Donations to Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center “Tree of Love” Honor Cancer Patients and Caregivers
December 17, 2024Categories: Cancer Care
MAYWOOD, IL - In a heartfelt tribute to patients and caregivers, Loyola Medicine's Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center has unveiled a Christmas "Tree of Love" in the lobby of the Loyola University Medical Center. The tree symbolizes the strength and resilience of those battling cancer. Loyola invites family, friends, former patients and community members to make donations to honor the journey of their loved ones. For each contribution, a personalized ornament bearing the name of the honoree will be placed on the tree.
"A strong support system is crucial for patients facing medical challenges, especially during the long and difficult journey of cancer treatment," said William Small Jr., MD, FACRO, FACR, FASTRO Chairman Department of Radiation Oncology and Director of Loyola Medicine Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center . "This tree serves as a powerful reminder to those undergoing treatment that they are surrounded by a dedicated team of medical professionals and a community of supporters."
The ornaments on the Tree of Love celebrate cherished family members and dedicated doctors and nurses at Loyola. The tree is a reminder that patients are never truly alone in their fight against cancer.
"After my diagnosis, I felt really lost," shared Tom Hansen, a cancer survivor and CBCC patient. "It can feel really isolating. However, when I came to Loyola, I felt a significant lift in my spirit. From my first consultation, the warmth and expertise of my doctors surpassed anything I experienced elsewhere and made me feel like I was a part of a caring family."
The Tree of Love will remain on display until Jan. 6, providing a beacon of hope and inspiration throughout the holiday season. New ornaments continue to be added as additional gifts are received. Donations in honor or memory of a loved one can be made at: Gifts in Honor or Memory of a Loved One
Loyola Medicine is nationally recognized for its exceptional team of specially-trained cancer specialists who collaborate across various clinical disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.
About Loyola Medicine
Loyola Medicine, a member of Trinity Health, is a nationally ranked academic, quaternary care system based in Chicago's western suburbs. The three-hospital system includes Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC), Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, MacNeal Hospital, as well as convenient locations offering primary care, specialty care and immediate care services from nearly 2,000 physicians throughout Cook, Will and DuPage counties. LUMC is a 547-licensed-bed hospital in Maywood that includes the William G. and Mary A. Ryan Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, the John L. Keeley, MD, Emergency Department, a Level 1 trauma center, Illinois's largest burn center, the Nancy W. Knowles Orthopaedic Institute, a certified comprehensive stroke center, transplant center and a children’s hospital. Having delivered compassionate care for over 50 years, Loyola also trains the next generation of caregivers through its academic affiliation with Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine and Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.
Established in 1961, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital is a 247-licensed-bed community hospital in Melrose Park that includes the Judd A. Weinberg Emergency Department, the Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Care, Loyola Cancer Care & Research at the Marjorie G. Weinberg Cancer Center, acute rehabilitation, a transitional care center, childcare center and fitness center. Founded in 1919, MacNeal Hospital is a 374-licensed-bed teaching hospital in Berwyn with advanced medical, surgical and psychiatric services and a 68-bed behavioral health program.
For more information, visit loyolamedicine.org. You can also follow Loyola Medicine on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly known as Twitter).
About Trinity Health
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, faith-based health care systems in the nation. It is a family of 127,000 colleagues and more than 38,300 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 26 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, the Trinity Health system includes 93 hospitals, 107 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 142 urgent care locations and many other health and well-being services. In fiscal year 2024, the Livonia, Michigan-based health system invested $1.3 billion in its communities in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs. For more information, visit us at www.trinity-health.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter).