Hospital Seeks Canes for Cancer Patients

Nearly one third of Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital patients need canes for assistance with an unsteady gait or weak muscles at some point in their cancer journey. Properly fitted canes can reduce the burden on their body, disability or disease.

Medicare does not pay for many durable medical devices, including canes. That is why the Spectrum Health Foundation is launching the first ever “Caring Canes Project” aimed at helping those in need. Individuals or organizations in the community are encouraged to decorate or purchase a cane or walking stick and donate it by October 15, 2010.

To make it easy to donate, the Foundation has provided drop off boxes to a variety of locations in Osceola, Mecosta, and Wexford counties. All of the donated canes will be collected at the end of the drive, and displayed at the Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital Infusion Therapy Center in Reed City. Cancer patients will vote for their top two favorite canes, and winners will be announced on October 22. Winners will receive a $50 Meijer gift card. The canes will be given to patients while supplies last.

You can drop off your cane to one of the following locations:

In Reed City:

SHRCH Infusion Therapy Center
Crossroads Radiation Therapy Center
SHRCH Rehab and Sports Medicine
Rite-Aid

In Evart and Tustin:

SHRCH Family Practices

In Big Rapids:

Martz & Shapley Pharmacy
Physician’s Health Services
Fairman’s Apparel

In Cadillac

Shay Station Coffee and Wine Bar
Chico’s Taco House
Triple A Bookkeeping and Tax Service

If you wish to make a cash donation to the project, make your check payable to the Spectrum Health Foundation. All funds will be used to purchase canes or walking sticks for Reed City Hospital cancer patients.

For more information about the Caring Canes Project, contact Amanda Cohoon, RN or Lyni Nowak, FNP-C at 231.832.7105.