Special Acknowledgements

Heidi B. Schwarz, MD; University of Rochester Neurology Dept. - Dr. Schwarz earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Rochester where she also completed her residency and a fellowship in movement and inherited neurological disease. She is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester and specializes in a variety of neurological disorders with additional expertise in movement disorders including tremors as well as Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.  In 1994, after lengthy testing, Dr. Schwarz  diagnosed me with dementia pugilistica  and Parkinson's syndrome tremors.  She then referred me to Dr. Peter B. Sorman, Neuropsychologist, for a second opinion.  He confirmed her diagnosis. 

I continue to be thankful for the support, time and care that I have received from  Dr. Schwarz and don’t know where I would be today and know that I would not have made it to this point without her.   I will be forever grateful for her continued efforts and expertise.  I still see Dr. Schwarz on a regular basis, where she does a tremendous job of giving me the best quality of life possible.   She skillfully makes changes to check mate the dementia's progression and the tremors from Parkinson's syndrome. 

My Wife, Patti (Theriault) Ciancaglini - I thank God every day for the support of my wife, Patti.   She has been by my side through thick and thin and finds ways to deal with my condition.  She has sacrificed a great deal but I have never once heard her complain.  She has persevered through my paranoia, insomnia, mood changes, forgetfulness and my anxiety and frustrations from not being able to function normally.

Monsignor Franklin M. Kelliher, Roman Catholic Priest - Monsignor Kelliher was a well known retired Roman Catholic Priest in the Buffalo area.  He was a big boxing buff and founder of the Buffalo Boys Town (a home for troubled youth; homeless or paroled).  I met him in 1968 while training at Singer's Gym in Buffalo.  Monsignor became a mentor and good friend who kept me grounded, was concerned for my well being and encouraged me.  He was a wealth of knowledge and I looked to him often for advice.  He was honest and I could count on him to tell me the truth, even if it wasn't something I wanted to hear.  He nicknamed me, the Paladin Kid after a popular 1960's TV Western Show, "Have Gun, Will Travel".  The main character, Paladin, was a gentleman hired gunman.  Monsignor would say I was just like the hired gunman;  a gentleman, travelling long distances and taking on any fight even on short notice.  The nickname stuck and I quickly became, The Palidan Kid, "Have Glove, Will Travel".  I will always be grateful for his friendship and support.  He taught me the importance of being a gentleman.  That even with the brutality of the sport, there was still the ability to be a kind and considerate person. 

Dr. Jason Feinberg - Dr. Jason Feinberg, attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, earning a B.S. in Chemistry, Magna cum Laude; Syracuse Health Science Center 1989-1993 with an MD awarded in May 1993; completed Internal Medicine Residency at Naval Hospital Oakland, California 1993-1995 and  University of California, San Francisco 1995-1996.  During his time at Hobart College, he was a 4 year standout first baseman  on the Hobart Baseball Team from 1986-1989.  Dr. Feinberg was my general practitioner for six years, when I was going through a very tough time.  He worked endlessly with Dr. Schwarz and was always very patient and considerate of my condition.  I confided in him more than I would have in most anyone else.  He helped to bring me out of seclusion and  for that I will be forever grateful to him.

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio - Senator Nozzolio has been a strong advocate for the Finger Lakes Region,  representing the 54th Senate District in the New York State Senate. While attending Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, he was a standout athlete in football and lacrosse. He also lettered in crew and sprint football at Cornell University.  He earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, and a Master's degree in Public Administration and Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. Senator Nozzolio also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Syracuse University College of Law. Senator Nozzolio served as a JAG officer in the U.S. Naval Reserves and is currently a Commander in the New York Naval Militia. Senator Nozzolio has been a New York State Senator for the 54th district , since1992.  Prior to his election to the New York State Senate, Senator Nozzolio served for 10 years in the New York State Assembly where he was chosen to serve as Deputy Minority Leader. His service and accomplishments to New York State have been impeccable. I have known the Senator for many years and I knew we shared the same passion for the safety and welfare of our youth.  I also knew that he would be the man to get the job done.  He is co-sponsoring legislation (S.3953) that will require all student athletes to sit out of any athletic activities for a minimum of 24 hours after a concussion, regardless of whether or not they have authorization from a trainer or physician. This law will ensure that no athlete accidentally slips through the cracks into harm's way.  I commend Senator Nozzolio for his diligence and hard work and am grateful for his support and friendship.