Meet a Few Members of the Dr. Roswell Park Legacy Society
Each of us will leave a story behind. An impact we’ve had on the world around us. A message we send about what we cared most about. Many donors, like you, choose to join the Dr. Roswell Park Society and leave a lasting legacy with Roswell Park through their estate plans. This way, they’re ensuring world-class care, groundbreaking discoveries, lifesaving clinical trials and compassionate patient programs for generations to come. Meet some of our Dr. Roswell Park Society Members.
“Roswell Park saved my life — twice.” This is how Bob Keenan likes to introduce himself. Bob hopes that his story will inspire others to come to Roswell Park for their treatment. Bob chose Roswell Park for robotic surgery for his prostate cancer in 2014 and went home with no complications.
One year later he developed flu-like symptoms and an excruciating pain in his back. After treatment at two other area hospitals, he and his family knew that the illness had not been resolved. Finally, coming to Roswell Park in critical condition, Bob’s care team diagnosed an infection in his spinal column. After 10 days of treatment, Bob’s infection was cured.
Bob and his wife Jane were so inspired by the excellent care he received that they made gift plans through their will to benefit Roswell Park.
Bob's Story
Christine's Story
Christine Clement has no doubt that Roswell Park saved her life. That’s what inspired her to become a Dr. Roswell Park Society member.
“If my contribution can help one doctor find one thing that saves one patient, it’s worth it,” she said. “And hopefully, it’ll save hundreds or thousands of patients.”
In late 2010, Christine found out she had stage 1 uterine cancer and underwent surgery at Roswell Park. At her doctor’s recommendation, she had her ovaries removed as well, which revealed a previously undetected stage 1 ovarian cancer.
“If my doctor hadn’t literally saved my life, I wouldn’t have been here to earn and save money,” she said. “What good is it if I don’t give back to the place that kept me here?” Christine created a legacy that will contribute to the vast growth she has witnessed at Roswell Park throughout the years.
After being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and given 6 months to live, Cheryl Reinhardt turned to Roswell Park for a second opinion in 2004. She was given hope and treatment options. Barb was with her every step of the way. Over the next 19 years, Cheryl and Barb enjoyed life in between treatments and clinical trials.
In early 2023, Cheryl died after a courageous battle. Barb and Cheryl credit donations to Roswell Park for helping advance the new treatment options that were available to Cheryl every time she needed it. That’s why they chose to leave a legacy gift.
“We both believe in Roswell Park and the research done there and thought the best way to show our belief was to leave a monetary gift that could help others,” Barb explained. “Someone paved the way for Cheryl’s research. We wanted to help pave the way for those who would come behind her and needed the research to help them in their cancer fight.”
Barb believes it is the best feeling in the world to know their gift will help someone else be able to make memories like Barb and Cheryl did.
Cheryl and Barb's Story
Mike and Suzanne's Story
Mike and Suzanne Ameroso were longtime volunteers at Roswell Park. It started 17 years ago when Mike was diagnosed with cancer and underwent successful robotic surgery.
“We were so grateful for the outstanding care that we offered to volunteer,” said Sue.
After his cancer journey, Mike remains active with the Family and Patient Advisory Committee. Sue’s radiant smile and good humor were known throughout the hospital as she used to visit inpatients and help in any way she could, always bringing her beautiful handmade earrings as a small gift. She and Mike visited patients on Christmas Day for many years and loved bringing their special blend of joy and quiet reassurance on a day that can be difficult for patients.
Always wanting to do more for Roswell Park, Mike and Sue have planned to leave a gift from their estate.