Legacy Society – Mary Nelson
“I feel so good and blessed to be able to leave a legacy.”
Mary Nelson has worked in the radiology department at Upstate University Hospital for 25 years and is a well-known youth advocate in the Central New York community. She also is a member of the Upstate Legacy Society, which was established as a tribute to donors who have included the Upstate Foundation in their estate plans. Someday, her legacy gift will benefit children with disabilities.
“Leaving a legacy is something I always wanted to do, to be able to give back to special needs youth in our community. I’m inspired by my grandchildren,” explained Mary. “I have two grandchildren with disabilities and I want to make sure other children with disabilities can receive excellent care.”
Mary added that she wants her grandchildren to be successful in life, and not look at their disability as a consequence to allow them not to strive. One grandchild has spina bifida and the other is autistic. Her mantra is, “Don’t let your circumstance become your consequence.”
Mary’s advice regarding legacy giving? “Find your passion for which you want to be remembered. My legacy is always giving back and not looking for anything in return.”
Many in the Central New York community will agree indeed that Mary’s legacy is about always giving back. As president and CEO of the Mary Nelson Youth Center, which she founded in 2000 and is located on the south side of Syracuse, she inspires youth to embrace their true identity while unleashing their inner potential. Programs at the youth center help youth shape their own values while providing them with all the tools, resources and support they need today in order to evolve into confident leaders tomorrow.
Under Mary’s leadership, the youth center has five key missions: education, health, career, services for adults as well as youth, and mentorship. Within the center, Mary operates a diaper bank and food pantry, and hosts an annual Back-to-School Barbecue and backpack giveaway, and Christmas Gift Away.
At Upstate, Mary is the face of the Department of Radiology, checking patients in, scheduling their procedures, verifying authorizations and collecting payments.
“Upstate became my family in 1999,” she says proudly.
For more information about ways to create your own personal Legacy, contact your financial advisor or call the Upstate Foundation, 315-464-4416.