Chemo patients benefit from Skiff support group help

Skiff Medical Center’s chemotherapy treatment room recently received a facelift, compliments of the Pink Ribbon Support Group and Partner Communications Cooperative.

Skiff’s chemotherapy treatment room, located in the Skiff Specialty Clinic, was in need of some renovations to accommodate its increasing patient load. The Pink Ribbon Support Group, after discussing the project with chemotherapy nurse Veronica Mangrich, willingly accepted the task of completing the renovations.

During the initial remodeling phase, members from the Pink Ribbon Support Group met with Mangrich to get her wish list for the treatment room.

“I told them I needed more space,” Mangrich said. “Quite often family members will accompany patients to their treatment and it was becoming increasingly difficult for everyone to fit in the room.”

Carol Hopkey, coordinator for the support group, echoed those sentiments. “They really needed more space. Our goal for the entire renovation was to accommodate their request and provide them with more room.”

The project involved removing some obtrusive items in the room, including the room’s entertainment center, which held a television and VCR. Linda Hotger, a member of the Pink Ribbon Support Group, mentioned the renovation project to Don Jennings, manager of Partner Communications Cooperative. Jennings understood the importance of the chemotherapy treatment center and was immediately interested in supporting the project. Partner Communications Cooperative, which serves the Baxter and Kellogg communities, donated an LG flatscreen television for the treatment room.

“Many of our members have been touched by the effects of breast cancer and its treatment,” Jennings said. “We are glad to support the Pink Ribbon Support Group in making patients comfortable during the treatment process.”

For patients receiving chemotherapy at Skiff, the space and technology have made a huge impact.

“Some patients are here for four hours,” Mangrich said. “Allowing them to watch their favorite soap opera or the news while receiving treatment lets them feel more at home and helps them pass the time. We are so appreciative of the donations from the Pink Ribbon Support Group and Partner Communications Cooperative.”

The Pink Ribbon Support Group is a “sisterhood” of women dedicated to sharing and caring. For more information on the support group, contact Carol Hopkey at (641) 791-4307.