Floors Feature 68 Private Rooms, Many With Views of the Manhattan Skyline


Hackensack University Medical Center dedicated two new floors of the Patient Pavilion, as well as The Benito & Carmen Lopez Stem Cell Transplant Center. The addition features 68 beds in private rooms, many with views of the Manhattan skyline.

“These new floors represent the most advanced healthcare available coupled with the comforts and amenities patients at Hackensack University Medical Center have come to expect,” said John P. Ferguson, president and chief executive officer. “The Benito & Carmen Lopez Stem Cell Transplant Center will help us treat even more patients in our ever-growing, nationally recognized stem cell transplant program.”

The 68 beds will be spread among two 15-bed units, one 19-bed unit, and the 19-bed stem cell unit. All rooms are equipped with interactive, 37-inch flat TV screens. This technology allows access to premium programming, pay-per-view movies, keyless Internet access, and e-mail. With this unique system, patients can also access educational videos. 

“Patients are our first priority at Hackensack University Medical Center,” said Robert C. Garrett of Convent Station, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “These floors reinforce that commitment to exemplary patient care that we are known for nationwide.” 

“The most important thing about these units is that they were designed by the architect with input from the clinicians – the physicians, nurses, and staff,” said Antoinette Fiore, RN, M.A., of Pompton Lakes, executive vice president, Patient Care and chief nursing officer. “We also consulted former patients to find out what worked best for them.”

The medical center has the seventh largest stem cell transplant program in the country, offering this potentially life-saving treatment to about 200 adult and pediatric patients each year. The eighth floor of the pavilion is now home to The Benito & Carmen Lopez Stem Cell Transplant Center, a 19-bed, highly advanced facility offering a caring and comfortable setting for patients recovering from this procedure. 

Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., FACP of Ridgewood, chairman and director of The Cancer Center spoke of the $1 million donation the Lopez family made to the new unit. Leukemia patient Benito Lopez received a successful stem cell transplant from his brother. 

“Benny made it clear from the very beginning that he wanted to give something back to the transplant programs in America and especially our program,” said Dr. Pecora. “You truly have given the gift of life to our patients for generations to come.”

The most moving moments of the evening came from the Lopez family, who spoke of what the new center and their ongoing relationship with the medical center meant to them. Daughter Carmen Lopez praised her parents, immigrants who have devoted their lives to their family, and to making a difference in their community.

“I represent the lives that you touch,” said Carmen. “If the patients who come here have only an ounce of the strength my father had and an ounce of the hope that my mother always carried with her, along with your help, they’ll have nothing to fear and will all be okay.”

Her mom, Carmen Lopez, marveled at the transformation that had taken place since they had visited the still-under construction floor months back. 

“I think patients will be happy to be in this environment,” Mrs. Lopez said. “It will be a hard row but you have the right people – like Dr. Pecora and the whole staff – and they’ll be happy they chose Hackensack University Medical Center.”

An emotional Benito Lopez thanked the medical center and in particular all those who had been involved in his care.

“I am so proud to be part of the best transplant unit in the United States,” said Mr. Lopez. “I gave to this new unit at Hackensack University Medical Center to help save more lives.”

Robert L. Torre of Hackensack, vice president and chief operating officer of the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation spoke warmly of the Lopezes and their generosity to the stem cell program. 

“The Lopezes truly represent the best in this country and what it means to give back,” said Mr. Torre. “Their generosity will help us in continuing to build our stem cell transplant program and will inspire others to do all they can to eradicate cancer and blood disorders.”

For information about how you can help support the stem cell transplant program at the medical center, please call (201) 996-3720.