TODD FRAZIER STEPS UP FOR CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL

MLB ALL STAR TODD FRAZIER, AND HIS WIFE, JACKIE, ACT AS HONORARY CO-CHAIRS TO KICK OFF THE TRANSFORMING LIVES 2.0 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL

Todd Frazier, local Toms River legend and Major League Baseball All-Star, and his wife, Jackie, have teamed up with Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) to help raise $45 million in support of the Transforming Lives 2.0 capital campaign. CSH began with a single hospital in Mountainside 130 years ago and has grown to include over 15 facilities across New Jersey, including an inpatient hospital in New Brunswick. Recognized as one of Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals, CSH treats children from birth to 21 years of age who are living with complex medical conditions like brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic illnesses like diabetes, and a full scope of developmental, behavioral and mental health concerns. Additionally, the Center for Development, Innovation and Discovery at CSH is actively participating in more than 50 research studies in the fields of autism, brain injury, chronic health conditions, cognition and mobility.

“We are honored to have Todd and Jackie Frazier on our team,” said Philip Salerno III, President and Chief Development Officer of Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation. “We have a sizable journey in front of us but I am confident that the people of New Jersey will rise to the challenge and help us reach our goal.”

This campaign will raise the funds needed to expand access to specialized care to more children throughout New Jersey with new locations opening in Bayonne, Union, Eatontown and Toms River, much needed renovations in Mountainside, and continued funding of research that will pioneer the future of care for children with special healthcare needs. When Todd and Jackie Frazier were approached about being honorary co-chairs of the Transforming Lives 2.0 campaign, they jumped at the opportunity to make a positive impact for children in their community.

We sat down with the Frazier’s to talk about why they chose to support CSH and help the CSH Foundation raise $45 million for the campaign initiatives.

Q: Why did you choose to support the Transforming Lives 2.0 campaign?

A: This campaign has the power to change so many lives—and deliver so many smiles—across our amazing state. It is our honor to help each and every family get through some of the hardest times of their lives by helping to increase access to specialized care to more kids.

Q: What do you think makes Children’s Specialized Hospital so special?

A: Our youngest son was hospitalized briefly when he was very young and as parents, we understand that every day when your child is not well, you’re waiting for that bit of good news. You’re waiting for your child to smile or make progress from the day before. When we visited the hospital in New Brunswick, not only did we get to meet some of the incredible kids at CSH, we were able to see that everyone on the staff at that hospital was so passionate about caring for those children. The whole vibe was so loving and positive.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish by being part of this campaign?

A: We are all about giving back in any way we can. We hope to bring awareness to the great work being done for kids at Children’s Specialized. Everyone needs to know that this place provides the absolute best care for kids living with special needs. We want everyone to know that each and every one of us can make a difference for kids living with special needs right here in New Jersey by supporting the expansion of Children’s Specialized through this campaign.

The Transforming Lives 2.0 capital campaign is co-led by distinguished community members Mark Montenero, President of Autoland Toyota, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram Trucks in Springfield and Ed McKenna, Esq., Senior Partner at McKenna, Dupont, Stone and Washburne, and former mayor of Red Bank.

“This campaign will enable us to increase access to CSH’s essential and innovative programs and services,” said Matthew B. McDonald III, M.D., President and CEO, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “With every new patient we meet through this period of expansion and enhancement, we get one step closer to realizing our vision of a world where every child can reach their full potential. Having the Frazier’s on board, as well as the other esteemed cabinet members, makes me confident that we will reach our goal.”