President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Specialized Hospital, Warren E. Moore, FACHE, was honored with the Infantry Inspiration Award at the 2nd annual “Rally Around Hope” reception for Izzy’s Infantry Fighting Pediatric Cancer and Spinal Cord Trauma on Saturday, September 29, 2018.
The Infantry Inspiration award recognizes an individual who inspires Izzy’s Infantry to continue on their mission to: fund research that will lead to better treatment options and a cure for childhood cancer; fund rehabilitation programs for children recovering from a spinal cord injury; and improve the quality of life for children in treatment and their families through outreach programs and support groups. Moore was selected as this year’s honoree for the sincere passion and dedication he has shown to his work over the past 20 years and the difference he has made in the lives of families not only in New Jersey but across the country. Under his strategic leadership, Children’s Specialized Hospital has expanded both the breadth and depth of services offered to encompass 13 sites and to serve more than 34,000 children in 2017.
“Although I am extremely grateful, it is pretty ironic that you’re presenting me with the Infantry Inspiration award because it is all of you who inspire me each and every day,” said Moore. “The inspiration to be courageous in my work comes from the people around me. From my colleagues who have the courage to love our patients and care for them as if they are their own, to those parents like Sonia and Marco Rita who have the courage to love their child and put on a smile on their face despite facing their deepest fears, and finally to patients like Izzy who constantly show me the courage to live a life of love and joy despite any challenges that come their way. I am so fortunate to be inspired every day and I thank all of you for that.”
Sonia Rita, Co-Founder & President and Marco Rita, Co-Founder & Vice President, developed Izzy’s Infantry on behalf of their daughter, Isabel “Izzy Warrior Princess” Rita, in 2016 to help support children and families that are enduring similar experiences to their own. Izzy was just one year old when an MRI revealed she had a tumor wrapped around her spinal cord from the base of her head that went halfway down her back. She underwent a 10-hour spinal cord biopsy, 42 chemotherapy treatments and began her rehabilitation journey at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.
“Over the years we’ve heard Warren speak on many occasions and his unwavering drive and pride in serving the children and families of Children’s Specialized Hospital has always stood out to us,” said Sonia Rita. “His passion is evident and inspires us to continue our fight for research and treatment for pediatric cancer and spinal cord trauma.”
Lauren Castagna, Izzy’s physical therapist at Children’s Specialized Hospital, was among the other honorees recognized at the “Rally Around Hope” reception and the recipient of the Ground Forces Award. The Ground Forces Award recognizes individual therapists and/or nurses who truly go above and beyond to help patients rehabilitate from their spinal cord injury. From the moment she met Izzy at her initial evaluation to helping her take her first steps, Castagna says Izzy has always been the epitome of a warrior.
“Our daughter Izzy would not be standing up here tonight if it weren’t for Lauren. Everything you are seeing is because of her,” said Sonia Rita. “Lauren’s commitment to her patients and their family is unparalleled. Not only did she care about Izzy’s well-being and progress, but she showed compassion to Marco and I session after session assuring us that everything would be ok, our Izzy was a warrior.”
Moore says he was always moved by Izzy’s relentless determination during her outpatient therapies at Children’s Specialized. “She sets goals for herself and doesn’t just reach them, she surpasses them all while dancing with a smile on her face.”
Prior to his current role, Moore served as the Chief Operating Officer at Children’s Specialized. He has been involved with Bristol Myers-Squibb Children’s Hospital throughout his career and held the role of Chief Administrative Officer. Moore received a master’s degree in health and human service administration from Rider University and a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Maryland. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ronald McDonald House of Central & Northern New Jersey and the Health Research & Education Trust of New Jersey. He serves on the Children’s Hospital Association’s Quality and Safety Committee, the New Jersey Council of Children’s Hospitals Leadership Committee, the New Jersey Innovative Institute External Advisory Board and the New Jersey Hospital Association’s Finance Committee. Moore is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Children’s Specialized Hospital is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges — from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health. At 13 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so each child can reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.childrens-specialized.org.