‘I just want to spread some cheer’ | Surprise gift bags comfort infusion patients at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital
When Bobbie Stewart fills orders in the lab for outpatient infusions, she often adds a bonus not on the list.
Along with the blood or platelets needed for the infusion, Stewart sends one of her special gift bags for the patient. Packed with a puzzle or inspirational book, fun pens, snacks and other tokens, the bags help patients pass the time during the often hours-long infusions, calm their anxieties over the procedure and, most importantly, remind them they have love and support.
“Most of them are really excited and touched that someone from the lab actually thought enough about them to create a gift bag,” said Robin Carlson, a registered nurse who delivers the gift bags to patients. “And we really appreciate Bobbie and her thoughtfulness.”
A lead medical laboratory technician at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, Stewart came up with the idea for the gift bags a couple of years ago. As she prepared the blood products for an infusion, she wondered how patients pass the time during their infusion treatments, which can last up to four hours. She also thought about the anxiety they might be feeling over the infusion and the serious conditions including cancer they might be facing. She felt compelled to do something.
“I just had the thought one day, ‘They have to sit up there and wait. If they had something to keep their mind occupied, that would be good,’ ” Stewart said. “I just want to spread some cheer to some people. It warms my heart to make people smile.”
During her frequent visits to local discount stores, Stewart started picking up items to fill the colorful bags. While the bags don’t cost much, they are priceless to the patients, especially those who are facing their first infusion and are unsure what to expect.
“Those are the patients that her gift bags really hit home with,” said Paul Voss, registered nurse – oncology. “The little puzzle book helps take patients’ minds off of their nerves of being up here for the first time, because it can be an anxious time for them. Having her give those to our patients calms them down, and they can see they have nothing to be afraid of.”
No two bags are the same, but they are all packed with love. Stewart isn’t sure how many she’s prepared and given out, but if it helped one patient, it’s worth it.
“Bobbie’s gift bags are seriously always a hit with our patients,” Voss said. “They can kick back, do some crosswords and snack on some Goldfish crackers – all thanks to Bobbie.”
Stewart never sees the gift bags delivered or meets the patients who receive them. But she imagines their faces when they receive the surprise.
“I hope it makes people smile,” she said.
