Health & Fitness
Becky’s Warriors delivers support to Franciscan cancer patients
Southland-based organization supporting Marian Catholic families touched by cancer donates snacks, gifts for patients in treatment
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields and the local charity Becky’s Warriors have long supported each other on behalf of cancer patients and their families. But when the pandemic halted the group’s fundraising events, board members found a new way to put their mission into action.
In April, Becky’s Warriors board members Tammie Harmon, Joe Flores and Megan Sutkus delivered a cart full of snacks, knitted items, and activities such as crossword puzzles and playing cards to support the patients at Franciscan Health Patricia A. Joyce Comprehensive Cancer Institute Olympia Fields.
“Since we really didn’t have a whole lot to plan and do, we thought about how we could keep our organization going,” Harmon said. She contacted Laurie Crosby, executive director of the Franciscan Health Foundation, who gave her ideas for snack items that patients could enjoy while they were in for treatment.
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The group set up an Amazon wish list for people to make purchases. They also enlisted the help of Crafty Crafters of Carillon, a group of ladies in Plainfield who do knitting. They contributed knit hats and shawls to give to the cancer patients.
Becky’s Warriors was started by Marian Catholic High School alumni to honor 1995 graduate Becky Eaton Lopez who died from metastatic breast cancer. While other cancer organizations support research, Becky’s Warriors’ mission is to directly support families from Marian Catholic High School who are impacted by cancer. “We all feel connected to support families that are dealing with cancer,” Harmon said. “We just try to support them by being there for them.”
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While last year’s events had to be canceled due to COVID-19, the group has two fundraisers coming up. The Run Like A Warrior 5K run and 1K walk will be May 22 at Marian Catholic High School and will include a virtual run option. Becky’s Warriors Golf Outing is planned for June 18 at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Ill.
To learn more about how you can support cancer patients at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, go to FranciscanHealthFoundation.org or call (708) 852-2430.