How Otsego Cares Began
Otsego Cares was founded from firsthand experience with the challenges a serious medical diagnosis can bring to an entire family. The vision for the organization began in 2022, when founder Lew Keyser and his family experienced the financial and emotional challenges associated with his own medical journey. With the support of family, friends, and the surrounding community, an idea began to take shape: What if that same spirit of community support could be there for other local families facing a medical crisis? That idea became Otsego Cares. Today, Otsego Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors and supported by volunteers and community members who share a passion for helping others. The organization operates solely for charitable purposes. There are no paid positions within the organization, allowing funds raised through donations, fundraisers, sponsorships, and community support to be directed toward fulfilling the organization's mission.
A Local Organization Helping Local People
Otsego Cares is about providing meaningful assistance where it can make a difference for individuals and families within our community. Sometimes help with a treatment expense, travel cost, or another unexpected bill can provide a family with a little breathing room during an incredibly difficult time. As Otsego Cares grows, our goal is to continue expanding the number of individuals and families we are able to support while remaining rooted in the community that inspired our organization from the beginning.
The Mission Is Already Making a Difference
Otsego Cares may be a young organization, but the generosity of our community is already helping change lives. Since beginning our mission, Otsego Cares has provided assistance to three local individuals who received kidney transplants, including support related to dialysis and the expenses surrounding their medical journeys. Each story is different, but they share something important: behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a community that wants to see them succeed. These first three individuals represent only the beginning of what we hope Otsego Cares can accomplish.
Looking Ahead
As our organization grows, we hope to expand our assistance to other individuals facing serious illnesses, including cancer patients undergoing treatment. Cancer treatment can create expenses far beyond medical bills. Frequent appointments, transportation, fuel, lodging, meals, lost time from work, and other unexpected costs can place tremendous strain on patients and their families. Through continued fundraising and community support, Otsego Cares hopes to help ease some of those burdens. Every donation allows us to reach a little farther. Every fundraiser builds greater awareness. Every volunteer strengthens our ability to serve.