Comunale Cancer Foundation:
Bringing holiday cheer to cancer patients and their families
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of Promise magazine.
Summa Health staff and volunteers are shown here brightening the holidays.
The holiday season, a time of togetherness and joy, also can bring challenges for those experiencing cancer treatment. For 15 years, the collaboration between Summa Health and the Comunale Cancer Foundation has lightened this burden by distributing meals to hundreds of families, ensuring that the spirit of the season remains bright for those in need.
The impact of the Comunale Cancer Foundation extends beyond the holiday cheer. Their support has been instrumental in the success of the Taste of Health program, which offers an innovative approach to health education by combining interactive discussions with a take-home meal kit for families. Additionally, the foundation has been instrumental in providing groceries and toiletries.
Their dedication to patient comfort is evident through the Sunshine Bags initiative, where reusable totes filled with items to provide solace and support are given to those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
The Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation Supportive Care Fund for Oncology also has been a beacon of hope, granting patients access to services and amenities that ease the burden of treatment. These include a wig salon, physical and massage therapies at the Renewal Nook, support groups and art workshops, to name a few.
Since 2006, the impact of the Comunale Cancer Foundation has been profound with over $4.5 million in assistance enhancing the lives of countless individuals at Summa Health and many other health systems throughout our community. Their generosity has been a cornerstone in the Summa Health Cancer Institute’s mission to provide the highest quality, compassionate care.
“The support from the Comunale Cancer Foundation has been nothing short of miraculous. Their contributions bring comfort and relief to our patients during some of the most vulnerable times. We are deeply grateful for their partnership, said Christina White, director of Supportive and Integrative Services at the Summa Health Cancer Institute.
For more information, contact Summa Foundation at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.