By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
COXSACKIE — The Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid (GCWL) is preparing for its second annual Cabin Fever fundraiser on March 15 from 1-5 p.m. at The Wire in Coxsackie. This event raises funds for cancer patients in Greene County and honors the women who founded the organization in 1970.
The nonprofit organization provides up to $5,000 in financial aid over a three-year period to eligible patients for medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital bills, pharmacy costs, and prosthetics. The organization does not accept Medicaid patients, as their medical costs are already covered.
As part of Capital Region Independent Media’s Community Conversations video series, we sat down with GCWL President Judy Synakowski and event co-chairs Lisa Leone-Beers and Cat Tice-Jones to discuss the fundraiser, their personal connections to the cause, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to support cancer patients.
A PERSONAL MISSION
For Leone-Beers and Tice-Jones, organizing the event is more than just fundraising—it’s about giving back to a cause that directly impacted their families.
“My sister-in-law, Kelly Beers, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about 12 years ago, and GCWL stepped in to help,” Leone-Beers said. “The last thing families should have to worry about while fighting cancer is whether they can afford treatment. Kelly passed away 10 years ago, but we continue this work in her memory, as well as for others in the community who are facing similar battles.”
Tice-Jones shared a similar story, recalling how she was drawn to the organization.
“I lost my husband to cancer eight years ago, and I’m also a survivor myself,” Synakowski said. “When I learned about GCWL, I knew I wanted to get involved and help other families. Cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed—it affects everyone around them.”
Synakowski, who serves as the league’s president, highlighted the grassroots nature of the organization.
“This group started around a kitchen table in 1970,” she said. “A few women saw a need and decided to do something about it. Decades later, we’re still carrying on their mission.”
A GROWING FUNDRAISER WITH BIG GOALS
Last year’s Cabin Fever event was a major success, raising over $56,000, more than doubling its original goal of $20,000.
“We held it at Anthony’s Banquet Hall last year, and even with a freak snowstorm, over 240 people showed up,” Leone-Beers said. “It just showed how much the community supports what we do.”
This year, organizers are setting an ambitious goal of $40,000, with hopes of funding at least eight new patients.
The event will include:
• Silent and live auctions
• Brown-bag auction (a surprise-item bidding event)
• Raffles
• Entertainment from “Witches Along The Hudson,” a dance group that has chosen GCWL as its nonprofit beneficiary this year
Tickets are $60 per person, which includes light appetizers.
“We still have a few tickets left,” Tice-Jones said. “We’re aiming to fill the venue, and every ticket purchased helps a cancer patient in need.”
BEYOND CABIN FEVER: A YEAR-ROUND EFFORT
The fundraising doesn’t stop with Cabin Fever. GCWL organizes several events throughout the year to ensure a steady flow of support for local cancer patients.
• Bikers Against Cancer Ride – May 18 (starting at Hickory Hill Market in Windham and ending at Chicken Run)
• August Car Show in Windham
• Vendor and Craft Fair – October
• Annual raffle with four $500 prizes
A new lottery-based fundraiser has also been introduced, where ticket buyers have the chance to win money based on daily lottery numbers.
“We started a fundraising committee two years ago to keep the community engaged year-round,” Synakowski said. “It’s about more than just money—it’s about raising awareness and making sure people know we’re here to help.”
WOMEN-LED AND COMMUNITY DRIVEN
GCWL was founded in 1970 by a small group of women who wanted to help their neighbors in need.
The original founding members were Dorothy Beck, Lillian Becker, Sid Henderstein, Gloria Klein, Jean Lagana, Fran Moon, Lee Poplock, Fran Principe, Ethel Slutzky, and Shirley Zwickel.
Today, GCWL continues to be entirely run by volunteers, with over 100 members—and it’s still predominantly led by women.
“We have no paid staff. Proceeds raised go directly to helping cancer patients,” Leone-Beers said. “It’s a group of women who care about their community and are willing to put in the time and effort to make a difference.”
Synakowski added that the group is always looking for new members.
“Anyone can join,” she said. “It’s just $25 a year, and you don’t even have to attend meetings—you can just support however you’re able. Our goal is to keep growing and helping more people.”
IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The fundraiser is made possible by the generosity of local businesses and individuals.
“We’ve had amazing sponsors step up,” Leone-Beers said. “From small businesses to large companies, people understand that this is a cause that touches everyone. Cancer doesn’t discriminate—it affects men, women and children, and we help them all.”
The Wire, which is hosting this year’s event, has also been instrumental in supporting community organizations.
“Aaron Flach and his team at The Wire have been amazing,” Tice-Jones said. “They understand that these events aren’t just about fundraising—they’re about bringing people together for a common cause.”
GCWL’s impact is evident in the number of patients they support.
“Right now, we’re actively assisting over 60 cancer patients in Greene County,” Synakowski said. “That’s 60 people who don’t have to face this fight alone.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Tickets for Cabin Fever are available now. To purchase or learn more, contact:
• Lisa Leone-Beers: (518) 755-4744
• Cat Tice-Jones: (518) 821-6712
For more information on GCWL’s services, fundraising events, or to become a member, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.
