Blog posts

Introducing: New Management Team for Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters!

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:43:08 GMT

After 27 years, Larry Werges and Bob Cowdery, the entrepreneurs who started Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, have sold the company to a local, family-oriented investment team. This strategic move sets the stage for many exciting new opportunities! Come read about the new team!

Excited to be Cloverkey's #1 Hospital Gift Shop Nationwide

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:12:35 GMT

Cloverkey Chief Revenue Officer Kim Schuler shares her experience around partnering with Friends of Strong.

Summertime brings sun, fun, and a thriving High School Volunteer Program to Friends of Strong!

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:30:00 GMT

Summertime brings sun, fun, and a thriving High School Volunteer Program to Friends of Strong! We are excited to welcome an ambitious and skillful group of area high schoolers who will be volunteering throughout Strong Memorial Hospital. Read more about the history of the program and how it spans generations.

National Volunteer Week

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:32:48 GMT

A Join us in celebrating of all our volunteers and the positive impact they have on our community!

Holiday Gift for Friends of Strong

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:21:57 GMT

Friends of Strong received a generous monetary gift from Federal Home Loan Bank of NY this holiday season. We continue to be grateful to those who donate funds to Friends of Strong, helping us to support the greater community at Strong Memorial Hospital.

30th Gala Wine Tasting

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 15:58:56 GMT

Tickets available now for the Friends of Strong 30th Gala Wine Tasting fundraiser! Join us for a night of fine wine, food, and friends. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW:

Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey Offers New Rewards Program

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:56:24 GMT

We are happy to announce that the Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey now offers a reward program. Every purchase made at the gift shop counts toward your rewards total, which can be redeemed just like money—at any Cloverkey gift shop. Simply sign up with staff at your next visit to start earning rewards on every purchase!

An Adorable Addition to Your Home or Office – 2024 Pet Therapy Calendar Now Available

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:58:58 GMT

The seventh edition of our ever-pupular Pet Therapy Wall Calendar features 17 of the nearly two dozen pups who bring warmth and comfort to our patients, their families, and hospital staff each and every week. The calendars, which support patient-and family-centered care initiatives throughout the hospital, are available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop at Golisano Children's Hospital.

Share the Warmth Men's Coat Drive

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:15:22 GMT

In anticipation of the cold Rochester winter that lies ahead, Friends of Strong is again teaming up with the Emergency Department and Advantage Federal Credit Union to host a winter coat drive to provide a warm coat to patients in need who are awaiting discharge from the hospital.

Baby Love Gift Drive: Be A Secret Santa for a Family in Need

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:31:52 GMT

Help families in need by donating gift cards to stores like Walmart, Target, Price Rite, and Local Dollar Stores. Be the Santa that all these children are waiting for.

Friends of Strong Annual Holiday Market

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 20:57:17 GMT

Find unique hand-crafted gifts for friends, family and colleagues before the shopping season gets underway. Our annual Holiday Market has convenient shopping, unique gifts, raffle chances, PET Therapy dogs, and a festive atmosphere!

A Season of Thanks: Volunteer Award Ceremony Recap

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:05:10 GMT

Friends of Strong got an early start on this season of thanks by honoring some of the incredible volunteers of Strong Memorial Hospital at a celebration luncheon held this week—the first such award ceremony since 2019. Come read about our award winners and the myriad of ways they improve our community!

Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey Grand Opening

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:01:09 GMT

Join us at the grand opening of the Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey on Monday, Oct. 2. Be the first to see what we have in store! Our new shop is opening its doors, and we want you to be part of the celebration.

Celebrity Bartender Happy Hour to Benefit Friends of Strong

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:11:39 GMT

Join Friends of Strong—along with Emcee Mike Leonard—for a Celebrity Bartender Happy Hour supporting their work providing much-needed equipment and friendly volunteer faces who foster a happier healing environment for all of our patients and families.

Area High School Students Bring Vision and Inspiration to Summer Volunteer Program at Strong

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 19:38:21 GMT

Along with an exciting summer of fun and adventure, an ambitious and talented cohort of area high school students are also adding community service to the mix—volunteering throughout Strong Memorial Hospital with the Friends of Strong Summer High School Volunteer program, where they’ve each selected an area to help support staff and clinicians provide an exceptional health care experience for patients and families.

