Riverview Gets $500K Donation for Oncology to Form William I. Riker Fund

Riverview Medical Center has received a $500,000 donation in support of its oncology program.

The funds came from Maggie Riker and family to establish the William I. Riker Fund, according to a release. The organization honors the life and legacy of the prominent community member known for his enthusiasm, humor and integrity who died after battling cancer on May 15, 2010.

The Riker Fund will support Riverview’s oncology program, part of Meridian Cancer Care, and the caregivers who are at the heart of Riverview's comprehensive cancer care, the release said.

"The generosity of the Riker family is nothing short of inspirational,” said Tim Hogan, FACHE, regional president of Riverview Medical Center and Bayshore Community Hospital in the release. “This gift will allow Riverview to raise the bar once again when it comes to the outstanding cancer care we provide to the community. Riverview Medical Center is proud to recognize the Riker Family's long-time leadership and support of the medical center through the creation of this fund. "

Bill Riker was known for his passion of education. To honor that, the Riker Fund will support the continued education and training of oncology nurses, navigators, researchers and caregivers, as well as the acquisition of related technology.

"The care that Bill received at Riverview Medical Center was exemplary.” Maggie said in a released statement. “Investing in the education of caregivers provides the team with the best skills and knowledge available in order to combat cancer in new, cutting edge ways, giving patients their best chance for a favorable outcome."
 
Maggie Riker is an active community member, who currently serves on the board of trustees at Riverview Medical Center Foundation, the Count Basie Theatre, Horizons Student Enrichment Program, and the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group of Central Jersey. This December marks Maggie’s ninth year on the board of trustees at Riverview.