Upstate Cancer Center

01/12/2026

Please join us in congratulating Zeke Auburn, BSN, RN, OCN, on his outstanding achievement of earning his Oncology Nurse Certification! As a Clinical Leader and a vital member of our Adult Hematology Clinic team, Zeke demonstrates remarkable dedication and excellence in patient care. This certification not only highlights his strong commitment to professional growth but also emphasizes his invaluable contributions to our department. We are incredibly proud of Zeke's accomplishment and the positive impact he makes every day!

01/12/2026

Cancer Center Chaplain's Corner - A Contemplative Exercise for the Year Ahead: Your “Star Word” Chooses You.

On Tuesday, January 13, from 8:30 - 10:30 am, Chaplains Tom and Kate will be walking around the Cancer Center with a bag of Star Words. If you’d like to reach in and take one, please do! Your Star Word will provide you with a point of contemplation for the year ahead. You might resonate with your word right away. It might make no sense to you at all. But hang on to your Star Word. Put it somewhere visible where you can think about it and ponder what that word might have to share with you or where it might be guiding you throughout the year ahead.

If you’re not here on Tuesday morning and you want a Star Word later in the week or month, no problem. Just reach out to Chaplain Tom or Chaplain Kate the next time you’re in for an appointment, and we’ll find you with the Star Word bag.

Wishing you a peaceful week,
Chaplain Kate and Chaplain Tom

01/08/2026

Please join us in congratulating Kristin Soper, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, NEA-BC, who has been appointed Deputy Director of Nursing for the Upstate Cancer Center, effective January 15, 2026.

Kristin began her career at Upstate in 2006 as a summer clinical assistant and has since held various roles focused on oncology care. Since joining the Cancer Center leadership team in 2022 as Associate Director of Nursing, the Cancer Center has experienced significant volume growth, and her leadership has helped strengthen clinical operations and address longstanding challenges in recruitment and retention through creativity, mentorship, and authentic care for patients and staff alike.

A highly respected leader and scholar, Kristin has received multiple honors, including the Nancy Page Nurse Leadership Award for her transformative work in the Cancer Center. She has published and presented nationally on oncology and nursing practice and holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, along with advanced nurse executive certification and board certifications in both oncology and adult nurse practitioner practice.

We are grateful for Kristin’s dedication and leadership and look forward to the impact she will continue to make in this new role. Congratulations, Kristin!

01/07/2026

Please join us in congratulating Cindy Serviss on earning her Oncology Nurse Navigator–Certified Generalist (ONN-CG) certification!

Cindy has been a dedicated Nurse Navigator with the Genetics Program for nearly 3 years and has more than 18 years of service at Upstate. This certification is a testament to her commitment to excellence and recognizes the unique knowledge, skills, and scope of care that Oncology Nurse Navigators provide to support patients throughout their journey at the Cancer Center.

We’re grateful for Cindy’s dedication to our patients and proud to have her as part of the Upstate Cancer Center team!

01/07/2026

The Upstate Mammo Van is a convenient option for your breast cancer screening. Learn all about this amazing service and if you’re due for a mammogram, be sure to schedule it soon by calling 315-464-2588.

Upstate University Hospital is providing breast cancer screenings directly to women in Onondaga and Oswego Counties with its mobile mammography van, making the process quick and easy for patients.

01/06/2026

We’re proud to share that Kayla Kneule, NP, AOCNP, has successfully passed the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) exam! Passing this exam takes incredible dedication, clinical expertise, and a lot of studying. We’re so grateful to have her as part of the Upstate Cancer Center team.

Please join us in congratulating Kayla on this well-earned accomplishment!

01/05/2026

Cancer Center Chaplain’s Corner:
As we leave 2025 behind, let us take stock of what the past year has brought—the good, and at times the difficult—and how those experiences have impacted us.

Equally important is to think about who and what has helped us to preserve and move through times of difficulty and challenge, especially those who have journeyed alongside us. We give thanks for each of these people and the support they have provided during our times of need.

While we do not know what 2026 will hold for us, we know that those close to us will continue to love us. May their love, and the love you have for them, be a source of peace, strength, and hope, and may it sustain you throughout the coming year.
- Chaplain Tom

01/02/2026

WOW...thank you, Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund! 💛

Holiday gift to the Upstate Foundation supports cancer care and research for children and families, continuing nearly three decades of impact through Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund.

01/01/2026

As you set your goals for 2026, make your health a priority. The Upstate Mammo Van will be on the road this January, making it easy and convenient to schedule your breast cancer screening close to home.

A mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take toward early detection and starting the year right. Find a date and location that works for you and make your appointment today by calling (315) 464-2588 or visiting www.upstate.edu/noexcuses

12/31/2025

From everyone at Upstate Cancer Center, we wish you all the best in the new year!

12/31/2025

Looking for something meaningful to kick off the new year? Start 2026 by giving a gift that truly saves lives. ❤️

Upstate Cancer Center will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, January 8, from 12 – 5 pm in Conference Room 1076 ABC. A single donation can help multiple patients.

Sign up to donate and help save lives: www.upstate.edu/blood