New Jersey Orthopedic Oncologist James C. Wittig Introduces the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of New Jersey
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
Call for Advisory Board Members, Volunteers, Interns, Hospital and Cancer Center Teams, Artists, and Philanthropists
July 24, 2025; Morristown, NJ – The newly formed Pediatric Cancer Foundation of New Jersey (PCFNJ) today announced it has been formed to provide much needed resources to children diagnosed with cancer, and to their parents and care teams.
Conceived several years ago by top Orthopedic Oncologist, executive, educator, physician, and healer Dr. James C. Wittig, MD, the primary mission of PCFNJ is to support children afflicted with cancer and their families with resources that address related hardships and financial, physical, emotional, and mental health challenges.
“It has been a tremendous honor to provide care for so many children in our area who were at risk of losing limbs and lives,” said Dr. Wittig, who recently left his position as Chairman of Orthopedics and Medical Director of Orthopedic Oncology at Atlantic Health Morristown Hospital, where over several years he established and grew an orthopedic oncology service within the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center to be 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. 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 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 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 October 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, Tibetan singing bowls, wellness 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.
Cynthia Artin has been named acting Executive Director of the PCFNJ, bringing 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 benefitted from his experience and healing for many years. He brings a very upbeat, positive vibe to the Foundation – creativity and inclusion – generosity and determination.”
The organization is assembling a governing board, with current positions already filled including[CA1] Chairman (Dr. Wittig), Secretary (Name), Treasurer (Name), Chief Medical Officer (Altagracia Miranda, MD), Chief Strategist (Jeffrey Singman), Chief Creative Officer (Erin Megan Wittig), and Chief Development Office (Name). (Let’s talk about this soon!)
“This new organization brings a fresh perspective to supporting children with cancer and their families,” said Altagracia Miranda, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Foundation. “Dr. Wittig’s vision for holistic healing is powerful, and with the help of the board, the advisory board, the team, corporate 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 and seeking inspired and committed members who bring their talents and relationships to the table.
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 orthopedic oncology service grew substantially and was recognized for taking on some of the toughest, most complex cases with excellent outcomes and patient satisfaction. As chair of orthopedic surgery, he developed a community based orthopedic program into a nationally renowned teaching program with a brand-new orthopedic residency emphasizing education, patient-centered care, and medical innovation.
Dr. Wittig was honored by the Sarcoma Foundation of American (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 including starting the first public clinic for these unfortunate vulnerable children in New York City at Bellevue Hospital. He’s also been awarded numerous other accolades throughout his career including the teacher of the year award in 2007 by the premier NYU Langone orthopedics program known at that time as NYU-Hospital for Joint Diseases.
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. *
*Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.
**NIH National Study
PCFNJ has applied for incorporation and tax-exempt status (501c3) and will actively begin accepting donations and gifts-in-kind in September.
Register here for updates. (link to form on website)
ABOUT THE PEDIATRIC CANCER FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY
For More Information, Please Contact:
Cynthia Artin
Acting Executive Director
cynthiaartin@artinarts.onmicrosoft.com