Jupiter Medical Center Introduces Nationally Accredited Kristin Hoke Breast Health Program

Feb. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- February 17, 2011 - Jupiter, FL. – Jupiter Medical Center announced the national accreditation of its breast health program, naming it in honor of Kristin Hoke, the news anchor whose courageous public battle with cancer continues to inspire countless women. The Kristin Hoke Breast Health Program is the first and only of its kind in Palm Beach County to achieve full accreditation by the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

“Accreditation signals that we meet the NAPBC’s 27 rigorous standards for world-class care and prevention, assuring women in our community of the highest quality, comprehensive breast care,” said Medical Director Dr. John A. P. Rimmer. He spearheaded the five-year effort to obtain the designation and also treated Hoke, who shared her personal story in Emmy-winning reports before losing her cancer battle at age 42 in June, 2010.

"Kristin drew strength every day during her courageous fight against breast cancer from the care and support of people at Jupiter Medical Center. Our family feels honored that Kristin’s name will be included on a place where patients and families will come to survive,” said Eric Cecere, Kristin’s husband. “We're especially grateful that our daughter Bella will have a special new way to remember how much her mother fought for herself and everyone with this disease.  All of us look forward to the day when there's a cure."

“We all shared in Kristin’s journey. Putting her name to this program honors her great will and passion to make a difference. It will be a part of her legacy and a constant reminder of her strength. She wanted women to be educated to the issues, to know they are not alone and to never give up – the guiding principles of our program as well,” said John Couris, Jupiter Medical Center CEO.

The Kristin Hoke Breast Health Program addresses every aspect of breast     
health, bringing together expertise and advanced technology in a convenient, closely coordinated and compassionate setting,” said Dr. Rimmer. “It gives women a ‘single-source’, from risk assessment and precise breast cancer diagnosis to state-of-the-art treatment, clinical research trials, rehabilitation and survivorship support services. A patient navigator guides women every step of the way.”

The program’s scope includes:

-  Genetic counseling and risk assessment, including testing for the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutations
-  Advanced diagnostic testing, including digital mammography, MRI, and ultrasound
-  Breast surgery, including mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction
-  Oncology treatments, both inpatient and outpatient, with radiation, chemotherapy and infusions
-  Rehabilitation
-  Support groups
-  Nutrition counseling
-  Pain management

Noting that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, Dr. Rimmer said Kristin will continue to make a difference. “Countless women attribute seeking their diagnosis -- and their opportunity for a better outcome -- to the awareness Kristin brought to the issue.”

“Kristin was the eternal optimist, even as she put the most painful part of her life on display for the world to see,” said Patty Simpson, Kristin’s sister. “She wanted to raise awareness, share her strength and let other women facing this challenge know they are not alone. This program will continue that legacy.”

The Kristin Hoke Breast Health Program is the latest example of the Medical Center’s commitment to continually look to the future, said Couris. The Jupiter Medical Center Foundation recently announced a $50 million capital campaign to add a new building, new patient rooms and expanded facilities for specialized care. A $10 million gift from the Lawrence J. and Florence A. De George Charitable Trust will fund the Florence A. De George Children’s and Women’s Services, including 45 new patients bed, a greatly expanded obstetrics unit and a level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

For more information about the Kristin Hoke Breast Cancer Program, visit www.jupitermed.com/breasthealth or call Gail Cooper-Parks at 561 427-0128.

About Jupiter Medical Center
A not-for-profit 283-bed community Medical Center consisting of 163 private acute care hospital beds and 120 long-term care beds, Jupiter Medical Center provides a broad range of services with specialty concentrations in cancer care, orthopedics/spine, emergency services, cardiac services, children’s and women’s services, minimally-invasive surgical procedures, including a Robotic Surgery Program, advanced diagnostics, and rehabilitation. Founded in 1979, Jupiter Medical Center is affiliated with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Medical Center has approximately 1,500 employees, 490 physicians and 700 volunteers. For more information about the services available at Jupiter Medical Center, please call (561) 747-2234 or visit www.jupitermed.com.