Who We Are
Mission
The mission of Paige's Butterfly Run, Inc. is to raise funds with integrity to benefit current and future pediatric cancer patients and their families in Central New York through the sponsorship of pediatric oncology research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse.
The Story Behind the Organization
In 1993, Paige Yeomans Arnold was a seemingly healthy 6 year old first grader at Palmer Elementary School in Baldwinsville NY, when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She was treated at what is now the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse NY. Paige ultimately underwent a bone marrow transplant in an effort to cure her leukemia at Boston Children’s Hospital in 1994. Sadly, complications from the transplant led to her death in August of that year.
In the Spring of 1997, her parents Chris & Ellen were approached by a group of teachers at Palmer Elementary that wished to honor Paige in what would have been her last year at the school. In short order, they decided that a walk\run event would be organized. All proceeds were slated to benefit a college scholarship fund and the Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders in Paige’s memory. The butterfly was selected as a symbol of the event not only because she was so fond of them, but because they typified her: beautiful and gentle, but strong beyond imagining.
After hosting the event from 1997-2007 at Palmer Elementary, Paige’s Butterfly Run came to downtown Syracuse in 2008 with the Taste of Syracuse Festival. In 2016, two fundraising events were added: Pedaling 4 Paige – an indoor spinning event and Clams 4 Cures Clambake.
What We Do
After event expenses our organization invests in the following initiatives that support the Central New York community.
Paige’s Cancer Research Fund
Funding research at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in applications for pediatric oncology
Paige’s Family & Survivor Assistance Funds
Assisting families at the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital having financial difficulties due to their child’s illness, with help for treatment, wellness and survivorship.
Programs funded through Paige’s Family & Survivor Assistance Fund
Paige’s Burial Assistance Fund
Paige’s Comfort Kit Fund
Peds Pals
Paige’s Transportation Fund
Paige’s Supports ‘Champions Again’ Fund
*Cancer in the Classroom
Paige Yeomans Arnold Memorial Endowed Professorship
A permanent endowment established with the Upstate Foundation used to support the Department Chair of Pediatric Oncology at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Paige’s Comfort & Family Fun Fund
Providing the Child Life Specialists on the inpatient and outpatient floors of the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders with the resources for family meals, celebrations for birthdays and holidays, and to generally lighten their lives when they are in the hospital for treatment.
Programs funded through Paige’s Comfort & Family Fun Fund
Paige’s Fun Fund for Families
Paige’s Outpatient Clinic Fund
Paige’s Sibling Event Fund
