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.
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.