OUR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI

By Catherine Donnelly

“I majored in psychology as an undergrad and had intended to pursue it as a career,” says Garofalo, a second-year student in the UB School of Social Work's part-time, online MSW program. “In retrospect, I believe my pursuit was delayed in order to give me several life experiences that clarified my purpose – to be of service to others, particularly to persons living with serious illness.”

After college, Garofalo spent more than 20 years as a development editor for health science textbooks in nursing and medicine. She credits the material and time management skills with helping her manage her homework now as a graduate student in her 50s.

“I appreciate the wide breadth of knowledge about health care issues I received in that career, but I believe the life lessons acquired through family crises will be the most valuable in the future,” she says.

Garofalo has significant experience dealing with America’s overly complex and fragmented health care delivery systems. She helped her sister-in-law through her end-of-life ovarian cancer journey, her daughter was born as a micro-preemie at 25 weeks weighing only 1 pound, 2 ounces, her husband suffered a hemorrhagic stroke at age 45 and her mother passed from metastatic breast cancer.

“When I tell you that I understand the need for advocacy in health care, believe me. These traumatic personal experiences made me want to expand my knowledge to advocate for others during the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” Garofalo says. “My degree will give me the ability to make an actual difference. I plan to use it to be a strengthening force and fearless advocate to challenge the limitations and obstacles of modern health care.”

Garofalo completed her foundation year field placement on the palliative care team at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs. Palliative care is an interdisciplinary care delivery system designed to anticipate, prevent and manage an individual’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs to optimize the quality of life for patients in poor health, their families and caregivers.

“Everyone needs to understand that palliative care is not hospice, and it is not only provided at the end of life. It is an added layer of support at any age and any stage of a serious illness, and it can be provided alongside or in addition to other appropriate treatments,” she says. “My mom died before I could obtain palliative care for her. I don’t want other families to suffer that lack of support.”

Garofalo chose the UB School of Social Work for the flexibility of the online MSW program and for the Social Work Practice in Serious Illness Care micro-credential. She was particularly pleased that the curriculum is based on trauma-informed care and human rights — and surprised when her coursework in social welfare history and policy ignited an interest in macro-level policy work.

During her internship, she’s worked directly with patients and families, while also advocating for the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Act, a bipartisan bill to expand the palliative care workforce, support research and educate the public about palliative care and its benefits.

“I am able to sit with our patients to create a space where they feel safe and seen. I am allowed to ask, 'What is most important to you?’ or ‘What are your greatest worries or concerns in the face of serious illness?’ she says. “For me, every patient is a teacher. This path can be heart-wrenching, but I find it to be such beautiful, necessary work. I perceive relief in our patients and their family because we are inviting them to take part in the care process and make decisions with us.”

In addition to her coursework, Garofalo is a Peer Support Network leader to 12 first-year online MSW students and takes care of her family. Next year, she’ll complete her advanced year placement at the Saratoga Senior Center in the Senior Life Transition program, where she will help to expand and standardize the program, conduct case management and educate primary care staff about the benefits of palliative care and advanced directives.

Eventually, Garofalo plans to become an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker. She also hopes to teach, conduct research on trauma-informed care in serious illness or write a book. Overall, she is thrilled to be working toward her lifelong dream.

“I decided to go back to school when my daughter entered college. She’s an undergrad at UB!” she says. “I want to be an example that everyone can always learn and make a difference.”