MANSFIELD — What began as a simple cardboard box under a desk has grown into a symbol of compassion, dignity and hope for regional oncology patients in need.
The Radiation Oncology building at OhioHealth Mansfield located at 330 Glessner Avenue celebrated its Hope Chest with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday morning.
“This pantry is more than a room with shelves and supplies,” Oncology Business Practice Manager Elisa Bryant said.
She said the idea for Hope Chest started in the simplest of ways—a small conversation with big dreams.
A simple idea sparks change
The Oncology Social Worker at the time, Michele Schaefer, noticed urgent needs that people often overlook — needs that go far beyond medicine, Bryant said.
“I was sitting in the office with Michele and talking about goals and what we would like to do as part of our commission on cancer,” she said. “We have to have program goals and quality improvement initiatives.”
Bryant said she talks with the staff each year and asks about their visions and dreams for the oncology program. This is when Schaefer suggested creating a dedicated space where patients experiencing financial toxicity could find relief from that burden.
She got a cardboard box, placed it under her desk, and started what is now known as the Hope Chest.
Bryant said she filled the box with basic items for patients who had nowhere else to turn.
“That simple act of kindness became the speed for what we are opening here today,” Bryant said. “It is my honor to officially open the Hope Chest.”
Essentials for oncology patients
Patients can find a wide variety of items in the Hope Chest including, non-perishable food, personal care options, personal hygiene items, feminine products and new clothes.
Bryant said many patients lose weight rapidly during chemotherapy, and that struggle can sometimes be something many people don’t think about.
“It is expensive to replace a wardrobe, so we wanted to have items to help with that,” she said. “We tried to do lots of drawstring items and things like that. Being able to offer just a little more comfort or some things for them is really where this all started.”
A special dry mouth mouthwash is one item patients can find in the Hope Chest.
“This item tends to be on the more expensive side,” Bryant said. “If patients are not able to afford the specialty items, we want to be able to have those available.”
There are $25 Kroger gift cards also available for patients who may need to purchase items that the Hope Chest does not offer.
“We also have pick cards,” she said. “Depending on their symptoms and side effects, patients can choose items from the cards that will help with that.”
Community members can donate new clothing items, non-perishable food items and personal-care items.
Bryant said people can drop off donations at the radiation oncology building or write checks to the OhioHealth Foundations, noting “Hope Chest” in the memo line.
She added community members can reach out to her directly as well at 419-526-8376 or Elisa.Bryant@ohiohealth.com and she can come to pick items up.
There will be a coat drive Oct. 20 to Nov. 14 to collect items like new coats, hats and gloves for the Hope Chest.
Restoring hope for patients
The Hope Chest quietly opened around a month ago according to Bryant, since then they have already had three patients come and utilize the resources.
During her speech, Bryant told the story of one patient who has already been able to benefit greatly from the Hope Chest.
“They have no access to a kitchen or a way to store their food safely from pests,” she said. “They have already battled cancer and are now struggling to sustain their day-to-day nutrition.”
Hope Chest is here for this very reason. It fills the gaps and helps to provide what insurance and treatment plans do not cover and to remind every patient they are not alone.
However, Bryant said this would not have been possible without the many helping hands including the American Cancer Society who they received a generous grant from and the support of their hospital leadership.
“To our Hope Chest committee, thank you for your time, dedication and passion for making this a reality,” Bryant said. “Together we have created something that will change lives, big and small.”
May it be a reminder that when we come together as caregivers, leaders, community partners and friends we can lift the weight of cancer in ways that extend beyond medicine.
Elisa bryant
While the doors to Hope Chest will remain closed, Bryant said there will always be staff that can assist patients in the Hope Chest room. She added patients will have no cap on what they can take.
“We trust that the associates with those patients know what their needs are and will distribute appropriately,” she said.
They will also keep an inventory of the items so they know what to replace and when.
She emphasized the Hope Chest is not just about products, but also restoring stability and hope in moments when patients often feel the most vulnerable.
“It’s important to remember that when you are treating cancer patients you are not just treating the cancer, but the whole patient,” Bryant said. “This is just another way that OhioHealth Mansfield can make sure that we are addressing all the needs of the patient.”
(More picture from the Hope Chest ribbon cutting. Picture credit: Hannah Martin)
