Ruth Newman Shapiro (RNS) Cancer and Heart Fund is an over 50 years young, non-profit organization with 1,000 plus members that has raised over $17million to fund more than fifty programs, services, and equipment purchases for Cape May County and Atlantic County hospitals while also serving countless people throughout their existence.
Ruth Newman Shapiro was a vital young woman in her mid-thirties when cancer brought her life to an abrupt and tragic end. As a result, her mother, Rose Newman, turned her personal grief into positive action by reaching out to the greater Atlantic City community and establishing the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer and Heart Fund.
Formed in 1961, RNS has continuously supported local hospitals throughout the South Jersey region.
The mission for the RNS Cancer and Heart Fund is to provide area hospitals with the finest facilities and equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and heart conditions. During RNS’s years of dedication, the organization’s fundraising efforts have helped provide many additions to the region’s hospitals including the RNS Regional Cancer Center, the AtlantiCare Regional Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation, Cape Regional Medical Center and Shore Medical Cancer Center. In addition, RNS has provided equipment to hospitals including defibrillators, scanners, microscopes, stimulators and more.
RNS is made up of more than 1,000 member volunteers who donate their time and money to accomplish the shared goals of the RNS Cancer and Heart Fund.
The RNS Cancer and Heart Fund host many fundraisers and events throughout the year. Events include Bag Ladies Luncheon, Friends Helping Friends, Holiday Gift Wrap, February “Save a Heart” Campaign and the October Pink Ribbon Campaign to name a few.
The Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer and Heart Fund (RNS) is based on words of Rose Newman, the founder of RNS. She is quoted as saying “with our labor and God’s help, we are able to save lives or at least bring hope and comfort to many people.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member of RNS can fill out the membership information form on this website. There is an annual fee of $25. There is also a lifetime membership available for $250. Please note that volunteering isn’t a necessary part of membership, but it is greatly appreciated and is a great help in achieving the goals of RNS. It’s also important to note that all money raised from membership dues goes towards RNS’s mission of providing the finest facilities and equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and heart conditions in South Jersey.
Members of RNS receive regular updates and information on all of their year-round fundraising events. Members also have the opportunity to volunteer for any special events and help the organization grow by sharing their support in any form and at any level.
If you would like to speak with someone about RNS, please call 609-487-1190.
The RNS Cancer and Heart Fund is located at 3 South Newport Avenue, Ventnor, NJ.