Media Contact: Michael Schwartzberg, GBMC Media Relations Manager

(O): 443-849-2126/Cell: 410-258-3465eMarch 2:]    

GBMC Renames Cancer Center In Recognition of Charitable Philanthropists

BALTIMORE, Md. – May 29, 2008 –  A unique ribbon-tying ceremony was held today at Greater Baltimore Medical Center to announce the renaming of the hospital’s oncology program in appreciation of a significant donation from a couple with a decades-long affiliation with the hospital.  GBMC’s Cancer Center, which provides nationally recognized university-level care in a community hospital setting and is Maryland’s largest community hospital-based cancer program, is now known as the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC.   

At the ceremony, ribbons of eight colors symbolizing different types of cancer -- pink (breast), orange (melanoma), red (leukemia/lymphoma), blue (colorectal), yellow (testicular), white (lung), purple (thyroid) and teal (gynecological) – were looped together, forming a colorful band to signify the unifying care provided by GBMC’s oncology experts.

The Bermans’ gift of $2.6 million will provide the vital resources needed to help realize the vision of its medical director, Gary I. Cohen, M.D., and its executive director, Brian McCagh.  “This will allow us to align our entire interdisciplinary team to help patients in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancer care,” said Dr. Cohen. “Our numerous clinical trials and commitment to bringing the best proven therapies to our patients will be brought under one umbrella.”

The Bermans, residents of Florida and former residents of Pikesville, have had a strong tie with GBMC for decades, having both been treated at the hospital.  One of their sons had his tonsils taken out at the Presbyterian Eye, Ear, and Throat Charity Hospital, which was one of GBMC’s founding hospitals; three of their grandchildren were born at GBMC; and two grandsons had their tonsils taken out at the hospital.

“Our family has received wonderful care at GBMC from a number of the great doctors and clinical specialists,” said Sandra Berman.  “We could have gone to some of the leading academic medical centers for the same care that we have received at the GBMC Cancer Center. The surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and rehabilitation specialists have provided world-class care of the highest quality right in our neighborhood, and for this team effort we are very grateful.”  

The Bermans have previously made gifts totaling $2.4 million that greatly assisted GBMC with the development of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center and with renovations to the Department of Radiation Oncology.    

Laurence M. Merlis, GBMC’s president and CEO, said, “We are truly indebted to the Bermans for their gracious philanthropy.  Hundreds of patients will be the beneficiaries of their generosity for years to come.”

“The ribbon tying is a symbolic gesture that celebrates the generosity of the Bermans’ philanthropy along with the vision and personal commitment of the GBMC doctors, nurses and caregivers to find the best treatments and bring them to the metropolitan region in a patient-focused community hospital setting,” said Dr. Cohen. “It acknowledges the courage of patients and their families to face the rigor of cancer therapy and to be with GBMC in helping to advance the understanding of today's treatments that will lead to tomorrow's cure.  The ribbons are a sign of health, healing and hope that the new institute plans to bring together in one location which will underscore the hospital's commitment to putting the patient first.”

GBMC’s oncology program  has repeatedly been ranked among the nation’s leading cancer programs by U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” issue (2006, 2005, 2001, 1999).

Some facts about the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC (formerly known as GBMC’s Cancer Center):

Ø      2,000+ newly diagnosed and treated cancer patients annually; one of the busiest community hospital cancer programs in the state of Maryland

Ø      A clinical research program affiliated with several national cancer research organizations, offering 50+ clinical trials; 150+ patients enrolled in clinical trials annually, significantly exceeding National Cancer Institute goal of 3 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer patients

Ø      Innovative approaches to comprehensive, integrated and multidisciplinary cancer care are provided by the Joseph S. Keelty Inpatient Oncology Care Unit; Lois Harvey Miller Infusion Therapy Center; McGovern Oncology Support Services;  Milton J. Dance, Jr., Head & Neck Center; Rita M. Kwasnik Cancer Center; Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center; and Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center 

Ø      Accredited with commendation by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer

About GBMC
GBMC includes Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Central Maryland’s leading community hospital; Gilchrist Hospice Care, which provides comfort and care to patients with life-limiting illnesses; and the GBMC Foundation, which supports the GBMC mission by managing fundraising efforts.  The 298-bed Medical Center, located on a beautiful suburban campus, serves nearly 22,000 inpatients annually and provides approximately 60,000 emergency room visits. For more information, go to www.gbmc.org