$1.25 Million Gift to Endow Chair at Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Gift will leave lasting legacy at medical center

The Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce a gift of $1.25 million from Charles Adell to create The Charles & Jackie Adell Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. This is the first endowed chair to be created at the medical center and will support the work of Ronald Matteotti, M.D., medical director of the Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Program and chief of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, in the areas of pancreatic and liver cancer.

Prior to his passing on August 30, 2019, Adell said: “It is my hope that through this endowment, Jersey Shore University Medical Center will remain on the forefront of surgical oncology. This gift will ensure that patients receive the best treatment available and quality of life possible. Over the years, Jackie and I developed a very strong bond with Dr. Matteotti. His personality, bedside manner and medical expertise are top notch. I am very happy to show my gratitude to him through this endowment and I am certain he will carry on my legacy.”

Adell and his late wife, Jackie, were both under the care of Dr. Matteotti. Double board certified in surgical oncology, specializing in liver and pancreatic cancer treatment, Dr. Matteotti has been practicing at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for five-and-a-half years. He was instrumental in helping the hospital become the first in New Jersey to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Center of Excellence for Pancreas, Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Certification. The seal is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

“It was my honor to care for Charlie and Jackie throughout the years,” says Dr. Matteotti. “I am humbled by their generous bequest that will allow my team and me the ability to continue treating individuals living with pancreatic and liver cancers. I am grateful for their belief in me and will do everything I can to provide those impacted by these diseases with the best, most advanced care possible.”

Not only will the gift by Adell benefit Jersey Shore University Medical Center and those impacted by hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, but it brings Hackensack Meridian Health Meridian Health Foundation, to which the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation belongs, one step closer to reaching its fundraising goal of $150 million as part of the organization’s Giving Heals campaign. The campaign supports four important initiatives: strengthening oncology services, improving clinical outcomes, enhancing the patient experience and broadening clinical research and academic programs. More than $96 million has been raised so far to benefit eight Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Bayshore Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Riverview Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to Charlie,” says Joseph Stampe, president and chief development officer, Meridian Health Foundation. “Bequests have the ability to leave a lasting legacy long after we’re gone, and this particular gift by Charlie and Jackie will certainly impact people throughout the state and beyond for a very long time.”

To learn more about gift planning options, supporting Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation, or the Giving Heals campaign, contact Paul Huegel, vice president of development, at 732-751-5109, paul.huegel@hmhn.org, or by visiting www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/givingheals.