Give Back This Holiday Season With Comfort Kits For Karmanos' Cancer Patients
DETROIT (WWJ) - Are you looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Karmanos Cancer Center has a gift idea that will keep on giving, long after the holidays are over.
Larmender Davis, director or social work at Karmanos, said anyone can donate or purchase care packages -- called Comfort Kits -- that are given to every patient before their first chemotherapy treatment.
Davis said chemotherapy is a frightening experience for anyone -- and that's where the care packages come in.
"People are scared when they come for their first treatment and a lot of times, they're not feeling good. So, this gives them something else to think about," Davis told WWJ's Marie Osborne. "The reactions from the patients receiving the packages has just been heartwarming."
Davis said keeping a patient comfortable helps ensure a positive treatment outcome. She said the kits come in special variations for men, women and children.
"The kits include warm, fuzzy socks, journals, teabags, a blanket or robe, and some music," she said. "Some of them have Sudoku puzzles or crossword books, playing cards, and then there's also a little toiletry packet in there."
Davis said the kits are provided by the McKesson Foundation, but can be purchased or donated by anyone. For more information, visit www.givingcomfort.org.
