Improving Patient Experience Through Legacy Giving

During her time as a volunteer at Morristown Medical Center, the late Judy Abrams always found new ways to make patients more comfortable during their hospital stay.

The Washington Partner* and member of the Brookfield Legacy Society first began thinking about the patient experience when her late husband, Joe, was undergoing cancer treatments at the medical center. She noticed the companionship of their family pet, Memphis, made him smile once he got home from treatment, taking Joe’s mind off the stress of dealing with a chronic condition.

“Our family has always had a love of dogs,” said Brad Abrams, Judy’s son. “Memphis never left my dad’s side during his long illness, and the dog also helped my mom. Afterward, when she was mourning the loss of my father, my mom recognized the power these beautiful creatures have on people’s emotions and their innate instinct to provide love.”

It soon became Judy’s passion to bring this same love and support to patients at the hospital. Her efforts paid off after persistently advocating hospital leadership to include animal-assisted interventions during a patient’s stay. Today, Morristown Medical Center is home to Atlantic Health System’s Soothing Paws^® Program, where the pure joy of a dog’s affection promotes a healing environment, helping to alleviate stress for patients and their families.

With one meaningful project underway, Judy turned her attention to those needing financial support and services, making a generous bequest to create the Joe Abrams Oncology Patient Liaison Fund in memory of her husband. Her vision and gift were transformative, providing funding to hire patient liaisons to assist in communication and coordination between families and care teams. This essential service is now central to the patient experience at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and Morristown Medical Center.

If you are interested in creating a legacy like Judy Abrams that will have an impact on Morristown Medical Center patients and their families, or would like to learn more about the new Legacy IRA Act, contact @[contact] at cynthia.odonnell@atlantichealth.org or 973.593.2418.

*Washington Partners are donors who have given $1 million or more to the medical center.