Cancer patients at Gundersen surprised with blankets, well wishes

Cancer patients at the Gundersen Cancer Center got an emotional lift on Thursday.

Members of Dahl Subaru and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Wisconsin Chapter toured the oncology ward delivering blankets and written messages of prayer and support.

An oncology doctor who treats patients says the visits can make a profound impact in recovery.

“The better they feel during the treatment, the easier it is to handle the tolerate the challenges of chemo and radiation.” Dr. Collin Driscoll says. “That positive reinforcement can be beneficial.”

Dahl Vice President Jansen Dahl said the interactions he has had with patients have been special due to his own experiences with cancer.

“The feedback we get is fantastic, and the patients we’ve seen are emotional.” Dahl said. “They really appreciate it at a time when they are looking for compassion.”

The program has been going on for 4 years.

The deliveries are also supposed to make it easier on patients who might not have the biggest support system.

“They feel like they’re supported and loved from people beyond just their immediate family.” Driscoll said. “They have a blanket which can be a physical representation of the love they feel from those around them.”

Dahl said he supported all missions that helped patients going through cancer until the day they can find a cure.