Monmouth Medical Center’s Annual Power of Pink Raises Record $1.2 Million to Advance Cancer Care in Monmouth County

Celebrity Speaker Jill Martin is shown, fourth from left, with, from left, Eric Carney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus; Bill Arnold, Executive Vice President and President of the Southern Region for RWJBarnabas Health, and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital; RWJBarnabas Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Manigan; homeowners Mary and John (far right) Kiely, and their family members Carolyn Kiely, Katie Kiely, and Tarin Kiely.

August 3, 2026 -- Rumson, NJ -- More than 450 supporters gathered on July 23 for Monmouth Medical Center's 31st annual Power of Pink fundraiser to benefit cancer care services at the new Vogel Medical Campus. The sold-out event has raised $1.2 million to date, marking another record-setting milestone for this legacy event.

The Power of Pink luncheon comes as the new Specialty Care and Cancer Center at the Vogel Medical Campus inches closer to opening, which is anticipated early next year. The Specialty Care and Cancer Center is part of RWJBarnabas Health's historic $1.5 billion investment to transform cancer care across New Jersey. Building on the success of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center - the state's first and only freestanding cancer hospital - and the recently opened Melchiorre Cancer Center, the new Specialty Care and Cancer Center at the Vogel Medical Campus will further expand access to advanced oncology services, innovative treatments and compassionate, patient-centered care closer to home for Monmouth County residents. Together with the Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Specialty Care and Cancer Center will be home to Monmouth County's preeminent cancer care center with access to live-saving clinical trials and innovative cancer treatments.

Gathering with Jill Martin in a private meet and greet prior to the program are cancer survivors Kelly Thomas, Toneia Bennett, Christy Mendes, Shawna Dempsey, 2026 Power of Pink Grateful Patient Ava Scheffler-Larson and her guest, Claudia Masco, and Crystal Morgan.

In kicking off the program, 2026 Event Co-Chairs, Dr. Sima Yakoby Epstein and Debbie Menkowitz thanked the Women's Council Co-Chairs, Terry Ingram and Claire Knopf, for their dedication and leadership that continues to shape Power of Pink into the signature fundraiser it is today. Power of Pink raises funds for a wellness spa and shop within the Specialty and Cancer Care Center at the new Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls. This facility will help meet the needs of cancer patients on their path to recovery.

In his remarks, RWJBarnabas Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Manigan noted that the Power of Pink is not just an event but is a community commitment to ensuring that patients facing cancer feel seen, supported and surrounded by hope.

Power of Pink co-chairs Dr. Sima Yakoby Epstein and Debbie Menkowitz are shown, from right on video screens, addressing the crowd.

"Cancer care at RWJBarnabas Health is built around one simple promise: patients should not have to leave New Jersey to receive world-class cancer treatment, and through our partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, we offer the highest level of cancer research, treatment and care close to home." he said. "Our all-in approach means greater access to nationally recognized expertise, clinical trials and multidisciplinary teams - while allowing patients to stay close to their families, physicians, and support systems. RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, represents the future of cancer care.

Bill Arnold, EVP and President of the Southern Region for RWJBarnabas Health, and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, presented the annual Judith W. Dawkins Ambassador of Excellence Award to MMC Operational Board Trustee Tony Terracciano. The award, established to commemorate Judi's more than 20-year service to the MMC Board of Trustees and legacy as a tireless advocate, is given to someone who exemplifies her visionary guidance, exceptional leadership and uses the highest ethical standard for the betterment of MMC patients and families.

"Tony Terracciano served as a trustee for 24 years, but he was so much more to Monmouth.

Bill Arnold presents the annual Judith W. Dawkins Ambassador of Excellence Award recognizing MMC Operational Board Trustee Tony Terracciano to Tony's daughter, Laura DeSanti, who accepted the award on her father's behalf.

Medical Center and to me, and while he is not here to accept the award in person, I was able to send him a personal message letting him know what his generosity and wisdom have meant to me throughout my career," said Bill who served in top leadership roles at Monmouth Medical Center during Tony's tenures as board chair. "Everyone who knows Tony knows that he hates to be recognized, so while I'm happy to share that he's healthy and doing great, he asked his daughter, Laura DeSanti, to receive the award on behalf of him and their family."

In accepting her father's award, Laura said that for decades, his commitment to Monmouth Medical Center has been unwavering, and that he has always believed deeply in its mission and in the extraordinary nurses, physicians, and caregivers who make a difference in so many lives every day.

Celebrity speaker Jill Martin heads for the stage.

"My father would be the first to say that he never sought recognition - for him, it has always been about showing up with compassion, supporting others, and giving back to the hospital and community he loves," she said "Receiving an award that bears Judith W. Dawkins' name is especially meaningful because her legacy of compassion, service, and excellence reflects the values my father has tried to live by. Thank you for this honor and for continuing to carry that legacy forward."

The luncheon, presented by dedicated MMC Foundation community leaders who make up the Women's Council, was held at the Rumson waterfront home of John and Mary Kiely. The event was again co-chaired by Dr. Sima Yakoby Epstein and Debbie Menkowitz, along with boutique co-chairs Jessica Buchner and Michelle Kutsak.

Eric Carney, President and CEO of MMC and MMC Southern Campus, thanked the event's hosts, John and Mary Kiely, and the top sponsors, adding that when reflecting on the meaning of Power of Pink, he believes at its core it is about the power of community, philanthropy and belief.

"I personally experienced the power of community and philanthropy last week at a series of special collaborative workshop sessions, where over 300 members of our community, staff, board members and donors came together to assembly nearly 70,000 colorful glass tiles to bring to life a sweeping two-story mosaic mural," he said. "This monumental piece will serve as a calming and restorative feature that our patients and families will experience as they enter the Specialty and Cancer Care Center, we are supporting here today. It will also link the facility's patient-centered design with the Thomas and Maryann Tizzio Wellness Spa, whose programs have benefited greatly from Power of Pink proceeds.

Jill Martin is interviewed by Emmy-award-winning television producer Molly Kroon, an active supporter of Monmouth Medical Center who co-chairs the hospital's annual Toast to Children's Health fund-raiser for the Unterberg Children's Hospital.

Eric then introduced a touching video tribute to social worker Ava Scheffler-Larson, the 2026 Power of Pink Grateful Patient. "Ava is an individual who not only has chosen to dedicate her life to caring for her patients, but when faced with a life-changing diagnosis, chose to receive her care at Monmouth Medical Center," he said.

The luncheon program concluded with the featured conversation with cancer survivor, Jill Martin, Emmy Award-winning television personality, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and longtime lifestyle and commerce correspondent for NBC's TODAY show. In her uplifting remarks that focused on the power of positivity and kindness, Martin shared her current breast cancer journey and her mission to educate women about the important role genetic testing can play in cancer prevention for those at high risk.

"I have been given this beautiful platform of the Today Show where I reach millions of people, and my ask is serious - please ask your doctor if genetic testing is appropriate for you," she said after sharing that her own diagnosis was initially missed but was discovered after genetic testing revealed the presence of a BRCA1 mutation that put her at up to an 80 percent greater chance of developing cancer. "Even though I am now going through treatment, I want to make sure no one else has to go through it unnecessarily. We are all given superpowers in our lives, and I believe this is my mission to try and make a difference."

For more information or to support the Power of Pink campaign, visit www.rwjbh.org/pop. To learn more about the Vogel Medical Campus, visit rwjbh.org/vmc. To learn how you can support Monmouth Medical Center, visit rwjbh.org/monmouth-medical-center/giving/.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals, and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state's largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit https://www.RWJBH.org

Contact: Elizabeth [email protected]