Memorial Cancer Institute Partners With Internationally Renowned Chef Michelle Bernstein

Memorial Cancer Institute (MCI), a part of Memorial Healthcare System, is pleased to announce its new partnership with internationally renowned chef and South Florida native Michelle Bernstein, who will provide oncology patients with a variety of food alternatives to help ease their way through treatment.

The partnership, made possible through funding from the Memorial Foundation’s Pink Angels, marks the first time the chef teams up with a medical facility. She chose the family of her hospital of birth for the endeavor.

“I am honored to join forces with my Memorial family in this effort to help oncology patients who are undergoing chemotherapy feel better by experiencing different flavors of food,” said Chef Bernstein, who was born at Memorial Regional Hospital. “The fact that I am a Memorial child makes this all the more special to me, and I look forward to being personally involved in this project.”

As part of the one-year agreement, Chef Bernstein will develop two signature recipes and a complete menu, created especially for MCI patients. She will personally train and provide assistance to the hospital’s kitchen staff on the implementation and execution of the recipes on the menu. Additionally, the chef will perform a cooking demonstration on behalf of MCI on World Cancer Day in February.

The menu items will be available to patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

“Patients who receive their chemo treatments often spend several hours here, and we provide snacks and food to them during this time,” said Maggie Wiegandt, vice president of oncology services, Memorial Cancer Institute. “What you choose to eat during treatment makes a big difference in terms of staying comfortable and feeling better. We are thrilled to have someone as widely respected as Chef Bernstein provide this unique service to offer our patients food options that will better agree with them.”

About Memorial Foundation’s Pink Angels

It’s a volunteer group of women who are dedicated to offering the community the latest in education and awareness on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring that the resources of Memorial Healthcare System are available.

About Chef Bernstein

A James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef of Jewish and Latin descent, Chef Bernstein is considered South Florida’s top chef. She is known for her Latin-style cooking and her fresh take on Florida cuisine. Her sublime cuisine and vibrant personality have dazzled diners and critics alike. She is also the author of Cuisine a Latina (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008).

About Memorial Cancer Institute

Memorial Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care means that patients have a whole team of cancer specialists on their side. From highly trained physicians to skilled and compassionate nurses, therapists, technicians, social workers and support staff, each member of the team is a highly trained specialist in his or her field. Memorial Cancer Institute has locations at Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Hospital West, as well as Aventura. For more information, visit memorialcancerinstitute.com.

Contact

Kerting Baldwin, 954-265-3455
Director, Corporate Communications
kbaldwin@mhs.net