2. Introduction
• Keith Pillich, who serves as a safety engineer and industrial
hygienist for Vlado Engineering in Buffalo, New York, earned
his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is
presently completing the requirements for his master’s degree
in process safety management, industrial hygiene, and
occupational health and environments management from
Columbia Southern University. Outside the office, Keith
Pillich is a tireless advocate for special-needs children, and
enthusiastically supports Aspire of Western New York.
Aspire of Western New York traces its beginning to the 1945
birth of Sherwood Moss to Mr. and Mrs. David Moss of
Buffalo. When Sherwood was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in
1946, there were hardly any resources to which the family
could turn for assistance or even understanding of the disease.
3. Aspire
• Mrs. Mary Moss and friends in Buffalo’s Junior League, which
promotes volunteerism and community togetherness, formed
the Cerebral Palsy Association of Western New York in 1947.
The young association immediately set about learning all it
could about the disease and educating the community about
it, as well as lobbying the state legislature. Most importantly
for those with cerebral palsy, the two groups also established a
recreation program, said to be the first of its kind, specifically
for those with the disorder.
The association grew over the years and broadened not only
its geographic area, but also the scope of its services.
4. Conclusion
• In 2003, in recognition of the fact that it served
people with a broad range of neurological
conditions in addition to cerebral palsy, the
organization changed its name to Aspire of
Western New York. The organization today
provides its clients a wide range of services,
including a learning center, employment, day
and transition services, service coordination,
respite care, and recreation, as well as health
care options and community living
opportunities.
