Beebe Medical Foundation announces 100th member of 1916 Club

Beebe Medical Foundation announces that Beebe dermatologist Daniel Cuozzo, DO, and his wife Susan Cuozzo joined the The 1916 Club. Their joining marks the club's 100th membership.

The 1916 Club is named for the year Beebe Healthcare was founded. The club was created in 2014 to recognize donors that have committed to giving $1,916 or more each year to support Beebe Healthcare programs and services. Members have generously donated more than $275,000 since July 2014.

“Over the past year I have had the privilege to serve as Beebe Medical Group’s board chair, and most recently as its acting chief medical officer,” Cuozzo said. “I cannot think of a more meaningful opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to Beebe Healthcare as a whole, to the Beebe Medical Group providers and staff, and ultimately to the community members we serve by supporting the foundation in its 1916 Club.

“I encourage all to gift the foundation with their monetary support, so that together we can continue to positively affect the health and lives of those we serve.”

Susan Cuozzo said she believes in the importance of supporting one’s community. “Healthcare is the cornerstone of every community,” she said. “And the programs and services that Beebe Healthcare provides make such a difference here in southern Delaware. We have a unique situation in that Beebe not only is important to those who live here, but to the many people who visit in the summer and to those who are retiring here and are seeking a new healthcare home.”

The Cuozzos moved to Lewes in 2012 when Dr. Cuozzo joined the Beebe Medical Group, which is the employed medical provider arm of Beebe Healthcare. Cuozzo is board certified in dermatology and practices at the Beebe Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in the Medical Arts Pavilion at Beebe’s Healthcare Campus on John J. Williams Highway, Route 24, near Rehoboth Beach. The center offers comprehensive dermatologic services including care and advanced treatment of skin cancer in conjunction with Justin Elder, DO, who is board certified in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery. The other member of the dermatology staff is Melissa Wallace, NP-C. Both offices are in Suite 201 in the health campus building.

The Cuozzos came from New York, where Dr. Cuozzo was an attending dermatologist at Bassett Healthcare Network in Cooperstown. While there, he developed the Mohs Surgery Program and taught hospital residents. Dr. Cuozzo’s extensive career includes the U.S. Army where he was chief of dermatology service at Womack Army Center and where he also earned several combat awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Medical Badge and Army Commendation Medal. Dr. Cuozzo also is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Susan Cuozzo managed and taught at a local nursery school while they lived in New York. She joined Beebe Healthcare as an administrative assistant soon after they arrived. She has worked at Tunnell Center since 2012, where she is an administrative assistant/new patient scheduler.

“As an administrative assistant, I support the management team here at Tunnell,” Susan said. “I am also proud to be involved with our volunteers; they give to Beebe Healthcare in so many ways. As a new patient scheduler,  I am the first touch point for many patients and contact those who are referred to us.” She added that Tunnell Cancer Center gets about 10 to 12 new patients per provider each week. She has spoken to some from as far away as Florida. “I answer their questions and help them transition their care to us, and do what I can to make them feel comfortable.”

The Cuozzos have four children and are active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy cycling, kayaking and paddleboarding. They also are members of the Friends of Lewes Canalfront Park and Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park.

“The support of the community has been so inspiring, with many physicians joining the 1916 Club, as well as many community members,” said Judy Aliquo, president and CEO of Beebe Medical Foundation. “Donors know that their gifts help Beebe save and change lives daily, and that giving back is a great way to celebrate the excellent care received at Beebe.”

Members of the 1916 Club can designate their donations to a particular area of interest within Beebe if they wish, and their donations go into the annual fund. Members also can give a gift in honor of a Beebe team member who provided excellent care. Members receive a lapel pin, a car magnet and special invitations to Beebe events and tours.

This year, members are beginning to take part in the celebrations for Beebe’s 100th anniversary in 2016.

“Please join the Cuozzos in their support of Beebe by becoming a member of the 1916 Club,” says Tom Protack, director of development at Beebe Medical Foundation. “Your gifts truly make a difference and stay in Sussex County.”

Beebe Medical Foundation was established in 1989 with the sole mission to raise philanthropic support for Beebe Healthcare. The Foundation is at 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958. For more information, contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 or go to www.beebehealthcare.org/foundation.