Miracle Makers: Czekanski Family Refuses to Leave Hospital’s Success to Chance

Outstanding Commitment by Grateful Parents

For the past nine years, Bryce Czekanski has spent his Tuesdays at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center for synthetic enzyme-replacement therapy. Bryce was born with a rare genetic disorder called Hurler-Scheie syndrome, for which there is no cure. With much time spent at the children’s hospital, Bryce and his parents, Eric and Sheryl Czekanski, and sister Shana have met many people and have befriended other treatment center families and hospital staff members.

“We’re in the hospital so much,” Eric said. “We wanted to find a way to give back to all of the people we have met and who have helped us.”

Eric and Sheryl have found a number of ways to get involved, with help from their family, friends and colleagues at Tops Markets and Providium/Gallagher. The Czekanskis continuously support the annual Drive for Miracles Radiothon and Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, and with the help of a close personal friend and Tops Markets, started the Monte Carlo Night fundraiser six years ago. Their involvement has earned them the Miracle Maker Award for Outstanding Commitment by Grateful Parents this year.

“When people found out about Bryce’s condition, everyone asked how they could help,” Eric said. “The fundraisers are a great way to get everyone involved and make a positive impact.”

The Monte Carlo Night fundraiser is a casino night event, which takes place every March, and usually attracts 300 guests. There is a silent auction with donated items, autographed sports items, art work and a weekend getaway. The 2011 event raised $11,500 for Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. The event has raised close to $50,000 for Golisano’s Children’s Hospital over the years.

The fundraiser is designed to make the guests really feel like they are at a casino, which makes the event something everyone can have fun with. Bryce’s involvement makes the event even more special. Bryce uses his wonderful artistic ability to draw pictures on all of the tickets, which is something he enjoys doing every year.

”We are grateful to the Czekanski family for their dedication,” said Betsy Findlay, director of advancement at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “They have inspired their co-workers and friends to really create a group effort with the Monte Carlo Night fundraiser and are always eager to help in any way possible with the various events we hold throughout the year.”

The Czekanski family is honored to receive the Miracle Maker award, but still attributes the success from their fundraising to their family, friends, hospital staff and co-workers that have supported them from the very beginning.