Upstate Transplant

11/25/2025

11/25/2025

Winter roads can turn WICKED fast. ❄️

💚 Stay on the good side of winter - DON’T CROWD THE PLOW.
💗 Give our crews room to work so roads can be cleared as quickly and safely as possible.

This season don’t let icy conditions cast a spell on your travel. Slow down, stay alert, and follow these tips to avoid getting caught up in winter’s mischief:

👉Keep your distance
👉Drive for the conditions
👉Never pass a plow
👉Check 511NY.org for real-time travel updates.

Choose safety - It’ll change your winter for good (IYKYK).

11/25/2025

Come on out Saturday night for a great game with a great purpose.

Crunch players will be wearing lavender specialty jerseys that will be up for bid in a post-game auction on the ice. Funds raised will benefit the Upstate Cancer Center.

So will a portion of the proceeds from the GiveSmart auction during the game. Fans can view items and place bids by texting CRUNCH to 76278.

And the first 2,500 fans through the turnstiles will receive a free Upstate University Hospital LED baton!

11/25/2025

Looking for a Living Kidney Donor? 💚

Finding a donor can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! Here are some ways to make the process easier:

✅ Share your story through social media and community groups
✅ Encourage friends and family to become a Donor Champion
✅ Register online at https://upstate.donorscreen.org or scan the QR code
✅ Attend a Living Donor Workshop (2026 dates coming soon!)

If you have questions or need support, call 315-464-5413 — Lavell or Galina are ready to help!

📢 Together, we can spread awareness and save lives.

11/25/2025

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Get to Know a Surgeon 🌟

Meet Dr. Reza Saidi, Chief of Transplant at the Upstate Transplant Center. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Saidi has dedicated his career to transforming lives through organ transplantation.

🎓 Education & Training
• Medical School: Tehran University
• Surgery Training: Michigan
• Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

🩺 Expertise
Dr. Saidi is certified in Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas transplants for both adults and children. His work ensures that patients facing organ failure have a second chance at life.

💬 Why Transplant?
“I realized that more and more people needed transplants. Organ failure was—and still is—on the rise. Transplant improves the quality of life for patients and the communities. It is a real game changer for them.”

📚 Beyond the Operating Room
• Member of leading professional societies, including the American Society of Transplant Surgeons
• Author of Books related to Transplant and Organ Donation
• Contributor to numerous scientific research papers advancing the field of transplantation

Dr. Saidi’s passion for medicine and his commitment to patients make him an invaluable leader at Upstate. We are proud to spotlight his incredible work and dedication to improving lives every day.

👏 Join us in thanking Dr. Saidi and the life-changing impact of transplantation!

11/24/2025

🩺 New Patient – What You Need to Know

✅ Compliance is Critical
Stay on top of your dialysis and testing appointments to remain eligible for transplant.

🧪 Cancer Screenings Matter
Keep current with all recommended screenings—these are essential for your health and listing status.

⏱ Be Prepared
Your new patient appointment will take 3–4 hours.

🔍 Expect Thorough Testing
Extensive medical evaluations are required to get listed—and to stay listed.

🤝 Need Help?
Reach out anytime to speak with one of our Pre-Transplant Coordinators.

11/24/2025

Help Hope Live is a non profit that assists transplant patients and families raise funds for post-transplant care!

🤔 More information?
You can visit their website or call to speak with one of our Financial Coordinators.

11/24/2025

11/21/2025

🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Nursing 🌟

Join me in congratulating Christopher Wieland for receiving the Daisy Award!

It is a privilege working alongside a nurse who truly embodies what it means to lead with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Their infectious smile and laugh lift team morale, and their commitment to patient care goes above and beyond—whether staying late to finish tasks, de-escalating tough situations, or meeting patients where they are emotionally and physically.

This nurse is a natural leader, always stepping in to support teammates, drive quality improvement projects, and inspire others to do their best. Their efforts have directly improved patient experiences and strengthened our workflows, and they’ve even helped me grow as a leader.

Christopher is kind, loyal, patient, and unwavering in his values—this nurse is a true asset to the profession and a shining example of what nursing should be.

👏 Congratulations on receiving your Daisy Award!

🎉 Your impact on patients, colleagues, and the nursing profession is truly inspiring.

11/21/2025

Please join me in recognizing and congratulating our Nurse Manager, Sarah Irish, who recently earned her ANCC Nurse Executive Advanced Certification (NEA-BC).

This certification validates competencies in strategy, finance, management of resources to include human capital of nursing and non-nursing personnel, operations, and system integration. All of which we have experienced firsthand when Sarah joined our Team a year ago. In her short time here, she has demonstrated proficiency and operational efficiency in our ambulatory care setting. This certification is a challenging accomplishment and I’m proud to work with an amazing skilled person who is an exceptional nurse leader.


Congratulations, Sarah!

11/21/2025

✨ Mindful Eating for the Holidays ✨

The holidays are a time for family, traditions, and of course—delicious food! Mindful eating is about slowing down, appreciating each bite, and listening to your body without judgment. It helps us enjoy our favorite recipes while staying comfortable and balanced.

Here are some simple tips to make holiday dining joyful and mindful:

1️. Don’t go to the table hungry – Have a small snack beforehand. When we arrive starving, we tend to eat twice as much, twice as fast, and end up feeling overstuffed. Tune into your hunger/fullness signals.

2️. Choose small portions of your favorites – Savor each bite and be grateful for the meal. Remember, there will be leftovers, so you can enjoy them again later (just store them properly!).

3️. Enjoy dessert – Yes, you can! Take a small portion, eat slowly, and truly savor the sweetness.

4️. Take a walk after meals – Fresh air helps with digestion, supports blood sugar control, and gives you a chance to connect with loved ones.

5️. Stay hydrated – Add lemon, lime, or berries to your water for a festive touch.

6️. Fill half your plate with veggies – Fiber and nutrients help balance the meal and keep you feeling good.

✨ Bottom line: Savor, enjoy, and be mindful. The holidays are about more than food—they’re about connection, gratitude, and joy.

👩‍⚕️ Shared with care from our Dietician Terry Podolak, RD!

11/20/2025

💡 Did you know?

You might qualify for Medicare coverage even if you’re under 65!

If you have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you could be eligible for Medicare when:

✅ You’ve completed 3 months of Hemodialysis
✅ You’ve been successfully trained at Peritoneal Dialysis
✅ You’ve had a successful kidney transplant before starting dialysis

📞 Have questions?

Our Financial Coordinators are here to help!
Call us at 315-464-5413 today