by Rachel Hunter
The 2023 Ryan’s Wish Foundation Annual Charity Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, August 19 at Emerald Greens’ 18-hole golf course in Gouverneur. Golfers turned out in great number to support the Ryan’s Wish Foundation’s mission to help those diagnosed with cancer and serious illnesses throughout St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin and Lewis counties.
Gouverneur’s own Dr. Robert Saidel and his wife Rita founded Ryan’s Wish Foundation in memory of their son, who strived to live life to the fullest even as he battled cancer. Ryan Saidel from Gouverneur, NY was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 14 years old and fought the disease for five years before he passed at age 19 on February 7, 2004. During his five-year struggle, Ryan touched the lives of countless people. To those around him, Ryan defined the word courage as he lived his life inspiring others to make the best of each and every day.
A year after Ryan’s death, the Ryan’s Wish Foundation was created to celebrate Ryan’s inspirational life, and is dedicated to helping others who are battling a serious illness “play and live strong.”
The Ryan’s Wish Foundation (501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization) is created to celebrate the inspirational life of Ryan Saidel. The foundation is dedicated to helping people who are battling a serious illness to “play and live strong.” The Foundation serves people in the tri-county areas of Northern New York: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. Funds received from the Foundation can help offset traveling costs and other expenses incurred by individuals and their families during treatment or hospitalization. More than $1 million has been distributed to help North Country residents who had been diagnosed with cancer and serious illness throughout St. Lawrence County, Jefferson County, and Lewis County.
The welcoming address was given by John Cunningham, owner of Emerald Greens in Gouverneur, joined by Dr. Robert and Rita Saidel of Gouverneur. “We would like to thank you for joining us today,” Mr. Cunningham said. “We would like to thank you for showing your support of the Ryan’s Wish Foundation.” He also extended gratitude to the Ryan’s Wish Foundation Board for their help organizing the event, along with the Emerald Greens staff.
“Again, we want to thank everyone for coming out today,” Dr. Saidel said. “You know our mission, and you probably maybe even had some friends or others that we have helped in the past. We do St. Lawrence County, Jeferson County, and Lewis County. This year, there has been a lot of people with a lot of health problems that are critical… and that needs transportation, multiple trips to Boston, Syracuse. Because of your donations and coming here to show your support, we are able to not turn down anybody, which is a blessing.”
Great applause sounded as the 20 registered teams of golfers headed out to play on Emerald Greens’ 18-hole golf course last Saturday.
Donations to the Ryan’s Wish Foundation are always gratefully accepted: Ryan's Wish Foundation, c/o Dr. Robert Saidel, P.O. Box 326, Gouverneur, NY 13642.