Donation protected
Many of you know Sharon Russitano, either as a dear friend or professionally. And for some it's both. She has become a integral part of our community, working for 27 years at St. Francis Hospital (MidHudson Regional Hospital) in Poughkeepsie. She also serves as a non-paid Board Member and President for The Arc of Dutchess, which supports those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
She works every day to support and empower the people she knows need it the most. Now Sharon needs our help.
On December 26, 1970 when Sharon was just 11 years old, she was badly injured in a snowmobiling accident. She was on a saucer being pulled by a snowmobile and when the rope broke, she flew into a parked snowmobile. Unfortunately the ski went into her back and as a result, she became paralyzed from the waist down. She's had countless surgeries in the nearly 50 years since the accident. Her heart stopped during two surgeries and in another, they placed metal rods in her back for support.
Sharon also broke her right leg 13 years ago and the doctors could not set the leg because the bone was too brittle. Sharon does not have feeling in her legs, but recently noticed an infection on her right leg. The infection became severe and moved into the bone. After 2 weeks in the hospital, on January 7, 2020, Sharon had to make the toughest decision of her life and have yet another surgery to have her right leg amputated above the knee.
To say she's had it tough is an understatement! Yet she's never lost her smile, her dignity or her fight to be independent and live a full life in her own home. With the love and support of her family, friends, neighbors and co-workers she has a network she can rely on.
But Sharon now has mounting medical bills from the recent surgery. She also drives a 2005 handicap van that continues to break down while she's on the road, and is not safe to drive. So, please consider a donation to get her the help she needs and deserves! Your help would be truly life-changing for Sharon.
Thank you and God Bless.
Sharon presenting awards at the ARC of Dutchess 2019 Annual Meeting & Celebration of Service.
Sharon (center) taking her oath as incoming Board President (2017-2019). Sharon and other volunteers supporting the ARC's sponsorship of the New York Special Olympics.
Siblings Renee, Pete, Robin and Pete Sr. with Sharon at 2018 family reunion.
Sharon with her nieces and nephews at her sister Renee's wedding.
Sharon with her beloved dog Jeter, and getting some exercise on the Walkway Over The Hudson.
She works every day to support and empower the people she knows need it the most. Now Sharon needs our help.
On December 26, 1970 when Sharon was just 11 years old, she was badly injured in a snowmobiling accident. She was on a saucer being pulled by a snowmobile and when the rope broke, she flew into a parked snowmobile. Unfortunately the ski went into her back and as a result, she became paralyzed from the waist down. She's had countless surgeries in the nearly 50 years since the accident. Her heart stopped during two surgeries and in another, they placed metal rods in her back for support.
Sharon also broke her right leg 13 years ago and the doctors could not set the leg because the bone was too brittle. Sharon does not have feeling in her legs, but recently noticed an infection on her right leg. The infection became severe and moved into the bone. After 2 weeks in the hospital, on January 7, 2020, Sharon had to make the toughest decision of her life and have yet another surgery to have her right leg amputated above the knee.
To say she's had it tough is an understatement! Yet she's never lost her smile, her dignity or her fight to be independent and live a full life in her own home. With the love and support of her family, friends, neighbors and co-workers she has a network she can rely on.
But Sharon now has mounting medical bills from the recent surgery. She also drives a 2005 handicap van that continues to break down while she's on the road, and is not safe to drive. So, please consider a donation to get her the help she needs and deserves! Your help would be truly life-changing for Sharon.
Thank you and God Bless.
Sharon presenting awards at the ARC of Dutchess 2019 Annual Meeting & Celebration of Service.Sharon (center) taking her oath as incoming Board President (2017-2019). Sharon and other volunteers supporting the ARC's sponsorship of the New York Special Olympics. Siblings Renee, Pete, Robin and Pete Sr. with Sharon at 2018 family reunion.Sharon with her nieces and nephews at her sister Renee's wedding.Sharon with her beloved dog Jeter, and getting some exercise on the Walkway Over The Hudson.Organizer and beneficiary
Robin Gidney
Organizer
Poughkeepsie, NY
Sharon Russitano
Beneficiary