Upstate Cancer Center

10/28/2026

10/27/2026

You make time for everyone else. Take some time for you.

Before the end of October, add one important item to your to-do list:
Schedule your mammogram appointment. ✅

Even when life gets busy, making time for screening matters. Finding breast cancer early gives you the best chance for successful treatment.

Upstate offers several mammography screening options, including convenient locations and mobile mammography. Find the option that works for you and learn more here:
https://www.upstate.edu/media/breast-cancer-awareness-month/index.php

10/27/2026

A huge thank-you to the Clyde-Savannah School District girls volleyball team for raising more than $2,200 for Upstate Cancer Center through their recent Sets for Survivors game!

The game brought the community together to recognize and rally around those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. We’re so grateful to these student-athletes and everyone who supported their efforts to make a difference for patients and families in our community.

Thank you for turning your passion for volleyball into something that makes an impact far beyond the court!

10/26/2026

Pink looks good on Dugan! 🩷 Meet our October Pets Wear Pink friend...

Whether he's playing fetch at the park, running full speed, or being a trickster with his two cat brothers, Cy and Ty, Dugan is always on the move.

But beneath all that puppy energy is a big softie! Dugan has embraced his role as big brother to 7-month-old Primrose, and the two love to interact and play together.

Dugan’s human is Cortney Parry from the Joslin Diabetes Center. Thanks to Cortney for sharing this handsome boy with us!

The Pets Wear Pink campaign was a collaborative effort among Upstate Cancer Center, Upstate Marketing, Upstate IMT, and the Upstate Foundation. Through the sale of pet bandanas and 2026 calendars, the campaign raised several thousand dollars to support programs and activities at Upstate Cancer Center.

10/26/2026

Cancer Center Chaplain's Corner: As I sit at my dining room table with toast and a cup of coffee, I’m thinking about many changes that are occurring and that are so impactful. The Rev. Terry Culbertson, Director of Spiritual Care here at Upstate is retiring well after 20 years of service. She has been an incredible blessing to so many people throughout her time here, including me. The Rev. Jake Marvel has come on board and is bringing his gifts and skills to the Spiritual Care Department, the hospital, and the Cancer Center. We celebrated Rev. Terry’s retirement and Rev. Jake’s installation last Thursday in the Chapel. It was a beautiful service.

Lisa, the receptionist at the front desk in the Cancer Center – Lisa #2 – is retiring this Thursday after being with us for many years. She has been an incredibly welcoming and supportive presence to patients, family members and staff. We wish her all the best as she begins a new chapter in her life.

People that are loved have died and their passing has been hard to bear.

The appearance of the season is changing, too. As we move deeper into Fall, I’ve noticed that almost all the leaves have now dropped. The beautiful colors that once were, are becoming more scarce.

And then, there are other changes that can impact us so profoundly.

I don’t know about you, but at times, for me, change can be difficult to accept and embrace. In moments like this I often think of that song by the Byrd’s – “Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There is a Season).” It begins with: “To everything - turn, turn, turn. There is a season - turn, turn, turn. And a time to every purpose under heaven.”

For me, it’s an affirmation that change will be the one constant throughout our lives... that change happens in its own time… and that there’s an impact associated with it.

I accept that change is inevitable and at times, it can be difficult to bear – very difficult. But how we deal with change matters. For me, I find that contemplating change I’ve experienced and having someone to talk to about it can be comforting and helpful. Holding to and processing memories that are dear and reflecting on their meaning in our lives is important.

How do you deal with changes in your lives? What helps you move through such times? If you’d like to talk about changes that you’re experiencing and dealing with, Chaplain Kate and I are available and would welcome an opportunity to spend time with you. Ask someone to reach out to us or call us yourself at (315) 464-4687.

Our hope is that the turning of the seasons in your life become blessings to be embraced.

- Chaplain Tom

10/25/2026

It’s a beautiful day to make strides against breast cancer!

We’re proud to join our community at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and support everyone impacted by breast cancer.

Thank you to everyone walking and bringing the energy today! Together, every step makes a difference. 💕👟

10/24/2026

During National Pharmacy Week, we’re celebrating our dedicated pharmacists at who play an essential role in our patients’ care, often behind the scenes!

From carefully preparing medications to helping ensure patients receive the right treatment, our pharmacists bring expertise to every step of the process.

🎥 In this reel, meet Alexis, one of our pharmacists, as she shares a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing the medications our patients receive and how pharmacists help make a difference every day. 💙

10/24/2026

We had a great time last night at Pink in the Rink with the Syracuse Crunch!💗🏒

A big thank-you to the Crunch for having us join the fun, and to everyone who stopped by our table to say hello, learn more about our work and support breast cancer awareness.

We loved being part of a night that brought our community together for an important cause!

10/23/2026

Fresh flowers & cozy blankets...what a great way to brighten someone’s day!

Michael C Graham & Son Construction stopped by the Cancer Center today with their annual October donation of beautiful fresh floral bouquets and warm blankets for our patients in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

We love this tradition and are so grateful to Michael C Graham & Son Construction for thinking of our patients. Thank you for helping us spread a little extra sunshine throughout the Cancer Center!