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 Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers.
Changing the Cancer Care Experience
Established in 2014, the mission of Comfort Project 360 is to complement the outstanding care provided by the Cancer Centers at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center by creating supportive and healing environments in which patients and their loved ones are treated.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, family, and friends, Comfort Project 360 has raised over $6.8 million to create an impact in the following ways:
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Physical transformation of the radiation and medical oncology spaces include:
- New waiting areas with more comfortable seating and privacy elements
- Private dressing areas for men and women
- Reconfigured medical exam rooms in radiation oncology to improve patient and physician interactions
- Updated and expanded the Ella A. Platnick Short Stay Unit
- Thanks to the generosity of our community, 23 infusions rooms were upgraded featuring modern recliners, televisions and additional seating to offer comfort to patients and their loved ones
- Redesigned Maxine Malina Edwards Education Room so that patients can better understand their diagnosis and learn about psychosocial services available
- Centralized registration areas with improved check-in to provide privacy for our cancer patients
- Renovated nurses station in radiation oncology and medical oncology to foster seamless communication between members of the nursing staff and patients
- Underwritten by The Rita and Burt Tansky Foundation and The Berson Family, inspiring calming flora and fauna artwork was designed to create a more relaxing environment.
Give Now to Comfort Project 360
Help Us Make a Difference
Each and every gift to Comfort Project 360 focuses on 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 the Cancer Centers at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
As we look towards the creation of the new free-standing, comprehensive Cancer Center, our work continues. Comfort Project 360 will be an integral part of the new Cancer Center in caring for our community. We have ambitious plans to enhance the patient experience and need your support.
Meet the 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 Cooperman 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 Cooperman 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's Community Support
Comfort Cart
Comfort Project 360’s Comfort Cart program has been recognized at the New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Awards in Healthcare Service. Together, we are bringing comfort and support to cancer patients at receiving care at the Cancer Centers at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
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- New patient robes designed for comfort and increased coverage for a supportive feel during treatment
- New amenities to include a welcoming care package, warm blankets, comfortable hats, eye masks, and hydro flasks
- With the help from daily volunteers, the Comfort Cart provides friendly and supportive interactions while offering snacks, water, coffee, crossword puzzles, books, and adult coloring books
Comfort Cart Project Leaders
- Lori Gelman
- Ellen Loventhal
Comfort Cart Volunteers
- Cindy Charney
- Sharon Cohen
- Judy Dolinko
- Amy Esralew
- Sharleen Friedman
- Cindy Gerstein
- Gail Numark
- Sharon Pogash
- Susan Scheinerman
- Emily Schonbraun
- Lynn Schwartz
- Hyla Weiss
- Randi Wolfson
Interested in donating items to supply our Comfort Cart? Click here to purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist and click here to purchase items from our Costco Wishlist (for Costco members only). Your support makes a huge difference for our patients and their families, so thank you!
A Reason to Walk
Comfort Project 360 serves as a beacon of inspiration in rallying community members to embrace our mission through volunteering and philanthropy. Notably, a group of exceptional young adults has emerged as catalysts for change, leading impactful food drives for the comfort cart and orchestrating the annual A Reason to Walk event every spring, embodying the essence of leadership and unity.
Comfort Project 360 Teen Leaders
- Charly Becker
- Jack Becker
- Jessica Byrne
- Tommy Byrne
- Katie Deutsch
- Mitchell Friedman
- Dylan Gibbs
- Sammy Gold
- Ellie Gutterman
- Molly Klein
- Dylan Kotler
- Rebecca Lenner
- Harlow Miller
- Clara Pearl
- Chloe Rosner
- Alexa Schonbraun
- Ollie Schonbraun
- Jordana Sheiowitz
- Lauren Spielberg
Additional Youth Initiatives
Since the beginning, students have been creating ways to give back and support Comfort Project 360 and the patients on their cancer journey in the following ways:
- Sport-inspired fundraisers (spin classes, 3-on-3 basketball, kickboxing challenges)
- Car washes
- Comfort Cart supply drives
- Seasonal gift collections
- Fundraising challenges
An Evening of Hope
Inspirational Journey Recipients
- 2019 – Jodi Bloom
- 2018 – John F. Bonamo, MD
- 2017 – Linda Ross
- 2016 – ShariBeth Susskind
- 2015 – Cathy Silverman
- 2014 – Mindy Roth
Hero of Hope Recipients
- 2023 – Dr. Alison Grann
- 2024 – Comfort Cart Volunteers
To learn more about Comfort Project 360, please contact:
- Giving: Breanne Sender at breanne.sender@rwjbh.org or 973-322-4336
- Events: Gia Gagliardi at gia.gagliardi@rwjbh.org or 973-322-4320
- Teen and youth initiatives: Ela Bawagan at fenela.bawagan@rwjbh.org or 973-322-4305