Fighting cancer isn’t easy. But it helps when you have someone to make your journey easier. Lisa Parsons of Cedar Rapids, who’s battling lung cancer, found a whole team at Nassif Radiation Center. Now she’s giving back in their name.
“I went for treatment every day for 30 days, so I got to know everyone,” Parsons recalls. “Once you walk through those doors, they go above and beyond to make you forget why you’re there. Radiation isn’t fun, but day after day they were always so upbeat and friendly.”
Parsons adds, “It takes a special person to do what these people do. They deserve recognition.”
Parsons chose to honor her exceptional caregivers with a Guardian Angel donation. Guardian Angel, part of Nassif Community Cancer Center’s Grateful Patient program, lets patients and loved ones pay tribute to the special people who helped them along their cancer journey. Their donations, in turn, help fund programs and services that support all cancer patients and their families.
“Hearing the words ‘thank you’ from a patient or family means so much to our team members,” explains Danielle Rauser, development manager for cancer services with St. Luke’s Foundation. She says donations can be made in appreciation of any physician, team member or volunteer for the care they provide to cancer patients and their loved ones. A recognition ceremony is held for every Guardian Angel gift.
Mark Ogden and Iris Muchmore wanted to do something special to recognize Mark’s care team. Both Mark and Iris have taken advantage of wellness services at Nassif Community Cancer Center and appreciate the support and friendship they’ve found there.
“The center is an important resource for cancer patients like me,” says Mark Ogden. “The services they offer, like exercise, yoga and massage, have played a big role in helping us deal with my cancer treatment. Iris and I wanted to thank the team members who have done so much for us.”
A Guardian Angel donation is just one of the meaningful ways patients and loved ones can show their gratitude. Rauser says, “Through our Grateful Patient program you can help someone move beyond cancer to wellness for life when you sponsor a creative art or wellness class. Or you can dedicate a photograph from The Healing Power of Art project in the name of a loved one, or to honor members of your care team.”
“I was truly blessed to have the Radiation Center team on my team—Team Lisa,” says Parsons. “My gift let me say thank you for being my Guardian Angels.”
If you would like to change lives with your gift of thanks, visit here or call Danielle Rauser at (319) 369-8100.
