'Their needs are unlimited.' Aunt Susie's help cancer patients from new office

JACKSON TWP. ‒ Those behind Aunt Susie's Cancer Wellness Center have one thing in mind: Meeting the needs of those battling cancer, no matter how great or small.

For more than a decade, the volunteer-driven non-profit has provided critical rides to medical appointments, groceries, care essentials such as lotions and wigs and, most importantly, a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen.

Cancer patients' needs go far beyond the treatment, according to retired oncologist Dr. Dina K. Rooney.

"Their needs are unlimited," Rooney, executive director of the organization, said. "It's crazy the financial stress of cancer."

The organization has moved from its 800-square-foot office in the former Hoover plant to a 5,700-square-foot location at 2813 Whipple Ave. NW, just around the corner from Gregory's Family Restaurant.

The new space affords the volunteer group the ability to expand its services.

Remembering a good friend Sue Nixon Darling

Marlene Mason founded the organization in 2012 in memory of her childhood friend, Sue Nixon Darling.

The pair attended Edison school and later graduated from Perry High School in 1969.

"We just clicked," Mason said of her friend, who died after a battle with ovarian cancer.

Aunt Susie's got its name from Darling's Springboro store Aunt Susie's Gifts and Necessities. The store's sign hangs in the reception area.

As Darling's husband, Greg, helped care for his wife during her cancer battle, he met another husband in the same situation.

The man had just moved to the area for a new job when his wife was diagnosed. His new employer gave him time off but soon he faced a dilemma. How could he care for his wife, take her for chemotherapy and other appointments and still provide for his family?

"He had no one to turn to," Mason said. "He was new in town and didn't have the support. The times have changed and more and more families are two-income families. What do you do when you need to go to chemo five days a week for seven weeks?"

What does Aunt Susie's offer cancer patients?

Cancer treatment:Aultman's Timken Family Cancer Center opens to patients Monday

Since its inception, Aunt Susie's has provided transportation for medical appointments.

Volunteer drivers, who have completed background checks, use their own vehicles and gas for appointments in Stark County. The organization also partners with Koala Kruizers to provide rides to those with wheelchairs and mobility issues.

The group provides food assistance, including $50 grocery gift cards, for six months. They provide house cleaning and non-medical supplies such as over-the-counter lotions, ointments, mouthwash, incontinence supplies and self-care items necessitated by their cancer treatment.

Aunt Susie's also provides referrals to other agencies to aid the patient beyond what it can supply.

The center hosts support groups for patients and caregivers as well as a companion program that offers encouragement to patients. It also teams with Hair with Flair for a free haircut or to shave their heads ahead of treatment.

With a voucher from Aunt Susie's, clients can visit Wild Orchids or the Wig Style Center to get a wig. On average, a wig can cost about $180, Mason said.

The group also makes dignity tops from scrubs. The tops have buttons on the front and sleeves to allow women the ability to remain covered while receiving treatment.

Despite her own breast cancer diagnosis, Mason has been a caregiver to many battling cancer.

Larger space brings greater opportunities

For years, the organization has collected breast prostheses and bras but had no one to distribute them to clients. The new space will have a room dedicated to fitting and distribution. Two retired nurses are heading up the project, Mason said.

Prostheses can run from $500 to $700 and not all insurance companies cover the cost, Mason said.

The program is expected to launch this month, Rooney said.

The organization's new library got a boost recently when students at Fairless Middle and High School donated more than 400 new and used books.

Fairless choral director Trisha Brunckhart reached out to Mason after learning about the agency's need for books.

Each year, Brunckhart encourages her students to give back to the community.

"She had no idea how many books she would get," Mason said of Brunckhart. "But the students really came through."

The library, Rooney said, is an important addition to the center. Clients can find anything from medical books to books of comfort and novels.

The new space boasts a memory garden just outside the center and there are plans to add art and music therapy classes as well as yoga and tai chi.

Last year, Aunt Susie's took on 61 new clients, Mason said, with the organization providing services for about six months.

There are no financial requirements to seek help from Aunt Susie's but there are some limitations, Mason said.

"We look at the diagnosis and the circumstances and try to do whatever we can to help," she said. "We never ask anyone to pay. No one here gets a paycheck."

The group depends on donations to keep its services going. They take both monetary and as well as donations of wigs, prostheses, bras, books and small medical equipment such as walkers and canes.

And they are always in need of more volunteers. Volunteer opportunities range from calling clients to office help to driving patients to appointments.

To volunteer or make a donation, call 330-400-1215.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Aunt Susie's new space offers opportunities for expanded services