The Okonite Company Makes Second Commitment of $5M in Support of Valley Health System’s Clinical Research Program

On May 5, 2016

Ridgewood-based The Okonite Company has made a second extraordinary commitment of $5 million to The Valley Hospital Foundation in support of the Valley Health System’s Translational and Clinical Research programs. Research within Valley Health System is dedicated to advancing medicine and discovering novel medical and surgical approaches to diagnosing and treating diseases in cardiology, oncology, and the neurosciences.

In June 2015, Valley celebrated the opening of the Okonite Research Center, which houses its Center for Cancer Research and Genomic Medicine and the biorepository, one of the first established in New Jersey. The creation of Valley’s research laboratories and expansion of biorepository were created through the tremendous generosity of Okonite.

This new $5-million commitment is being directed to sponsor translational and clinical research initiatives in the Center’s laboratories as well as through the entire Valley Health System.  Research conducted at the Center helps provide state-of-the-art clinical care to Valley’s patients as well as be a critical focal point for Valley’s new affiliations with Mount Sinai Health System and Cleveland Clinic.

“We are indebted to Okonite for supporting our ongoing research efforts,” says Anastasios Kozaitis, Valley Hospital Foundation president. “Between our scientists, world-renowned collaborating scientists, and Valley’s state-of-the-art Okonite facility, we are positioned to advance our existing clinical research program while recruiting additional distinguished physicians, and strengthening collaborations with national and international research institutes.”

Audrey Meyers, president and chief executive officer of The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System, states, “Valley’s continued dedication to research helps to advance patient care, offer our patients breakthrough treatments and services, and ensure our continued success as a healthcare system of choice for our community.”

“We are always proud to support the Valley Health System,” said Mr. Victor Viggiano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Okonite Company. “Valley is committed to excellence and continues to deliver high-quality healthcare to the residents of New Jersey.”

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