First Posted: 8/8/2013
Jennifer Sidari was born for one purpose – to help others.
By the time Sidari graduated from Wyoming Area in 2005, she decided the best way to do so was to become a physician.
She went on to receive two degrees in biology and philosophy at The University of Scranton and, upon graduation, was accepted to the very first class at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton.
This enabled her to fulfill her destiny as she chose to utilize her talents in the area of pediatrics.
Sidari graduated in May from TCMC and was to begin a residency at Geisinger Hospital in Danville.
However, less than three weeks after graduating from TCMC and five days before she was to begin her residency, she died.
It is still unclear how Dr. Sidari passed away, but what is clear is that, even after her tragic death, she will carry out her destiny of helping others.
Scholarships in Sidari’s name have been formed, including the Jennifer Sidari, M.D. Scholarship Fund at TCMC where donations can be sent in her name to the Student Affairs Office, The Commonwealth Medical College, 525, Pine St., Scranton, PA 18509.
“All the funds going to TCMC, will stay at TCMC,” said Pete Sidari, Jennifer’s father.
The goal is for the Jennifer Sidari, M.D. Scholarship to eventually become an endowment at the medical college.
A second fund, the Dr. Jennifer Sidari Scholarship, has been established.
“In the future, any funds that are going to be distributed outside of the Commonwealth Medical College will go through her foundation with the Luzerne Fund, which has a charitable status,” said Peter Sidari.
Several fundraisers in Dr. Sidari’s name are in the works, including two this weekend and one, appropriately named “Dr. Jen’s Hope is Contagious,” that was completed last weekend at Cooper’s Seafood, Pittston.
“We did more than we expected to,” said Jen’s mom, Patty, in regards to the success of the “Dr. Jen’s Hope is Contagious” event. The concept for the benefit was the brainchild of Nicole Best of Cooper’s. She, along with owner Paul Cooper, wanted to do something for the Sidari family. Jen’s brother, Peter, and sister, Vicky, both employees of Cooper’s in Pittston, came up with the slogan.
A motorcycle/car rally was held with the motorcade traveling past Dr. Jen’s home in West Pittston, Wyoming Area Secondary Center, The University of Scranton, Cooper’s in Scranton and TCMC. The ride concluded back at Cooper’s in Pittston where T-shirts were sold and raffles conducted.
With the success of the first “Dr. Jen’s Hope is Contagious” benefit, a second is already in the making, tentatively schedule for next May.
A four-day fundraiser for Dr. Jen at Damenti’s Restaurant in Mountain Top, an event that benefits the Jennifer Sidari, M.D. Scholarship, concludes tonight.
Also going on today at Exeter Little League is the “Second Annual Angels in the Outfield” softball fundraiser that benefits three young men who lost their lives through separate motorcycle accidents through the Fallen Warrior Scholarship at Wyoming Area. The Fallen Warrior Committee is honoring Sidari’s memory with proceeds of the day’s raffle sales going to Dr. Jennifer Sidari Scholarship.
Today’s event begins at 8 a.m. and runs throughout the day concluding this evening.
A golf tournament will be held on Oct. 11 at Blue Ridge Trail. Details to follow. nyone interested in securing a sponsorship or playing in the event is asked to email Bill Goldsworthy at wpgoldy@gmail.com.
There will be an Open Mic Night at The University of Scranton’s DeNaples Center on Nov. 10. In addition to the entertainment, a gallery of Sidari’s photos will be on display. Sidari created a photography club while at the University.
Later this year, The University of Scranton will conduct a memorial service for Dr. Sidari.
