Washington — Following the recent passing of beloved Central New York Native, Carol Baldwin, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor her life and legacy.
Rep. Katko’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, can be found below and viewed here.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol Martineau Baldwin, who passed away on May 26th, 2022, at the age of 92.
Carol was a beloved member of the Central New York community and a devoted philanthropist. A Syracuse native, Carol met her husband, Alexander R. Baldwin Jr. while attending Syracuse University. They were married in 1954 and had six children. The family lived in Long Island, where Alexander taught at Massapequa High School until his death to lung cancer in 1983.
Carol moved back to Syracuse, and in 1990 was diagnosed with breast cancer. She nearly lost her life to this terrible disease but overcame it following a double mastectomy. Following this experience, Carol dedicated her life to helping others fight breast cancer.
In 1996, she founded the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund on the campus of SUNY Stony Brook. Five years later, in conjunction with SUNY Upstate University, the Carol M. Baldwin Fund of CNY was established in Syracuse. To date, the Baldwin Fund has provided more than 60 grants to support research programs and has spurred nearly $24 million in additional grant funding. The fund supports numerous programs, including studies of contributing factors to breast cancer, education of medical professionals and the general public, and studies of the outcomes of detection and treatment on patients and families.
Outside of her philanthropic work, Carol has been a prominent fixture in our community and many in her family are dear friends to my wife, Robin, and me. For the last two decades, breast cancer patients in Central New York and throughout the country have benefitted from the steadfast commitment of Carol Baldwin. Carol is survived by her six children, 25 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. While she will be dearly missed in our community, Central New Yorkers will continue to honor her legacy.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the life and legacy of Carol Martineau Baldwin. May she rest in peace. Thank you
