Photo Caption: From left, Kim Carlson, who established A Fresh Start Endowment through the WCA Foundation in memory of her son, Alex, is pictured with Erika Remington, RN (right), UPMC Chautauqua Outpatient Nurse Coordinator II. A newly established program at UPMC Chautauqua Behavioral Health Services supported by the Fresh Start endowment, covers medications for patients until their insurance coverage begins to pay. To donate to the fund, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org.

By Linda Johnson, Donor Specialist, WCA Foundation, Inc.

Kim Carlson fondly remembers Alex’s childhood, filled with laughter, dreams, and boundless potential. Born in the transitional month of October that heralds the arrival of autumn, Alex was the youngest of two children. Kim describes her son as a bright, compassionate, and soft-hearted young man bursting with curiosity about the world around him. “He was a happy little child,” Kim said. “A bundle of youthful energy and curiosity, he did all the things that little people do, and held a genuine tenderness and nurturing demeanor towards people and animals. Alex had these charming dimples and a sweet infectious smile that had a magical way of getting him out of trouble!” The world was Alex’s playground, and Kim revealed that his heart was full of dreams and possibilities that embodied the pure joy and potential of childhood. With a loving and supportive family, Alex had everything he needed to flourish.

The Struggle Begins

During his childhood and adolescent years, Alex embraced an athletic lifestyle that became an integral part of his daily routine and identity. Kim describes a young boy who loved sports. “His eyes would light up at the mere mention of hockey and his face would break into that visible expression of joy every time he stepped onto the hockey rink,” said Kim.

While he had a passion for sports, navigating school posed more challenging for Alex. “We discovered Alex had a learning disorder called dyslexia which hampered his ability to recognize sounds properly and inhibited his capability to read and write,” said Kim. “When you are affected by this disorder, nothing comes easy, and he struggled throughout his entire life due to dyslexia. As concerned parents, we swiftly put recommended measures into place that would help Alex, including prescribed medication for attention deficit disorder, a common approach within the realm of medicine at that time. In hindsight, it turned out to be a poor choice for Alex. At the time, I believed that giving my son medication was the right decision for the right reasons. Regrettably, looking back, I realize it may not have been the best decision for Alex.”

As Alex entered the latter stages of adolescence into adulthood, Kim noticed subtle changes in his behavior. Concerned, she attempted to approach him about her worries, only to be met with some resistance and denial. Little did she know, Alex had fallen into the clutches of drug addiction. “I was watching my son deteriorate before my very eyes,” Kim said with her eyes filled with tears.

Kim’s worst fears were realized as Alex’s addiction worsened. He became entangled in a dangerous web of substance abuse, leading him down a destructive path. Shock and disbelief flooded her as she realized her child was battling addiction. Kim’s once bright and cheery son was a shadow of his former self, trapped in the relentless grip of chemical dependency.

Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions ranging from fear to concern, Kim knew that immediate action was crucial. Fueled by unconditional love, Kim embarked on a relentless quest to save her son from the clutches of addiction. “He had a very difficult time shaking off the addiction of drugs and I was determined to be his advocate,” Kim said with a determination in her voice that only a parent recognizes. She sought out treatment programs, counseling, education, and a strong network of support to navigate the difficult path ahead. Each glimmer of hope was often dashed by heartbreaking setbacks as Alex’s addiction seemed insurmountable. “I felt somewhat safe because Alex was petrified of needles, and I found some comfort in believing that he wasn’t putting a needle in his arm,” said Kim. “Little did I know at the time that he could actually smoke the stuff.” As days turned into weeks and then months, Kim’s dedication never wavered. She became a pillar of strength for her only son. “I talked to Alex every day,” Kim said. “His condition wasn’t without its setbacks, but I was determined to become a driving force in his progress. Through Alex’s struggles, we discovered a closeness, a bond between us that emerged stronger in the face of this dreadful disease.” Alex was resiliently managing his addiction while remaining dedicated to a job he loved passionately during his recovery years. “He loved his job,” said Kim. “He loved those kids.”

The Devastating Loss

After years of battling drug addiction, tragedy struck Kim’s family. At 26 years of age, Alex lost his life to a drug overdose on February 26, 2016. With a somber, heart-wrenching tone in her voice, Kim shared, “I remember his last words to me, ‘I love you mama’ and I quickly conveyed I love you too Alex. That was the very last time I ever talked to him.” The news shattered Kim’s world, leaving her with a void that could never be filled. Her pain was palpable. Grief consumed her, but through the pain, Kim found the strength to share her story, hoping to prevent others from experiencing a similar fate.

