Partnered with the Jewish Ospreys, breast cancer survivor Jamie Allen is hosting a donation drive for cancer patients.
These donations are to be distributed amongst the patients at Saint Vincent’s and other oncology offices in the Jacksonville area.
Each of us have our own brand of challenges that we have to face each and every day, and Allen understands the struggles these patients face on a day to day basis better than most.
She graduated from the University of North Florida in 2009, and was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after, in 2012. She was cleared and given a NED (No Evidence of Disease) in June 2013.
Her battle with cancer still sits heavy on her heart, and inspired her to want to do something special for those who are still suffering.
“Cancer treatment is one of the most difficult things to do,” Allen said.
She recalls her first treatment, describing how she felt sick, unhappy and alone. How she was constantly crying and feeling worn down everyday. She remembers an old couple sitting there in the lobby for her first and second sessions.
“While her husband was getting treated, the wife would sit in the lobby. I saw them the first day, but on my second visit when her husband went into the back; the lady touched me and told me that she was glad to see me there again.”
Allen says the little things like that, and the donations she received while undergoing chemo, strongly impacted her because it made her feel like someone cared.
For this drive, Allen is asking people to donate anything they feel could be useful, like blankets for those cold hospital rooms or little stuffed animals for kids to hold onto during those especially rough days.
Even little things like tissues, sour candy, or even flavored water drops, would make a huge difference for those in need as the chemo can wear down your body and affect your senses.
The donation box can be found at the Chabad of UNF, located at 11271 Alumni Way, and will be accessible until October 7.
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