The ECU Health Cancer Center is bringing the spirit of the season to those who need it most by creating a pop-up gift shop for cancer patients.
Rylann Leng was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease three years ago, and like many others at the ECU Cancer Center, she won’t have the opportunity to spend the holidays in the comfort of her own home surrounded by family and friends. “I actually got sick around christmas time three years ago and so I didnt get to celebrate or be with my family we were in and out of the hospital at that time so christmas is a pretty big thing for me and I am a college student so I work on a really short budget and its hard to manage class, treatment and still feel ok at the end of it so this has been amazing I can shop for my siblings – I am a sibling of nine,” Leng said.
But with the support of nurses and community donations, a simple yet heartfelt idea has come to life—a pop-up holiday gift shop, designed to bring a little light to patients. “Most of our cancer patients are either not feeling well enough to go shop for Christmas gifts or their immune systems are so compromised that they don’t need to be out in the community in large crowds where they could catch any little bug or germ so we started this program six years ago,” nurse, Kelly Trout said.
The ECU Health Cancer Center is ensuring that some of the most courageous individuals, those battling cancer, feel the warmth of the season in their own way. “I didnt think this would impact me as much as it did but it has truly made this holiday less stressful and a lot better and more enjoyable to look forward to,” Leng said.
Thanks to donations from the community and the dedication of nurses, this special store is filled with gifts that patients can pick up free of charge for their loved ones. “With the burden of going through cancer treatments and such like that they don’t want patients having to worry about paying their medical bills on top of their mortgage rent and groceries,” Trout said.
While nothing can replace the comfort of home during the holidays, the cancer center’s efforts bring a glimmer of joy and a reminder of hope this Christmas season.
