Meet Our Donors
Retired Science Teacher and Grateful Patient Plans to Leave a Legacy
Retired Monmouth County teacher Barbara Pietrucha dedicated 32 years of her life to teaching earth and environmental science to middle school and high school students. She loved her job! Barbara is also very dedicated to taking care of her health and well-being and has come to Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) over the years, always trusting the special care the hospital has provided to her.
In February 2016, Barbara had just moved into her new home. Because of her busy schedule, she was four months late in scheduling her annual mammogram at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at MMC. Unfortunately, at her February mammogram appointment, a small tumor was discovered and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was somewhat of a shock but not unexpected. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and for that reason, I started going to the Wilentz Breast Center when it opened years ago for annual mammograms,” said Barbara.
She noted that everything after the diagnosis happened very quickly, including a biopsy, a meeting with breast surgeon Dr. Sumy Chang, and then surgery to remove the small tumor. During this uncertain and stressful period, she says the clinical team was always so professional, calm and relaxed, adding that her medical oncologist Dr. David Sharon and radiation oncologist Dr. Sang Sim guided her through the decisions she had to make and answered every question she had completely. “Everything the clinical team did for me was completed efficiently, quickly, and with as little stress as possible,” Barbara said. “All of the doctors and nurses were phenomenal. I never had to think about anything, all I had to do was take care of myself, focus on following my treatment plan and getting well. They took care of it all.”
"I’ve been the recipient of great care and treatment at MMC and they have a wonderful team. I am fortunate and my experience has been remarkable. I want to reciprocate and pay it forward."
-Barbara Pietrucha
Over the past six years, Barbara has received wonderful treatment from a variety of team members at MMC, including Dr. Sumit Talwar, the medical oncologist who took over her care after Dr. Sharon’s retirement in 2020. She feels that the doctors, nurses and technicians sincerely cared about her. Barbara is happy to report that she is now a proud breast cancer survivor. She realizes how lucky she is that her small tumor was found early. She is also very grateful for the advanced care she received.
In her time of need, Barbara knew that MMC would provide her with both quality and compassionate care. Her retirement from teaching provided her with an excellent health care plan that covered her treatments completely at MMC. In gratitude for her care, she recently decided that she wants to leave a legacy to help others less fortunate. Barbara intends to leave her house to the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at MMC. Her desire is that all funds generated from the sale of her home be used to assist financially challenged patients in need of breast services, including women who do not have insurance or women whose insurance will not fully cover the cost of necessary procedures. “Knowing that early detection and treatment for breast cancer saves lives, I want all women to have the same opportunities both my mother and I had,” Barbara stated.
By thinking forward with a planned gift to MMC, Barbara has ensured that a legacy of care and compassion will be available to Monmouth County residents far into the future. She is thankful and feels strongly about paying her good fortune forward. Her planned gift will have a great impact and will make a difference in the lives of others for generations to come.