From One Chamber Member to Another: Gift Provides Comfort to Chemotherapy Patients

Chamber member Vera Bradley recently offered a special gift to fellow member Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology. Fort Wayne Medical, as I shall refer to them, now has seven new top-of-the-line chemotherapy chairs, purchased with a $30,000 gift from Vera Bradley.

Those who have been through the trial of chemotherapy or walked through it with a loved one will know how difficult it is. Fort Wayne Medical is excited to increase the comfort level for its patients as they go through what is a grueling process. Dan Konow, COO for Fort Wayne Medical, has this to say:

“These new chairs are luxury-class chairs that feature heat and massage. Some patients may be in a chemotherapy chair for up to eight hours during a single treatment, and because of the nature of intravenous chemotherapy, many people tend to feel cold. We provide blankets, of course, but these new chairs really add an extra element of comfort. Many of our other chemotherapy chairs have built-in TVs and DVD players, but an increasing number of patients now request the new chairs because of the heat and massage features.”

By the way, Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology is the only medical oncologist in Northeast Indiana that offers new treatment options through participation in clinical trials. They provide treatment of cancer and blood disorders and have facilities at Parkview North and Lutheran Hospital (they also provide clinical services in several outlying counties).