Upstate Medical University
Department of Spiritual Care
You can make a difference in furthering the mission and vision of Spiritual Care at Upstate by donating to one of the funds that directly support our basic needs. Donation form below.
Dr. Daniel Burdick Compassionate Care Fund (Fund #05700)
Purpose of this fund is to support operating the Schwartz Center Rounds Program at Upstate University Hospital. View this video for an overview of The Schwartz Center and why compassionate healthcare matters.
Father Alfred Bebel Spiritual Care Fund (Fund #44248)
at Upstate Medical University
The Father Alfred Bebel Spiritual Care Fund was established in 2004 upon the retirement of Father Alfred Bebel, Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Syracuse and beloved priest chaplain at Upstate Medical University since 1986. Father Bebel worked tirelessly to provide spiritual care for patients and families in crisis. In addition, he offered staff support, participated as a chaplain-mentor in the College of Medicine, held membership on the Ethics Committee, and offered prayers for numerous graduations and other celebratory functions. He has touched countless lives through his compassionate and caring nature. Beloved by all, Father Bebel’s ministry will continue through your generous contribution to spiritual care at Upstate.
The Father Alfred Bebel Spiritual Care Fund supports spiritual care services, provides for the Chapel’s ongoing needs and strengthens professional chaplaincy education and training.
Rev. Louise Tallman Pediatric Spiritual Care Fund (Fund #37975)
at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital
Rev Louise Tallman served as Upstate’s first Pediatric Chaplain from 2003 until her retirement in 2012. During this time, she helped create a strong, vibrant spiritual care program that served pediatric patients and their families from all walks of life. Affectionately known as “Rev. Weez” by all, she was regularly sought out for advice and counseling.
Her commitment to inclusivity, diversity and spirituality in the pediatric chaplain program of the Department of Spiritual Care will continue to be supported through donations made to this fund that celebrate the legacy of her ministry.
The Harold Berman Pediatric Spiritual Care Endowment (Fund #60750)
The Harold Berman Pediatric Spiritual Care Endowment was established in 2007 in memory of Harold Berman, a lifelong Syracuse resident, well-known community advocate for the disabled, political advisor and devoted follower of the Syracuse Chiefs baseball team (now known as the Syracuse Mets). Disabled from rheumatoid arthritis since his teens, Harold endured numerous operations, treatments and hospitalizations that only made him more determined to help others. He was instrumental in founding the Euclid Community Open House, Stuck-in-the-House, Inc., as well as working with the City of Syracuse ramp program, Onondaga County Elevator Code Board, Enable, Salt City Playhouse, Syracuse Disabled in Action, TLC, the Syracuse Flyers and the Arthritis Foundation.
At Upstate University Hospital, he was beloved in pediatrics for encouraging members of the Syracuse Chiefs to visit sick and injured children through the years.
Heatherstrong Heroes of Hope Memorial Fund (Fund #20200)
The Heatherstrong Heroes of Hope Memorial Fund was established in 2015 in memory of Heather Ely to support the needs of the Upstate Cancer Center Spiritual Care Program.
Spiritual Care Reiki Fund (Fund #44240)
The Spiritual Care Reiki Fund supports the work and training of Reiki practitioners in offering the integrative therapy of Reiki into a patient's medical plan of care. It is provided free of charge before or after chemotherapy, radiation treatment or surgery. Patients report that this non-invasive treatment decreases anxiety and pain, as well as strengthen the natural sense of well-being.