A donation arrives for Smilow Cancer Hospital patients at Westerly

Valenti Subaru of Westerly, RI, once again partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to provide keepsake blankets for patients at the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Westerly.

Bruce Morrow, general manager for Valenti Subaru, delivered the 60 blankets to the hospital, saying the dealership believes in giving back. “We know patients in our community who are fighting cancer, and we know they can always use both the comfort of a blanket and the knowledge that everyone in the community is rooting for them,” Morrow said.

Along with the blankets, Subaru donated a display board pinned with paper hearts, each offering words of encouragement to Smilow patients, including: “Don’t give up. Stay strong!” “You’re stronger than you think,” and “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.”

Meeting Morrow to accept the blanket donation recently were Carrie Kenyon, RN, executive director of Patient Care Services at Westerly Hospital; Kim Dufficy, RN, nurse manager for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Westerly and Waterford; and Nick Stahl, major gifts officer for the Westerly Hospital Foundation.

“These blankets are about comfort,” said Kenyon. “Both physically and emotionally they help our patients. For people fighting cancer, to know that others are thinking of them, it means so much. Westerly Hospital truly thanks Valenti Subaru for doing this year after year.”

Stahl agreed, adding, “We always appreciate the support we receive throughout the year from all our donors in the community, both individuals and businesses, helping with gifts of all sizes. The blanket donation from Valenti is always special because of the positive impact it provides directly to patients.”

Dufficy noted that Valenti Subaru’s gift fits well with Smilow’s goal to provide comprehensive and integrative oncology cancer care. “Going through treatment can be very difficult, and if you get cold, a warm blanket can help you feel better, especially when you realize it comes from people in the community who are truly wishing you the best.”