New Non-Profit will bring resources and comfort to children and families across the state while also funding research and fellowships for medical students, interns, and residents.
September 4, 2025; Morristown, NJ – The newly formed Pediatric Cancer Foundation of New Jersey (PCFNJ) today announced it has been established to provide much-needed resources to children diagnosed with cancer, and to their parents and care teams.
Conceived by top Orthopedic Oncologist, executive, educator, physician, and healer Dr. James C. Wittig, MD, several years ago, the primary mission of PCFNJ is to support children afflicted with cancer and their families with resources that address related financial, physical, emotional, and mental health challenges.
“It has been a tremendous honor to provide care for thousands of children in our area who were at risk of losing limbs and lives,” said Dr. Wittig, who left his position as Chairman of Orthopedic Oncology at Atlantic Health Morristown Hospital, where over several years grew the practice within the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center to one of the top rated in the US.
“For nearly three decades, I served as a surgeon, teacher, mentor, fellow, and executive with a consistent focus on healing our tiniest cancer warriors and their brave families,” Wittig continued. “I saw firsthand the challenges they faced after receiving the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis. True healing goes well beyond hospitals and operating rooms, and done with love and compassion, can support the entire journey for the child and their parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, and communities. I chose to focus my time and resources during the first six-month sabbatical of my career to finally build this Foundation, which was conceived many years ago. We’ve been blessed with an incredible team of colleagues, friends, family, volunteers, and corporate supporters as we begin this exciting journey.”
In addition to providing personalized support services to families and funding the research and development of new treatments, PCFNJ is rolling out programs designed to bring holistic healing – strengthening body, mind, spirit, and soul- to families who are struggling.
Inaugural programs starting in September include:
- Wellness and mental health services designed to bring hope and healing to children and their families, in the hospital and while recovering at home, and will include talk therapy, meditation, relaxation, breathwork, yoga, wellness activities, spa experiences, and more.
- A grant program organized to help fund projects designed by medical students, residents, and fellows in their educational pursuits and research within the realm of pediatric cancer, including traditional orthopedic surgery and oncology, and alternative approaches to holistic healing.
- A unique creative arts program which will provide joyful and meaningful experiences supporting children diagnosed with cancer and their families through Positively Creative, including arts and crafts, musical performances, special birthday and holiday celebrations, and visits from comfort animals. Positively Creative is led by Founder and Director Megan Wittig, whose vision brings creativity, joy, and healing to children and their families during their most challenging times.
Cynthia Artin has been named Executive Director of the PCFNJ, bringing in nearly three decades of experience in the non-profit sector and a lifetime of caring for children and their families. “It is the honor of a lifetime to contribute my time and experience to Dr. Wittig’s initiative, particularly given that the Artin family benefited from his experience and healing for many years. He brings a very upbeat, positive vibe to the Foundation – creativity and inclusion – generosity and determination.”
Arlene Kleinsorge, a co-founder of PCFNJ and a patient cured by Dr. Wittig twice, has been named Family Ambassador, a key role in this patient- and family-centered organization. “I have seen firsthand what it means to receive a cancer diagnosis, and to be cured through the highest quality treatments delivered by experienced, compassionate teams led by physicians of Dr. Wittig’s caliber. As a grandmother of seven, I am honored and excited to help identify and onboard children in New Jersey and their families, bringing them into the fold, identifying their needs, and coordinating activities, care, and comfort based on their needs and dreams.”
The organization is assembling a governing board, which currently includes Altagracia Miranda, MD, Brad Huntington, Christian Wittig, Jeffrey Singman, and Suzanne Falla, PhD.
“This new organization brings a fresh perspective to supporting children with cancer and their families,” said Altagracia Miranda, MD, Chief Wellness Officer for the Foundation. “Dr. Wittig’s vision for holistic healing is powerful, and with the help of the board, the advisory board, committees, sponsors, volunteers, and donors, we will develop programs that matter – research that matters – and compassion that makes how we deliver God’s love to our little warriors positive, gentle, and joyful. Blending body, mind, spirit, and soul, and supporting new modalities and protocols will change the way we address pediatric cancer, not only in New Jersey, but eventually across the United States and around the world.”
An advisory board is also being assembled, seeking inspired and committed members who bring their talents and relationships to the table, along with committees representing youth, parents, pediatric oncologists, pediatric oncology nurses, and nurse practitioners, among others.
In addition to inventing limb-sparing and life-saving surgeries, Dr. Wittig has led orthopedic oncology teams at top hospitals in New York and New Jersey, including serving most recently as the Medical Director Orthopedic Oncology and Sarcoma Surgery at the award-winning Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center, part of the Atlantic Health System.
During his tenure, the practice grew substantially and was recognized for its excellent outcomes, patient satisfaction, and residency program, which emphasized education, patient-centered care, and medical innovation.
Dr. Wittig was honored by the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) with the prestigious Nobility in Science Award for his decades of innovation, contributions, and excellence in delivering positive outcomes for patients. He is respected particularly for his healing of our smallest cancer warriors.
An estimated 400,000+ new cases of cancer affect children under the age of 20 worldwide each year.
An average of 240 children in New Jersey are diagnosed, and for those who do not survive, the number of years lost is staggering.
In the United States, approximately 700 children and adolescents are diagnosed with malignant bone tumors each year.
Register here for updates – https://www.pediatriccancerfoundationnj.org/
ABOUT THE PEDIATRIC CANCER FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY
The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of New Jersey is dedicated to serving and supporting children in our state afflicted with cancers by helping their families offset extreme expenses, address special social needs, and conquer hardships that arise when a child is diagnosed.
Our grants will support medical students, residents and fellows in their educational pursuits and research within the realm of pediatric oncology, with special attention to pediatric sarcomas and orthopedic oncology.
Our creative arts programs will provide joyful and meaningful experiences supporting children diagnosed with cancer and their families through Positively Creative, a unique program including arts and crafts, music performances, special birthday and holiday celebrations, and visits from comfort animals.
Our wellness and mental health services will bring hope and healing to children and their families, in the hospital and while recovering at home, and will include meditation, relaxation, yoga, music therapy, and more.
Our primary corporate sponsor is Mandala Medical Group, a privately held, mission-driven healthcare provider and innovation lab also headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Cynthia Artin
Executive Director
cynthiaartin@artinarts.onmicrosoft.com
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