29/07/2023
The Chemo Care Packages have arisen from our own family and friends’ experiences whilst undertaking Chemotherapy for their varying cancer diagnoses.
This is an exceedingly difficult and vulnerable time for an individual and their wider families, and as a school group we wanted to do something to support them as best we can. From our investigations and discussions with varying groups including the Oncology Department at Timaru Hospital and our local Cancer Society, our “Chemo Care Packages” idea was formed.
These are a “Goodie Bag” that we fill with items for the patient on their first day of treatment, that will lift their spirits and have a positive impact on their mood while going through this tough time.
We have had amazing positive feedback from patients who have received 'Chemo care packages' and this has been the key driver in wanting to continue to support the oncology department.
If you are a business that would like to support this initiative please contact the school office or Sally Betts s.betts@roncalli.school.nz / cell 027 346 3081.
Currently the products we have in our bags are socks, beanies and gloves (Chemotherapy can affect the circulation with many patients reporting cold extremities), coffee travel cups, Tea, Coffee Sachets, books, puzzle books, pens, coffee vouchers, notebooks and snacks, hand cream, seeds for planting, soaps and small sample packets of toiletries, tote bags a notebook and a small chiller packet for lunches. etc
We would also like to specially thank H and J Bruce transport for a lot of our products and also The Speights Ale house for the biscuits that we give to Oncology for the patients to enjoy with their morning and afternoon tea.
