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Construction on Upstate Bone and Joint Center and Campus East is under way

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Four patients, among them Sara Holmes, the Waverly teen-ager who captured media interest four years ago when SUNY Upstate Medical University surgeons reattached her arm after it was severed in a farming accident, helped break ground on a new high-tech medical and educational center on Fly Road in Dewitt.

The $19.2 million facility will be home to the 92,000 square foot Upstate Bone and Joint Center, which will accommodate a complete range of orthopedic services for patients and house the SUNY Upstate Department o f Orthopedic Surgery. Also on site will be physical therapy and pain management services. A highlight of the facility will be SUNY Upstate’s state-of-the-art 6,000 square foot conference and training center.

Holmes was 12 when her right arm was severed in a farming accident in March 2004. She was airlifted to University Hospital and underwent extensive surgery to reattach the arm. Today, she is able to use her arm and enjoys the life of a normal teen-ager.

In addition to Holmes, recognized were Phil Coffey, of Cortland, Patricia Martin of North Syracuse and Bradley Weldin of Fulton.

“Medical care and surgical skill can only do so much,” said Stephen Albanese, M.D., chair of Orthopedic Surgery at SUNY Upstate. “These patients are the real heroes for they have overcome tragedy to live life to the fullest.

“As we break ground on this new medical facility, we salute these patients and their families,” he said.