Upstate Cancer Center

02/27/2026

A routine annual physical. A simple blood test. A life-changing diagnosis.

When Roger learned he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he faced the question so many patients ask: “Why me?” But instead of looking backward, he chose to move forward, with the support of his care team at Upstate Cancer Center.

Watch Roger’s inspiring journey and see the difference compassionate, expert care can make.

02/26/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Tori Brown, RN, who received a DAISY Award yesterday in recognition of her compassionate care and clinical excellence.

Tori’s nomination captures the impact she has on patients and colleagues: “Tori handled an emergency situation with a level of composure and compassion that speaks volumes about their dedication to patient safety and excellence in nursing practice. This experience reinforced my respect for her as a nurse and as a colleague. Tori exemplifies the values of oncology nursing, clinical excellence, teamwork, advocacy, and compassion, and is truly deserving of recognition through the DAISY Award.”

Please join us in congratulating Tori on this well-deserved recognition! 🌼

02/25/2026

After 28½ years of dedicated service to Upstate, we celebrate the retirement of Bonnie Braddock, MPH, CGC, Senior Certified Genetic Counselor and Team Lead for the Genetics Program at Upstate Cancer Center.

Throughout her career, Bonnie made meaningful contributions to the Pediatric Specialty Center and Upstate’s Center for Development, Behavior and Genetics before bringing her expertise to the Cancer Center in 2020.

Her leadership, deep clinical knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence helped guide our Genetics Program through tremendous growth. Bonnie has been a fierce advocate for her colleagues and the patients she has served with compassion and dedication.

Please join us in congratulating Bonnie on a well-deserved retirement! 🎉

Photo: Many of our genetics team members, including Annette, Cindy, Mary, Jason, Holly, and Kristin, celebrated Bonnie (center) at a special breakfast today.

02/25/2026

Last week, our Adult Hematology/Oncology clinic team kicked off the Year of the Horse! 🐎

In Lunar New Year traditions, the Year of the Horse symbolizes momentum, movement, and energy, which are qualities our team brings to their work every day in caring for our patients.

Staff received Hongbao (red envelopes), a traditional gift given during the Chinese New Year that symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

We’re grateful for the dedication our team shows year-round and excited to carry that momentum forward in 2026!

02/24/2026

Congratulations to Scott Lansing, RN, from our Multidisciplinary team, the newest recipient of Upstate Cancer Center’s Golden Duck Award! 🦆🏆

Scott is the first person ever to receive two nominations for this award, and it’s easy to see why. He has been instrumental in planning our transition to team nursing, is always willing to lend a hand, and consistently brings a positive, solution-oriented attitude to the department. He’s a true leader who supports not only his nursing colleagues but also steps in to help the MOA team whenever needed. You might say he’s the kind of teammate who always has his ducks in a row.

The Golden Duck Award was created as a fun and meaningful way to recognize staff members who go above and beyond for their colleagues and patients. Like ducks who move smoothly across the water while paddling hard beneath the surface, our awardees demonstrate dedication, teamwork, and quiet excellence every day.

Way to go, Scott!

02/23/2026

Cancer Center Chaplain’s Corner: Welcome to Your Meditation Room

Chaplain Tom and I share an office located within the Patricia A. Connolly Meditation Room on the first floor of the Cancer Center. We feel very fortunate to work in such a quiet and contemplative space.

Last week, on Ash Wednesday, many of the people who met me in the Meditation Room for a time of prayer and imposition of ashes told me they hadn’t known the room existed before that day. The Meditation Room is not meant to be a well-kept secret: it’s a resource for you…patients, family members, and staff. So, let me tell you about it.

The Meditation Room offers an interfaith space for prayer, meditation, quiet reflection, or devotional reading. Muslim prayer rugs are available on the bench, and we currently have a few dates available for Muslims whose shift ends after sundown during Ramadan. We have Zafu and Zabuton meditation cushions for meditation in the Buddhist tradition. We have rosary beads on the shelf for Catholic prayer. Marie Luther's serene, sensuous artwork, "Window on the Pond," provides a focal point for mindful breathing and reflection. We aim to make this space a calm, nurturing, healing space for all.

A Prayer Wheel on the top shelf collects prayer requests all week that go to the Tuesday interfaith prayer service in the hospital chapel to be prayed over by all the chaplains, and then on to the interfaith Intensive Prayer Circle for more prayer. Any time you feel in need of prayer, feel free to drop a prayer request into the Prayer Wheel.

Chaplain Tom and I occasionally use the Meditation Room for individual counseling sessions, in which case, we’ll put a sign on the door saying, “Meeting in progress,” to indicate that the room is being used. Other than for confidential meetings, however, the room may be used for prayer and meditation for up to 4-5 people at a time who are respectful of each other’s space.

