[Skip to Content]
Chris Arnold and Ellen Yeomans, present a check for $232,000 raised through the 2016 Paige’s Butterfly Run to Melanie Comito, MD
Chris Arnold and Ellen Yeomans, present a check for $232,000 raised through the 2016 Paige’s Butterfly Run to Melanie Comito, MD

Paige's Butterfly Run gives $232,000 to support pediatric cancer research, patient services

Representatives from Paige’s Butterfly Run arrived at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital Dec. 28 with an oversized check in the amount of $232,000 to support pediatric cancer research, patient and family services.

Chris Arnold, Ellen Yeomans and members of the Paige’s Butterfly Run Committee presented the check to children’s hospital oncology staff during a celebration to mark the success of the 2016 run, and the 20-year anniversary of the annual event fundraiser named in honor of their daughter, Paige Yeomans Arnold. The run was held June 4 in downtown Syracuse.

Joining in the celebration were patients, their families, the Upstate Foundation staff and caregivers from Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and Upstate Cancer Center.

To date, Paige’s Butterfly Run has raised more than $2.5 million to support pediatric cancer research and cancer care, including services
for families who are faced with the many challenges presented by a diagnosis of childhood cancer.

Toni Gary, director of development and community relations for the Upstate Foundation and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, applauded the longstanding support.

"It’s been gratifying to see the growth the group has made in fundraising but more importantly the hundreds of patients and families they have helped each year when these families are faced with the devastating and scary diagnosis of cancer for their child,” said Gary, who has worked closely with the Yeomans, Arnold and Paige’s Run Team for more than 15 years. “We are fortunate to have the only walk run supporting pediatric cancer care right here.”

Some specific initiatives to benefit from Paige Butterfly Run contributions include:

  • The Paige’s Cancer Research Fund at Upstate
  • Paige’s Family Assistance Fund. This fund helps families at the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders who are having financial difficulties as a result of their child’’s illness. The fund is also used for general assistance, including burial costs and a grief counseling program; sand therapy equipment and materials; equipment for hemophilia patients; Upstate’s Survival Wellness Clinic, which includes assistance to uninsured patients and for education of local and outlying physicians and other medical providers; neuropsychological testing for children with cancer; backpack comfort kits (which includes items such as toiletries, gift cards for food and gas) for newly diagnosed patients and their families; patient parking assistance.
  • Paige Yeomans Arnold Memorial Endowment Fund. A portion of this permanent endowment, established with the Foundation for Upstate, will be used in the future to fund research and provide financial assistance to families having difficulties due to their child’s illness.
  • Paige’s Family Fun Fund. This fund provides the child life specialists at the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders with support to cover family needs, such as meals, and birthday and holiday celebrations.

Caption: Chris Arnold and Ellen Yeomans, center, present a check for $232,000 raised through the 2016 Paige’s Butterfly Run to Melanie Comito, MD, division chief of hematology and oncology, pediatrics and the Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Top