Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation Awards $107,840 Grant to Overlook Foundation for Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Technology

Summit, NJ – October 8, 2024 – The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF) is proud to announce a $107,840 grant to Overlook Foundation for the purchase and installation of contrast enhanced mammography (CEM), a new state-of-the-art breast imaging platform at Overlook Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System.

This advanced diagnostic technique, which will be used in conjunction with 3D mammography, is designed to enhance breast cancer detection for patients who are unable to undergo a traditional MRI.

This imaging platform marks a significant advancement in breast cancer diagnostics. Contrast enhanced mammography allows for improved accuracy, early detection, and advanced treatment planning for women at risk.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation, which will greatly enhance our ability to detect breast cancer, and in turn, save lives,” said Dr. Howard Szikman, DO, medical director of the Stacy Goldstein Breast Center at Overlook Medical Center. “Advancements like this technology allow us to expand care to patients who need it and help us deliver the best outcomes possible.”

“Our foundation is committed to ensuring that all women, regardless of financial or medical constraints, have access to the best possible breast health care,” said Connie Dwyer, Founder of CDBCF. “This grant reflects our mission to bring life-saving technology to underserved communities and to support the medical professionals who are on the frontlines of the fight against breast cancer.”

The new technology will provide a critical alternative for patients who are unable to have an MRI due to health conditions. By integrating dye-contrast imaging into 3D mammography, Overlook Medical Center will be able to deliver comprehensive diagnostic services, ensuring that no patient is left behind.

The grant is part of CDBCF’s ongoing effort to improve breast health care throughout New Jersey. In addition to supporting Overlook Medical Center, the foundation provides funding for breast cancer treatment, follow-up care and support through our Center at the Trinitas Regional Medical Center, the Mobile Mammography unit, and our community grants program.

As CDBCF celebrates their 20th anniversary this October, we are excited about the opportunity to work with Overlook Medical Center, located in the heart of Summit, and to support the surrounding community. This partnership underscores the foundation’s dedication to providing exceptional care and resources to residents, ensuring access to critical diagnostic services for all.

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Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation

The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that all women have access to breast health care, particularly those in underserved communities. Through partnerships with hospitals and community organizations, CDBCF provides funding for state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, patient care, and community health programs. For more information, visit www.cdbcf.org.

About Atlantic Health System

Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 20,000 team members and 5,440 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people.

The not-for-profit system offers more than 550 sites of care, including its eight hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold, NJ.

The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multispecialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,700 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.

Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 27 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Health Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.

Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability, has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University, is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers, and is the official healthcare partner of the New York Jets.

Media Contact:
Sarah Roberts, Director
Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation
973-525-8076
Sarahroberts@cdbcf.org
www.cdbcf.org