On May 30, more than 100 Cayuga Health donors gathered at the Inn at Taughannock for the Cayuga Medical Center Foundation Garden Party, an evening dedicated to celebrating the community’s continued generosity and support.
As part of the celebration, Cayuga Health proudly announced the renaming of two important spaces within the Cayuga Cancer Center at Cayuga Park, recognizing individuals whose impact on local oncology care has been both profound and lasting.
“These naming dedications are a testament to the deep generosity and shared purpose of our donor community,” said Steph Bailey, System Director of Philanthropy at Cayuga Health. “Their support ensures we can continue advancing compassionate, high-quality cancer care in our region.”
The third floor of the Cancer Center will now be known as The Jean Seaman Oncology Clinic at Cayuga Cancer Center. In 2023, Thomas Seaman made a multi-year commitment of $1 million to the CMC Foundation to support the Cancer Center. This generous gift, one of the largest ever made to Cayuga Health, supports facility and equipment needs of the center, and was made in loving memory of the Seaman family matriarch, Jean.
The space at Cayuga Park is home to a range of services that support patients from diagnosis through treatment, offering a setting where families, caregivers, and providers come together in hope and healing.
At the heart of the clinic lies the Infusion Suite, which will now bear the name The Charles Garbo, MD Infusion Center, in recognition of Dr. Charles Garbo’s more than 30 years of service to the region. A beloved physician known for his warmth, compassion, and dedication to exceptional oncology care, Dr. Garbo officially retired on the day of the dedication, May 30.
“It is only fitting that this space, where so many receive chemotherapy and infusion treatment, now carries the name of a physician who has been a source of comfort and strength to so many,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, President and CEO of Cayuga Health. “Dr. Garbo’s impact on our community is immeasurable.”
Reflecting on the moment, Dr. Garbo shared:
“I have strived to provide the best for my patients over the past 32 years that I have been at CMC (referring to Cayuga Medical Center). While I always had a vision for the cancer services at CMC, they have flourished beyond anything I would have imagined. The services we now provide are larger in scope and quality than one would typically find outside of a major metropolitan area. I am very proud to have grown (been part of? Unless “grown” is from a direct quote) such a patient-focused and caring team. As I move on from my role providing treatment as a physician at CMC, it is a great honor to have the infusion suite at Cayuga Park named after me. Patti Pappapietro, the lead donor of the space, was truly a special individual and it was my pleasure to have cared for her. “
Cayuga Health extends its heartfelt thanks to all donors whose support makes this work possible and whose generosity continues to shape the future of patient care across the region.
