The mission of the Humanist Action Project is to serve the New York community utilizing humanist principles. One of our actions is to support newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who are scheduled to begin chemotherapy, by providing them with supplies to ease their chemotherapy experience.
Humanist Action Project provides these supplies to hospitals, community cancer clinics, and oncology centers in the New York City regional area in the form of Can'tSir ChemoCare Kits.
In 2020, founder Heather Davidson who works in breast cancer research was recovering from her own breast cancer treatment and recognized that newly diagnosed cancer patients may be too overwhelmed by their recent diagnosis to fully prepare for the experience of chemotherapy. She noted the supplies that that eased her own chemotherapy experience, surveyed other breast cancer patients, and developed the Can'tSir ChemoCare Kit to help breast cancer patients through this very difficult time.
The kits contain items to address
Comfort during chemo infusion: a poncho or blanket or poncho to keep warm during chilly infusions while still allowing access to the infusion port, fluffy socks, cloth masks, a knit hat for very sensitive scalps. In addition, there is soothing hand lotion and lip balm.
Comfort after chemo infusion: a seatbelt cover to protect the site of their infusion port, items for some frequently experienced, and acutely emergent side-effects: anti-diarrheal and electrolyte tablets which will come in handy.
Items to ease their minds: a puzzle book, a treatment journal to record their thoughts as well as track their treatment notes, doctor's appointments, side-effects, and other important notes and a greeting card to let them know they are not alone.
All in a canvas tote the patient can use to bring their supplies to and from their doctors' appointments.
Humanist Action Project recognized the need for the Can'tSir Chemo Care Kit from its founder's personal and professional experience, how difficult receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be, and is working to partner with local and regional oncology clinics, focusing on the underserved and underinsured population. At this time we are partnering with three oncology centers in the region and there is great demand for the Can'tSir ChemoCare Kits.
Humanist Action Project is a nonprofit in the State of New York and is a recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
