UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has announced the recipients of its third annual CommunityCare Grant: WNY STEM and Danceability. Each program will receive $5,000 towards their respective missions for the Western New York community.
“In evaluating the numerous applications we received this year, we were drawn to the mission and impact of both WNY STEM and Danceability,” stated Amanda Clark, Physician Relations & Marketing Manager at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. “Our company’s values of innovation, collaboration, and compassion are reflected in the organizations we chose as recipients of this grant.”
WNY STEM’s goal is to create awareness and partnerships in accessing STEM/STEAM learning and careers for those of all ages. According to Cherie Messore, WNY STEM’s executive director, “We bring together like-minded entities to advance STEM learning to advance our region’s economy”. This program focuses on exposing urban-centered middle school and high school students to careers in medical technology, and human anatomy. The $5,000 grant will support WNY STEM’s Hand in Hand program, to design and fabricate prosthetic hands using 3-D printers and other tech tools. Recently, three fully operational prosthetic hands were donated to children in WNY, and one in India.
“When we heard about the Hand in Hand program, it was a no-brainer. This is the sort of initiative we want to be a part of,” stated Dr. Robert Ablove, hand and upper extremity surgeon at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, and program director of the hand fellowship at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Some of our most complex cases involve patients who have suffered a trauma to their hand. These accidents are life-changing, so it’s important that organizations like WNY STEM are out there providing viable options for those with hand injuries.”
The second recipient of the CommunityCare Grant is Danceability, a Cheektowaga-based dance and movement program serving those of all ages with special needs. The program mimics traditional dance studio programming, but caters to those with special needs such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, seizure disorders, mental/psychiatric challenges, and more. “We plan to put 100% of this grant towards our new building, which hopes to open next year,” remarked Robin Bishop co-founder of Danceability. The new building will include three studios, two offices, a large waiting room, and a teacher/volunteer lounge. “Our hope is that this new space will not only help us to serve even more dancers and their families, but will also improve the quality of our services.”
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Robert Galpin, dedicates his time to the care and treatment of children with orthopaedic ailments, including children and adults at the Robert Warner Rehabilitation Center located at the Conventus building on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. “Throughout the years I’ve witnessed medical miracles take place because of a patient’s positive attitude and support system. Danceability is the kind of organization we want to support because they encourage fun and safe exercise, and introduce a community of caring individuals,” said Dr. Galpin. “We’re happy to give back to those that give so much to our patients and the Western New York community.”
The CommunityCare Grant, now in its third year, gives up to $10,000 to local, non-profit 501(c)3 agencies in areas such as health and wellness, sports and fitness, activities for the mentally disabled, and geriatric health. Recipients are chosen based on economic need, the mission of the organization, and fund utilization goals.
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