Major donation from Shuryn’s family will improve diabetes care in Wellsville
From Jones Memorial Hospital,
The Jones Memorial Hospital Foundation is honored to receive a substantial memorial donation from the Allen family, in memory of their grandson, Robert Joseph Shuryn. Robert passed away on December 18, 2023, from complications of Type 1 Diabetes. He is, of course, sadly missed by his family.
He was an avid singer and actor, playing Bert (Dick Van Dyke’s role) in the WHS musical production of – Mary Poppins. He was active in WAVE, the Wellsville Acapella Vocal Ensemble, a High School group that competed regionally. Robert also enjoyed sports, competing on the WHS Volleyball Team where, with his good friend, Isaiah Scott, he helped to fuel a fierce and competitive team.
Robert was an empathetic and engaging young man who was committed to helping people. After a year in college, Robert returned home, working in the daycare room at the YMCA and at Giant Food where he was known for his friendly manner and constant cheerful disposition. He served as a volunteer councilor at the Wellsville Lions Club supporting Juvenile Diabetes Camp located in Rush, NY, after attending as a camper for several summers. He also worked as a one-on-one aide at Wellsville Secondary School, helping individuals struggling with school. He was later employed at Wegmans in Rochester at the Amores restaurant where his kind manner was felt strongly amongst the staff. After Robert passed, the staff honored his life with a large show of support at his memorial.
Robert’s grandfather, Dwight Allen, shares, “Robert was the first to call me Grandpa. After a difficult health diagnosis in 2001, I was thankful for Robert’s birth in 2002. Being there for my first grandchild meant a lot to me.”
The memorial donation will be used to purchase A1C screening equipment to be used in the outside primary care family practices, for early diabetes screening and prevention. Jim Helms, President & CEO at Jones Memorial Hospital explains, “This donation will ensure more patients receive access to early screening for diabetes — leading to better outcomes, and improved long term care, as well as a better quality of life. We feel honored that we are able to recognize Robert’s legacy in the community.”
Jodi Pearson, Foundation Coordinator, also stated, “We are grateful to Robert’s family for the opportunity to share in honoring his legacy.”
For information regarding legacy giving, please call 585-596-2053 or email jodi_pearson@urmc.rochester.edu.
