Providing Comfort for Chemo Patients...Just Because They Care

At this day and age, we have ALL some how been touched by cancer. Those of us who are familiar with the horrible side effects that chemotherapy has on a patient's body and overall well being, know all too well how difficult this journey can be for the cancer patient. Well, Peppermints & Ginger Comfort Kits, a volunteer based, not for profit organization, is hoping to make that time a little more comfortable if they can.

This organization is headed by Patricia Raya, RN, C, MBA, and help run by volunteers, all who have some personal connection to cancer and its effects. I, personally, am one of those volunteers and have seen the benefit that these kits bring to the recipients myself. I am honored to be part of such a beneficial charity that is filled with a group of selfless individuals.

Patricia, a Griggstown resident, says, that while she decided she can't cure cancer on her own, she can do something to make a difference, and that is when she founded the charity last year. The organization gets donations, both in products and monetarily, in order to put the comfort kits together. 

The kits include a soft tooth brush, Alcohol-free mouth wash and tooth paste, bag balm, soft warm socks, peppermint and ginger herbal tea bags, a relaxation CD, and come in a light weight nylon back pack. These prodcuts are oncologist approved and help decrease some of the side effects of chemo such as mouth sores, dry or ulcerated hands/feet, nauseau, cold feet and stress/anxiety. Special kits with extra "child friendly" touches are also made for the pediatric cancer patients as well.

These bags are given to patients at "no charge." Patricia has already delivered over 100 bags to local oncology offices and hospital oncology depts. in the Middlesex and Somerset county areas, University Hospital in Newark, NY Presbyterian Hospital - Cornell Weill Cancer Center, and is currently receiving requests from facilities throughout NJ.

Patricia is a registered nurse, risk manager, legal nurse consultant, Co-Author of the award winning book, "Medical Tips From the Inside...Things You Need to Know!" and Co-Host of the Princeton TV show, "Medical Tips You Need to Know!"

Peppermints & Ginger Comfort Kits' website is www.pandgcomfortkits.com. Their telephone number is 732-354-7658, and they can be found on Facebook.

This wonderful organization is always looking for volunteers and donations. If you are interested in donating your time, money or "chemo friendly" products to the group, please reach out to them at the above contact information. If you are associated with an oncology office and would like your patients to benefit from the comfort kits, please call Patricia and she will be glad to arrange delivery.   

Get involved. Donate. Anything you can possibly do. So many people we all know and love are suffering through chemotherapy side effects right now. Let's help them. Not only will you touch the life of someone in need, but I can PROMISE you, you will change your own as well......for the better!