Letter shows value of giving to United Way

This past August, Scott Nash, a 44-year-old research associate in the Office of the Cornell Commitment, suffered a stroke during routine gastrointestinal surgery. He's been in intensive rehabilitation ever since at Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Service. Last week, Scott, ILR '88, dictated this letter for staff and faculty of Cornell to his wife, Chandra, the assistant business manager for Cornell's Office of Financial Aid, who is now on leave. Scott and Chandra asked that it be published in the Chronicle:

Oct. 22, 1999

Fellow Cornell workers:

Little did I dream when I volunteered for the last two years to work on the United Way Campaign and filled out my pledge cards that, 12 months later, I would find myself relying on United Way agencies. Since my stroke in August confined me to a wheelchair, I found myself dependent upon Gadabout for transportation and the Finger Lakes Independence Center to help me (and my family) adjust to daily living with my new condition.

Please be aware of all the good assistance United Way agencies provide in our community. Also, be mindful of the fact that an accident could find you, a co-worker, a family member or a close friend in need of these services at any time. When you fill out your pledge card this year, please give generously.

Thanks to you, it works for all of us.

Cordially,
Scott Nash, research associate
Office of the Cornell Commitment