26 OCTOBER 6 - OCTOBER 12, 2017 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP
Brooklyn Hospital hosts 19th annual
Founders' Ball with NFL legend Joe Namath
BY JAIME DEJESUS
JDEJESUS@BROOKLYNREPORTER.COM
Touchdown!
The Brooklyn Hospital
Center (TBHC), founded in
1845 and the oldest hospital in the
borough, hosted the 19th Annual
Brooklyn Hospital Founders’ Ball
on Wednesday, September 27 at the
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn
Bridge, 333 Adams Street.
Hundreds of attendees celebrated
at the event that raises funds that
have underwritten critical hospital
initiatives. Four individuals were
honored during the evening featuring
special guest, Football Pro Hall of
Famer Joe Namath, the quarterback
who led the New York Jets to their
only Superbowl victory in 1969.
Namath, who spent over an hour
greeting attendees and congratulating
recipients, discussed the significance
of both the hospital and event.
“I’m honest to God happy to be here,”
the legendary quarterback told this
paper. “It’s a privilege to be meeting
these people and rubbing shoulders
with those that have excelled
in taking care of and
helping others. What
I’ve accomplished is
tiny compared to
what these Brooklyn
Hospital Foundation
people are
doing. I’m thrilled to
be around these people.
I know how lucky I am to
be here.”
Borough President
Eric Adams also attended the event.
“We want to thank you all for coming
out and supporting an amazing hospital
Joe Namath and Borough President Eric Adams with honorees
and representatives of Brooklyn Hospital.
Joe Namath enjoying
the festivities.
and an amazing board,” he told
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Jaime DeJesus
attendees. “Having the
great Joe Namath here is
just a reflection of just how
great this borough is."
“I’m here
to support
the work that
they do,” added
Monsignor Jamie
Gigantiello, vicar
for development for the Diocese of
Brooklyn. “They’re closing so many
hospitals and you want to support
the ones that are still here, especially
those in neighborhoods that are
really reaching out to those
who are in need."
Dr. Anders Cohen,
director of the Neurosciences
Center, was
one of two recipients of the Walter E.
Reed Medal for his exceptional and
revolutionary work at TBHC.
He was presented with the award
by one of his patients, 85-year-old
Barbara Williams.
Doctor Saimamba Veeramachaneni
also received the Walter Reed Medal.
She is a board certified internist,
cardiologist and director of clinical
cardiology at TBHC and expressed
her gratitude for the award.
“As physicians, we are tasked to develop
relationships with our patients
and understand the uniqueness that
exists within each individual. It makes
me proud to take care of such a diverse
population at Brooklyn Hospital,” she
said. "I’ve become a better doctor not
just because of my efforts but because
of the people I treat on a daily basis.”
President and CEO of TBHC Gary
Terrinoni discussed all the recent
happenings at the local hospital,
including its state-of-the-art cardiac
services, the Brooklyn Health
Medical Alliance and the hospital's
partnership with Mount Sinai. "We
are the only stand-alone hospital in
Brooklyn and while we appreciate
the partnership with Sinai, our
intention is to remain a viable independent
association and partner
with institutions like Mount Sinai,"
he said. "We’re excited about it."
He also stated the New York State
Department of Health had awarded
$25 million to TBHC to renovate and
expand its emergency department.
Namath presented Founders Medal
Awards to Chancellor and Chair of
the Board of Directors of St. George's
University Charles Modica and the
co-founder, Trustee and officer of St.
George's Patrick Adams, P.C.
Joe Namath with honoree Doctor Saimamba
Veeramachaneni and family.
Honoree Dr. Anders Cohen
with Joe Namath.
Joe Namath shares
friendly pass with
a NYPD Football
league members.
The art on display during the
gala.
Honoree Dr. Anders Cohen with patient Barbara Williams and
family William Wonders and Michelle Williams.