The Center
The MS Center at CentraState Medical Center opened in fall 2002 with the support of the Mid-Jersey Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and generous donors like Vito Cardinale of Cardinale Enterprises.
It was dedicated and renamed the Linda E. Cardinale MS Center in 2008 in honor of Linda Cardinale, wife of Vito Cardinale and mother of Amanda and Crystal. Linda was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990 at age 30.
Serving more than 700 people annually, the MS Center’s multidisciplinary team of specialists provides diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and coordinated support to people with multiple sclerosis to maximize their function and independence.
The Expansion
With its $400,000 expansion, completed in late 2010, the MS Center is now one of the largest and most comprehensive MS facilities in the region. The MS Center was relocated from a 900-square-foot space in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus to a nearly 3,500 square- foot space in the same building. The expansion includes additional examination and consultation rooms, a specialized infusion center, a computer lab, clinical research facilities for the testing of new drug therapies, and a room dedicated to spasticity treatment.
The expansion was funded primarily with donations raised through CentraState’s annual wine-tasting fundraiser. The first event in 2002 yielded $6,760. The 2010 event, co-chaired by Vito Amanda and Crystal Cardinale as well as John and Terri Cilmi, raised $343,517.
MS Wellness Program
In 2008, the MS Center launched a 12-week MS Wellness Program, modeled after highly regarded programs at the University of Southern California and UCLA. The Program was developed to facilitate positive health choices with education to improve physical functioning, coping skills, symptoms management, nutrition, and the ability to meet personal goals.
It is conducted in partnership with CentraState’s Fitness and Wellness Center, also located at the Ambulatory Campus. Aquatic therapy and elements of classes such as T’ai Chi, Pilates and Zumba help students to focus on improving balance, movement, strength and flexibility.
There is a fee for the Wellness Program, but scholarships are available for those who qualify.
A presentation describing CentraState’s MS Wellness Program received the Linda Morgante Hope Award from the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses in 2010. The award is given to programs that represent a spirit of optimism and possibility in clinical care or education for people with MS, and their families.
Staff
The Linda E. Cardinale MS Center provides patients with skilled diagnostics and coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team of specialists. These specialists include:
Medical Director Amos Katz, MD – board-certified neurologist
Assoc. Medical Director Terence McAlarney, MD – board-certified neurologist
Michele Emmons, RN, BSN, MSCN, Multiple Sclerosis Program Coordinator
Ruth Memoli, CSW, Wellness Program Coordinator
Kim DeRosa, RN, Infusion and Research Nurse Coordinator
A dedicated research assistant position will be added.
Physician services by gynecologists, urologists and physiatrists are integrated into the care. Social workers, physical therapists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists round out the team.
Of 220 clinicians in the world with MS certification, nine are employed at CentraState’s Linda E. Cardinale MS Center.
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