We’re working on making a wonderful space even better. We plan to get a shelving unit to put the prayer rugs in and enhance our collection of scripture and devotional books. We know not all religious traditions are currently represented, and if you can recommend books or religious items from your tradition that you would like to see in the Meditation Room, please let us know.

Welcome to your Meditation Room: your space for reflection, meditation, and prayer at the Upstate Cancer Center.
- Chaplain Kate

02/20/2026

Learn how simple, delicious foods can support colon health, all while hearing directly from our experts at Upstate Cancer Center.

👩‍⚕️ Kristina Go, MD, colorectal surgeon, will discuss the importance of colon health and colon cancer screening.

🧑‍🍳 Dillion McNatt, Upstate Executive Chef, will prepare the recipe and guide you as you follow along.

🥗 Katie Krawczyk, MA, RDN, CNSC, registered dietitian, will explain why these ingredients matter for colon health.

The event is FREE. Call Upstate Connect at (315) 464-8668 to reserve your spot today.

02/19/2026

We’re so proud of the "beneath the surFACE" program and the incredible local students who have spent weeks transforming radiation masks into powerful works of art. This project is about more than just creativity...it’s about spreading HPV awareness and cancer prevention education in our community.

Read more about this collaboration in The Daily Orange and then see the artwork in person! 🎨

Join us for a special reception and silent auction to support our Head and Neck Cancer Program on Wednesday, March 18, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, 3800 E Genesee St, Syracuse.

Upstate Cancer Center’s beneath the surFACE program focuses on HPV education and prevention awareness. It hosts local high school art students who decorate radiation masks to raise money for the cancer center.

02/18/2026

🎵 A moment of calm in the middle of the day.

Hannah, a medical student at SUNY Upstate and member of our Music as Healing program, filled the Cancer Center atrium with peaceful flute music today.

We truly enjoy hosting the Music as Healing program and are grateful for the comfort and connection these talented students bring to our space.

02/17/2026

How do you turn your cancer journey into poetry? Sophia Xian, a third-year medical student at Upstate, shares the story behind her award-winning poems in the latest Informed Patient podcast. Listen now to hear how writing helped her process her diagnosis, treatment, and her journey toward becoming a doctor.

Interview with medical student Sophia Xian

02/16/2026

Saturday was Valentine’s Day, a day to reflect on the love we have for and share with one another, especially those who are most dear to us. I was reading poems that various poets wrote about love and stumbled across a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that spoke to me. I’d like to share it with you.

This Is My Wish for You by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comfort on difficult days,
smiles when sadness intrudes,
rainbows to follow the clouds,
laughter to kiss your lips,
sunsets to warm your heart,
hugs when spirits sag,
beauty for your eyes to see,
friendships to brighten your being,
faith so that you can believe,
confidence for when you doubt,
courage to know yourself,
patience to accept the truth,
love to complete your life.

This poem takes me through the thoughts and feelings that I believe we all experience at various times in our lives. Importantly, it also speaks to what lifts our spirits when we are in need or experiencing a low point. I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t benefit from a hug when we’re feeling down or not marvel at the beauty of a rainbow after a downpour.

As I spent more time with the poem, I realized that for me, there’s a greater meaning here. The poet affirms that it’s not only okay for us to seek out those things that bring meaning and joy into our hearts, it’s a good and necessary thing to do. That whatever our condition may be and whatever is before us, we are worthy and deserving of being content and having love in our lives.

As we continue to bask in the glow of Valentine’s Day, may we freely give of the love we have for others, embrace the love they gift to us, and when we are in need, seek contentment and love in ways that hold meaning for us. And as the poet says, allow love to complete your life. This is my wish for you.

If you would like a visit from a chaplain, please ask your nurse or provider to contact Spiritual Care. Or, you can call either Chaplain Kate or me at (315) 464-4687. We’d be pleased to spend time with you.

- Chaplain Tom

02/14/2026

Each month, we’re highlighting a beloved pet featured in our 2026 Pets Wear Pink Calendar. Our February star is Opal!

Opal is an adorable two-year-old shih tzu, whose human is Dr. Katherine Shumacher, a resident in our Radiation Oncology Department. Dr. Schumacher shares, "Opal is so special because she was born on my birthday, March 30th! Opal is a fashion diva and has an assortment of stylish clothing for every occasion. She loves treats, especially peanut butter and apples, and walks in the park. Whenever anyone comes to the house, Opal immediately jumps to action and wants to be petted and loved. Opal’s favorite toy is a squeak toy that looks like the guy from the Operation game." 🩷

The Pets Wear Pink Campaign was a collaborative effort between Upstate Cancer Center, Upstate Marketing, Upstate IMT, and the Upstate Foundation. Through the sale of pet bandanas and 2026 calendars, the campaign raised more than $6,000 to support programs and activities at Upstate Cancer Center.