Pictured standing left, Kristin Melville, executive director, WCA Foundation; standing right, Anne Sischo, co-founder Shades of Pink Endowment, Co-chair Shades of Pink Golf Tournament; seated, Steve Sischo, co-founder, Shades of Pink Endowment, co-chair Shades of Pink Golf Tournament.
The Shades of Pink Golf Tournament committee announced its annual golf tournament, set for Friday, August 2, at South Hills Country Club. The golfing event has raised more than $50,000 over the past nine years, funding patient care through direct services including mammograms, nurse navigators, vital medical technology, and prevention and education programs that has helped save lives for those receiving care for breast cancer at UPMC Chautauqua. This year’s event proceeds will be used toward the expansion of the new Mammography Suite located at the hospital.
If you would like to sponsor the event or make a donation to the Shades of Pink, whether a tax-deductible sponsorship, personal donation or a prize to be raffled off the day of the event, please contact the WCA Foundation C/O Shades of Pink, Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, PO Box 840, 14702-0840, Jamestown, NY., 716.664.8665 or contact Anne and Steve Sischo at 716.664.9871 or 716.665.7873. All proceeds stay local to help area patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Board of Directors and Executive Director of the WCA Foundation recently recognized Brian Durniok, Market President, Northwest PA and NY and Oncologist, Dr. Rohit Gosain for their contributions in the creation of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua. As an administrator and physician, their partnership, along with many professional staff and skilled clinicians have resulted in the formation of a high quality, innovative cancer center in Chautauqua County.
A former WCA Foundation endowment fund was renamed to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua to recognize both Durniok and Gosain’s accomplishments. A gift of $5,000 from the Board of Directors was presented in their honor at the WCA Foundation’s June Board meeting. The endowment funds will improve the quality of life for local patients receiving treatment for cancer.
While the WCA Foundation has several funds that are earmarked for specific purposes, the new fund will provide local patients receiving cancer care at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua help with basic needs.
Kristin Melville, Executive Director of the WCA Foundation said, “Support for patients receiving cancer care has been clearly apparent by the many requests we receive for basic needs. It is terribly disheartening to hear of patients who are concerned about transportation to and from treatments, utility bills, medications, or groceries. These are very realistic burdens that take away from their concentration to overcome cancer.”
Melville continued, “There is an unfortunate misconception local dollars donated to the WCA Foundation for UPMC Chautauqua do not stay local, or if they are needed at all. This could not be further from the truth. It is the WCA Foundation’s mission to raise, invest, and distribute funds for local patients receiving care at UPMC Chautauqua. I think we all are aware as consumers the growing cost of healthcare. Cancer care is a very good example. Once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, their care can cost much more than anticipated. We are here to support local residents and to improve their quality of life here at home. The funds the WCA Foundation distributes are for you and me, and all who need a lift-up in their wellness journey.”
All donations of any size, gifts of remembrance and encouragement will be accepted to the new fund at WCA Foundation, Inc., Jones Health 51 Glasgow Avenue, PO Box 840, Jamestown, NY, 14702 c/o UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua, or online at www.wcafoundationjamestown.org. FMI contact: Kristin Melville at the WCA Foundation office at 716-664-8665 or Melvillek@upmc.edu
Pictured: Tammara Hodges, Director of Imaging Services, UPMC Chautauqua and graduate, Nora Edwards
The WCA Foundation was pleased to present the Murray S. Marsh Scholarship Award to Radiology graduate, Nora Edwards at the 2024 UPMC Chautauqua School of Radiology commencement on June 14 at UPMC Chautauqua. The scholarship was created through an endowment fund established by the Marsh family to be presented to an outstanding graduate of the School of Radiology.
The late Murray S. Marsh was the Chief Executive Officer of the former WCA Hospital. The annual scholarship award recognizes graduating students who have achieved excellence in their studies and who have demonstrated superior patient care skills. Mr. Marsh understood to deliver quality patient care, the clinician’s knowledge and skill is critical … but when combined with kindness and compassion, the patient experience multiples 10-fold.
Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation Executive Director said, “The most critical challenges facing healthcare today is the shortage of health care professionals. The WCA Foundation is proud to partner with UPMC Chautauqua and the School of Radiology to assist students pursuing careers in medical specialties. A scholarship award of $500 helps graduates with licensure fees and minor expenses incurred throughout their course work. Nora, Congratulations! Please accept our deepest appreciation to you as you begin your journey as a skilled professional. “
To make a gift in remembrance to The Murray S. Marsh Scholarship Endowment Fund at the WCA Foundation, contact: Kristin Melville, Executive Director at the WCA Foundation at Melvillek@upmc.edu or online at www.wcafoundationjamestown.org
Pictured: Radiology Students: Lamont Rhim, Mackenzy Graziano, and Tammara Hodges, Director of Imaging Services, UPMC Chautauqua
The WCA Foundation was honored to present two students of UPMC Chautauqua School of Radiology with the Vincent and Kathleen Messina Memorial Scholarship Award at the school’s commencement on June 14, at UPMC Chautauqua.
