Group Helps Bring Cheer, Care Packages To Cancer Patients
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Beyond grateful - the words used by the cancer patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital on Monday and it was all thanks to one very special lady.
"It takes a selfless person to do what she's done for 50 years consistently and I admire people like that," said Roxanne Benard, a registered nurse at the hospital.
Since 29, Ellen Wilburn has been lighting up the rooms of cancer patients with her smile and care packages. Now at 79, with her daughter and friends by her side, her light hasn't dimmed one bit.
"They're wonderful people and they're so brave...you get so much out of today and so many of them tell you we made their day," said Wilburn.
Reactions like Shaquita Jenkins' is what keeps Ellen and the ladies of the Women's Cancer Association working year round to raise money to keep the care packages returning.
"You know, you don't want to be in a hospital down but there's always someone to bring you joy to make your stay better," said Jenkins. "I'm really grateful. I was down but you made my spirit uplifted. I really thank you guys."
The gift bags included things like high-end makeup, toiletries, and other items from Bloomingdale's.
The ladies are not short on creative ways to fill the gift bags each year.
"They're filled. The stuff is beautiful and I bake. I bake for everybody. I bake for Bloomingdale's. I bake for my friends. I'll give you rum cakes and you give me gifts," said Wilburn.
It's not just about the gift bags. So far they've raised $328,000 for cancer research and that's a gift that keeps on giving.
The ladies passed out a total of 50 bags on Monday but they are always looking for partners to make the care packages bigger and better each year. Click here if you would like to help or you can donate items to Women's Cancer Association Bargain Box Thrift Store at 1350 West Flagler Street in Miami.
