More than 40 years ago, the Susan Fund awarded its first grants.
The recipients were special: young men and women battling cancer. Besides facing staggering medical bills, they needed help paying for college.
Susan Lloyd
To date, the Susan Fund — named in honor of Susan Lloyd, a popular, multi-talented Staples High School graduate who succumbed to bone cancer while at Colgate University — has distributed more than $2 million, providing hope (and education) to hundreds of Fairfield County residents.
Every awardee’s story is unique. But Ryan Caulfield’s demonstrates the effect one grant can have on one person.
And ultimately, countless others.
At Staples, Ryan was in the National Honor Society. He competed for the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
In 11th grade, he had trouble breathing. Eventually he could hardly walk up stairs. Rowing was out of the question.
Ryan Caulfield, Staples Class of 2017 …
After being misdiagnosed with asthma, Ryan received far worse news: A large mass was occluding his left lung.
He underwent a series of surgeries. The final major one, that May, involved a complete reconstruction of his airway. Fortunately, he kept his left lung.
Ryan recovered, and graduated in 2017. He headed to the University of Pittsburgh, where he double majored in nursing and economics. He then worked for a year and a half in a thoracic center.
Today he’s midway through Pitt’s doctoral program in nurse anesthesioloogy. His goal is to work at a mjor medical center.
He could not have done it without the Susan Fund. He received scholarships all 4 undergraduate years. The grants continue in grad school.
“It’s been extraordinarily helpful,” Ryan says.
… and Ryan Caulfield today.
And the fund does not just hand him money. Members of the board of directors, including Ann Lloyd, Jeff Booth and Kelly Frey Pollard, check in regularly. “They’re very invested in my career,” he says proudly.
Every year too, the Susan Fund hosts a reception for recipients. This year’s is June 23, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
It’s always a warm, loving event. Stories are shared. Updates are offered.
And, Ryan notes, attendees — all now born long after Susan Lloyd lived and died — think of her, and honor her legacy.
(To learn more about the Susan Fund — including how to apply for a scholarship, and donate — click here.)
