Cancer patients in Newberg receive a gift of comfort
On a bright June morning, Dick Spence, guest relations at Wilsonville Subaru, arrived at the Providence Cancer Institute Newberg Clinic with boxes of plush blankets. The gifts go into chemotherapy kits for patients beginning treatment. The kits—tote bags filled with an assortment of thoughtful items—are provided by Providence Newberg Health Foundation to offer comfort to patients during a challenging time.
Chemotherapy is typically delivered through an infusion, a process where anti-cancer medications are delivered in a vein, often over several hours. Patients spend this time in treatment chairs, sometimes for multiple sessions each week, depending on their treatment plan. At the Newberg clinic, the infusion room is comfortable and bright with sweeping views of the forested hills beyond.
Still, treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing.
That’s where the kits come in. Each one includes items such as lip balm, a stress ball, a water bottle, an activity book and other essentials to help patients stay hydrated and at ease during infusions. The blankets donated by Subaru are cleverly folded and zipped into a heart-shaped pillow, an added touch of comfort.
“We’re proud of being able to do this for our patients, and they love it,” says Melissa Sayyah, clinic manager at the Providence Cancer Institute Newberg Clinic.
Building community partnerships
Subaru has been providing blankets with an encouraging message for patients at the Newberg clinic for more than five years. The gifts are part of Subaru Loves to Care, a nationwide initiative in partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that supports people facing cancer and their families.
Dick serves as the liaison between Wilsonville Subaru and Providence. “Our philosophy is to be a part of the community, not just an entity,” he says. He loves his role and believes deeply in the importance of showing up for others.
The program continues to grow every year, filling a need and strengthening community ties in the process. “It’s a great thing to do for people,” says Dick.
Find out how to help support patients with chemotherapy kits at Providence Newberg Health Foundation.
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