Hospital Gift Shop to Close, Reopen Under New Management

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:31:37 GMT

The Friends of Strong Gift Shop will transition its operations to a retail company that specializes in hospital gift shop management nationally—bringing expanded services, longer operating hours and more merchandise selection to Strong Memorial Hospital’s gift shop customers.

Volunteers Enhance the Healing Experience One Smile at a Time

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Hundreds of friends and neighbors from as far afield as India and Saudi Arabia, who this past year have collectively volunteered tens of thousands of hours in a variety of supportive and meaningful roles throughout Strong Memorial Hospital, are being celebrated this week for their service.

Seeking Secret Santas for Strong's Baby Love Program

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 03:53:03 GMT

Departments, teams and individuals throughout the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital generously step up each year to help make a difference for young families enrolled in the Baby Love program coordinated through our Social Work and Patient and Family Services Division. We invite you to join us in contributing to this meaningful cause this holiday season.

Share the Warmth: A Coat Drive for Patients in Need

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:05:14 GMT

Strong's PETS Therapy Dogs Show Us Their Best in 2023 Benefit Wall Calendar

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 18:30:09 GMT

Featuring our popular pack of 17 "celebrity" pups, our adorable 2023 Pet Therapy Dog wall calendar is now available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. These much-loved canines have become a staple of our volunteer programs over the past 23 years—providing comfort and joy to patients of all ages.

Pre-Black Friday Holiday Market Returns

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:08:21 GMT

Beat the Black Friday crowds, get a head start on your shopping, and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and loved ones, while also helping support patient- and family-centered care initiatives throughout Strong Memorial Hospital.

Getting Back to the Future: FOS Welcomes High School Volunteers Following Hiatus

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:39:15 GMT

Following a three-year pandemic-caused hiatus, Friends of Strong this week welcomes a modest group of ambitious high school students back to the hospital as part of their summer volunteer program.

Summer BBQ Fundraiser to Support Patient-Care Initiatives at Strong

Wed, 25 May 2022 14:24:38 GMT

In collaboration with Spencerport's Texas Bar-B-Q Joint restaurant, we're hosting our very first Summer BBQ Fundraiser in support of patient- and family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital. The event features chicken barbeque meals packaged to-go by some of URMC’s very own celebrity “Pit Masters” and promises to be a fun and delicious way to take care of dinner while supporting a great cause.

With New and Familiar Faces, Friends of Strong Volunteer Program is ‘On the Rise’

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 17:57:21 GMT

Friends of Strong reflects on the silver linings of a tumultuous two years as we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week and look forward to continued growth of our much-loved volunteer program which hosts hundreds of volunteers from the greater Rochester area each year. Read more about our program and meet several of our most faithful volunteers.

Thank YOU for Another Successful Coat Drive

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 18:27:22 GMT

Over the past several months, Friends of Strong, together with the Hospital’s Emergency Department, the Department of Pediatrics, Advantage Federal Credit Union—and many of you—accomplished another successful winter coat drive for patients in need.

Rochester River Run/Walk (Virtual) 5K Fundraiser Returns April 3

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 15:04:35 GMT

Run, walk or pledge your support to assist patients awaiting and recovering from heart, liver, kidney or pancreas transplant surgery at Strong. You can run or walk the virtual race from any location you choose: Your very own race course, at your own pace, and time it yourself!

Exhibit in Miner Atrium a Timely Reminder that ‘UR Loved’

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 13:32:55 GMT

Community gratitude comes to life in "UR Loved," a collaborative effort showcasing appreciation for all of our health care workers throughout the pandemic. The exhibit echoes our deep and sincere thanks to everyone in health care for their remarkable dedication, selflessness and commitment to serving all who rely on us.

Share the Warmth: A Coat Drive for Patients in Need

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 15:04:38 GMT

In anticipation of the cold Rochester winter that lies ahead, we're again teaming up with the Emergency Department to host a winter coat drive to provide a warm coat to patients in need who are awaiting discharge from the hospital, and you too can help make this annual initiative a success by donating a new or gently used men’s winter coat at one of our conveniently-located collection bins at �鶹��Ƶand in Penfield.

