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New Cancer Facility-- The Michael J. Tenaglia M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Pavilion Newly Opened At Mercy Medical Center

Thanks to the dream and commitment of one man touched by cancer, Long Island has received a new state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility. The Michael J. Tenaglia M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Pavilion, located on the grounds of Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, New York, opened to patients in December. A dedication ceremony is planned for the spring.

The new Pavilion received its name from Michael J. Tenaglia, Founder of The Miracle (Making In Roads Against Cancers Lasting Effects) Foundation. Michael, former Senior Vice President for UBS PaineWebber, was an inspiring man with an unwavering commitment and dedication to helping cancer patients. In 1998, he was diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of esophageal cancer. He was given a 4% chance to live one year.. At that moment, Michael decided that his life was to be defined not by what happened to him, but by how he reacted to this challenge. With his characteristic energy and optimism, he made his battle an advocacy for others fighting cancer. "I made a deal with God that if he got me through this, I would do something to make a difference," Tenaglia once said. In 1999, after undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, Tenaglia and his wife Patti laid the groundwork for The Miracle Foundation. Through the Foundation, they set out to improve cancer care and to fund ground-breaking research in the quest for a cancer cure.

The M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Pavilion was part of his vision to make a difference and to help others by bringing premier cancer treatment to Long Island. The Foundation raised more than $1 million to develop this unique 22,000 square foot treatment center which is operated and staffed by doctors and allied health professionals from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

The new Pavilion offers radiotherapy, chemotherapy, consultation, diagnostic treatment and support services and has two new linear accelerators, allowing enhanced precision radiation therapy and reducing healthy tissues radiation exposure. The new facility is capable of meeting the needs of 35,000 outpatient oncology visits per year.

We are very proud that Mikes dream has been realized and Long Island residents who are battling cancer have a world-class treatment option close to home. Through the completion of this worthy endeavor, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Mercy Medical Center have demonstrated their resounding commitment to improving the lives of those with cancer, said Patti Tenaglia. In anticipation of the official opening of the facility in Rockville Centre, Joe Castronovo, Miracle Foundation President added, This is a wonderful tribute to Mike and to his dream, and offers a first-rate option for the region..

Although the odds for winning his battle with cancer were stacked heavily against him from the start, Michael never lost his optimism and desire to live. "I know what the doctors say," he once said. "But this disease never met someone like me." Eventually, Michael lost his valiant fight against cancer and the effects of years of treatment. He was 49. His legacy will live on through The Michael J. Tenaglia M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Pavilion and The Miracle Foundation.

The Miracle Foundation is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those diagnosed with cancer and to finding a cure for this disease. Integral to our mission are improving patient care, increasing cancer awareness and funding worthy scientific research. Our efforts focus on raising funds to support the work of individuals and organizations who can help us achieve our goals. We will remain committed to this pursuit until cancer is no longer a major health threat.

For more information, please call The Miracle Foundation at 516-873-0105