George Eastman Circle member spotlight: Ralph Olney
George Eastman Circle member spotlight: Ralph Olney
When Ralph Olney was first diagnosed with a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia in 2011, he did not anticipate having much time to leave his mark on the world. Today, the George Eastman Circle member credits his survival to the Wilmot Cancer Institute and is giving back with immense gratitude.
Ralph Olney
Q: What is special about Wilmot Cancer Institute?
A: The Cancer Institute is a pretty special place. The thing that amazes me is that when you think about the University of Rochester Medical Center, you think of this huge complex with thousands of people that work there. You might assume that you are only one of many patients, but that’s not the case at all. It’s truly patient-centered care. When I was first diagnosed, I spent the better part of six months in the hospital. During that time, I got to meet the cleaners, the phlebotomist, the head nurse. When my wife passed away last year, a number of those people showed up at my wife’s wake and funeral, because they knew us and wanted to show that respect. My wife had Alzheimer’s, and I was able to keep her here at home. If it wasn’t for the care that I got, I would have had to put her in a hospital or a home. Being able to be here for my wife, is something I’ll never be able to thank them enough for.
Q: What does legacy mean to you?
A: Legacy really comes down to selflessly helping others. Some of the resources that are benefited by my philanthropy are likely going to help people that I’ll probably never meet. I pray that the legacy that I will leave is that the work that I’m doing is going to help others. That gives me joy and some solace. I’m a person of faith and being able to give back to others is aligned with the values that I have as a Christian. It all links together; it’s all connected as far as I’m concerned.
Q: What do you value about being a member of the George Eastman Circle?
A: I’m on the advisory board for the Wilmot Cancer Institute, which I value because it gives me a chance to have some influence and provide guidance to the Cancer Institute. However, the George Eastman Circle gives me a chance to understand what the University is doing as a whole. Having access to President Mangelsdorf, to understand the vision for the University and be around other significant donors, it allows you to understand how important some of the philanthropy that’s happening is. You see that being put to use in every facet of university life. It’s a very different perspective on how the money that we’re working hard to raise is used.
Q: Why do you give to the University of Rochester?
A: I was first diagnosed with cancer in 2011, and I have been treated at Wilmot Cancer Institute since then. Being treated at Wilmot over the years has really given me an opportunity to meet not only the primary oncologists and doctors but a whole range of doctors and specialists that have helped me to get better. They really treat me like I’m a family member. My personal experience has been incredibly outstanding. I feel cared for, loved, and supported by all of them. My wife and I wanted to do something to give back to the University for what they gave me, which is time. They gave my life back. I’ll do anything I can to help them be successful because I know they’re going to help other people like myself.