Chance Encounter Leads New Group of Friends to Donate 3000+ Teddy Bears

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:00:30 GMT

Several skilled and generous ladies from Fairport’s Legends at Whitney Senior Apartment Community were among the first to donate hand-sewn face masks via our pop-up donation center back in March 2020, and before long that chance encounter in the earliest days of the pandemic led to this new group of friends stepping up to keep our long-running teddy bears initiative—which provides comfort and support to pediatric patients throughout Strong Memorial and Golisano Children’s hospitals—going strong.

Friends of Strong Welcomes New Volunteer Program Manager

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:11:29 GMT

A familiar face to our volunteers throughout the past four years, Karen Keating is our newly appointed Volunteer Program Manager, overseeing many new beginnings and enhancements to our volunteer program. She will be joined by existing and new colleagues, Nance Lazarek and Cory Dagen, as they work together to support our evolving volunteer programs.

Seeking Secret Santas for Strong's Baby Love Program: A Holiday Tradition Continues

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 12:00:49 GMT

Departments, teams and individuals throughout the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital generously step up each year to help make a difference for young families enrolled in the Baby Love and Building Healthy Children programs through our Social Work and Patient and Family Services Division. We invite you to join us in contributing to this meaningful cause this holiday season.

Our Therapy Dogs Show Us Their Best with Fifth Annual Wall Calendar Fundraiser

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:45:25 GMT

Our ever-popular Pet Therapy Dog wall calendar—2022 edition—is now available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. Featuring our ever-growing pack of 19 "celebrity" pups who provide uplifting comfort and engagement to patients of all ages, this adorable calendar benefits patient- and family-centered care initiatives throughout Strong Memorial Hospital.

If You’re Looking for a Sign—He’s Got You Covered

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:38:09 GMT

A chalked walkway on Crittenden Boulevard. A smiling stranger holding a sign outside the Saunders Research Building. A card of thanks mailed to our hospitals and clinics. These are just a few small gestures recognizing the hard work of health care workers serving our community on the front lines and behind the scenes. Read how one man's idea to spread positivity went viral, and how others in the community continue to show tangible support for our Medical Center.

Advantage Credit Union Delivers on Commitment to Support Patient Care

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:35:25 GMT

Thanks to Advantage Federal Credit Union’s Friends of Strong Debit Giveback Card, �鶹��ƵBranch Manager David Samuelson, and Marketing and Business Development Strategist Laura Durant, stopped by to visit Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital and deliver a $2,500 check in support of patient care initiatives throughout the hospital.

Pandemic Perseverance: How Our Volunteers are Making an Impact

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:51:41 GMT

As we look toward National Volunteer Week 2021, Friends of Strong reflects on a remarkable year of perseverance for our community, and for our volunteers. The pandemic has led to countless changes in our community, and the absence of more than 1,300 smiling volunteers we’re used to seeing in the Med Center is among the most significant. Since COVID-19’s first emerged in our community, Friends of Strong has worked hard to redesign our volunteer program to provide additional training and protocols to safely welcome back our crew of enthusiastic volunteers.

Hospital Gift Shop Unveils New Online Apparel Store

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Friends of Strong is pleased to introduce its Hospital Gift Shop’s newest service: an online apparel store—apparel.urmc.edu—featuring an extensive selection of UR Medicine and Strong Memorial Hospital-branded clothing, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, cardigans and more.

Friends of Strong—At the Heart of Protecting Our People

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:00:00 GMT

With UR Medicine and Strong Memorial Hospital facing the remarkable public health challenge of vaccinating more than 20,000 of the system’s health care workers against COVID-19, we at Friends of Strong found ourselves among those honored and eager to help rapidly protect our front line staff, and our community.

