Edited by; TJVNews.com
Kenneth Noto, a State Trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police, volunteered his time to visit Hackensack Meridian Health K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital January 23 as ‘Captain America,’ bringing happiness and a welcome distraction to children receiving care in the hospital’s pediatric unit, day stay and emergency department. Noto has been visiting almost monthly, during his off time, for a little over four years as different superheroes, after visiting the children’s hospital to see his niece receiving care for a severe head injury.
“I visited my niece several times while she was at K. Hovnanian. I was so impressed with the excellent care she received from the doctors and nurses, and I noticed how they were caring for so many children in the pediatric unit, who could use some joy,” said Noto. “It inspired me to give back. Around that time, the Superman Batman movie was released. I thought how fun it would be to play Batman in a movie, but even better, wouldn’t it be great to get an authentic Batman suit and bring some happiness to the kids I saw at the hospital. This way I could show my gratitude to the nurses and doctors for the care they provided my niece.”
Noto soon registered as a volunteer at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where the children’s hospital is located, began visiting as Batman and over the years added Green Arrow and Captain America costumes as those heroes grew in popularity. “Our team members look forward to Kenny’s visits and really appreciate the joy and excitement he provides our patients,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Our teams and I are very grateful he makes the trip from Pennsylvania to visit us.”
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital is the most comprehensive provider of pediatric care in the region and part of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Children’s Health services. It includes a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, and intensive and acute care units. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked the combined cancer program at Hackensack Meridian Health’s two children’s hospitals – K. Hovnanian and Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack, NJ, #44 in the U.S. and the only cancer program in New Jersey to be ranked among the top 50 in the nation.
For more information, visit www.khovnanianchildrenshospital.com or for a physician referral, call 800-560-9990.
ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Neptune, New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and the only Level II Trauma and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. With more than 1,200 physicians and dental staff in 60 specialty areas, Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s team provides quality care in a patient-centered, environmentally-friendly setting.
The team’s commitment to excellence has earned Jersey Shore University Medical Center numerous accolades, including being named the #5 top hospital in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for 2019-2020. The medical center’s clinical research program and longstanding commitment to medical education is evident through an affiliation with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University and a new affiliation with St. George’s University School of Medicine. Jersey Shore University Medical Center serves as an academic center dedicated to advancing medical knowledge, training future physicians and providing the community with access to promising medical breakthroughs.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s programs and services have received numerous national recognitions, including designation as high-performing in cardiac, stroke, surgical and oncology services.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s HOPE Tower – a $265 million 10-story medical office building provides a new outpatient healing experience. Guided by a patient-centered approach towards care, and informed by the latest medical breakthroughs, HOPE Tower includes advanced imaging services, a clinical academic center, innovative simulation laboratory, state-of-the-art amphitheater, specialty physician offices, a nine-level parking garage, and a 58,000 square foot cancer facility. The new cancer facility features a range of comprehensive treatment options, including surgical specialties, medical oncology, and the most advanced radiation therapy and minimally invasive interventional therapies. Nurse navigators guide patients through every step and provide an extra layer of support and coordination.
ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care.
Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 17 hospitals from Bergen to Ocean counties, which includes three academic medical centers – Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, JFK Medical Center in Edison; two children’s hospitals–Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune; nine community hospitals – Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, and Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin; a behavioral health hospital – Carrier Clinic in Belle Mead; and two rehabilitation hospitals–JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison and Shore Rehabilitation Institute in Brick.
Additionally, the network has more than 500 patient care locations throughout the state which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers and physician practice locations. Hackensack Meridian Health has more than 34,100 team members, and 6,500 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
For additional information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org.
