Zuzanna and Roger Stankay

Zuzanna and Roger Stankay have believed for many years that one of the greatest virtues one can have is to prioritize helping others. The New Jersey couple has been involved with several charitable organizations—and as an economist and a high school English teacher, planning for the future is important to them. 

Their relationship with Fox Chase Cancer Center began in 2010 at the recommendation of Roger’s colleague, Nick Cirillo. Zuzanna needed a second opinion regarding an abnormality on her routine mammogram. Nick had been treated at Fox Chase for soft tissue sarcoma beginning in 2005. He told the Stankays that being at Fox Chase made all the difference and credited the team with saving his life. Fifteen years later, Nick continues to enjoy a productive life.

Zuzanna’s experience with follow-up testing at Fox Chase was markedly different from her previous hospital. The Stankays describe that first encounter in two words: complete satisfaction. Roger added, “The medical attention was superb and compassionate, augmented by a friendly, courteous, and genuine attitude by all staff.”

Before coming to Fox Chase for care, the Stankays’ lives had already been affected by cancer in various ways. When Roger was in his 30s, his father died from lung cancer. Around the same time his mother was successfully treated for lymphoma, and an uncle had colon cancer. Zuzanna’s father faced prostate cancer for 12 years. These experiences, on top of their own interactions, led them to respectively make Fox Chase a major recipient of their estate. Each has confidence that their planned gift will help those in need for years to come.

Their bequests to Fox Chase will support prostate cancer research and the Department of Social Work Services, which helps patients navigate the many challenges that can accompany a cancer experience.

They remain grateful for the care and compassion Zuzanna received and appreciate the opportunity to pay it forward. “It became clear to us that leaving a legacy at Fox Chase was the best way to contribute to an institution that helps so many,” Roger said.