Small Group of Friends Share Thanks and Appreciation for COVID Nurses at Strong

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 16:41:57 GMT

For some of the hardworking nurses at Strong Memorial Hospital, the holidays are a little brighter thanks to a warm-hearted group of long-time friends informally dubbed “Lovely Rockers,” who hand wrote and adorned nearly 50 thank you notes full of encouragement and appreciation for nurses caring for COVID patients, and enclosed them with gift cards to local businesses totaling $995 in value.

Annual Fundraiser Features An Ever-Growing Pack of Pet Therapy Dogs

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:07:24 GMT

Our ever-popular Pet Therapy Dog wall calendar—2021 edition—is now available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. Featuring our ever-growing pack of 20 "celebrity" pups who provide uplifting comfort and engagement to patients of all ages, this cute calendar benefits patient- and family-centered care initiatives throughout Strong Memorial Hospital.

Teaming Up to Provide Warmth and Comfort for Patients in Need

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:39:36 GMT

In anticipation of the cold Rochester winter that lies ahead, Friends of Strong is again teaming up with the Emergency Department to host a winter coat drive to provide a warm coat to patients in need who are awaiting discharge from the hospital. This year, Advantage Federal Credit Union is also joining in to help make the annual initiative a success by “hosting” donation bins at their �鶹��Ƶand Penfield branch locations.

Brighten the Holidays for Families Enrolled in Strong's Baby Love Program

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:39:25 GMT

One holiday tradition will be a little different this year at Strong Memorial Hospital. Departments and teams throughout Strong generously step up each year to make a difference for young families who are enrolled in the Baby Love and Building Healthy Children programs. This year the need is greater than ever, so we're inviting individuals to contribute to this truly meaningful cause.

Run, Walk, Cycle or Pledge Your Support for Patients at Strong

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 13:15:39 GMT

Friends of Strong proudly supports the 19^th annual Rochester River Run/Walk 5K, supporting heart, liver, kidney and pancreas transplant patients at Strong Memorial Hospital. Virtual this year, participants can run or walk their own race course at any time between October 1 and 18. For those avid runners, walkers and cyclists, there's also a separate, long-distance virtual race benefiting Friends of Strong: "One NY Cares," invites folks to sign up and log their cumulative miles to equal the distance between New York and other east-coast cities by Dec. 24.

Friends of Strong and Cure Bar Team Up to Host Virtual Fundraiser for Patient Care

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:09:14 GMT

We're teaming up with Cure Bar at the Rochester Public Market to host our very first virtual fundriaser, “Cure for a Cause,” featuring Master Mixologist Donny Clutterbuck from Cure, together with our Chief Cocktail Officers of the evening, Karen Davis, Kathy Parrinello and Mike Apostolakos as they lead us through the background and mixing instructions of a special drink kit available for advance purchase to benefit patient care initiatives at Strong.

Friends of Strong Reopens Hospital Gift Shop

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Three months after COVID-19 precautions temporarily paused its operations, the Friends of Strong Gift Shop is reopening its doors — and online store. Patrons can still count on a diverse in-store selection of gifts, toys, flowers, greeting cards, books, snacks and beverages.

Showing Our Appreciation for Front Line Staff via New Coffee Initiative

Fri, 22 May 2020 18:09:43 GMT

Friends of Strong launches initiative to provide complimentary coffee to front line staff during the month of June—chipping in $1,000 of seed funding to begin rolling deliveries of the much-appreciated refreshment to units and teams.

Leading by Example: Consummate Volunteer Rose Faucette Receives Health Care Heroes Award

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 16:00:51 GMT

The dedicated service of this retired Rochester teacher in our Family Waiting Room — combined with her impressive leadership of the Friends of Strong Council and countless hours helping organize many successful fundraisers for the hospital — are among the reasons Rose Faucette is recognized as one of the Rochester Business Journal's 2020 Health Care Heroes.

Advantage Federal Credit Union Gives Back for Patient Care

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:04:14 GMT

Advantage Federal Credit Union recently stopped by with a $2,500 check for Friends of Strong. Thanks to the Friends of Strong Debit Card, which is offered to credit union members, a small fraction of every transaction adds up to another contribution toward our patient care initiatives.

