Stillwell-Hansen President Donates $3 Million to Oncology Infusion Center at Riverview Medical Center

On Jun 9, 2016

During Meridian Health’s Annual Meeting recently, John Lloyd, FACHE, president and CEO of Meridian Health announced that Carol Stillwell, president of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., has pledged to donate $3 million to Riverview Medical Center’s 29,000-square-foot BuildingHOPE oncology expansion project. The $3 million donation will specifically support the newly renovated infusion center, featuring 20 new infusion areas lined with floor to ceiling windows that provide patients with a tranquil view of the Navesink River. The infusion area will officially be named the Larkin-Stillwell-Hansen Infusion Center.

“It is an honor to be able to give back to Riverview Medical Center, as I truly consider Riverview to be at the root of my journey with the Meridian family,” explained Stillwell. “I have spent many days at Riverview with precious family and friends while they were undergoing various treatments and it was in some of those most difficult hours that I witnessed firsthand the finest care and compassion that the Riverview family had to offer. It is with great pride and in keeping with my heartfelt belief in giving back, that I support this major expansion to assist Riverview in continuing to provide for the needs of the future patients of our community.”

Scheduled to open this year, Riverview Medical Center’s 29,000 square foot addition will include a combination of visual and technical upgrades in order to meet the clinical and emotional needs of patients. This is part of a larger commitment, in which Meridian is BuildingHOPE with a three year investment of $128 million towards community-based cancer services at six locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties. In addition to the 20 infusion bays, Riverview Medical Center’s cancer center expansion will include: two TrueBeam™ linear accelerators, the most advanced technology available in radiation therapy; new specialists joining an already established and expert team to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to care; and expanded access to Meridian Cancer Care nurse navigators to guide patients every step of the way.

“Carol’s impact on Meridian Health goes far beyond major gifts,” explained John Lloyd. “She walks through the halls of our hospitals and simply brings joy to those around her. She is known by all of our team members as someone who not only supports worthy causes through monetary donations, but donates her time and energy to passionately change the world for the better.”

Stillwell’s journey started at Riverview Medical Center where her late father received cancer care though she has deep connections across Meridian Health. At various times, every member of her family including her late mother, husband and brother-in-law were cared for at one or more Meridian facilities.  “Above all it is the amazing, successful cancer care which my beloved twin sister, Mary Ann, has received that continues to inspire me and drives my commitment to this endeavor,” added Mrs. Stillwell.

In addition to experiences with patient care, Stillwell currently serves as a Trustee on the Bayshore Community Hospital Foundation and Meridian Health Foundation Board of Trustees. She provides annual nursing scholarships at Bayshore and hosts an annual nurses’ appreciation event, where she spends an evening out with over 100 Bayshore nurses, celebrating their commitment to remarkable patient care.

“Carol is truly a part of the Meridian Health family and I cannot express how grateful we are for her support of our oncology expansion project,” explained Timothy Hogan, FACHE, regional hospital president for Monmouth County, Meridian Health. “We must constantly grow in order to bring our patients the most cutting-edge treatments in their fight against cancer. With support from generous community members like Carol, we can provide the care our patients deserve.”