7/6/17 news article
former patient returns to give back to kids with cancer
visit with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is part of Subaru’s Love to Care month
Caitlin Hensley is now a pediatric oncology nurse but once upon a time, she slept in the same beds, played the same games and fought cancer in the same rooms that kids like 10 year old Colton Hefner do.
Her visit on July 6, 2017 to Dayton Children’s hematology/oncology unit was in partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as part of Subaru’s Love to Care month. In June, visitors to Subaru retailers wrote messages of hope for cancer patients. Those messages, along with blankets and care kits, came to current patients battling cancer at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Caitlin knows firsthand how important gifts of support like this are to a child battling cancer. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when she was 9 years old. She spent more than 28 months in treatment, seeing her oncologist Mukund Dole, MD, and playing a lot of Ms. Pacman. “I felt very supported and involved here,” Caitlin said.
During her treatment, she also volunteered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and went to schools to share her story with other kids. She still returns every year for her annual check-up. Her experience drove her career choice. She is now a pediatric oncology nurse, helping children who are just like she was.
The blankets will help keep patients warm as they continue their fight against cancer, and help spread awareness of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Subaru of America’s goal to provide hope and care, one gesture at a time.
Through Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s network of 56 chapters and Subaru’s presence in communities across the country, together, they are reaching and supporting even more patients, families and caregivers in their time of need. As the largest voluntary cancer health agency specifically focused on finding cures and treatments for blood cancer patients, LLS supports hundreds of cancer scientists and research projects around the world. But the fight against blood cancers cannot be won without supporters such as Subaru and their customers. Every voice, every action, every contribution is needed and valued.