The late Vincent Messina was a distinguished graduate from the first graduating class of radiology in 1969. He retired as senior technician after spending 25 years in a profession where he took enormous pride in caring for patients, guiding students, and colleagues. After his death, Messina’s wife Kathy, organized hospital co-workers and friends from the golf community to raise funds to create The Vincent and Katheen Messina Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund at the WCA Foundation. After Kathy’s death, her wishes were to continue supporting students pursuing their careers in the field her husband loved so deeply.
Each year, two students are selected to receive an award of $2,000. The scholarship advances the careers for students who have fulfilled their first year of study and will complete the requirements for graduation in 2025.
The WCA Foundation is pleased to present this year’s recipients: Mackenzy Graziano and Lamont Rhim with this very significant and special scholarship.
WCA Foundation Executive Director, Kristin Melville said, “Congratulations Mackenzy and Lamont as you continue to strive toward excellence in your career pathway. We are extremely proud to be a partner with UPMC Chautauqua and the School of Radiology to help further your studies.”
To make a gift in remembrance to The Vincent and Katheen Messina Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund at the WCA Foundation, contact: Kristin Melville, Executive Director at the WCA Foundation at Melvillek@upmc.edu or online at www.wcafoundationjamestown.org
The WCA Foundation Annual Board of Director’s Meeting held on June 11 at UPMC Chautauqua, named new board leadership.
Accepting a one-year term as Executive Officers were: Chair, Jim Pullan, Jr.; Vice-Chair, Tim Black; Treasurer, Jim Domagola; and Secretary, Kelly Johnson, Esq.
Nominated to the Board of Directors for a three-year term: Bethany Anderson, MBA, BSN, RN, Director of the Emergency Department at UPMC Chautauqua; Dr. Mark J. Tuccio, D.P.M., FACFS, Chair Department of Surgery UPMC Chautauqua and Medical Director Quality Improvement UPMC Chautauqua; Dr. Andrea Walsh OB/GYN, Secretary & Treasurer of Medical Executive Committee, Medical Director of GLPP Women’s Health and Chair of OBGYN Department at UPMC Chautauqua.
The WCA Foundation was founded 42 years ago to provide philanthropic support for hospital care. Today, the foundation’s mission continues to ensure our community hospital, UPMC Chautauqua has the resources needed to deliver expert, timely medical care close to home. The WCA Foundation continues to impact community healthcare through philanthropic support from donors whose contributions have purchased vital medical equipment, advanced cancer care, aided mental health prevention, treatment, and education programs, provided emergency program assistance, and supported new generation of healthcare practitioners through student and hospital staff scholarship programs. Over $12M in grant funds have been allocated to the care and well-being of the citizens of Chautauqua County. To learn more please visit wcafoundationjamestown.org.
Get your smile cookie at local Tim Hortons between April 29 – May 5. Proceeds benefit WCA Foundation and other community organizations.
L-R Tammara Hodges, Director of Imaging Services at UPMC Chautauqua; Kristin Melville, Executive Director WCA Foundation, and Cummins Employees: Marilyn Hoyt, Melissa Pollino, Brelynn Ball, and Becky Owles present to UPMC Chautauqua’s Heart Center a donation of $6,800 from the proceeds of their employee valentine campaign for February American Heart Month. Annually, Cummins employees raise funds through their rose and candy sales for local residents receiving cardiac care.
Northwest Bank presented the WCA Foundation with a check for $2,000 for scholarships for students at UPMC Chautauqua’s School of Laboratory Science. The school is located on the Jones Health Campus on Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown. Donors wishing to learn more about the program and take a tour of the school may contact the WCA Foundation.
Pictured L-R Cecil Miller, Vice President of Operations, UPMC Chautauqua; Jim Domagola, Treasurer and Finance Chair, WCA Foundation; Tim Black, Vice President, WCA Foundation; Chip Johnson, Board Member, WCA Foundation; Kelly Johnson, Esq. Secretary, WCA Foundation. Executive Director, Kristin Melville and Board President, James Pullan, Jr.