Strong's Pet Therapy Dogs Back for Another Year of Endless Cuddles

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:05:29 GMT

Back by pupular demand—our 2020 PET Therapy Dog wall calendar featuring our adorable (and growing) pack of therapy dogs is now available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. Even better, all proceeds from the calendars benefit patient- and family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Long-Time Hospital Volunteer Bud ‘The Candy Man’ Wesley Remembered by Friends of Strong

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 01:30:00 GMT

Bud (Leonard) Wesley, husband, grandpa, friend and longtime Strong Memorial Hospital volunteer, died peacefully Oct. 31 at the age 77 surrounded by family and friends.

Share the Warmth: A Coat Drive for Patients in Need

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 17:03:48 GMT

Help us provide a warm coat to patients in need. In anticipation of the cold Rochester winter that lies ahead, as well as great success last year, Friends of Strong is again teaming up with the Emergency Department to host a winter coat drive for adult male patients awaiting discharge. Many women’s coats are on-hand from last year’s drive—although men’s coats remain an urgent need.

Inspiring Volunteers Recognized for Unwavering Commitment to Patients, Community

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 15:49:37 GMT

They are the first faces our patients and visitors see when they enter Strong West, and they often are the last people a patient sees before going home from Strong Hospital. They give toys to pediatric patients, and often bring homemade desserts to share with staff. They provide comfort and hope in a gentle and reassuring way. They are our hospital volunteers, and their service to our community speaks volumes.

Friends of Strong Welcomes Record Number of High School Students to the �鶹��ƵFamily

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:33:48 GMT

Thirty-one departments and units across Strong Memorial Hospital answered the call and, this week Friends of Strong welcomes its largest cohort of summer high school volunteers in the program’s 29 year history. Ages 14-18, 311 ambitious young students will spend the next eight weeks enhancing the patient care experience. Read more about some of the stand-out kids joining the �鶹��Ƶteam this week.

Training Program Expands, Earns National Recognition with Support from Friends of Strong

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:17:03 GMT

For those experiencing cardiac arrest, the difference between life and death may be determined by the unflinching skills of their health care providers. That reality changed the way we train our front-line staff to respond to such events. And it also won national recognition from the American Heart Association.

Friends of Strong, �鶹��ƵRecognized for Unparalleled Support of Red Cross Blood Drives

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 20:26:47 GMT

Since 2006, Friends of Strong has sponsored 433 blood drives at various �鶹��Ƶfacilities in our region, allowing the American Red Cross to collect 23,972 red blood units and help more than 72,000 local patients. As a result of their long-standing commitment and sponsorship, FOS and �鶹��Ƶhave been named recipients of the 2019 Samuel J. Stabins Blood Services Award.

Going Strong: Volunteer Bud Wesley Recognized for Decades of Service to Patients and Families

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:01:37 GMT

Long-time Friends of Strong volunteer Bud Wesley recognized with a 2019 Health Care Volunteer Achievement Award by the Rochester Business Journal, shares the dedication that brings him joy while serving others.

New Flair, Leadership at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:53:29 GMT

The prospect of finding a replacement following the retirement of our long-time Gift Shop manager, Helen Hess, late last year, seemed daunting, but the stars were aligned. Without skipping a beat, Friends of Strong was able to bring in an equally well-experienced Gift Shop Manager, Luanne Crosby, who comes to us with more than 25 years of retail management experience, including owning her own gift shop for more than 10 years. Take a few minutes with us to get to know her and hear her hopes for the Friends of Strong Gift Shop.

Start Your Holiday Shopping at the Friends of Strong Pre-Black Friday Sale

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:49:24 GMT

Jump into the season—Beat the Black Friday crowds, get a head start on your holiday shopping, and enter for a chance to win one of the many fabulous prizes up for grabs (including roundtrip airline tickets) at the Friends of Strong Pre-Black Friday Sale.

Operation Baby Love: Help Us Make the Season Bright for New Families in Need

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:24:22 GMT

We partner with Strong’s Social Work Department each year to make the holidays a little brighter for new families enduring hardships, and this year the need is greater than last. Please consider helping make this year’s Operation Baby Love a success by partnering with your friends and colleagues to adopt a family, or make a small donation toward our general collection to supplement the care packages given to each family.

