The Room2Smile Fund has been established at the Upstate Foundation by the family of Daniel E. Spillett to honor his memory and share his passion for life.

Dan was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1993. He was a loving 35-year-old husband, father of two small children, and well-respected lacrosse coach in the Syracuse community.

Over many years, Dan underwent surgeries and treatments at Upstate Medical University until he passed away in May 2005. During these hospitalizations and treatments, Dan’s radiant smile and positive attitude brought inspiration and hope to patients, families, doctors, and health care workers. Whether it was in his Upstate hospital room, in radiation therapy, during oncology appointments, or visiting patients on his floor, Dan was always reaching out to others.

He was continually inspired by other cancer patients and always grateful for the dedicated care he received at Upstate particularly during the last years of his life while under the care of Dr. Thomas Coyle and the staff of the Regional Oncology Center.

Room2Smile represents the power of reaching out to others with a simple smile and caring conversation. Our goal is to ensure that Dan’s example lives on in the Upstate Cancer Center.

The Room2Smile Fund will keep a comfort cart well stocked with entertainment and comfort items. This cart will be dedicated to bringing smiles and hope to Upstate cancer patients and their families during treatment.

In honor of Dan, please consider making a donation to support the Room2Smile Fund.

Thank you!

Donate ONLINE (below)

OR via check payable to:Room2Smile Fund

Mail to:  Upstate Foundation
               750 E Adams Street
               Syracuse, NY 13210

Give Via Your Company's United Way Campaign! Please contact your company’s United Way representative for instructions on how you can designate your United Way pledge to the Room2Smile Fund (#61342600) at the Upstate Foundation.