A Fresh Start

In the wake of her son’s passing, Kim became an advocate for addiction awareness, recovery, and prevention. She channeled her pain into action, tirelessly working to fund A Fresh Start Endowment through the WCA Foundation. The fund was established to provide encouragement and support through personal experiences for those with chemical dependency in loving memory of her son, Alex. The establishment of the endowment serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love, hope, and support can guide us through the toughest of trials.

The Legacy of Love

Kim’s love for her son and her determination to bring about change has had a profound impact. Through her efforts, she has touched the lives of countless individuals battling addiction and their families at UPMC Chautauqua, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Kim’s story serves as a reminder that behind every devastating loss, are real lives, real families, and real pain. Kim Carlson’s journey through her son’s addiction and subsequent loss is an agonizing reminder of the devastating consequences of addiction. Her unwavering love, resilience, and giving back stand as a beacon of hope in the fight against this relentless epidemic. May her story inspire compassion, understanding, and support for those affected by dependency, and may it serve as a catalyst for change in our society.

His Ever-Present Memory

Amid the vibrant blooms and fragrant petals at Pea Pod & Juniper, Kim’s floral and gift shop, there rests a pair of well-worn, once shiny hockey skates that tell a story of a young life lived and symbolizes the enduring bond between a mother and her son that transcends time and space. “I keep Alex’s hockey skates within sight of my floral display table—close enough to be seen at all times,” says Kim with tears welling up in her eyes. “Each glance at the skates is a moment of connection, a way for me to keep Alex’s memory alive and honor the love that only we shared.”

Donate To Save a Life from Addiction

Everyone deserves a fresh start and patients recovering from addiction who are reclaiming their lives, no longer need to be concerned that their treatment will be disrupted through a brand-new program at UPMC Chautauqua Outpatient Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Program that will cover medications until their insurance coverage begins to pay. Please consider donating to support addiction recovery efforts at UPMC Chautauqua. The WCA Foundation celebrates 42 years of supporting patient care, providing $12M in grant funds to UPMC Chautauqua. For more information or to learn about the WCA Foundation, visit www.wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact Kristin Melville, executive director, at 716-664-8665 or email melvillek@upmc.edu.

Linda Johnson, Donor Specialist at the WCA Foundation (center) accepts a donation for UPMC Chautauqua for breast cancer care. Cummins Engine employees participate with UPMC Chautauqua’s mammography staff in October in observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month providing education and prevention tools. Pictured with Linda: Pam Exley, Stacy Kramer, Dori Harshaw Back row. Ryan Dernar, Heather Jensen, Michael Hagadorn, Tim Hill. Cummins Engine employees raised $8,500 for local patients. Linda Johnson said, “We are honored to receive these generous funds. Funds stay local and help both women and men receiving breast cancer care at UPMC Chautauqua. Having been involved with the program many years ago, I am pleased Cummins employees continue to engage and value the support they provide to their community. This makes this gift even more special.”

Kristin Melville, Executive Director, at the WCA Foundation received a donation from Kicking for the Cure, an annual fundraising event led by Southwestern Central School Soccer teams, Girls Modified and Varsity, and the Boys Modified and Varsity.

The fundraising event began as a means to support the late Janet Lindell, a fellow Southwestern Central School graduate, parent, and school employee who was an integral part of the school’s soccer community. She passed away in August of 2021 from a courageous battle with breast cancer. The team has continued to fundraise in her memory with proceeds to benefit local patients receiving breast cancer care at UPMC Chautauqua and to the Janet Lindell Scholarship Fund established at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Melville, a breast cancer patient herself, thanked the team and coaches for their compassionate fundraising campaign. She remarked, “If there is one take away from this, have a mammogram and encourage others who may be unsure if they need one to have one. Prevention saves lives.”

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $12M 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.

Photo: Marcia Derby, Co- Chairperson; Patti Reed; Brooke Mareri; Corin Derby; Julie Abramson, Co-Chairperson; Joann Murray, Slone Melhuish Insurance; Toni Wirsen, All for Amy; Theresa Jackson, All for Amy; Megan Ludwiczak; Jim Mee, owner Jamestown Bowling Company; and Max Eimiller, Slone Melhuish Insurance. Absent from the photo: Kristy Moore

The committee and major sponsors for the annual Framed in Pink Bowling Over Breast Cancer have finalized plans for the October 22 fundraising event, to be held at the Jamestown Bowling Company, with a 12:00 registration and 1:00 event kick-off.

