Patricia Kastner, SSW’02 is a dedicated alumna, a beloved mother and grandmother, and a lifelong advocate for children and families. Patricia’s journey to a career in social work has been defined by empathy, strength, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Now, as she faces advanced ovarian cancer and receives care through hospice, her family and medical team are carrying forward her legacy through the newly-established Ovarian Cancer Innovation Fund—a visionary effort to fuel research and bring hope to others facing this disease.
A Calling to Serve
Patricia didn’t initially plan on becoming a social worker. Her early dream was to be a nurse—driven by her deep desire to care for others. But a serious car accident made the physical demands of nursing difficult. While attending Brookdale Community College, she met a counselor who saw her compassion and introduced her to social work. That advice changed the course of her life.
“Social work gave me purpose,” Patricia said. “It became a meaningful way to make a difference.”
She enrolled at Rutgers School of Social Work in her 40s, balancing her education with raising four children and supporting her husband who worked full time. Despite the demands, she thrived in Rutgers’ supportive, collaborative environment. “The camaraderie with fellow students and the encouragement from faculty made all the difference,” she said.
A Career Dedicated to Children and Families
Patricia’s career in social work began with internships supporting cancer patients and families, followed by a full-time role serving children and adolescents who needed mental health support and life guidance. She eventually joined the child study team in the Perth Amboy School District, where she spent years helping students in special education succeed and advocating for their families.
She served each student with tremendous empathy and great care—especially those who experienced trauma or carried invisible burdens. One former student, an immigrant who had arrived at her school in third grade, was particularly shy and withdrawn. Patricia learned he had experienced abuse and was kidnapped by a family member. Through Patricia’s patient support, the student learned English, began to heal, and eventually graduated.
“Years later, after I had moved to the high school, he and his mother specifically requested that I continue working with him,” Patricia said. “I’ll never forget the moment I met with his father to review the program I had helped design for him. As I explained the progress his son had made, the boy began to cry, and the two embraced for a long time. His father said, ‘Son, this is such a great program for you. I’m so proud of you,’ and they told each other they loved one another. It’s moments like those that remind me why I chose this work.” The student continued to visit Patricia after becoming a truck driver—proof of the lasting impact she made.
"It brought me deep fulfillment to support students in reaching their goals,” she reflected. “It was an honor to walk beside so many families and help them access the care they needed.”
Turning a Diagnosis into a Mission
In recent years, Patricia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer—an illness known as the “silent killer” for its subtle symptoms and lack of early detection tools. “My symptoms were things like bloating and early fullness—easy to dismiss,” she said.
Despite the challenges of treatment, Patricia remained focused on giving back. Alongside her family and her physician, Dr. Eugenia Girda, she helped establish the Ovarian Cancer Innovation Fund, with the goal of advancing research, developing more effective treatment options, and spreading awareness.
“This disease remains underfunded and poorly understood,” Patricia said. “I want others to have access to the kind of personalized care and hope I’ve received.”
A Legacy of Compassion and Courage
Today, Patricia is receiving end-of-life care surrounded by her devoted family. Her children describe her as “the heart of our family—steadfast, intuitive, and always putting others first.” They are committed to ensuring her legacy lives on through the fund, which reflects the values that guided her throughout her life: service, compassion, and resilience.
“This project means a great deal to us,” her family shared. “It’s a way to celebrate our mom’s life and carry her vision forward. We hope the fund continues to grow, raise awareness, and ultimately help save lives.”
Join Us in Honoring Patricia
Your donation to the Ovarian Cancer Innovation Fund helps drive life-saving research, supports innovative treatment approaches, and brings hope to women and families facing this difficult diagnosis.
By supporting this fund, you join us in honoring Patricia Kastner—a woman who dedicated her life to lifting others—and in working toward a future where no one faces ovarian cancer alone.
