DONOR PROFILE
Sue DeStaebler A resourceful member of several SOUL RYEDERS communities Sue and her husband Doug
The SOUL RYEDERS mission states “SOUL RYEDERS provides personalized resources, innovative programs and community support to anyone in the New York Tri-State area impacted by any type of cancer.” To me, it is the people behind this mission statement that make it such a special organization. The feeling you get when you walk through the front door of their office is one that cannot be put into words. Having many friends, acquaintances, and family members who have been affected by cancer and have benefited from SOUL RYEDERS’ numerous programs, I am incredibly inspired to continue to support them in every way I can. I first became involved with SOUL RYEDERS when my husband and I became financial supporters through the Giving Circle. Sandy’s story and the growth of the organization into what it is today is an inspiring one. Since our original involvement, my role has grown from a volunteer at Stitch and Sip, to a Program Advisory Committee Member, to working on the newly formed Caregiver program. Most recently, I have been able to find a way to use my art as a source of comfort and relaxation during a time of isolation for both clients and caregivers. When the pandemic was in full force and we were in lockdown, I wanted to find a way to meaningfully utilize my love of painting with watercolors. I had an idea to include a set of notecards made of my paintings in the care packages SOUL RYEDERS’ provides to clients and caregivers and the entire leadership team were on board. As per their usual incredible efforts, they made it happen!
Workshops have long been a part of the SOUL RYEDERS’ offerings. It was so rewarding to hear the feedback from the care package recipients, it made us all want to do something more. Although not an art therapist or a teacher, I believe that art in many forms can be used in a therapeutic way. With this in mind, we brainstormed and developed a special workshop for clients and caregivers to create homemade notecards. We kept the project simple so that anyone could participate, regardless of artistic ability. Bags with all the materials were provided to the attendees and we had an hour of creating and community together on Zoom. One of the clients actually joined us while she was receiving a chemo treatment and found it to be a nice distraction. I feel honored to be a part of the wonderful group of people that make up the SOUL RYEDERS family. Their actions and the lives they touch through their support is remarkable. I hope to continue with more art related workshops in the future. It gives me great pleasure to give in a variety of ways to this amazing organization. Keep up the good work, team!
“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” ~ Kathy Calvin 10
