Navy Veteran, Cancer Survivor Speaks At Veterans Day Ceremony

FREEHOLD, NJ — Mary Jo Burkhard, a Navy veteran and CentraState patient, spoke about her battle with pancreatic cancer at a special flag-raising ceremony hosted in honor of Veterans Day on Thursday.

The ceremony, which took place at CentraState Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, was dedicated to honoring and thanking all military veterans, medical providers, volunteers and senior residents who have served in the US Armed Forces.

The event featured a flag-raising, remarks from Burkhard and remarks from CentraState President and CEO Tom Scott.

"We are gathered here today to honor the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have helped serve our country and their help and lives on the line to defend the values our nation upholds," Scott said. "One of these courageous women is Mary Jo Burkhard, a Navy vet who spent 28 years advocating for veterans with the American Legion."

Burkhard's survival story began after she discovered a nearly 3-inch mass on her pancreas last year.

When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Burkhard turned to Dr. Alexander Itskovich and the Statesir Cancer Center team at CentraState for treatment.

From there, Burkhard underwent a nine-hour surgery performed by Itskovich, two weeks in the intensive care unit, step-down units, and chemotherapy radiation.

Today, imaging shows that Burkhard has no signs of disease.

“Mary Jo is so full of life and energy, which she pours into her service to our country and the veteran community,” Scott said at the ceremony. “During her time with the American Legion, she has held state, county, and local leadership positions, including during her treatment, and she presently serves as the first First Vice Commander and Finance Officer for Neptune Post 266.”

“We are so thrilled that Mary Jo was able to join us today for our flag-raising ceremony,” Scott continued. “And it is our honor to present her with a certificate of appreciation."

To learn more about CentraState Medical Center, you can visit their website.

CentraState Medical Center is located at 901 W Main Street, Freehold Township.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct name spelling of CentraState President and CEO Tom Scott.