Legacy member story

Carrie Roseamelia, PhD

“I’ve thought a lot about the impact of my career…I want to feel that I’ve made a difference and having played an important role in the Rural Medical Scholars Program, it truly is the legacy of my career.”

These are the words of Carrie Roseamelia, PhD, former associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and former assistant dean for the rural medicine program in the Norton College of Medicine at Upstate Medical University. She is a new member of the Upstate Foundation’s Legacy Society, which is comprised of donors who have included Upstate Medical University in their estate plans.

“The students I came to serve with this program are my legacy,” Dr. Roseamelia continued. “I offered 10 years of my professional and personal life to expanding the mission of the Rural Medical Scholars Program. This work was incredibly rewarding.”

That mission was to identify, recruit and nurture medical students who were interested in a future rural or small-town practice. The Rural Medical Scholars Program offers four years of electives in rural medicine including clinical rotations across New York state.

“Preparing medical students to work with underserved communities is critical to the mission of serving Central New York and upstate communities,” explained Dr. Roseamelia. “But it was the interactions I had with students that made this program extraordinary. The program changed with a new cohort of students; it evolved over time through the direct participation of students.”

She described an example of the program’s evolution though the contributions of a student who graduated in 2018.

“She was struggling with her first year of medicine and questioning her decision to become a doctor,” Dr. Roseamelia said. “We developed a course together called Rural Immersion Week, which offers a one-week clinical experience away from the academic setting and serves to bring students together. It remains an important elective.”

The Rural Medical Scholars Program will be the beneficiary of Dr. Roseamelia’s legacy gift. “It’s never too soon to think about leaving a gift that might make a difference,” she advises.

“Working with the Upstate Foundation has been incredibly informative and collaborative, and easier than one would imagine,” Dr. Roseamelia concluded. “I was offered a step-by-step guide, and walked through this process on my own terms. I can be a bit particular in how I manage my decisions, and the Foundation understood this and was very supportive.”

For more information about ways to create your own personal Legacy, contact your financial advisor or call Carolyn Hendrickson, director of legacy giving at the Upstate Foundation, at 315-464-6490.

Photo credit: Cylinda Photography

Annual Donor, Major Donor, Legacy Donor

“The Upstate Foundation has been a great partner to help us promote our mission,” Chris said. “I’m sure we would not be as successful as we are today if it weren’t for the assistance of the Foundation.”

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Taking the long view of wellness…

“The Foundation helps me accomplish what's needed to carry out my personal vision and priorities,” Dr. Kohman explained. It is vision that prompted her to make a legacy gift, recognizing that Upstate is going to have needs long after her service has ended. She has donated a life insurance policy, designating the Upstate Foundation as its beneficiary, which she hopes will inspire others.

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“I would encourage anybody who wants to make a charitable gift to have that conversation.”

For Iris Buczkowski, whose oldest daughter is autistic, the new Golisano Center for Special Needs at Upstate Medical University was a life changer. So much so, in fact, Iris and her family decided to leave a legacy gift to the center through the Upstate Foundation… “They made giving very, very easy because the team has a collective approach,” Iris explained.

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“If you have a spark to do something that’s bigger than yourself… say yes to that impulse. Say yes to life.”

“It feels like there is a sense of peace, and it feels humbling, because this is something that will be happening after I leave this world,” said Daniel. “If you have a spark to do something that’s bigger than yourself, this is a wonderful avenue for it. And I would recommend it for anybody. Say yes to that impulse. Say yes to life.”
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“It’s very gratifying… knowing we will continue to help young people with mental health issues.

“I think Corey would be extremely proud of us,” said Lisa. “I can’t tell you how many people reached out to us after the fact and told us she was always there for them.”
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“It’s a way to help make sure others have the same positive experience you’ve had.”

“Dr. Wright was like an angel on earth,” said Dick. “When Priscilla was hospitalized, I was so impressed by the care that he, and every nurse and orderly showed not only to Priscilla and me, but all patients and families on the oncology floor. Even though Priscilla was going through a traumatic time, it was joyous how everyone was treated like family. I still get emotional about it even today.”
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“We’ve been blessed. There’s no question.” 

They consider themselves blessed. That is why Dr. Frederick “Fritz” Parker and his wife Ginny included the Upstate Foundation in their estate plans.
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“I want to invest in the lives and health of children.”  

It’s no wonder, then, that Dr. Victoria Meguid – who has been a powerful force for pediatric care at Upstate Medical University since 1992 – has made the Upstate Foundation a beneficiary of her retirement plan.
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“It never hurts to pay it forward. I like being part of the Upstate Foundation.”

While listening to a local television station in 2005, Shirley Florczyk  heard about a motorcycle ride supporting Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. She sent in a gift and ended up connecting with Toni Gary, assistant vice president for development for the Children’s Hospital… the beginning of a wonderful relationship for both women.
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Charitable gift annuity benefits both donors and Upstate  

“It’s terrific! You can have your cake and eat it, too.” This is how Dr. Michael Ratner and his wife Rissa describe their latest philanthropic endeavor – a charitable gift annuity through the Upstate Foundation.

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Legacy gift reflects love for community

A legacy gift as part of Jim and Ceme Curley’s estate plan is just one more step in an enduring relationship with the Upstate Foundation. 

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A legacy that inspires

“Your legacy is how you’ve led your life and how you’ve influenced someone else,” said Molly King, who added to her legacy in this community by including the Upstate Foundation in her estate plans.

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Former longtime Upstate physicians help children and families through legacy gift

“Leaving Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital as a beneficiary in our will was an easy decision for us,” says Dr. Richard Sills, former director of the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, and Dr. Irene Sills, former professor of pediatrics, pediatric endocrinologist at Upstate University Hospital.

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Sick children helped by retired nurse’s planning and commitment

When Elizabeth “Betty” Runkle created the gift annuity, she remarked, “The health profession has given me so much. I’m glad to have the opportunity to pay it back in a small way.” Read more…

 

Lifetimes of service inspire a legacy of hope

John and Mell Gleason’s professional lives have been devoted to the not-for-profit sector. Read more…