Psychiatry’s New Family Lounge Opens with Support from Ronald McDonald House, Friends of Strong

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 20:42:06 GMT

Families of children receiving mental health services through the Department of Psychiatry now have their own dedicated space to rest and relax. Developed in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Rochester and the Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital, it offers families a play area and laundry facilities, as well as complimentary beverages and snacks.

Volunteers Recognized for Unwavering Commitment to Patients, Community

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 21:25:08 GMT

Join us in saying thanks to all of our volunteers—especially those who were recently recognized for their selfless and inspiring commitment to our community at our 2018 Volunteer Awards celebration.

Slice of History: Friends of Strong Celebrates $1 Million Milestone, Efforts to Enhance Patient Care

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 15:30:00 GMT

For the first time ever, Friends of Strong is giving $1 million to support patient care programs throughout Strong Memorial Hospital in a single year—breaking all previous funding records. Hundreds of patrons and supporters gathered to celebrate and enjoy a piece of cake as a special thanks for helping us reach this milestone.

‘Warm Furry Friends’ Brings Comfort to the Home and Worksplace

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 16:33:05 GMT

A growing pack of more than 14 “celebrity” pups provide warm, courteous smiles, and uplifting engagement to patients of all ages throughout the hospital and various off-site locations as part of our PETS Therapy Program—making them the perfect models for an adorable wall calendar to bring peace and comfort to the home or office.

From Patient to Volunteer: Richard Perez Receives National Award for Excellence in Public Service

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:16:49 GMT

Long-time Friends of Strong volunteer and liver-transplant recipient, Richard Perez, was chosen as one of only five unsung heroes from across the nation to receive the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Public Service—recognizing 15 years of his public service as a champion for Organ Donation and Transplantation, as well as being a source of comradery and support for fellow transplant patients and volunteers at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Friends of Strong Welcomes Nearly 300 Area High School Students to the �鶹��ƵFamily

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 16:49:51 GMT

Forensic psychologist. Computer forensics investigator. A nurse practitioner specializing in oncology. These are just a few career interests among nearly 300 Rochester area youth volunteering throughout Strong Memorial Hospital as part of this year’s Friends of Strong summer high school volunteer program.

From Patient to Volunteer: Richard Perez to Receive Prestigious Honor

Wed, 09 May 2018 20:57:56 GMT

Long-time Friends of Strong volunteer and liver transplant recipient, Richard Perez, has been chosen as one of five people to receive a 2018 ESL Jefferson Award, which honors individuals for their contributions toward creating a better community throughout the Rochester region.

"Bear-y" Thoughtful Volunteers Sew 16,000+ Teddy Bears for Young Patients

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:58:11 GMT

A 12-year ongoing collaboration between Friends of Strong and the residents of Legacy at Willow Pond senior living community in Penfield, N.Y. provides more than 16,000 hand-made teddy bears to help provide comfort for children at UR Medicine's Strong Memorial and Golisano Children's hospitals.

Advantage Federal Credit Union Collaboration 'Gives Back' for Patient Care

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 21:51:50 GMT

Advantage Federal Credit Union has donated $1,500 to Friends of Strong through its members' use of their Friends of Strong Debit Card.

Gift Enhances Advanced Life Support Training for Our Nursing Professional Development Center

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:02:32 GMT

Friends of Strong recently funded the purchase of new training equipment for the UR Medicine Center for Nursing Professional Development's American Heart Association Training Center, including a QCRP AED w/Airway, ShockLink and SimPad simulator, and child-sized manikins compatable with the SimPad simulator—further helping refine the world-class care our nurses provide.

Giving Thanks: Learn How Several Notable Volunteers Make Life Better at SMH

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:18:12 GMT

Join us in saying thanks to all of our volunteers—especially those who were recently recognized for their selfless commitment to our community. Some 1,300 volunteers have collectively given approximately 141,000 hours of their time serving our patients, families and guests over the past year.

