Spring Song – An Evening of Cabaret

A gorgeous spring evening recently provided the backdrop for the first annual Spring Song, held to benefit patients and families served by the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. The event, held at The Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, honored Florham Park residents, Dr. Michael and Mrs. Rosemary Scoppetuolo, both of whom are employees of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. The evening program included a silent auction; vocalist Christine Pedi, of Forbidden Broadway, was the performing artist. More than 180 guests attended the sold-out event.

“Dr. Scopp,” as he is known, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. He has worked with the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center since 1990 – becoming the Vice President of Medical Affairs in 1997.  He was an American Cancer Society Diamond Ball Honoree in 1993; received the American Cancer Society’s President's Award in 1993; in 1996 was named the Center for Home Health Development’s Physician of the Year; was named the New Jersey Hospice Physician of the Year in 2000; and received the National Hospital and Palliative Care Organization’s Excellence in Team Care Award in 2001.  In 2008 Dr. Scoppetuolo was named a TOP DOC in the Oncology Specialty by New Jersey Monthly magazine. In addition to his role with the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, Dr. Scoppetuolo cares for patients in his practice at the Cancer Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.  Along with general oncology, he specializes in sarcomas and palliative care.

“As our physician leader for the past twenty years, Dr. Scoppetuolo has made innumerable contributions to our growth and success,” said Lorraine Sciara, RN, CHE, Executive Director of Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center. “His oncology practice, built upon a foundation of compassion, is renowned for excellence in patient care.”

Mrs. Scoppetuolo has also devoted herself to the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center as a dedicated volunteer who lends her time to countless hospice fundraising events. As Director of Women’s Services for the Saint Barnabas Outpatient Centers in Livingston and Bedminster, she oversees The Breast Center which provides more mammograms than any other facility in the tri-state area.  Her leadership has assisted the Outpatient Centers in establishing high-quality services focused specifically on female-oriented health challenges. 

“Rosemary’s enthusiasm and tenacity in raising funds for charitable causes is unparalleled,” added Mrs. Sciara. “Her spiritedness and sense of humor, which have seen us through challenging times, have made her a treasured friend of our organization.  It has been my privilege to have known both Michael and Rosemary, as friends and colleagues, for many years.”

Established in 1981, the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, located at 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange, provides comprehensive care for patients with advanced illness, and their families, throughout ten counties in the State of New Jersey.  The Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center supports inpatient units at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ, as well as Van Dyke Hospice at Community Medical Center in Toms River.  It also provides home care and services for individuals in long-term care and assisted living facilities.

The Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, which serves infants, children, adults and the elderly, honors the unique choices and values of patients and their families and offers full access to the broad array of services provided by the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. For information, call 973-322-4800 or visit www.saintbarnabas.com and choose the Extended Care tab.