Community CancerCare held its 2nd Annual Patient Holiday Party on Friday, December 19, 2003.
The following article appeared in The Hartford Courant:
Nora Gerrity was wheeled into the John A. DeQuattro Community Cancer Center Friday Afternoon for her radiation treatment, but within minutes she was saying she’s lucky. The Manchester woman was one of 43 patients to open a surprise holiday gift, courtesy of community businesses. Gerrity received a gift certificate from a hair salon. It was a timely gift, she said. “See? The luck of the Irish,” she said. “I’ve been wanting a perm.”
This is the second year that Lori Trudeau, patient administrative assistant, has organized the holiday celebration. She got the idea when she worked at Backus Hospital in Norwich. “I started it there, and I just sort of brought it with me here,” she said. Starting in August, Trudeau called and wrote to businesses – mostly local ones – seeking donations. One of the donations was a deep red elf dress worn by Maureen Vagnini, a medical dosimetrist. In addition to a smiling Vagnini, patients were greeted Friday by tables covered with wrapped gifts, pastries and cookies. The donated gifts included a Swarovski crystal bracelet, free income tax preparation, watches, and gift certificates for food. One certificate provided someone to go to your home, cook a meal and clean up afterward.
The patients were told to pick a number out of a festive bag, and the number was matched with the corresponding gift.
Bob Barbuto of Manchester received a free oil change from a business he frequents. “This is good,” he said. “I go there.”
Some gifts were donated by staff members. Dr. Stephen Hauser donated a fruit basket that was about 2 feet tall. Valerie LaVake, a radiation therapist, donated a doll with a porcelain head.
Her name appeared on the list of donors, posted prominently on an easel in front of a stereo that played Christmas music.
“They’re so caring. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself, on the way over,” said Powers, who speaks with a raspy voice. But as soon as he walks in, he said, their good spirits rub off on him. Gerrity, too, had high praise for the staff and the holiday celebration. “It’s uplifting for the patients,” she said. “I think it’s great.”
Community CancerCare would like to thank the following merchants for their participation and generosity:
- Katherine’s Hair Design
- Brown’s Flowers
- Park Hill Joyce Flowers
- The Sinnamon Shop
- Shop Rite
- Shady Glen
- Apple Bee’s Restaurant
- Manchester Pizza
- Angela’s Hair Boutique
- Economy Oil
- Great Harvest Bread
- Angellino’s Restaurant
- Hair World
- Pepe’s Restaurant
- Showcase Cinemas
- Manchester Memorial Hospital Gift Shop
- Sam’s Club
- The Gourmet Gift Shop
- OutBack Steakhouse
- Friedrich Jewelers
- Brey Jewelers
- Ethan Allen
- Dairy Queen
- Golden Dragon Restaurant
- Dr. Stephen Hauser
- Queen of Tarts
- Therapeutic Massage of Manchester
- The Water Closet
- Living Naturally
- Valerie LaVake, Radiation Therapist
- Christina’s Baskets
- Lynn’s Floral Designs
- A-New Salon
- Bob’s Discount Furniture
- Cinderella’s Closet
- Design Cuisine by Marlene Lozano
- Sandy’s Gift Baskets
- Borgida & Company
- West Towne Pharmacy
- Jeanne Prom Jewelery
- Pagani’s Restaurant
- Azure Hair & Day Spa
- The Main Pub
- Roggi’s Automotive
- Party City of Manchester
|
