January 1st, 2011, will mark the one year anniversary of
the Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation. The start of this incredible journey was
sparked by my daughter Kim’s last wish; to help other chemotherapy patients by
giving them a comfy blanket, like hers, to have while undergoing
treatment. It was a rather simple
request, one that has proven to be more than just a blanket for all those who
have been a recipient. We have received
countless comments from loved ones and friends on how the simple gift of a
blanket has been a source of comfort and support. The blanket has helped lift the spirits of
those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, and has become a cherished companion
during the remainder of their therapy, hospital visits, and days of recovery at
home.
The first project
that Comfy for Chemo undertook was to support the oncology department at
Womack Army Medical Center, where Kim spent so many hours, with her
blanket, undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Comfy for Chemo has delivered over 200 blankets to the oncology
department at Womack Army Medical Center, enough blankets to give to all the
chemotherapy patients who have received treatment at Womack in 2010. “So many of our patients have loved receiving
the lovely, warm, comfy blankets [given to them at the beginning of their
chemotherapy treatment],” says Dr. Penelope Harris, the Chief of Oncology at Womack Army Medical Center.
Additionally, Dr. Harris states, “It's also good to see that when
patients have to be admitted to the hospital during chemo, or even afterwards,
most will bring their blanket with them, an obvious sign of comfort and
familiarity.”
It is Comfy
for Chemo’s commitment to continue to provide blankets to Womack’s oncology
department on an ongoing basis. To be
able to carry out this commitment, Comfy for Chemo will sponsor an
annual fundraiser, with 100% of all donations received being committed to
purchasing and delivering blankets to Womack Army Medical Center.
As President of
the Comfy for Chemo organization, I am so very proud of our first year
achievements at Womack, and I’m especially thankful for all of the support we
have received from friends, family, co-workers, and the military community in
the Fayetteville area.
It is estimated that the oncology department at Womack will provide care
to 400 chemotherapy patients in 2011. We
are kicking off our 2011 fundraising campaign specifically aimed at raising
funds to purchase blankets for these patients.
You can make a
significant difference…one blanket at a time…one life at a time. This
holiday season I am asking you to help us by donating to this most worthy
cause, helping provide comfort and support, and in some small way improving the
lives of Womack’s chemotherapy patients as they are in the fight for their
lives against cancer. Please open your
hearts and donate to Womack Army Medical Center. The cost of one blanket delivered to one
patient at Womack is $27. To make a
donation please use the Paypal button to the left or send a check payable to Comfy
for Chemo at 13314 Queensbury Ln., Houston, TX 77079.
I thank you all
in advance for your support, and God bless you for helping others in their time
of need.
Dave Nypaver
President,
Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation
A letter to all
from Lt. Col. Bill Hansen:
Dear Friends,
It was over 28 months ago
that my beautiful wife Kimberly was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. When we first heard this news from the doctor,
none of us truly understood the impact of what we were hearing- we had no idea
that just 18 short months later, Kimberly would be taken from us. Through all of the pain and suffering,
there was one thing that made Kimberly feel just a little better- a blanket her
sister had sent her when she first started treatments. This blanket became much more than something
to keep her warm. It became a symbol of
comfort and security. It was the one
thing that brought Kimberly some semblance of peace as she was fighting for her
life. Every time I took her to the
doctor, she had the blanket close at her side.
It meant so much to her that one afternoon during a trip to the Emergency
Room, she had me turn the car around because she realized she had left the blanket
at home in her rush to get out the door.
In the midst of her own
suffering, Kimberly decided that she needed to do something to help
others. Kimberly came up with the vision
for Comfy for Chemo. Kimberly wanted all
chemotherapy patients, particularly those at Womack
Army Medical Center, to feel the same comfort and security that she felt with
her own blanket. When making
arrangements for her final days, she asked that instead of sending flowers,
people consider donating a blanket for other cancer patients in the Womack
Oncology Department. Even in the end,
Kimberly was still thinking of others.
Less than 48 hours after her passing, donations began pouring in and we
had enough blanket donations to give one to every cancer patient undergoing
chemotherapy treatments at Womack Army Medical Center. It was through the kind generosity of people
like you that Comfy for Chemo was born.
December 31st
will mark the one- year anniversary of the death of my wife. Kimberly was an amazing woman with a heart
full of compassion that knew no bounds.
She was always there to help others, and even in her death she was still
focused on making a difference in the lives of others. The donations did make a difference. I have been contacted by several people that
we have donated blankets to. I have
listened to countless stories of how much the blanket means to them. It is something they can hold onto…something
that is theirs.
This is the time
of year for reflection, a time of good will, and the spirit of giving. During this holiday season, I ask that you
consider donating to Comfy for Chemo.
All donations during this holiday season will be going to support the
Womack Army Medical Center’s Oncology Department in honor of Kimberly. The military members and their families have
put their lives on the line for the rest of us.
Now they are fighting for their own lives. The gift that you will be giving is much more
than a simple blanket. I have witnessed
this first hand. It is the gift of hope
and comfort for those that are in the fight of their lives. I want to say thank you in advance and happy
holidays.
Sincerely,
Louis William Hansen
Here is one
story of how a blanket has touched someone’s life:
“On
April 16, 2010, I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. My daughter,
Karen, went to school with Kimberly and had gotten very involved in her story,
as had I. As soon as Karen’s friend, Bill Hansen, heard of my diagnosis
and planned treatment, he immediately sent me a blanket. I started chemo a few days
later and had my blanket by my 2nd round of chemo. I was astounded when I
received it. It was the softest blanket I had ever felt...and it was
beautiful! I never had chemo again without that blanket...it was such a comfort
to me. It represents more than I can put into word.
One
day near the end of my months of chemo, the chemo IV started leaking and I
didn't realize it until it was on my clothes and the blanket. The chemo team
told me that it was toxic and confiscated my clothes and my blanket. I was
devastated. Not about my clothes, but about my blanket! The next day when I
arrived for chemo, they told me they had talked to some "experts" and
that my blanket would be okay after a few good washings. I was
ecstatic!!! I got my blanket back!!!! I could finish out my chemo rounds
with my beloved pink blanket!!!! It meant so very much to me.
We
were told the tumor would never go away, but would hopefully get much smaller
and would either be "active" or "inactive". A few weeks ago, we met with my Oncologist
regarding my last CT Scan. He said the tumor is gone!!!!
What a miracle! We have so much to be grateful for.”
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