Jack and Jill of America gift bags for cancer patients

As a cancer survivor, Stephanie Farrow understands the physical and mental struggles of undergoing treatment. As a representative of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – South Suburban Chicago Chapter, she also understands the value of giving back to the community.

With that knowledge, Farrow spearheaded an effort to put together 25 gift bags to give to cancer patients going through treatment at Franciscan Health Patricia A. Joyce Comprehensive Cancer Center Olympia Fields. Called “Love Bags,” they contained individually wrapped hand lotion, footie socks, sanitizing wipes and a mask.

“The bags are a love package to say, ‘we care about you,’” Farrow said, noting the long commitment of Jack and Jill in supporting causes in the South Suburbs. The organization, led by mothers of school-aged children, has been recognized for outstanding children’s programming and providing scholarships to local high school students. Farrow is part of the organization’s members who have “graduated” to become associates when their children graduate.

“We have our own little group. We still interact with the local chapter and do our own community service,” Farrow said. She credits fellow associates and survivors Monica Fox and Verna Robinzine with helping develop the idea for the “Love Bags.” Teens in the group helped with the shopping and packing of the bags.

The staff at the cancer center were thrilled to receive the bags earlier this month to distribute to patients. Farrow knows that chemotherapy can leave people with dry skin and aching muscles. The products in the bags are included to help with that, but it’s the sentiment behind the bags that she hopes those going through cancer treatment feel as well. “When people are diagnosed, they feel like it’s a death sentence, and it isn’t … you can thrive,” Farrow said.

Learn how you can help the Franciscan Health Foundation support cancer care programs by going online at FranciscanHealthFoundation.org/programs/cancer-care or by calling (708) 852-2430.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Associates of Jack and Jill of America Inc. – South Suburban Chicago Chapter present “Love Bags” for Franciscan Health Patricia A. Joyce Comprehensive Cancer Center Olympia Fields. From left, Franciscan Health Foundation Administrative Assistant Kelly Mager, Jack and Jill Associate Stephanie Farrow, Franciscan Health Foundation Executive Director Laurie Crosby and Jack and Jill Associate Verna Robinzine.