Pensacola community sends love and support to cancer patients through gifting program

The Pensacola community delivers a powerful message of love and support to patients undergoing chemotherapy at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center, one care package at a time through the Amazon Wish List program.

The Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation created a list of items on the Amazon Wish List program that can help cancer patients during their treatment. Anyone can easily purchase items from the wish list, such as snacks, chapsticks, hand cream, puzzles, and cozy socks and blankets to brighten someone’s day. These small tokens brighten the day of patients who often spend long hours at the cancer center. 

The gifts have a special connection for Sybil Burton, 71, a retired Daughters of Charity hospital administrator. She is receiving chemotherapy after being diagnosed with endometrial and cervical cancer two years ago. Sybil said these small acts of kindness reflect Sacred Heart’s commitment to caring for the most in need.

“Seeing all the gifts makes me feel like people care,” she said. “Every time I walk into the cancer center, the stained glass windows and the Mission and Values displayed at the entrance remind me of this hospital’s legacy. All things considered, I feel lucky to be surrounded by nurses and doctors who take time to listen.”

Sunshine Nall, director of the Sacred Heart Cancer Center, said she’s grateful for those who have purchased items and spread the word about the initiative. When a community member buys an item from the Amazon Wish List, it gets delivered directly to the cancer center’s doorstep.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 100 contributions pouring in from across the community,” Sunshine said. “One day, all the packages delivered to the cancer center were donations. Patients tell me that the donations make them feel supported through their journey.”

Jane Lauter, development coordinator at Sacred Heart Foundation, is incredibly grateful for the community’s generosity.

“It’s heartwarming to see how our community has embraced the needs of our patients, providing comfort in their time of need,” Jane said. “It is a huge gift to provide this as a community.” 

Learn how Sacred Heart Cancer provides hope and support to cancer patients and their families through our cancer care program.