The fundraising event began in 2014 and has since grown in popularity; nearly 150 bowlers participate each year. The event was founded by the late Sue Lamb and has raised more than $55,000 for local women and men undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

An endowed fund at the WCA Foundation invests the funds and distributes for patient care at UPMC Chautauqua. The committee hopes to raise more funds than last year, with a goal of $15,000. Proceeds help purchase state of the art breast cancer technology that aid in the early detection of breast cancer, and oncology treatment specific to breast cancer care. Event committee members have planned a 50/50 and raffle ticket drawings, as well as a Chinese auction that will include guest resort packages to area attractions, a local golf package extravaganza, and much more.

Sue Lamb passed away in 2021, from health issues unrelated to breast cancer. Her daughters, family members and friends continue to raise funds and awareness in Lamb’s honor. Marcia Derby, Lamb’s daughter and committee co-chair for the event, said, “My mother took great pride in making a difference for patients to live beyond their diagnosis of breast cancer and to enjoy life to the fullest.”

The event welcomes major sponsors, “All for Amy”, a fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Slone Melhuish Insurance, Jamestown Bowling Company, and many more local businesses, individuals, and other in-kind donation contributors.

While family and friends gear up for another successful event, all those who are interested in participating and making a financial contribution or in-kind donation may contact framedinpink@gmail.com or by calling 716-708-0249. Follow the event on Facebook at “2023 Framed in Pink Bowling Over Breast Cancer”.

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $12M 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.

The WCA Foundation is pleased to announce Joesph Bellitto has joined the WCA Foundation board of directors. Bellitto served as the Comptroller for the City of Jamestown for 30 years, retiring in 2020. A seasoned community volunteer, he has served on various non-profit boards. Currently, he is the vice-president on the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation board and is a member of their executive, investment and audit committees. In addition, he is a member of the finance committee of the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, where he served on their board of directors as the treasurer. “A strong local hospital with vital services and wonderful care is essential to our region. I am honored to serve on the WCA Foundation board of directors to continue its growth and long-term support of UPMC Chautauqua,” said Bellitto.

Bellitto is a life-long resident of Jamestown, and a graduate of Jamestown Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology. He resides in the Jamestown with his wife Leigh Ann, two grown children and two granddaughters.

Pictured: l-r Chardonay Oliver is presented with the Murray S. Marsh Outstanding Student Award at the July 14, 2023 at UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science Program graduation ceremonies by Kristin Melville, executive director, WCA Foundation.

The WCA Foundation awarded Chardonay Oliver, a recent graduate of UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science Program with the Murray S. Marsh Outstanding Student Award at the school’s 2023 commencement ceremony. Named in memory of Murray S. Marsh, the former chief executive officer of WCA Hospital. The WCA Foundation works with all donors to ensure programs like the Medical Laboratory Science School is helping to assist students pursuing careers in medical specialties. Presented annually at the school’s graduation ceremony, the $500 scholarship helps graduates with licensure fees and other expenses incurred throughout their course work.

Kristin Melville, said, “The WCA Foundation is honored to support students and graduates like Ms. Oliver; they are medical professionals who will provide outstanding patient care in our community at UPMC Chautauqua.”

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M 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.

The WCA Foundation announced the addition of two new board members Timothy Edborg and Nelson Garifi.

Timothy Edborg is a financial wealth advisor with UBS. Edborg has 25 plus years in the financial services industry. He is the past president of the Rotary Club of Jamestown and the James Prendergast library. He has served on the investment committee of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for over 20 years, as well as being involved with many other non-profit organizations. He is a graduate of SUNY Jamestown Community College and SUNY Buffalo. Edborg resides in Lakewood, New York with his wife, Lianne, and they have two grown children. Edborg stated, “I am pleased, honored, and humbled to be a part of the WCA Foundation’s board of directors. I look forward to collectively making an impact to patient care at UPMC Chautauqua. Having excellent healthcare, close to home has meant the world to my family.”

Nelson Garifi, a retired administrator at SUNY Jamestown Community College was elected. Garifi has been part of JCC’s administrative team since 1981, and most recently retired as the executive director of academic innovation. He is actively involved with many non-profit organizations where he served as a communications strategist. He is presently a volunteer with Chautauqua Striders and at the National Comedy Center. He is a graduate of SUNY Jamestown Community College and Saint Bonaventure University. He is a Jamestown resident, and father to a grown son. Garifi said. “The hospital has played an important role in my life and the lives of family members. I perceive, my board membership will allow me to acknowledge how I have benefited from the hospital’s presence in our community.” Edborg and Garifi will serve a three-year term.

