Oncology Winter Coat Drive Warming Hearts

Heartfelt thanks to the staff of the N.C. Cancer Hospital, fellow UNC employees, our volunteers, patients, families, and friends. The Oncology Winter Coat Drive was a tremendous success - 107 winter coats were collected and distributed to our families and their caregivers throughout the month of January until February 11, 2011. Hats, scarves, gloves, and socks were added to each winter coat selection as needed. A very special Valentine’s Day thank you to all for sharing your hearts!

Donated coats for the Oncology Winter Coat Drive line the entrance of the CCSP Patient and Family Resource Center.

Winter weather chilled North Carolina throughout December and the freezing temperatures continue. UNC Oncology staff teamed with their family and friends to donate over 70 new and gently used coats to the Oncology Winter Coat Drive 2011. Over half of the donated coats have already been distributed to our cancer patients and their caregivers by mid-January. The CCSP Patient and Family Resource Center has also given away dozens of warm hats, scarves, and gloves that have been generously donated by our community.

Tina Shaban, BSN, RN, OCN, event organizer and manager, CCSP Patient and Family Resource Center explains, "Our staff had noted that many patients and family members were not prepared for the cold weather, wearing only several shirts instead of outer wear, a borrowed coat that was too big or too small, or a blanket wrapped like a shawl. This drive shows the deep commitment and compassion our staff feels for the patients and families under their care."

Distribution of coats will continue through the end of January. Additional WARM winter coats can be dropped off at The Patient and Family Resource Center, N.C. Cancer Hospital, Main Lobby Level. For additional information, please contact the Resource Center at 919-843-0680.

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Shirley and Eli Regan visit the Resource Center with son, Ricky, currently stationed in the Navy in Norfolk, VA. Mr. and Mrs. Regan found cozy jackets to help keep them warm during these wintery days.

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Tuggy Bigelow, Radiation Oncology Patient Transporter, brought Graham Henry and mother, Katie, to select a warm jacket in preparation for his long-awaited hospital discharge.

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Pam Baker, Resource Center Program Coordinator, bundles Kay Byrd up in winter protection.

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Tina Shaban, BSN, RN, OCN, Event organizer and Manager, CCSP Patient and Family Resource Center, thanks Elena Elma, Resource Center volunteer hat maker, for the hundreds of sleep caps Elena has sewed to keep our patients’ heads warm. Extra soft fabrics have been purchased through a special grant from UNC Hospitals Volunteer Assn.

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