awarded a Workforce Builders Award at the fourth annual Long Island Work Coalition's Workforce Builder Awards breakfast. The hospital won the award because of its leadership in the delivery of healthcare, commitment to advocating careers in healthcare and facilitation of the professional development of its staff. South Nassau was one of just two healthcare providers among the 13 businesses and organizations to receive the prestigious award. Along with the other 12 winners, South Nassau is now eligible for the "Workforce Builder of the Year Award," which will be presented at the Workforce Builders Awards Luncheon on Nov. 13, 2006. "We recognize that the future of South Nassau and the quality of the care we provide rests with the those in high school or college who are considering careers in healthcare and the young men and women who recently began their careers," said Joseph A. Quagliata, President & CEO. "That's why we emphasize teaching, training and promoting careers in healthcare in our mission to meet the communities needs for standard-setting healthcare."Presented by the L I Works Coalition, the Workforce Builders Honor Roll and Workforce Builders Awards were designed to recognize organizations engaged in efforts to promote a strong Long Island economy, and a skilled and educated workforce, through school-to-work initiatives. The LI Works Coalition has been helping to prepare students for Long Island's workforce for more than seven years. For more information about job opportunities and healthcare careers at South Nassau, please call (516) 632-3930.
South Nassau Auxilian Named to HANYS Committee on Healthcare Auxiliaries
South Nassau Hospital auxilian Ethel Simmons has been appointed to the Healthcare Association of New York State's Statewide Committee on Auxiliaries. An Oceanside resident, Simmons, serves as the First Vice President of South Nassau Hospital's Central Council of Auxilians. "Simmons' esprit de corps and dedication to the mission of South Nassau have been vital to the outstanding support South Nassau Hospital receives from its Central Council of Auxilians," said Joseph A. Quagliata, President & CEO. "I am certain that her service on the committee will be marked by insight, ideas and direction that will benefit hospital auxiliaries throughout New York." As First Vice President of South Nassau's Central Council of Auxilians, Simmons will assist with the leadership and coordination of 11 community-based auxiliary chapters (Baldwin, Bellmore, East Rockaway, Freeport, Island Park, Lynbrook, Malverne, Merrick, North Bellmore, Oceanside and Rockville Centre), which annually raise over $200,000 in support of the Hospital's mission. South Nassau's auxiliary has been awarded the Healthcare Association of New York State Annual Advocacy Award three times in the past five years, most recently in 2005. The Committee is charged with providing input into the Healthcare Association of New York State's (HANYS) activities related to healthcare auxiliaries. This includes serving as the voice of the statewide auxiliary community, shaping HANYS's agenda for auxiliaries and assisting with HANYS's educational initiatives for auxiliaries.
South Nassau Appoints Dr. Datta Vice Chair of Surgery
South Nassau Communities appointed Rajiv Datta, M.D., Vice Chair of its Department of Surgery. Dr. Datta is also the hospital's Chief of Surgical Oncology/Head & Neck Surgery. Dr. Datta joined South Nassau in 2001. Previously, he served as Director of Surgical Oncology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn. Recognized as one of the leading head and neck surgeons in the United States, Dr. Datta is an internationally known leader in Surgical Oncology. He was awarded a Fellowship in the International College of Surgeons (ICS) in 2005. The Fellowship is presented to surgeons around the world whose education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation by the College. A graduate of Grant Medical College in Bombay, India, he is also South Nassau's Cancer Liaison Physician to the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
