(L to R) Amanda Roach, Hailey Miller, Ned Satchfield, and Michael McCoy.
"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Before graduating from Interboro High School in Prospect Park, Pa, students are asked to complete a community project. Interboro senior Hailey Miller, whose mother Linda Miller, BSN, RN, OCN, is a nurse at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, saw this as an opportunity to give back and had an idea that would brighten the spirits of patients at the Abramson Cancer Center.
Hailey asked her mom and other Penn nurses what items patients undergoing chemotherapy could use to make their cancer journey a bit easier. When Hailey’s friends Michael McCoy, Amanda Roach, and Ned Satchfield heard about Hailey’s idea, they realized that they all have shared personal experiences with loved ones who have been affected by cancer, and decided to join the cause.
“Because I know how hard cancer is on people, I thought that even helping a little bit can go a long way,” Ned shared.
They raised over $2,000 to get the project off the ground. The group used the funds to create “chemo kits” that consisted of blankets, Biotene mouthwash and hard candies for dry mouth, puzzles, a mini first aid kit, and other items to help ease the side effects of chemotherapy. They hand delivered these kits to patients.
“Seeing how many people from all different backgrounds donate made me realize how many people are affected by cancer, and hearing their stories inspired me,” Michael shared.
They will write a reflection and research paper on the experience, as well as present a visual that shows their impact. By delivering 100 chemo kits, the students’ impact is almost immeasurable. “We are so excited to help over 100 people with these kits. By helping the patients, we also bring joy to the people around them–like their friends, family, and care takers” Amanda shared.
The students also put together a basket full of candles, gift certificates, and other goodies as a thank you to the Penn nurses.
So where will these bright young minds and philanthropic partners be next year? Hailey will continue impacting patients by attending nursing school. “I would love to continue giving back through philanthropy and as a nurse. I like helping people and seeing other people happy makes me happy,” she said.
Amanda will attend Holy Family University for radiologic technology. Ned will major in computer science at Drexel University and plans to continue volunteering in his spare time. Michael will attend Arcadia University to study psychology, and hopes to go to medical school in the future.
This idea of bringing a smile to patients’ faces is one many see value in. In February 2017, Catherine Hagele was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She underwent 16 weeks of chemotherapy as well as surgery and radiation.
Battling cancer was a long and difficult road. It was love and support from her friends and family that kept her spirits lifted, particularly the thoughtful care packages they sent. “They called, they messaged, and there was a steady stream of gifts along the way. I felt the hope they put forward and was encouraged by their love, which I believe contributed to my healing, truly,” Catherine shared.
Inspired by her own journey, Catherine set up an online fundraising page and used the donations to purchase care packages for each new chemo patients at the Abramson Cancer Center’s Rena Rowan Breast Center.
Catherine’s goal, and the goal of the Interboro High School students, is to make someone's life just a little bit brighter. The Abramson Cancer Center is so fortunate to have partners in the community who truly care about giving back and helping others.
To set up a Giving Page and support a cancer initiative that is meaningful to you, visit givingpages.upenn.edu.