Upstate Cancer Center

12/12/2025

The Cancer Center nurse managers enjoyed a wellness retreat this morning focused on appreciation for all the wonderful attributes they bring to their staff and departments.

The managers decorated doormats and participated in teambuilding exercises. We also celebrated their unique and extraordinary leadership qualities with certificates and trophies! Our group of ten nurse managers is truly the best and deserves every bit of acknowledgement and appreciation today and every day! 💙

12/11/2025

Jagger brought holiday joy to Upstate Cancer Center this afternoon! He made his rounds with tail wags and snuggles, and even posed proudly in front of our Christmas tree.

Thank you, Jagger, for brightening our patients’ day with your sweet spirit.

PAWS of CNY

12/10/2025

We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Laurie Sutherland, who generously delivered 64 holiday stockings for our patients receiving infusion treatments. Laurie shares, "It’s pretty lonely sitting in that chair, and giving these stockings to the patients sure would put a little sunshine in their day.”

Thank you, Laurie, for bringing comfort and cheer to our patients’ day. 💙

12/10/2025

Tonight's Pink Champions Breast Cancer support group meeting has been canceled. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2026!

12/09/2025

A big thank you to Upstate medical students Ariana and Chiazam for leading the Music as Healing group this past year and for filling the Cancer Center atrium with music this afternoon. A special thank you also to Jacob for his leadership, even though he couldn’t be here to perform today.

We will truly miss having them perform monthly and wish them all the best as they continue their medical school journey at Upstate.

Look for the article “When Future Physicians Take the Stage” in the comments to learn more about the Music as Healing program.

12/08/2025

Our atrium is glowing a little brighter this season thanks to an incredible gift from Agatha Wallen, who generously donated and beautifully decorated a stunning 16-foot Christmas tree. 💙

A huge shout-out as well to Sue Farrell, Julie Charette, Anna Anguish, and Dionette Kelly, who came in over the weekend to deck our halls and spread holiday magic throughout the Cancer Center.

Swipe through to enjoy a peek at our festive decorations!

12/05/2025

Updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society now allow for self-swab HPV testing. This new option could make CERVICAL cancer screening easier and more comfortable for many women, helping to increase early detection and save lives.

The FDA has approved three self-administered tests for the high-risk strains of HPV known to cause most cervical cancers.

12/04/2025

We’re delighted to welcome Rev. Kate Dunn to the Upstate Cancer Center as our newest chaplain! An ordained Presbyterian minister since 1996, Rev. Dunn brings deep experience and a true gift for supporting patients and families.

Rev. Dunn’s path to hospital chaplaincy includes twenty years serving in Congregational Care and Outreach Ministries at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, followed by five units of Clinical Pastoral Education. She also served as a Chaplain Intern at Upstate University Hospital, where she supported patients in Neurology. Now as a Cancer Center Chaplain, Rev. Dunn spends her time checking in with patients and offering a supportive and comforting presence.

Fun fact: Outside her chaplaincy work, Rev. Dunn is also a published fiction author under the name Kate Courtright. Her latest book, First Impressions: Five Short Love Stories, is available across multiple platforms!

To learn more about how the Upstate Cancer Center provides full-time spiritual care, listen to a recent interview featuring Rev. Dunn and chaplain Tom Anderson, where they explain their duties and address common concerns people with cancer may have. The link is in the comments.

12/03/2025

This week, Katherine Schumacher, MD, a resident in Radiation Oncology, presented a Case of the Day at the annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting in Chicago, with mentorship from Dr. Anna Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Brittany Simone also represented Upstate with additional presentations, showcasing the expertise of our providers on a national stage.

12/01/2025

There’s no better gift to yourself than prioritizing your health. The Upstate Mammo Van will be on the road throughout December, bringing convenient breast cancer screenings throughout CNY.

Learn more at www.upstate.edu/noexcuses, or call (315) 464-2588 to schedule your appointment.

Finish the year strong by putting your health first! 💗

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from Upstate Cancer Center!

Today, we pause with gratitude for our incredible patients, families, caregivers, and staff. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and meaningful Thanksgiving surrounded by those who matter most.

11/26/2025

Hockey Fights Cancer™ Night is almost here! Join us Saturday, November 29, as the Syracuse Crunch take the ice against the Utica Comets at 7 p.m.

The Crunch will be wearing special lavender Hockey Fights Cancer™ jerseys, and you can take one home! These one-of-a-kind jerseys will be auctioned off on the ice right after the game, with proceeds benefiting patient care and programs at Upstate Cancer Center.

Also, fans can bid on exclusive items using GiveSmart. Just text CRUNCH to 76278 to view items and place your bids. A portion of the proceeds supports the Cancer Center.

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

Let’s come together, cheer loudly, and show our community that no one fights alone. 💜