GET TO KNOW OUR HONORARY CAPTAINS

MEET STELLA: NOVEMBER 13, 2026

Stella was 9 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening brain abscess caused by a form of strep bacteria. A neighbor who worked as an NP in the Emergency Department was the first to recognize that something was terribly wrong. Stella was taken into the Emergency Department on a Friday, and by the following morning she was having emergency brain surgery performed by Dr. Howard Silberstein to remove the infection. After the surgery, Stella received a PICC line for 6 weeks’ worth of IV antibiotics. Ultimately, resulting in Stella needing to have a second operation to ensure any remnants from the infection were removed. It was a summer Stella’s family could never have imagined. However, Golisano Children’s was there every step of the way. Stella’s entire care team made a terrible situation into the best possible experience. From the doctors and nurses to the child life specialist who provided a keyboard for stella to play piano, to the meal team who brought Stella her favorite snacks. Every Golisano Children’s staff member Stella interacted with assisted in her making a full recovery. The experience truly made Stella’s family reflect on what it means to be a part of a community like Rochester. Stella’s experience with the nursing staff at Golisano Children’s was so impactful that she plans to pursue a degree in nursing following high school.

MEET ANTHONY: MARCH 20, 2026

On April 18, 2018, our son Anthony was diagnosed, and life instantly changed. What followed was a grueling and courageous journey that tested every ounce of his strength and resilience. Over the course of 801 days in treatment, Anthony faced 127 nights in the hospital, 20 emergency room visits, 17 spinal taps, 17 high-dose steroid treatments, and 15 separate hospital admissions. His young body endured 11 red blood transfusions, 2 platelet infusions, and 2 intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments to help support his immune system. He spent 6 difficult nights in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, underwent 4 bone marrow biopsy aspirations, and faced 2 surgeries, with even an ambulance ride along the way.
 

On June 26, 2020, after more than two years of relentless treatments and hospital stays, Anthony completed his final treatment, a day filled with tears, joy, and gratitude. Since entering remission, Anthony has thrived. He has regained his strength, excelled in school, and embraced the simple joys of being a kid again, playing, laughing, and spending time with his family and friends. His journey reminds us every day of what true courage looks like. We are profoundly grateful to every doctor, nurse, and caregiver who helped him along the way. But above all, we are thankful for my wife. Her love and perseverance gave Anthony the chance to live the healthy, happy life he now enjoys. Anthony’s story is one of resilience, love, and triumph, proof that with faith, family, and determination, even the darkest days can lead to brighter tomorrows. #TeamAnthony

MEET EMILY: FEBRUARY 27, 2026

One year ago, Emily was experiencing symptoms of dizziness and double vision.  When her family thought she needed a new prescription for her glasses, they took her to her eye doctor.  Their eye doctor was able to see swelling in Emily’s optic nerve and sent them to the ED at URMC.  After an MRI the next day, Emily was unfortunately diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a type of malignant brain tumor.  A few days later, she had a brain surgery where the surgeons were able to remove the entire tumor. 

She spent 28 days in the UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital ICU, 7th floor, and rehab areas recovering and regaining her strength.  In the spring of 2025, she received 6 weeks of radiation therapy as an outpatient.  During the summer of 2025, she also received 4 months of chemotherapy, spending time both admitted to the 7th floor of UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as many long afternoons in the outpatient clinic.  On October 17th, with Taylor Swift’s new song “Life of a Showgirl” playing in the background, Emily rang her bell in the lobby of UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital celebrating the end of her treatment.  She continues to recover from her treatments at home with physical and occupational therapy.  Her MRIs remain completely clear, indicating that she is clinically cured.

MEET LANDON: JANUARY 23, 2026

On April 12, 2024 an outpatient MRI revealed a tumor compressing Landon’s spine. We were immediately sent to UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital, where an incredible team from pediatric neurology, oncology, and surgery quickly developed a care plan. That weekend was spent undergoing additional testing, and celebrating his 12th birthday in the hospital. On April 16, 2024 Landon underwent thoracic spine surgery performed by Dr. Melissa LoPresti and her team. He was discharged almost a week later and returned to school a few weeks later. The day he was discharged, we found out the tumor was a benign schwannoma. After several months of physical therapy, Landon was cleared for non-contact activity in December 2024 and for all activity in April 2025. This fall, he proudly returned to the ice to play hockey with the Rochester Coalition, Team Hysell. We are so grateful for the extraordinary care, compassion, and support we received from everyone at UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital during one of the most difficult times in our lives.

MEET RYAN: DECEMBER 19, 2025

Ryan was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Chiari II Malformation . He was born and underwent his first two surgeries at just one day old. From the beginning, doctors told us he would never walk, crawl, or even roll over. But Ryan has shown us time and time again that no matter the obstacles or limitations placed on you, God is bigger. This past July, Ryan underwent his 36th surgery — a full spinal fusion spanning most of his back. It was, without question, the hardest surgery he’s faced. He was expected to bounce back within a few days, but instead it took much long before he was stable enough to come home. At his post-op visit, we learned he had an infection. Over the next seven days, he was taken back into surgery four more times to clean out the infection. It was one of the most challenging and overwhelming times for us. There were things that should have gone differently, but even in the struggle, Ryan had an incredible community rally around him. We would not have made it through without our friends and family who brought food, gifts, prayers, and showed up for us every single day. We are also deeply grateful for some exceptional healthcare providers like Tori Fraass — Ryan’s favorite nurse and Dr. Present- who went above and beyond. Their compassion and dedication made all the difference during an incredibly difficult chapter in Ryan’s journey.