My name is Dona Bulluck. I am a retired attorney, and on January 8, 2026, two days before my 74th birthday, I was diagnosed with lymphoma.
I was referred to Dr. Pooja Chaukiyal at NYOH at Albany Med, and from my very first visit, my experience there was overwhelming, in the best possible sense of the word. The valets who park your car. The staff you pass on the way to an appointment. Every person I encountered was kind, upbeat, helpful and genuinely caring. I have come to believe the people at NYOH are chosen with real intention. I recently completed radiation treatment at a different NYOH location, and I was met with that same standard of care, treatment and concern.
Participating in Rock Your Style is my way of offering thanks in more than words.
I am retired, though far from idle. I am the mother of two sons, Jason and Joshua, grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to one. I worship at Macedonia Baptist Church, pastored by Michael-Aaron Poindexter, where my soul and spirit are fed. For 44 years, I have been a proud member of the Albany, NY Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., devoted to community service and youth development, and I currently serve as Board Chair of Green Tech Charter High School. In my quieter hours, I enjoy reading, traveling and making cards.
Growing up, I watched my parents, Florence and Leo Smith, give of themselves in every way they could. I have spent my life trying to honor their example of lifting as I climb, and this walk is simply the latest expression of that commitment.
Your support allows NYOH to continue meeting families with the same skill, compassion and excellence that met me. Thank you for joining me on this walk.
