Listen to this article

The basics:

• Cooper Health’s Cape Regional now MD Anderson Cancer Center-approved radiation oncology site
• Expansion fulfills provider’s promise to enhance Shore-area care
• Also, Cooper Foundation receives total $100K from Ferraro Foundation, Subaru

Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional is now an approved radiation oncology site of MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, the health provider announced July 2. 

The MD Anderson at Cooper Radiation Oncology suite offers advanced radiation treatment technology as well as therapy that adheres to the cancer hospital’s protocols. 

The partnership between Cooper and Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer Center began in 2013. The collaboration led to the creation of the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper in Camden. That main campus is now undergoing a $3 billion expansion.

Cape Regional Health System merged with Cooper Health in July 2024. 

Cooper leadership said the approval for the Thomas & Claire Brodesser Jr. Cancer Center means residents have access to advanced cancer care closer to home. 

“When we announced that Cape Regional was joining Cooper University Health Care, we made a promise to Jersey Shore communities that we would bring advanced, specialty care to the region,” George Norcross III, chairman of Cooper Health‘s board of trustees, said in a statement. “Today’s announcement is the first of many steps toward fulfilling that promise.” 

Cooper co-CEOs Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli and Kevin O’Dowd echoed those sentiments. The leaders said the oncology center brings “evidenced-based care, compassionate multidisciplinary teamwork, and innovation to more patients in Cape May and Atlantic counties.”

Ron Jaworski, NFL legend and chairman of the Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional Board of Trustees, called the center “a game-changer for residents at the shore.” 

The big reveal:

In March, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper also opened a state-of-the-art radiation oncology suite at the Cooper University Health Care Moorestown campus. The debut marked the health system’s fifth such center in South Jersey at the time.

Continued support 

The news of the radiation oncology site followed Cooper Health announcements regarding two generous donations to its foundation. 

Funding cancer research 

On June 30, The Cooper Foundation unveiled a $70,000 gift from the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. The funds will support ovarian cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. 

It marks the third gift from the Ferraro Foundation in support of the center’s work, bringing the total to $170,000. 

“The Barbara T. Foundation is unwavering in its mission to eliminate ovarian cancer,” said Jay Ferraro. “Our continued support of the research program at MD Anderson at Cooper is fueled by deep appreciation for the physicians, researchers, and staff, and by a personal understanding of the urgency and devastation of ovarian cancer.” 

The Barbara T. Foundation was established in memory of Jay Ferraro’s late wife, Barbara, who fought the disease for six years. 

Driven to give back 

Also last week, the Cooper Foundation received a $30,000 donation from Subaru. The contribution came as part of the automaker’s Subaru Loves to Care initiative. 

The funding supports patients in Camden with medical equipment often not covered by insurance, such as blood pressure monitors, glucometers, scales, wheelchairs, walkers as well as canes. 

This marks the fourth-consecutive year Subaru has provided the funding. 

Erica McLeod is corporate social responsibility manager for Subaru of America Inc. She said the Camden-based company believes “in showing up for our hometown.” 

“The Subaru Loves to Care initiative is about making a real difference, and this partnership with Cooper puts that promise into action by directly impacting people’s lives right here in Camden,” McLeod added. 

“Our work simply wouldn’t be possible without corporate champions like Subaru,” said Philip Norcross, chairman of The Cooper Foundation board. “This grant will remove real-world obstacles for many of our most vulnerable patients. We’re proud to continue building a shared vision for a healthier Camden—together.”