Dr. Atlas

The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, formerly known as the Doctor Theodore A. Atlas Memorial committee, was founded in April, 1997, as a memorial to Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Sr.

Dr. Atlas, a native of the Bronx, was moved to Staten Island, New York, as a young child. He received his medical degree from New York University in 1927, and practiced medicine for fifty-five years, founding two hospitals, Sunnyside Hospital and Doctor's Hospital. Throughout his career, Dr. Atlas served as a medical director for six different nursing homes, made house calls for those who couldn't afford medical care, and also performed free tonsillectomies at his home for patients who could not afford the surgery. When Dr. Atlas left us, his legacy remained through his deeds and through his family. His wife, Mary, his sons, Donald, Theodore Jr., Thomas and Terry, his daughter, Meri, his adopted son, Barry, his brothers, Reynold and Eugene, and several grandchildren and great-grand-children all perpetuate his memory in their work and deeds.

The Foundation is an all-volunteer, community-service organization that provides moral and financial support to individuals and organizations in need, with a primary focus, however, on children.

Since the Foundation began, it has attempted to ease the burden of those who are less fortunate. Because of the generosity of the supporters of the Foundation, it has been successful in attaining this goal. A short list, albeit not inclusive, of some needs the Foundation has been able to address, includes:

	Paying the funeral expenses for a teenage girl who lost her life in a tragic accident.
	Donations to trusts created for the education of slain police officers
	A donation to help pay the costs of refurbishing an athletic field for children.
	A number of donations to organizations that assist special needs children.
	A number of donations to needy families to help lessen the cost of medical care.
	Numerous donations to youth scholarships and athletic organizations.

Simple items such as the annual Holiday Gift-Giving parties (including food and Santa!) for students in schools located in low income areas.

The Foundation also provided a "make-a-wish" for a girl with cystic fibrosis, whose dream was to swim with dolphins.

It is through the generosity of people such as yourself that the Foundation has been able to reach out to so many in need. With that support and with continued support, the Theodore A. Atlas Foundation will be able to help more of those who are lacking some of the simplest things in life.