When Dr. Brian Changlai walks into a room, he brings more than medical expertise—he brings kindness. It’s the same spirit that led him, decades ago, from Taiwan to the United States with just $1,000 and a dream of becoming a doctor. Through years of hard work, he earned his medical degree from Cornell and built a 40-year career in cardiology.

But what truly defines Dr. Changlai is the way he gives.

Since 1989, he has quietly donated to the Rescue Mission every Thanksgiving. In 2017, he created a $100,000 endowment to support our work for generations to come. Now, at 80 years old, he is preparing another extraordinary gift: an additional $50,000 endowment to strengthen our mission.

Why does he give?

“It’s [RM] got to be there,” he says. “The need is there. And it’s apolitical—that’s the beauty.”

His belief is simple: we are all connected. And as a new grandfather, his desire to leave the world better than he found it has only grown.

[Pictured above: Dr. Changlai's granddaughter, Aurora Bryden Changlai, held by mother, Jessica Wagenblatt]

Dr. Changlai’s generosity ensures that vulnerable neighbors have meals, shelter, support, and hope—today and for years to come.

As you consider your year-end giving, we invite you to join Dr. Changlai in supporting the Rescue Mission’s transformative work. Your gift, in any amount, helps build the compassionate community we all want to live in.

Will you give today?