A warm hug for cancer patients

Leanne Markos, MSN, RN, understands the impact of kindness and generosity because she sees it every day. As the clinical manager of Infusion Services at Gundersen Health System, she observes the close bonds that develop between staff and the patients receiving infusion treatments like chemotherapy.

She also witnesses patients' reactions when, during treatment sessions that can last for hours, they are offered snacks or sandwiches funded by gifts to Gundersen Medical Foundation. The light meal offers more than just nutrients, believes Leanne. In the tough moments, knowing that other people care helps nourish the soul.

Even with daily examples, Leanne was recently surprised and inspired by the swift show of compassion from community members who partnered with Gundersen Medical Foundation on a special project. After noticing Gundersen's fleet of treatment chairs was aging and in need of replacement, Leanne reached out to the Foundation for support.

We are now able to offer a level of patient centered care that would not otherwise be possible.

In a matter of months, 15 generous donors inspired by personal experiences with cancer care at Gundersen had pledged $198,460 for new treatment chairs. Two of the donors made their gift as a tribute to a friend who had recently passed away from cancer.

"This example of community members coming together so quickly to impact the quality of care for patients, many of whom are struggling under the weight of a difficult diagnosis, is incredibly powerful. We are now able to offer a level of patient centered care that would not otherwise be possible," says Leanne. "It's like the community reached out to give these patients a warm hug."

HIGHER QUALITY OF CARE
Once the funding was received, Leanne wasted no time ordering 23 infusion chairs that would replace the oldest and/or least functional chairs at Gundersen's infusion centers in La Crosse, Onalaska and Winona. The new equipment arrived this summer and has already made a significant impact on patients and staff.

These chairs are used by patients with medical conditions that require fluid to be administered directly into their bloodstream through a needle or catheter. While about half the patients who use the chairs are oncology or hematology patients receiving chemotherapy or other supportive care, the chairs are also used by patients with various medical conditions, including neurological conditions, allergies, Crohn's disease, rheumatology needs and more.

Depending on the regimen, infusions can take one to nine hours, and some patients receive treatments multiple times per week.

The former chairs, many of which were past their expected lifespan, were difficult for patients to get in and out of. Some chairs became hard to adjust and could not be easily repaired. As a result, staff sometimes had to strain or bend uncomfortably while tending to patients. The new chairs are state of the art and equipped with power, so patients and staff can easily adjust the chairs with the touch of a remote. The chairs are ergonomically designed, too, featuring a footrest and side arm tables.

"The new chairs don't take up as much room and are easier to work around. Patients can easily be raised or lowered- and they love the comfort features," says Ka Thao, medical assistant, referring to the special options for heat and massage. The updated models also feature USB ports so patients can keep devices charged while they are watching movies or playing games during long treatment sessions.

In addition to the new chairs, Leanne purchased two beds for patients who need to lay down fully during their treatments. The updated beds feature a new, more comfortable mattress model, easy-to-use controls and enhanced safety features that were not available on the former beds.

"Nobody wants to go through hours and hours of treatment," says Leanne. "These days are so difficult for patients and their loved ones, which is why small comforts- and the knowledge of just how much our community cares-means everything."

A special tribute

A beloved former member of the La Crosse Police Department, lieutenant detective Mike Blokhuis, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in December 2022. Soon after his diagnosis, he began an intense chemotherapy regimen. His treatment occurred once every other week and lasted 6-8 hours at a time.

Mike's wife, Jill, who was a Gundersen employee for 35 years, including having served 23 years in the Foundation, remembers those days as "emotional." The start of the day was stressful because tests had to be run to determine whether or not chemotherapy was even an option. Then, if approved, the actual course of treatment took hours and left Mike feeling weak, cold and exhausted.

"Anyone who has experienced cancer treatments or watched a loved one go through them knows just how difficult they can be," says Jill. Sadly, Mike passed away in October 2023, 10 months to the day of his diagnosis, but the outpouring of love and support from the community has helped with the grief.

Not only did the police department and some special friends honor Mike by naming a drone in his memory, but Jill was also recently touched to learn that two families close to Mike and Jill had made a gift in Mike's memory to support the purchase of new infusion treatment chairs at Gundersen. Today, a special plaque honoring Mike is placed next to one of the chairs in La Crosse.

This tribute, sharesJill, is heartwarming for several reasons. "Mike dedicated so much of his life to protecting and caring for our community," she explains. "He would be touched by this instance of community coming together. Having experienced the discomfort caused by long treatment sessions, he would also be humbled to be included in an act inspired by so much love and kindness."

Because of her many years of service to Gundersen Medical Foundation, Jill has witnessed countless acts of generosity and believes each one serves as an example to others.

If you'd like to give in honor of a cancer survivor, please click hereand choose "Oncology Fund" in the dropdown.