The New Center for Colon and Rectal Disease

Vital Addition to the Community’s Healthcare Resources

One in every 17 people gets colon cancer, which increases to 3 in 10 if you have a family history. Nearly 30,000 people throughout Long Island and Queens have been diagnosed with a colon or rectal disease, including colon cancer. Due to the increased number of new colorectal cases, the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System has established a dedicated center to address the medical and educational needs of these patients. Under the direction of Dr. John Procaccino, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at the North Shore University Hospital, the Center for Colon and Rectal Diseases will provide the most comprehensive care available in a patient-friendly and comfortable environment.

Understanding the need for a center dedicated to colon and rectal diseases, Associate Trustees Marnee and Eric Kaltman hosted a cultivation reception. The Kaltmans, who provided a generous gift in support of the center, gave a testimonial on the wonderful care Dr. Procaccino gave them and their family. Chairman of Surgery Dr, Hank Simms presented an overview of the health system and spoke about the importance of the center for Colon and Rectal Diseases to the community. Speaking passionately about his profession. Dr. Procaccino announced what he and his associates can accomplish with the new center, which anticipates more than 3500 office visits and more than 2000 procedures annually.

The Center for Colon and Rectal Disease will be located at 900 Northern Boulevard in Great Neck and will be the only one of its kind on Long Island. Scheduled to open by February 2004, this new multidisciplinary center will help save lives and significantly improve the quality of life for its patients. The total cost to construct such a center, which fills a significant void in the area’s current healthcare resources, is $1.5 million. For more information, or to learn how you can help, contact us at 516-465-2631.