Real Life Stories—from the SUNY Upstate Community

Dr. Pamela Gramet supports Enable

Enable is a tremendous gift to our community. The agency is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental and physical disabilities. They provide services to more than 2,000 Central New Yorkers. One of Enable's greatest strengths is that everyone works hard to help each person achieve his or her highest level of functioning and independence. Unfortunately, funding decreases and cost increases are constant challenges. All around us, we can see that Enable is helping to change lives for the better. I am proud to support Enable and to have been associated with it for close to 30 years

Dr. Susan Stearns supports the Spanish Action League (La Liga)

"La Liga offers many valuable services—employment and housing assistance, for example—but its main mission is to help every Latino child in our community get the solid foundation of a good education. It’s a safe haven for children to play and learn. But, rising costs may challenge even basic services like field trips and safe transportation between La Liga’s programs and the children's homes. I’m proud that our medical students have volunteered at the agency, but we can do more to support La Liga's invaluable work".

Chris Monahan RN supports the Burn Fund for Patients

"People can lose everything to a fire. Our burn center patients have scars—inside and out—and this fund helps pay for "small" things that are a big help in their recovery and rebuilding. Our funds go directly where they are most needed—to pay for a phone card so a patient can stay in touch with loved ones, a conference so that a widowed survivor can connect with others who share her loss, and a safe water heater for a family whose child was accidentally scalded".

Robin Wensel—Supports the Burn Fund for Patients

Each summer, 20 to 25 of our burn survivor kids go to a camp especially for young burn patients. The fund helps ensure that every child who wants to go, goes... and that takes money. Our hospital staff volunteer at the camp and local firefighters help with transportation, meals and fundraising. The camp is a joyful, empowering place. Each one of these kids has endured greater hardship and pain than most anyone would experience in a lifetime. I am completely inspired to see these kids so happy and to see their confidence build. Everybody has some type of "scars but working with these amazing kids truly reminds us all that it's what's on the inside that matters.

Leola Rodgers—Supports OnPoint for College, Inc.

OnPoint for College helps local young people make the transition from street smart to college smart. In six years, OnPoint has worked with more than 800 students, and 75 percent of them are still in college or have graduated...that's better than national rates for "typical" college students, and most OnPoint students have faced a lot of obstacles. As a first-generation college student and the mother of a college student, I know what it takes to get into college, stay there and be successful. I'm proud to help OnPoint.

Sue Graham—Supports the Girl Scouts

I was a girl scout and a troop leader. The Scouts offer girls a supportive, accepting environment in which they can try new things.

It's gratifying when troops get together and girls from very different backgrounds meet each other and instantly "bond." Girl Scouts provides a safe haven and empowers young women.

Maxine Thompson—Supports the Dunbar Association

I grew up in the Dunbar Center. It was a safe, caring environment close to home. The services offered by Dunbar — child care, counseling, adoption, educational and recreational activities — have grown over the years and are increasingly important to African American families.

Just ask my family: four generation have enjoyed spending time at "their" Dunbar Center!

Mike Garver—Supports the YMCA

I was on the YMCA swim team as a kid and, along with hard work and accomplishment, I learned a lot about respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty.

Today, not only does the YMCA provide an affordable fitness facility in our community, the YMCA offers values-centered family programming and provides shelter to those who cannot afford housing.

Barbara Hamilton—Supports National Kidney Foundation of Central New York

"My son had high blood pressure which damaged his kidneys. Now, he is on dialysis and waiting for a transplant. The Kidney Foundation helps people like him cope with the disease, and it helps many others prevent or delay kidney disease through health screenings. And, they support research at Upstate!"

Lori Grabowski—Supports The CNY Children's Hospital at University Hospital

"As a pediatric nurse — and the mother of children with disabilities — I know how much our community needs The CNY Children's Hospital. We do a great job now, but to have the services in one place specially designed for kids will be a dream come true for thousands of caregivers, parents...and kids."

Ray Mingo—Supports the Rescue Mission

"Anyone can hit hard times. The Rescue Mission is here to help you get back on your feet. If you need food, they'll feed you; clothes, they'll clothe you; shelter, they'll give you a bed. The Mission will even get you back in school if you need to finish your education."

Gregory Canute, MD—Supports ARISE

"Our son was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a muscular disease which requires him to use a walker with braces or a wheelchair. With the services of ARISE, he enjoys skiing, swimming, horseback riding, baseball and much more."

Pam Hitchcock—Supports Wanderers Rest

"Abandoned and abused animals are cared for wonderfully at Wanderers Rest by a devoted staff. The animals get training, grooming and medical care to help them become adoptable. I volunteer because the animals, and the staff, are great!"

Mike Sheldon—Supports Transitional Living Services

"I have a close family member who suffers from depression. Mental illness is a lifelong problem which often interferes with daily living. Transitional Living Services has helped us both in difficult times. TLS is a valuable resource that needs our support."

Judy Kishtok—Supports Francis House

"Francis House provides people with terminal illnesses a family-like setting filled with love, dignity and compassion. Francis House helps people when they need it the most. That is why they have my support and I ask for yours."

Maryann Fields—Supports the American Lung Association

"My mom was only 50 when she passed away from COPD — a severe form of emphysema. I support the American Lung Association because they help others who would benefit from research, medical care and transplants. Your contribution is critical."

Jim Greenwald, MD—Supports the Rescue Mission Family Medicine

"As soon as I began practicing family medicine, I saw patients who were overwhelmed by life's difficulties. I hope to make a difference by volunteering at the Rescue Mission, and by increasing my campaign contribution every year."