New ‘Light Up Strong’ Initiative Shows Our Support for Patients, Families

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 15:22:31 GMT

Many illnesses today are known by name, and also by color. That's just one reason Strong Memorial Hospital—thanks to the generosity of Friends of Strong—is now going red, blue, green or gold, depending on the observance. Splashes of color outside SMH now greet patients, families and guests when they arrive—creating a friendly and welcoming environment while also raising awareness of the illnesses we research and treat here at URMC.

Sharing Our 'Thanks' with Strong's Newest Crop of Summer Youth Volunteers

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 02:24:44 GMT

Get to know some of the nearly 300 area high school students who recently joined our summer volunteer program—helping us create a happier healing environment for our patients, families and visitors.

Gift Planning—A Legacy to Be Proud Of

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 19:04:31 GMT

Our volunteers are generous in giving their time to Friends of Strong. You too can support Friends of Strong, both by volunteering and gift planning—enabling you to make a current or future gift to help us better serve our patients, families and visitors.

Friends of Strong Gift Helps Fight Glaucoma

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 12:30:00 GMT

Friends of Strong funds the purchase of state-of-the-art glaucoma equipment for Flaum Eye Institute.

Friends of Strong Exude Passion and Add Value to the Patient Experience

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:20:05 GMT

Friends of Strong volunteers are a true inspiration to those they interact with throughout Strong Memorial Hospital and many offsite UR Medicine health care facilities. They're volunteers in the truest sense, and they travel from throughout the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions to serve our community.

Friends of Strong, Advantage Federal Credit Union Team Up to Give Back

Mon, 01 May 2017 11:00:00 GMT

Advantage Federal Credit Union (AFCU) has partnered with Friends of Strong. Now, when you open a new checking account at AFCU—and choose the Friends of Strong Debit Card—a portion of each purchase you make with the card is given back to benefit our patient- and family-centered care initiatives.

Sharing Our 'Thanks' with Strong's Newest Crop of Summer Youth Volunteers

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 17:07:53 GMT

Nearly 300 area high school students interested in getting a taste of working in health care recently joined the ranks of the Friends of Strong volunteer program.

Friends of Strong Volunteers Create Countless Smiles

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 17:18:43 GMT

Impactful contributions throughout UR Medicine’s Strong Hospital aren’t always about dollars and cents; they’re about hearts and minds. Sporting their maroon smocks or blue polo shirts, men and women spanning various generations attend to the needs of our patients and their families each and every day—all as part of the Friends of Strong Volunteer program.

Friends of Strong Gives Thanks for Your Support

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 18:32:29 GMT

Every day. Every year, many of us stop by a �鶹��ƵFinger Lakes Coffee Roasters for a refreshing chai, visit the hospital Gift Shop to grab a greeting card for someone special, or attend one of the many fundraisers organized by the Friends of Strong. What you may not know, is that the proceeds generated from each of these interactions contribute, in no small way, to patient- and family-centered care initiatives throughout Strong Hospital.

GCH and SMH recognized as 'Gold Safe Sleep Champions'

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:41:57 GMT

UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital’s Obstetrics Division were recently recognized by the as “Gold Safe Sleep Champions,” the highest designation, for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. They are the first and only hospitals in New York State to receive the title.

Say ‘Hi’ to Our New Friends: Local Youth Volunteer for Strong

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:46:09 GMT

Nearly 300 area high school students interested in getting a taste of working in health care recently joined the ranks of the Friends of Strong volunteer program.

Friends of Strong Exude Passion, Add Value to Patient Experience

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 17:52:27 GMT

Only a few weeks shy of an early retirement, Bud Wesley, was in an ICU waiting room with no one to talk to. His mother was a patient and he found comradery with the families of other patients who were on the same floor—many of which shared the sentiment that they wished there were hospital staff that could be there to help them navigate their circumstances and pass the time.

Run, Walk, or Pledge to Support Transplant Patients on April 12

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 18:02:54 GMT

This is the 14th year where runners, walkers, and supporters come out to celebrate transplant recipients and organ donors at the River Run/Walk 5K in Genesee Valley Park.

The annual event, sponsored by the Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital and the hospital’s transplant units, benefits transplant patients who are awaiting or recovering from organ transplant surgery. Donations and other proceeds help them pay for expenses associated with lifelong care, such as life-saving medications and travel expenses.

