Patients undergoing cancer treatment at the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute (CKCI) will be more comfortable thanks to the generous donation of a blanket warmer. Senior leadership of the Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) accepted the donation from the local chapter of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Cancer patients often suffer from feeling cold due to weight loss, low blood counts and IV fluids. Blankets that have been warmed in a blanket warmer help to combat this problem. The cozy feel of warmed blankets also may help to ease the emotional stress some patients feel during treatment.
Accompanied by many of her sorority sisters, Helen Hart, president of the local chapter of Iota Phi Lambda, presented the warmer to Charles Nickerson, senior vice president of operations at SRMC on that day.
Chartered in 1980, the local chapter of the sorority has been finding ways to support the Virgin Islands community for many years. One area in which they have made several contributions is in the fight against cancer. For many years they participated with a team in Relay for Life and they have hosted a “Cocktails for Cancer” fundraiser. The group also has made prior donations to SRMC’s Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute.
“The Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute provides a great service to our community and the wider Caribbean. We are proud of the level of care delivered. No one knows if or when they may need to use the services offered by CKCI. However, knowing that should the need arise, we can stay close to home and receive quality care is so important. It behooves us all to support our local cancer center,” said Felecia Brownlow, Iota Phi Lambda sorority member.
“We thank the Iota Phi Lambda sorority for keeping the health and comfort of the people of the Virgin Islands top of mind. The new blanket warmer will be of great benefit to our patients – providing comfort and making their journey a little bit easier,” said Nickerson.
Hospital CEO Bernard Wheatley echoed Nickerson’s sentiments. “Iota Phi Lambda’s donation has the power to positively impact the lives of our patients – thank you! Your continued support means a great deal to this organization and the people of the Virgin Islands.”
