Patrick’s Pals for Good: Jim ’90 and Kerry Cosgrove Conmy ’90
An alumni couple turns a one-time charitable gesture into a perpetual force for good.
Dedication to service. Concern for the common good. These are two of the values The University of Scranton hopes to instill in its graduates so they may become “men and women for and with others.” They are also two of the values that guided Jim ’90 and Kerry Cosgrove Conmy ’90 when they chose to create Patrick’s Pals Foundation, a New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to helping the families of children with disabilities get equipment and therapy they cannot otherwise afford and that their insurance companies refuse to cover.
“One thing we valued and learned and took away from our education at Scranton was about being charitable and giving back,” Kerry said. “We are fortunate to be able to help others, and it has really been a blessing to us.”
Why did the
“He wasn’t hitting the milestones and developing, and, being my third child, I was very aware of that,” she said.
Gradually, the
Clockwise, from left: Dan Tempone ’90, Jeannie Tempone, Daniel Tempone, Caroline Tempone
“Adaptive equipment is expensive, and insurance doesn’t cover a lot of it, which makes it difficult for families to purchase equipment that their children need to function on a daily basis,” Kerry said.
From its home base in New Jersey all the way to Costa Rica, Patrick’s Pals Foundation has provided safety beds, bath chairs, motorized wheelchairs, adaptive bicycles, hippotherapy lessons
Kerry said the
“Because of their love for Patrick, they are driven to help others,” she said. “That is a blessing to us.”
With a little help from his friends, Patrick will continue to help the families of children with disabilities.
“Patrick has done a tremendous amount for others,” Kerry said. “Without him and his inspiration this foundation wouldn’t be in place, and these families wouldn’t have been helped, and this community wouldn’t
“He brings people together, and he brings out the compassionate side of people. Without him, this never would have been accomplished. I’m really proud of him.”
Several members of the Class of 1990 attend
Patrick’s Pals Foundation will have its annual golf outing Aug. 12. For more information, visit patrickspalsfoundation.com.
