A Thanksgiving Season of Gratitude, Connection and Care
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Nov 26, 2025
As the fall leaves settle over Brooklyn and the season of gratitude arrives, we pause
to reflect that what truly binds us together is our shared humanity, our sense of
purpose, and the community we create through care and connection.
This year, as our nation faces profound social and cultural change, the meaning of “family” continues to evolve. Families today take many forms—those we are born into and those we build through friendship, mentorship, and community. Each carries the same capacity for love, compassion, and a sense of belonging. In a time when division can feel easier than understanding, it is our responsibility to widen the circle, welcoming everyone to listen and ensure they have a place at the table.
Thanksgiving calls us back to that simple truth. It reminds us that gratitude is a practice expressed through generosity, empathy, and the willingness to care for one another. When we are surrounded by relatives, friends, colleagues, or chosen family, let us celebrate the ties that hold us close and the diversity that makes those bonds richer and more meaningful.
At Downstate, this spirit of inclusivity defines who we are. Each day, our students, faculty, clinicians, and staff extend compassion beyond our campus walls, serving patients, supporting families, and strengthening communities throughout Brooklyn and beyond.
May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your homes and peace to your hearts. And may we carry forward its spirit of gratitude and inclusion, continuing to make Downstate a place of excellence, caring, and belonging.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and joyful Thanksgiving!
Tags: Holidays