The Social Work Department at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is gearing up to offer the fourth installment of the CLIMB® (Children’s Lives Include Moments in Bravery) program, which encourages children and teens to use art to help identify and communicate difficult feelings. Three years ago, CINJ joined a national movement led by The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, to focus on the emotional needs of children going through the cancer journey with their families. As a result, CINJ has been able to offer the CLIMB® program, which enables youngsters aged five to 18 to express their feelings through arts and crafts projects. A concurrent parent group also is held to help adults talk to their children about their diagnosis.  The next session of CLIMB® will run for a six-week period from March 3 to April 7 each Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the CINJ Learning Resource Room The program is offered at no cost to participants, but registration is required and can be done by calling 732-235-8799.

Arnold J. Levine, PhD, a member of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey and professor of pediatrics and biochemistry at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, was recently presented with the Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society.  The award -- which is the Society’s highest honor -- is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against cancer. Dr. Levine received the award for Basic Research. He is credited for the co-discovery of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, which plays a key role in regulating both normal cells and cancer cells – activity which has significant implications in the prevention of cancer. “As a scientist, it is a privilege to be recognized by an organization, which is committed to furthering cancer research,” he said.   “It is also an honor to receive this award in the company of some of the cancer community’s most dedicated individuals.  While each of us plays a unique role in our respective areas, it is truly as a collective that we will see our greatest accomplishments in the fight against cancer.” Cancer survivor and philanthropist Lance Armstrong also was among the 2009 recipients of the award.  Past honorees include the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, from Massachusetts; and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation has named Elia M. Desruisseaux as its new Executive Director.  Desruisseaux -- who has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of philanthropy and communications -- was selected earlier this month to lead the non-profit 501C-3 organization.  Before coming to the CINJ Foundation, Desruisseaux most recently served as a fundraising consultant and counted the Cancer Support Community – recently formed to unite Gilda’s Clubs Worldwide and the Wellness Community – among her clients. She is credited with growing various giving programs at such well-known institutions as Lenox Hill Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center and New York University Medical Center, all in New York City, and is responsible for the record-breaking success of numerous fundraising campaigns at these facilities.  Desruisseaux succeeds John Goldner, who was serving in an interim capacity.