The WCA Foundation awarded UPMC Chautauqua with a grant allocation of $684,900, the largest gift in the foundation’s history outside of a capital campaign gift given to UPMC Chautauqua’s Emergency Department renovation, completed in 2012.
James Pullan, Jr., WCA Foundation Board President said, “The WCA Foundation was founded more than 42 years ago and is a private non-profit organization whose sole mission is to provide philanthropic support to UPMC Chautauqua. All funds distributed to the hospital stay in the community as donors have intended. A gift to the WCA Foundation can be restricted to a specific need or it may be applied to the hospital’s greatest need. Most importantly the funds always support patient care. Taking care of our community is our number one goal.”
“The WCA Foundation works in partnership with UPMC Chautauqua and was founded by donors who appreciated their medical care at the hospital, grateful patients. Each any every day we are serving our community through every department of the hospital. Funds touch all lives, from newborn to end-of-life. Donors often feel giving to the foundation gives them a full range of medical care to support, and their giving supports patients from every corner of our community,” said Kristin Melville, WCA Executive Director.
This year’s grant will purchase a van for patients receiving care from the Chemical Dependency program to assist with transportation to and from job interviews, work, and group sessions. Transportation reduces the barriers for patients in the program that could prevent successful transitions.
Rapid Emergency Department Infuser administers blood products and fluids at a rapid rate to critically ill patients and Continuous Glucose Monitoring CD Rehab reduces the number of Emergency Department visits related to blood sugar emergencies and helps patients avoid their blood glucose from rising or falling to quickly. Remaining funds will support and enhance every department of the hospital, from equipment and program needs to scholarship funds for staff development and training, and students pursuing their medical careers.
The WCA Foundation raises funds throughout the year through events hosted by donors, annual fund campaign, personal giving, memorial giving, endowment funds, and the generosity of estate giving. Pullan concluded the gift ceremony, “We have an incredible board of directors, committee volunteers, foundation staff, and generous donors who wholeheartedly work and volunteer their time to ensure our local hospital has everything they need to provide state of the art healthcare right here at home.”
The WCA Foundation celebrates 42 years of supporting patient care, providing $11M in grant funds to WCA Hospital, and now UPMC Chautauqua. FMI: To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665.
Pictured in the photo: L-R Kristin Melville, Executive Director, WCA Foundation, Anne Sischo, Founder of the Shades of Pink Golf Tournament, Brooke Mareri, Mammographer at UPMC Chautauqua Mammography Department, and Tammara Hodges, Director of Imaging Services at UPMC Chautauqua. Anne Sischo presents the UPMC Chautauqua Mammography Department with the proceeds of the Shades of Pink Golf Tournament that was held on August 4, at South Hills Country Club.
Shades of Pink Golf Tournament founder and philanthropist, Anne Sischo presented UPMC Chautauqua’s Mammography Department with a check for $20,982 from the proceeds of the Annual Shades of Pink Golf Tournament that was held on August 4, at South Hills Country Club. Anne, a cancer survivor was diagnosed in 2015 with breast cancer. After receiving a full recovery, Anne wanted to pay it forward to help other breast cancer patients. While receiving care, she recognized the distinct benefits of clinical navigators. Clinical navigators guide patients through the health care system through the maze of scheduled tests, appointments, and shared information. Anne said, “Clinical navigators are critical to patients’ support systems by building relationships that ease the anxiety of a cancer diagnosis. Their support makes a significant difference in directing the phases of care from diagnosis, treatment, and surgery by coordinating their care each step of the way.” Anne and her husband, Steve Sischo, along with good friend, Randy Grey raised the initial funds to create an endowment at the WCA Foundation through their shared love of golf. The Shades of Pink Golf Tournament was born and has expanded over the past eight years bringing together more friends, families, neighbors, and business sponsors. Today, local patients have benefited from their philanthropy; the fund has grown to over $60,000. Funds from the endowment continue to support clinical navigator certifications, mammography staff development, and prevention education. The goal of the annual tournament is to raise funds so that every breast cancer patient receives what they need to move forward to their next stage of survivorship.
Kristin Melville, executive director of the WCA Foundation said, “ When I think of Anne and Steve and how they have rallied their community to help others, I think of the quote made famous by Margaret Meade, American cultural anthropologist, who said, “ ‘ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ‘ ”
For those who would like to make a gift to support the Shades of Pink Endowment at the WCA Foundation may visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or may contact the WCA Foundation at 716-664-8665, or mail a tax deductible gift to the WCA Foundation, Jones Health, 51 Glasgow, Avenue, PO Box 840, Jamestown, NY 14702-0840.