Also elected to the WCA Foundation board officers serving a one-year term, James Pullan, Jr. Chair; Tim Black, vice-chair; James Domagola, treasurer and finance committee chair; Kelly Johnson, Esq., secretary.

Outgoing board members, Wendy Kane, Laura Otander, and Dr. Robert Ungerer were thanked for their nine years of service. “They have each played a pivotal role in the foundation’s operations during their tenure. We are grateful for their leadership during the foundation’s period of growth,” said board chair, James Pullan, Jr.

The WCA Foundation celebrated the 2023 graduates of UPMC Chautauqua’s School of Radiology at their recent commencement ceremonies. Kristin Melville, executive director at the WCA Foundation presented the Murray S. Marsh Outstanding Student Scholarship Award to Courtney Graham. Melville said, “Courtney is a shining example of building collective energy. You can change the workplace, your community, and the world around you when you strive for success for all individuals.”

In addition to the Marsh award, the foundation honored the legacies of Vincent and Kathleen Messina. 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, hospital co-workers, and friends from the golf community raised funds to create The Vincent and Katheen Messina Memorial Scholarship Fund at the WCA Foundation. 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 2024.

Kylee Botticello and Nora Edwards were honored with this year’s Messina scholarship award. Melville said, “The Messina’s believed in their community and in a new generation of health care professionals who will ensure our families will continue to have excellent health care close to home.”

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M 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.

Photo Caption Messina Award: Left of Image

l-r Kylee Botticello and Nora Edwards receive the Vincent and Kathleen Memorial Scholarship from Kristin Melville, executive director at the WCA Foundation at the 2023 UPMC Chautauqua School of Radiology Technology Graduation commencement. The scholarship award honors outstanding students who are in their first year of the radiology school and will continue their studies and graduate in 2024.

Photo Caption Marsh Awards: Right of Image

l-r Courtney Graham a 2023 graduate of the UPMC Chautauqua School of Radiology Technology received the Murray S. Marsh Scholarship Award for Outstanding Student from Kristin Melville, executive director at the WCA Foundation. The Marsh scholarship was named after the late Murray S. Marsh who served as the chief operating officer at WCA Hospital. The endowment fund honors outstanding students pursuing careers in radiology and laboratory science with a $500 scholarship.

Photo Slide Show 2023 – Thank you for your Support!

The Shades of Pink Golf Tournament was held on Friday, August 4, at South Hills Country Club. The Shades of Pink Tournament has raised $50,000 in the past eight years and has funded patient care through direct services including mammograms, nurse navigators, vital medical equipment, and prevention and education programs that has helped save lives for those receiving care for breast cancer at UPMC Chautauqua.

The Shades Pink is an endowed fund at the WCA Foundation that grew as a legacy to its founder Anne Sischo and patients beginning their cancer journeys. Anne Sischo was diagnosed in 2015 with Stage 2 breast cancer. Today, Anne is eight years into her survivorship. The tournament is held the first Friday in August. Funds raised support cancer care so patients may access the necessary services and resources during and after care. Part of the funds pay for nurse navigators at UPMC Chautauqua who help guide patients through the process and serve patients through complex therapies including medical, radiation, surgical, and lifestyle changes.

Kristin Melville, Executive Director at the WCA Foundation said, “A diagnosis of cancer can be life-changing, but fear should not control the care your need to survive and thrive. The Shades of Pink Fund at the WCA Foundation helps to meet immediate needs by navigating the cancer journey and removing the barriers that keep patients from getting the care they need when they need it. Like Anne Sischo’s personal journey, it is about finding the beauty and grace during a challenging time and empowering our community to support those impacted by a cancer diagnosis.”

For those who would like to 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, 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 sponsorship checks are payable to the WCA foundation C/O Shades of Pink.

Jamestown-The WCA Foundation honored outgoing board members at the foundation’s 41^st annual meeting. Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation Executive Director and James Pullan, Jr., Foundation acknowledged Laura Otander, Wendy Kane, and Robert Ungerer, M.D. for nine-years of service to the foundation and the UPMC Chautauqua.

Pictured: (L-R) Laura Otander; Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation, Executive Director; Jim Pullan, Jr.; WCA Foundation Board President; Robert Ungerer, MD; and Wendy Kane.