Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois

Over the years we have donated thousands of blankets through various organziations and personal contacts, but there will always be a special place in my heart for Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois in Decatur. That's where my grandpa was treated and where I spent countless hours with him. So when the opportunity came while I was home for Christmas to deliver 28 blankets to CCSCI, I was extremely excited. It had been at least two years since I had been able to hand deliver the blankets to that particular place.

Boy was I in for a surprise! They have moved to a new facility and to say that it is wonderful would be a gross understatement!

Sign out front

We went in the back entrance to the infusion therapy department, since that's where they give out blankets. It was beautiful. I can't even begin to describe the difference in the atmosphere and amenities. There are now beautiful, large family rooms with vending machines, puzzles, televsions, and laptops that can be checked out. Before it was irritating to find two chairs for Grandma and I to sit next to Papa. There were only a few patients receiving infusion therapy when we arrived. My mom offered to show me the lobby.

There, in the center of the large lobby area were two towers of plaques. Each one was handmade in the new "art therapy" program- a part of the complementary therapy that CCSCI now offers. Looking at each individuals creations was a emotional rollercoaster. Some expressed joy and hope, others frustration and anger. Some were just comical, others heartwrenching. Each showed a tiny glimpse into a life touched by cancer.

beautiful paper cranes hung in the lobby windows

 While we were looking around the lobby, one of the volunteers offered to show us around. He took us to meet the Executive Director of Oncology Services. In our short visit with him, we got a sneak peak into what else is to come down the road for the Cancer Center. We heard great praise for the Decatur area community and their willingness to unite to help the cause in any way possible.

We were then taken to the art therapy room where students from Millikin help patients (or anyone from the community) to express themselves in art.

This one really made me smile, as my Papa and I loved a little Nemo with our Chemo. :)

After seeing most of the building, we went back to infusion therapy to say goodbye to the nurses- the amazing women on the frontlines. These faces are the faces that our blanket recipients see. They are the ones caring for those we're praying for. And we could not be more thankful for them. Karen, one of the nurses that cared for my Papa so much was there as well, but was not in the picture as she was helping a patient at the time. 

By the time we left, the infusion therapy area was filling rapidly. People were settling down in their chairs and pulling out their blankets, which most bring with them to each appointment. Although I am so thankful for the amazing care these precious patients are receiving and the beautiful huge new building they have to accomodate them, I am saddened that such a huge building is needed. On average, CCSCI in Decatur sees 350 patients a day. The impact is being felt by those who are being reached through Snuggies for the Soul, but the need is so great.

I pray that 2011 will be a year that we can comfort more people than ever before. I hope that more people will see a way that they can help- can make a difference- and will rise to the occassion. And most of all, as I have every year, I pray that there will be no need for huge Cancer Care facilities, for thousands of blankets to keep cancer patients warm. Until the cure is found, we will continue to do all we can to bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.

- Lindsay