Upstate Cancer Center

03/21/2026

Meet March’s Pets Wear Pink star, Stamper! 💗

Stamper isn’t just any cat, his family says that he’s the definition of a snuggle bug. With his laid-back personality and extra-special polydactyl paws, he has a way of making every cuddle last just a little bit longer. In fact, if you try to leave, Stamper will gently place his big paw on your cheek, as if to say, “Don’t go just yet.”

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.

03/20/2026

We’re hiring! Join the team in our Multidisciplinary Suite as an Outpatient Administrative Specialist. Two openings are available.

In this role, you’ll support patient care by managing referrals, coordinating appointments, assisting with check-in/check-out, and helping patients navigate insurance and financial processes. Get all the details here: https://careers.upstate.edu/jobs/outpatient-administrative-specialist-syracuse-new-york-united-states

03/20/2026

We couldn’t let the celebration stop after just one day! 🎉

Here are a few more photos of our amazing Certified Nurses. Their dedication and expertise make a difference every day, not just on Certified Nurses Day. Please help us thank them for all they do for our patients and families!

03/19/2026

Happy Certified Nurses Day! 💙

Today, we celebrate the nurses who have gone above and beyond to earn national board certification in their specialty areas. Certification demonstrates advanced knowledge, clinical expertise, and a deep commitment to delivering the highest quality care.

We’re proud of our certified nurses who bring exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication to our patients every day. Please join us in thanking them!

03/19/2026

A special event for our sickle cell patients! 🐘❤️🐵
To register, contact Brittany Niles at nilesb@upstate.edu by April 15th.

03/18/2026

Congratulations to our Peds DAISY Awardee, Rebecca Walker, RN! 🌼

03/17/2026

We’re feeling extra lucky today at Upstate Cancer Center at Verona! Our Hem/Onc team is all decked out in their best greens to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and spread some cheer. ☘️

03/17/2026

Today is World Social Work Day, and we are celebrating our incredible social workers, Amy Williams, LCSW, and Tracey Gilgallon, LCSW!

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is about much more than medicine. It’s about having the right support, resources, and guidance along the way. Amy and Tracey are there for our patients and families, offering compassion and understanding.

Please join us in thanking Amy and Tracey for the care and support they provide every day!

If you would like to learn more about our Social Work Program, please visit https://www.upstate.edu/cancer/cancer-care/support/socialwork.php

03/16/2026

In recognition of their outstanding efforts, our New Patient Scheduling Team was awarded the Upstate Excellent Quality Team Award today! 🎉

This team plays a vital role in helping patients begin their cancer care with timely access. Thanks to their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to improving the patient experience, the Cancer Center achieved an important quality milestone related to how quickly new oncology patients can be scheduled for care.

Please join us in congratulating our New Patient Scheduling Team for the incredible work they do every day to support our patients!

📷 From left to right: Jessica Rauscher, Kristin Soper, Jessica Kopp, Jodi Olson, Dr. Matthew Glidden, Nancy Daoust, Amanda Meyers, Tracy Hilderbran, Brandy Stack, Derek Kurtz, JJ Yakowec, and Dr. Thomas VanderMeer. Not pictured: Megan McCormack, Jamie Scott, Melissa Morris

03/16/2026

Cancer Center Chaplains' Corner: Céad Míle Fáilte!

A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to you as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Many wonderful fables and stories are part of Irish folklore. Kissing the Blarney Stone will bestow upon a person the gift of gab… when a person catches a leprechaun and keeps a close eye on him, that person will be granted three wishes… Finn mac Cumhaill (also known as Finn McCool) catching the Salmon of Knowledge and having great wisdom bestowed upon him… and of course, finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

But… those pesky, devious leprechauns knew that since it’s impossible to reach the end of a rainbow, their pot of gold would never be found and, therefore, would always be safe.

Nevertheless, how wonderful it is that each of us has our own pot of gold. A pot of gold we don’t need to search for. A pot of gold that is always with us. A spouse or special someone. Family and friends. A place of quiet refuge that restores our spirits and fills us with peace and serenity. The pleasure of an ice cream cone filled with our favorite flavor. A furry companion. A faith or passion for something that brings meaning into our lives.

And so, on this St. Patrick’s Day, hold tight to your pot and give thanks for each piece of gold in it. May each golden coin continue to be a blessing to you, and as you reflect upon them, may they fill your hearts and spirits with an abundance of tranquility and joy.

Sláinte!
Chaplain Tom

P.S. If you’d like to share some blarney with a chaplain who has kissed the blarney stone, Chaplain Kate and I would welcome an opportunity to meet you. Just ask your nurse to reach out to us or call Spiritual Care at (315) 464-4687.

03/13/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a concerning trend is emerging: more young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In fact, about 1 in 5 people diagnosed today are under age 55.

In this episode of The Informed Patient podcast, colorectal surgeon Dr. Joseph Valentino, Director of the Colorectal Cancer Program at Upstate Cancer Center, explains why cases are rising in younger people and why screening starting at age 45 can save lives.

🎧 Listen to the conversation and learn what you should know about prevention, screening, and treatment.

Interview with Joseph Valentino, MD

03/12/2026

Joint pain slowing you down? There may be another option.

Upstate Cancer Center offers Low-Dose Radiation Therapy, a painless, non-invasive treatment that helps reduce joint inflammation and pain.

About 70% of patients experience reduced pain and/or improved mobility after treatment, helping many get back to the activities they love.
✔ No surgery
✔ Minimal side effects
✔ Quick treatments

Learn more about this treatment option here:

Patients can be seen and treated quickly at one of our conveniently located radiotherapy centers in and around Central New York. We offer the latest radiotherapy technology, and our team are experienced healthcare professionals with expert knowledge of these diseases.