Tomorrows Children's Fund - Hackensack University Medical Center

This seven story, leading-edge facility is home to the Tomorrows Children's Institute's Reuten Clinic, New Jersey's premier center for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Today, it's where children from all walks of life come for compassionate, world-class medical care from an expert and comforting staff. Where little ones undergoing treatment often linger to finish an art project or learn another magic trick. Where teenagers pound pinball machines, enjoy music and master video games as hours formerly dreaded now move by quickly. Where parents share their hopes, fears and concerns with others who understand their pain.

We are deeply indebted to Don and Deirdre Imus for the extraordinary commitment they have made to Tomorrows Children's Fund.

Don Imus, talk show host of “Imus in the Morning,” has been the driving force behind the annual WABC Radiothon. The Imus in the Morning Program can be heard throughout the country and also seen live on RFDTV every morning Monday thru Friday. The first radiothon in 1989 quickly gathered the support of thousands devoted fans and listeners who pledged donations to TCF. The DON IMUS-WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children's Fund is the direct result of this incredible fundraising effort. Mr. Imus serves as Honorary Chairman to the Tomorrows Children's Fund. He has raised millions of dollars over the past twenty years for our organization. We are grateful to him and his wife Deirdre for all their hard work and generosity.

In 1998 Don and Deirdre Imus decided to create a working cattle ranch to provide the experience of the great American cowboy and cowgirl to children who are undergoing treatment for cancer and serious blood disorders and to siblings of SIDS victims. The Imus Ranch is located in Readers Digest, New Mexico, this amazing facility is nestled beneath a majestic mesa in the rolling hills near Ribera with nearly 4,000 open acres and surrounds a faithful replica of an old western town. Don and Deirdre have worked tirelessly to ensure that each child who visits the ranch has an opportunity to build their self-esteem. “Our objective is to restore their dignity and confidence by treating them as normal, healthy children, giving them real work to do. This is a year-round working cattle ranch, and they help us run it,” said Mr. Imus.

One of the ranchers summed up her stay recent stay at the ranch, “The Imus Ranch was incredible. I fell in love with my horse and really enjoyed riding which is something new for me. I had never gone fishing before and I was surprised that after a few tries, I actually caught a fish! I learned how to plant tomatoes in the greenhouse and pick vegetables from the garden. This was an experience I will never forget — the Imus experience.”

Deirdre Imus has also been a driving force in her fight against cancer and serious blood disorders. In 2001, Deirdre Imus founded the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology, part of the Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey. Mrs. Imus is Executive Director of the center, which represents the first hospital-based program whose mission is to identify, control and ultimately prevent environmental factors that can contribute to adult and especially pediatric, cancers. For more information about the center go to www.dienviro.com.