You See My Vision,
Come Run with Me
When a serious illness or medical emergency changes everything, the financial burden can quickly become overwhelming. Otsego Cares was created to help ease that burden for individuals and families in our community so they can focus their energy where it matters most — on treatment, healing, and the people they love.
Otsego Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to local individuals and families facing unexpected and life-changing medical circumstances.
From treatment and dialysis expenses to travel and other costs associated with receiving medical care, our goal is simple: to help our neighbors when they need it most.
Our Mission.
Our Community.
Our Impact.
Otsego Cares provides support and financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing serious medical hardships in Otsego County, New York.
Our organization was built on a simple belief: when someone in our community is struggling, our community should be there to help.
When a serious medical situation occurs, families can face unexpected expenses beyond the cost of medical care. Otsego Cares helps ease these financial burdens by providing assistance with qualifying nonmedical expenses associated with treatment and recovery.
Unexpected Expenses
Dialysis & Transplant Support
Cancer Patient Support
Transportation & Travel
Lodging during Treatments
Essential Living Expenses
Meals During Treatment
Other Qualifying Expenses
Every situation is different, and every family's needs are different. Otsego Cares
strives to provide compassionate assistance where it can have a meaningful impact.
Personal Journeys
Behind the mission of Otsego Cares are individuals and families who have faced extraordinary medical challenges. Their stories remind us why this organization exists and demonstrate what can happen when a community comes together to support its neighbors. Otsego Cares has already provided assistance to three local individuals facing kidney disease, dialysis and transplantation. As we grow, our goal is to extend that same support to even more neighbors facing serious medical hardships.
Lew Keyser
In 2011, Lew Keyser was hospitalized with stage 4 renal failure, throwing his family into an unfamiliar and challenging situation. With support from the close-knit Otsego community, Lew and his family navigated the difficult road ahead. His experience eventually became part of the inspiration for Otsego Cares and its mission to help other families facing similar circumstances. Lew's journey is a reminder that a medical crisis can happen unexpectedly — and that community support can make an enormous difference when it does.
Olivia Young
In July 2025, Olivia was diagnosed with stage 4 renal failure after suddenly becoming ill. Her diagnosis led to extensive medical care, including hospitalization and dialysis. In November 2025, she received remarkable news: a donor kidney had become available. With the support of her family and community, Olivia began the next chapter of her journey. Her experience is another reminder of why organizations like Otsego Cares matter — because serious illness doesn't only affect a patient. It affects an entire family.
Jesse Brown
After years of living with kidney disease, Jesse Brown received life-changing news in June 2022: a donor kidney had become available. The transplant offered Jesse a new beginning and the opportunity to move forward surrounded by his family and community. His story also illustrates the long and often difficult journey faced by individuals awaiting organ transplantation — a journey that may include ongoing medical care, dialysis, travel, and significant financial challenges.
Upcoming Fundraisers
Oct 31, 2026 | Otego Fire House
Halloween Party
Come join us for an evening of FUN and LAUGHS like always! Kids party is by donation. Fun Guaranteed!
We're Here When You
Need a Helping Hand
Facing a serious medical diagnosis is difficult enough without having to navigate every financial challenge alone. Otsego Cares provides financial assistance to qualifying individuals and families experiencing significant medical hardships.
- Kidney Disease & Transplants
- Patient Support
- Travel & Transportation
- Meals
- Lodging
- Other Medical Hardships
Assistance is dependent upon available funding and eligibility. Submission of a request does not guarantee financial assistance.
Request Assistance
If you or someone you know is experiencing a serious medical hardship and could benefit from assistance, please contact Otsego Cares. Our team will review the circumstances and available resources to determine how we may be able to help.
Your Donation
Stays Close to Home
When you give to Otsego Cares, you're helping people in our community navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Donations help us provide financial assistance to individuals and families facing serious medical situations — from dialysis and transplant-related expenses to cancer treatment, travel, and other qualifying needs.
Whether you give $25, $50, $100, or more, every contribution helps build a fund that is available when another local family needs support.
- Ease the financial burden of ongoing treatment
- Assist with travel and transportation to appointments and treatments
- Support individuals undergoing dialysis or transplant care
- Help cancer patients and their families manage unexpected expenses
- Provide relief during an unexpected medical crisis
Otsego Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible as permitted by law.