Andrew Stern
2:08:35
My name is Andrew Stern.
2:08:36
Thank you to Chair Riley in Decancha Lumbermenton for me here today.
2:08:41
I live in Manhattan.
2:08:42
There are a lot of good reasons to support this project.
2:08:45
We could talk about the jobs that we'll provide during construction and once operational for nurses, doctors, technicians, maintenance workers, and administrators, or we could talk about how those employees will eat at local restaurants and support local businesses.
2:08:58
But this project is personal for me, and that's why I want to focus on the patients today.
2:09:03
A few years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
2:09:07
The 1st few weeks were hard, knowing the typical prognosis, We thought that that was going to be it.
2:09:12
But she was treated at MSK, and thanks to the work of so many incredible professionals, they were able to make significant progress.
2:09:19
She's still not done with her treatments, but she's a fighter, and that she's going to make it.
2:09:24
The treatment she received saved her life, and I think as many New Yorkers as possible, should be able to access the same quality treatment at MSK.
2:09:31
And just for a few years from now, she might have been treated at the new Pavilion.
2:09:35
It will be entirely dedicated to patient treatment.
2:09:37
That was 206 beds.
2:09:39
It represents an opportunity for thousands of additional New Yorkers to benefit from this incredible quality of care.
2:09:45
As for concerns about height, I want to emphasize the very real trade offs between every foot of height and the number of beds.
2:09:52
It is so important that we allow as many patients as possible to be treated at MSK.
2:09:57
If MSK had not had the capacity to treat my grandmother, I don't know if she would still be here.
2:10:01
I don't want anyone in the solar situation to be turned away because they don't have enough beds.
2:10:07
With numerous buildings nearby taller than 500 feet, I asked the committee to please approve this building with the full 28 operating rooms and 206 beds planned.
2:10:15
If the building size will be cut, I would ask him to please consider how many patients might not receive treatment.
2:10:21
For every bed that goes unbelt.
2:10:23
Thank you so much for your time.
