World Cancer Day was Saturday, February 4, 2017. Symbolically, Handled with Care was officially launched on the same day.
Handled with Care is truly a labor of love, and the brainchild of my amazingly talented daughter, Melanie Carroll.
At 1:45 am on March 4th of last year, our lives were changed forever. That was when I received the call from the Hospice Care unit that Laura, my wife of 38 years and Melanie’s mother, had passed away. To say we were all heartbroken and devastated is an understatement. However, through our family’s pain and sadness, grief and tears, Melanie was able to find an incredible way to give back to so many others who are suffering with this horrible disease, and to honor her Mom’s memory.
Melanie’s Story
No one wants to see a loved one suffer, but a cancer diagnosis and the treatment that follows is especially difficult. My own mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer after 11 years in remission – and it was beyond devastating. She fought so bravely and remained so strong and positive, but I still felt helpless.
The oncology room only brought on more sadness. Seeing so many people in various stages of treatment, while their accompanying friends and family members struggled to figure out how to best help. All of them were searching for peace and healing in one way or another.
I decided I had to do something. After a lot of research and conversations with those who have endured chemo, I started putting together care packages that were as functional as they were uplifting. A combination of distractions, encouragement, and items that help ease the side effects that people experience during chemo.
When I first brought the packages to the oncology unit where my mom was receiving treatment, the response was overwhelming. The mood in the room shifted immediately and the patients’ faces brightened. One man staying in a separate room due to health complications wheeled his chemo pole all the way down the hall, tears in his eyes, just to tell my mom and I that we’d made his month. That was the defining moment, I knew that these care packages were important.
Since that day, I’ve been dedicated to helping people support their own loved ones with care packages that provide comfort and encouragement. And for those who feel helpless just like I did? An alternative to sending flowers, with a gift that is truly helpful to those who receive it.
Handled with Care is dedicated to providing care packages with contents carefully chosen to address the lesser known side effects those undergoing chemotherapy treatments endure. Each package is customized to ensure the recipient receives a combination of soothing, encouraging and distracting items to help them through their toughest battle. And to also remind them how incredibly brave and loved they are every step of the way.
WE CAN. I CAN. We can all do something about cancer. Our family and far too many others have been affected by this horrible disease. In fact, approximately 40% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. It’s time to put an end to it!
Join us in this fight and support your loved ones’ who are battling cancer. Bring a smile to their faces by giving them a little extra LOVE, ENCOURAGEMENT and HOPE. Check out Handled with Care for more details:
Website – www.handledwithcare.org
Instagram – @hwcpackage
Facebook – facebook qvynxsj.com/hwcpackage
Part of the proceeds from all sales will go to cancer research.
Thank you in advance for your support.
John
COPYRIGHT © 2017 John Carroll