University Hospital in Mirebalais, Haiti

This holiday season, Nadia Raymond, MSN/MHA, RN, professional development manager, made it her mission to supply cancer patients in Haiti and China with essential items like chap stick and hand sanitizer.

With support from nursing leadership and colleagues at the Brigham, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Partners In Health, Raymond set up collection bins for cancer care kits. Staff could contribute items including ChapStick, head scarves, deodorant, soap, hand sanitizer, lotion, reusable water bottles, notebooks, pens, socks and 5 dollars for shipping costs.

“A little goes a long way,” said Raymond, who wanted to ensure that patients with few resources and little support had access to these items during their treatment and recovery. With assistance from staff in Security, Oncology, Tower 14ABCD and 15ABCD, Raymond collected 150 kits for patients at Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais in Haiti and China’s Boao Evergrande International Hospital, which is affiliated with the Brigham.

Raymond thanked everyone who participated. “These small items make a big difference for patients battling cancer, and I’m grateful to all of my colleagues who contributed to this collection,” she said.