Discharge Lounge Pleases Patients, Frees Beds Faster

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:09:11 GMT

It’s a classic problem industry-wide, and Strong isn’t exempt: overcrowding. ED patients looking to be admitted as hospital inpatients to continue their care can find that there aren’t always inpatient beds available when they’re ready to be moved.

New Friends of Strong Website Aims to Support Blood Drives & SMH

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:15:13 GMT

A for UR Medicine Blood Drives has been added to the . This site is home to information about upcoming drives, how you can register, and tips for first-time donors.

Jump Start Your Holiday Shopping at Pre-Black Friday Sale

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:19:20 GMT

Black Friday, or the Friday after Thanksgiving, usually goes down as the busiest shopping day of the year. The crowds and an early alarm clock can make venturing out on this day well worth a second thought.

Craft Beers and Good Eats Help Benefit Patients at SMH

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 18:24:55 GMT

The �鶹��Ƶ’s volunteer group, , will host its second annual Beer & Food Pairing Fundraiser to help benefit patient care at Strong Memorial Hospital from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at , 300 Park Point Drive, Rochester.

Local Authors’ Book Signing to Benefit Friends of Strong’s Patient Care Initiatives

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:28:11 GMT

Vicky Ruppert and Ann Henderberg haven’t been best friends for a lifetime, but you certainly wouldn’t know it. Their book, “Singing in the Rain: Weathering the Storm of Dementia with Humor, Love, and Patience,” chronicles the last three years of their husbands’ battles with dementia, as they act as each other’s support system through countless e-mails and journal entries.

Say ‘Hi’ to Our New Faces of Summer: Local Area High School Volunteers

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:31:20 GMT

High school students interested in getting a taste of working in health care joined the ranks of the Friends of Strong volunteer program. You’ll see them helping out in a number of areas around campus through Saturday, August 30.

Profile of Excellence: Ambassador and Guest Services Team

Fri, 09 May 2014 18:34:19 GMT

For its dedicated support of students in the UR Teen Health and Success Partnership program, we are pleased to honor the Ambassador and Guest Services program with a 2013 �鶹��ƵBoard Excellence Award in the Team category.

Rochester River Run/Walk 5K set for April 6

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 18:37:01 GMT

Join the Friends of Strong and the Strong Memorial Hospital Transplant Units for the 13th annual Rochester River Run/Walk to benefit our transplant patients and families.

Craft Brews Are the Main Event at Fundraiser

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 19:20:37 GMT

Selections from Roc Brewing Company's slate of artisanal lagers, stouts, and ales will be on tap from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Friends of Strong's newest event to raise money for patients of the hospital and their families.

Say Hi to Our New Faces of Summer—High School Volunteers are Now in the House!

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 19:24:15 GMT

If seeing the new summer crop of bright-eyed student volunteers isn't enough to make you smile, here's another reason. This year, many of those eager teens would not be here without the concerted effort of many departments—including those new to hosting volunteers—that pitched in to work with Friends of Strong to make it happen.

Profile of Excellence: Strong P.ET.S. Team Provides Remarkable Benefits at Strong

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:27:34 GMT

A 2012 Board Excellence Award for Team Excellence went to the all-volunteer, twelve-year-old Strong P.E.T.S. (Pets Engaged in Therapeutic Socialization) Program.

Three Ways to Advance Organ Donation this Month

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:36:00 GMT

There are still several ways in April——to show your support for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Two events will take place at �鶹��Ƶon Friday: "Giving and Receiving the Gift of Life: The Full Circle of Caring," a noontime celebration honoring donors, recipients and staff—plus National Donate Life Blue and Green Day, which invites folks to support organ donation by wearing blue or green.

Rochester River Run/Walk 5K set for April 21

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:39:12 GMT

To raise awareness for organ transplant patients and families at Strong Memorial Hospital, �鶹��Ƶis inviting individuals and teams to participate in the 12th annual Friends of Strong Rochester River Run/Walk 5K, Sunday, April 21, at the Roundhouse Shelter at Genesee Valley Park. The race will begin at 10 a.m.