Cooper Foundation Raises $600K To Fight Cancer

CAMDEN, NJ — The Cooper Foundation raised more than $600,000 for breast and gynecologic cancer research and clinical programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper during this year’s Pink Roses Teal Magnolias @Home, which was held virtually, Cooper University Health announced.

“Support from Pink Roses Teal Magnolias, even in the midst of a global pandemic, enables us to continually develop new services, expand our research capabilities, grow our outreach and educational programming, and serve as a beacon of hope for women across the region,” Cooper University Health Care Board of Trustees Chairman George E. Norcross III said. “This year, we are proud to honor the healthcare heroes at MD Anderson at Cooper for their dedication to our patients during this extraordinary time.”

The first brunch was held in 2010. Since then, the event has raised more than $7 million to support research, the Patient In Need Fund, new technology, survivorship programs, the Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program and other patient initiatives, according to Cooper.

“I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our dedicated supporters, especially in these challenging times,” Cooper Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Philip A. Norcross said. “Though we will miss the in-person brunch this year, the ongoing support of Pink & Teal is a testament to the strength of cancer survivors, their friends, their families and our community.”

The 11th annual Pink Roses Teal Magnolias event was originally scheduled as the traditional in-person brunch, which draws more than 900 people each year to the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event went virtual this year, highlighting the cancer programs it supports and thanking donors, sponsors and community partners.

“Cancer doesn’t stop even in a pandemic, so we are grateful for the efforts of The Cooper Foundation and all of our supporters to raise funds and awareness for breast and gynecological cancer treatment and research at MD Anderson at Cooper,” Cooper University Health Care co-CEO Kevin O’Dowd said.

The virtual program also paid special tribute to Cooper’s healthcare professionals at MD Anderson at Cooper — from valet attendants, housekeeping staff and call center team to screeners, techs, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, social workers and support staff as they have faced each new challenge with bravery and dedication to patients.

“All of us at Cooper, especially our dedicated clinical and support staff at MD Anderson at Cooper, are grateful for the community’s ongoing support which helps us to provide the highest level of services and care to our patients,” Cooper University Health Care co-CEO Anthony J. Mazzarelli said.

Earlier this month, the foundation raised $50,000 through an Outdoor Brunch and Golf Outing that attracted more than 120 guests and golfers. Read more here: Cooper Foundation Raises $50K To Fight Cancer

The foundation has also raised money through online quilt auction, as well as outdoor yoga, baseball and motorcycle fundraisers, and other community partner events. The Cooper Foundation also established the Susan Bass Levin Ovarian Cancer Endowment Fund, giving donors the opportunity to continue their support in the fight against women’s cancer.
Levin is an ovarian cancer survivor, Co-Chair of Pink Roses Teal Magnolias and former President/CEO of The Cooper Foundation.

“This year has been life changing and heartbreaking for so many of us in so many different ways, but cancer did not stop,” Levin said. “Pink & Teal, and its sisterhood of strength and hope, continues to be an inspiration for so many women and their families who face a cancer diagnosis — and that’s why we must keep fighting.”

Pink Roses Teal Magnolias @Home was co-chaired by community members Donna Forman, Cherry Hill; Ilene Grossman, Voorhees; Janet Knowles, Moorestown; Josephine McGinniss, Mt. Laurel, and Carolyn Shelby, Westampton, along with MD Anderson at Cooper leaders Generosa Grana, MD, Francis Spitz, MD, David Warshal, MD, Anthony Dragun, MD, Catherine Loveland-Jones, MD, Roland Schwarting, MD and Todd Siegal, MD.