Blanket Project Brings Warmth to Cancer Patients

Patients at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Grayslake Cancer Center will feel a little cozier this winter, thanks to a donation from the Vernon Hills High School girls’ basketball team.

Cancer patient Gerald Meyer of Spring Grove was getting a routine treatment when his day was brightened and warmed by receiving a bright yellow fleece blanket from the teenagers.

"This is all right," said Meyer, who smiled and gave the girls a thumbs up as he wrapped himself in his warm cowboy-patterned blanket.

The freshmen teammates from Vernon Hills High School made each of the 16 donated blankets, and took the time to present the pile of blankets to the center.

Brightening the days and warming the hearts of cancer patients is exactly what the girls wanted to do.

“Hopefully, it will keep you warm,” said 14 year old Steffany Froman of Vernon Hills.

Some of the teammates talked about making the blankets in the video, including: Emilia Jaskowska, 15; jesse Gaimari, 15; Bridget Kalsch, 14; Emily Katz, 15; Sara Gehrett, 14; Steffany Froman, 14.

Coach Rob Nardini said that he has his players do a community service project every year.

“We try to do something to give back to the community every year,” he said. “With such a cold winter, the girls thought this would be especially meaningful.”

Dr. Joseph Imperato director of the Cancer Center in Grayslake, said the blankets will mean a lot to the patients.

The Canter Center is located at 1475 E. Belvidere Road (Route 120) in Grayslake.

“Everything we do is structured for the comfort of the patient,” he said. "These blankets will mean a lot. They show that we want the patients to feel as good as possible."