Fund drive provides personalized care, comfort for cancer patients

Receiving the check that will support TWIG’s special projects at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital in 2020 are, from left: Brandy Henderson Miller; Bobbie Severance-Roach; Mary Hoffman; T. J. Brand; Bob Budreau; Scott Smith; Kaley Petersen; Valerie Berrett; Tara Autrey; and Debbie Nellis.

Fund drive provides personalized care, comfort for cancer patients

LUDINGTON — Local acts of charity and goodwill help provide personalized care and promote greater comfort for cancer patients in the Ludington area.

Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital’s auxiliary group TWIG, “Together We Inspire Generosity,” raised $6,500 during their second annual TWIG Bazaar, where handmade items helped raise money to support special projects at Ludington Hospital.

In 2020, $5,750 of that total will go toward the Ludington cancer wellness program by funding patient care items, such as wigs, spa experiences, head wraps and scarves. Cancer treatment can often result in several physical changes, including hair loss. A custom wig is an expense often not covered by insurance and difficult for patients to pay out of pocket. The funds raised by TWIG will help cover this gap.

“On behalf of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, our staff and the families we serve, I can’t begin to express how grateful we are to our volunteers with TWIG and to the many people who generously opened their wallets to support our efforts to provide personalized care and greater comfort and compassion for people going through cancer,” said Ludington Hospital Cancer Center’s Kay Kessel. “As a nurse navigator, I am blessed to meet and know each patient. Thanks to the generous donations, phenomenal teamwork and TWIG’s commitment to our families, we believe we will make a positive difference in the quality of life of the patients we serve at Ludington Hospital.”

“Our hope is that Ludington hospital’s cancer wellness program can improve the quality of life for our patients by recognizing that the way a patient feels about or perceives themselves definitely can improve their self-esteem and their relationships,” said Kaley Petersen, foundation director. “The Foundation at Ludington Hospital is thrilled to partner with TWIG and our community to support our patients and their families, and to bring as much normalcy into their lives.”

Ludington Hospital’s cancer center has on average 600 patient encounters a month and provides a wide range of services, including chemotherapy infusion, bone marrow biopsies, financial support through the Foundation’s Angel Fund, nurse navigator, dietitian support and symptom management support through a physician assistant.

TWIG’s annual fall bazaar was held on Oct. 12 at the United Methodist Church in Ludington with plans to continue as an annual fundraising event for TWIG

For more information about Ludington Hospital’s Cancer Center or the cancer wellness program, please contact Kessel at 231-845-5126 or Kay.Kessel@spectrumhealth.org.