Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro honored P.U.N.T. Foundation Executive Director Gwen Mysiak as the Erie County Legislature’s Citizen of the Month for the month of October.

Mysiak was born and raised in South Cheektowaga. She then attended the University at Buffalo where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications. Mysiak began her professional career at WNED where she stayed for 18 years.

When her younger cousin was diagnosed with cancer in 2011—she played a key role in his journey. In 2012, she started a new chapter in her career as Executive Director of the Brian Moorman P.U.N.T Foundation—which works to make a difference for children in Western New York who are fighting pediatric cancer. The P.U.N.T Foundation helps families in need pay their bills including mortgage, utilities, medical expenses bereavement costs and others.

Gwen Mysiak has also been recognized for several other awards throughout her career—some of which include WGRZ-TV’s Buffalo City Shaper, OneCause National Fundraiser of the Year, Woman in Leadership award from National Association of Women Organization and Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under Forty. Legislator Todaro presented a proclamation to Gwen at the Buffalo Bills Store last Friday and was joined by Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith.

Gwen Mysiak said, “As someone who has lost a loved one to pediatric cancer, being able to combine my passion for this mission with my professional experience has been the privilege of a lifetime. However, without Western New York behind this organization, I’m just a nice lady with some good intentions! It’s this amazing community that truly makes our impact strong. I gratefully accept this honor on behalf of the whole P.U.N.T. village, especially the kids and families we serve who inspire us every single day! Special thanks to Legislator Todaro for recognizing the importance of our programs and his support of our work. ”

Legislator Todaro said, “Gwen Mysiak is a class act. She has dedicated so much of her time and energy to making the P.U.N.T Foundation what it is today. Gwen is the definition and shining example of an outstanding citizen right here in Erie County. Thank you for everything you do each and every day. I hope you know just how big of a difference you make to families who are going through the fight of their life.”