How the UHS Foundation helps lighten the load
The UHS Foundation is proud to provide financial assistance for patients navigating a cancer diagnosis through two critical partnerships and outreach programs: Sock Out Cancer and the Saint Agatha Foundation.
SOCK OUT CANCER
Several years ago, Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York approached UHS with the idea of creating a program to help ease the burden on cancer patients in the community. From that vision came Sock Out Cancer, a nonprofit initiative designed to support patients with nonmedical necessities, like:
- Cost of food
- Cost of transportation
- Housing expenses
- Utility bills
- Insurance costs
From their annual benefit concert to their popular rainbow socks, Sock Out Cancer’s efforts continue to uplift those managing these diagnoses.
“When Security Mutual approached us, their main objective was to help patients concentrate on their recovery,” said Andrea Mastronardi, development manager, UHS Foundation. Sock Out Cancer helps relieve some of those burdens, so patients can focus on getting better.
Since the program began in 2017, Sock Out Cancer raised over $550,000 that helped support over 725 UHS cancer patients and their families.
SAINT AGATHA FOUNDATION
In July 2025, the Saint Agatha Foundation awarded the UHS Foundation a generous $75,000 grant to support breast cancer patients in Broome County. After just one month, several breast cancer patients experienced financial relief with the help of this partnership.
“If we can help a patient feel less overwhelmed, less scared and less anxious, we want to be able to help,” Mastronardi said. “And this is the way the UHS Foundation can do that.”
The UHS Foundation and its community partners share a commitment to ensuring that patients facing a cancer diagnosis are supported throughout their care. These programs are made possible through the generosity of community members.
GIVE WISELY
You can learn more about the work of the UHS Foundation by visiting nyuhs.org/give-back.
