We can’t come together in person to celebrate and support our hospitals, but our generous community is uniting virtually to give back. These are just a few of the dedicated fundraisers who are rallying their networks to make a difference for our patients and their families.
Celebrating an Occasion
Paulyn Baens was born with a rare autoimmune disease and was treated at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals throughout her childhood. But most of Paulyn’s friends and coworkers were unaware of her medical journey. To celebrate her 25th birthday, Paulyn shared her story and rallied her network to support the hospital that saved her life. She raised $1,400, exceeding her goal by 40%.
"This birthday celebration was a lot more fulfilling than most years," Paulyn said. "This fundraiser brought a lot of people together from different parts of my life to step up and make a contribution."
Help Paulyn Celebrate
Raising Awareness
Every September, Jon'ette Jordan raises money for sickle cell care and research. It’s the disease that took her sister’s life prematurely, and which Jon'ette herself has battled since birth, receiving care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, a national leader in sickle cell disease and research. In gratitude for the care she received, Jon'ette has raised about $10,000 for the program since 2008.
“I'm a firm believer that part of my physical and mental toughness as a sickle cell warrior was developed in the 18 years of treatment and counseling that I received at Children’s Oakland,” Jon’ette says. “It's only right to give back in any way that I can.”
Honoring a Loved One
After their baby boy, Julian, was stillborn, Dresden and Wilson Griffin decided to honor his life by helping ensure that other families have access to resources and services to help them heal. They have raised over $100,000 to train Labor & Delivery staff, social workers, and chaplains to better serve parents facing stillbirth.
"After we lost Julian, so many friends and family members reached out to say 'What can we do?' It was wonderful to be able to point them to his fundraiser and to have a productive, purposeful outlet for our grief,” Dresden says. “We know that, because of this initiative, our baby boy will have a profoundly positive impact on the world."
Responding to an Emergency
As the pandemic unfolded as both a health and economic crisis, our physicians began to notice an increase in families suddenly without housing. Our Encore Medical Clinic, which serves homeless families, faced an urgent need for funding to provide emergency housing, food, and other crucial services. Sasha Bainer immediately got involved. She emailed a network of mothers in her community, inspiring 14 donors to raise $4,000 to serve families in need.
“Along with our concerns about the pandemic, there was a sincere feeling of how much privilege we have, and we felt scared for families without access to food and shelter,” Sasha says. “In a time that was so isolated, being able to do something to impact people outside our immediate family felt really good.”
Give to the Encore Clinic
Uniting for a Cause
After learning he had a brain tumor, avid swimmer Dan Dunnigan underwent a successful surgery at UCSF in 2013. To show his gratitude for the lifesaving care he received, Dave participates in Swim Across America, an annual cancer fundraiser, as captain for Team UCSF Survive, which raises more than $75,000 each year.
Swimmers typically swim 1.5 miles through the chilly San Francisco Bay to inspire their communities to support cancer care and research. This year, Dan and other dedicated SAA swimmers are doing individual challenges and rallying their communities virtually. “I will continue to swim and be a part of something bigger than myself,” Dan writes. “It is a team effort, and we all can make a difference in some way.”
Register to Make a Difference
Thank you to the generous supporters who have mobilized their networks to make a difference for families in need. Starting a fundraiser is easy and fun – join us today!