Tag: robach

Teen cancer group marks 20th anniversary with pancakes

13thirty Cancer Connect Inc. on Monday began its 20th anniversary year with an annual tradition that began in its founder’s kitchen: a pancake breakfast.

The annual pancake breakfast was among the first programs offered by the organization, then called Melissa’s Living Legacy Teen Cancer Foundation. As part of the annual tradition, members of 13thirty gathered at the organization’s Elmwood Avenue location to enjoy breakfast with local dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Joseph Morelle, Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece and Sen. Rich Funke, R-Fairport. (Photo: 13thirty Cancer Connect)
The annual pancake breakfast was among the first programs offered by the organization, then called Melissa’s Living Legacy Teen Cancer Foundation. As part of the annual tradition, members of 13thirty gathered at the organization’s Elmwood Avenue location to enjoy breakfast with local dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Joseph Morelle, Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece and Sen. Rich Funke, R-Fairport. (Photo: 13thirty Cancer Connect)

“Twenty years ago I made a promise to my daughter, Melissa, to make a difference, make things better for other teens and young adults facing a cancer diagnosis,” 13thirty Founder and Executive Director Lauren Spiker said in a statement. “Back then, people weren’t paying attention to the unique needs of the teen and young adult cancer population. While the rest of the world has started to catch up, the mission of 13thirty Cancer Connect has always been and will always be to help teens and young adults with cancer live their very best lives today.”

The annual pancake breakfast was among the first programs offered by the organization, then called Melissa’s Living Legacy Teen Cancer Foundation. As part of the annual tradition, members of 13thirty gathered at the organization’s Elmwood Avenue location to enjoy breakfast with local dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Joseph Morelle, Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece and Sen. Rich Funke, R-Fairport.

“I am so thankful for organizations like 13thirty Cancer Connect that provide indispensable services to young people and their families as they battle cancer,” Morelle said. “Unfortunately, I know all too well the devastating impact that cancer can have on a family, but the support and hope provided by organizations like 13thirty help families like mine get through impossibly difficult times.”

Since its founding, 13thirty has become an internationally known leader in the field of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer. It was founded as a grassroots effort to offer peer support programs for teens, young adults and their parents. The organization opened a facility in Syracuse last year.

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YMCA completes upgrades at west side’s Camp Northpoint

Sen. Joseph Robach and YMCA of Greater Rochester leader George Romell are joined by campers at Camp Northpoint. (photo provided)
Sen. Joseph Robach and YMCA of Greater Rochester leader George Romell are joined by campers at Camp Northpoint. (Photo provided)

The YMCA of Greater Rochester on Thursday unveiled upgrades at Camp Northpoint, which served 3,000 children this summer.

The 45-acre camp on North Greece Road served children from the west side this summer. A $100,000 grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York secured by Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece, has enabled families of the campers to use the facility for three seasons of the year.

Funding provided upgrades at Camp Northpoint, including retrofitting the program barn with insulation, adding a multipurpose turf floor, industrial heating and commercial-grade ceiling fans, as well as new sports activity equipment. The camp now is able to host indoor sports and better serve campers during the summer.

“Camp Northpoint is a great resource in North Greece for families across our community,” Robach said. “I was happy to secure a state grant so that the YMCA of Greater Rochester was able to renovate existing infrastructure, allowing campers of all ages to be more active through sports, games and fun competition in a safe, state-of-the-art location.”

Sen. Joseph Robach spends time with kids at Camp Northpoint. (photo provided)
Sen. Joseph Robach spends time with kids at Camp Northpoint. (Photo provided)

Camp Northpoint opened in 2005 with the program barn and a swim center, as well as a climbing tower, pavilions and sports fields. A splash park and a third pavilion were added in 2007. In addition to day camp, Northpoint is home to youth and adult sports and fitness, as well as speed and agility training, all of which are shielded from the weather on a better playing surface.

“The unique experiences and healthy environment at Camp Northpoint help instill positive values and build self-esteem in each child we serve,” YMCA President and CEO George Romell said. “Enduring values like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are essential to personal growth and are an integral part of camp life at Camp Northpoint.”

Camper numbers have grown from 300 in the first year to 3,000 this summer.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer