Agawam students collect donations, tour CHD Cancer House of Hope

CHD Cancer House of Hope Program Director Margaret Toomey shows a wig to students from Doering School in Agawam.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Ten fifth and sixth graders from Agawam crowded into a small room at West Springfield’s CHD Cancer House of Hope. The shelves were lined with wigs of every color and style draped over foam and plastic heads. The students curiously asked Program Director Margaret Toomey questions, wondering how people put them on, how long a wig will last and if the hair can be curled and styled. Toomey patiently answered the children’s questions, before the group moved on to tour other areas of the house.

Outside in the garden, the children scattered small rocks they had painted with inspiring messages for the clients who come to Cancer House of Hope for support after a diagnosis. Once back inside, the students presented Toomey with a check for $672, which they had raised for the organization. In addition to the check, the students donated a large plastic zipper top bag full of coins that the students had collected.

The 10 students, members of the Doering School Student Council and Kindness Club, had volunteered their time to collect donations for the nonprofit at an Agawam High School game. “They were so great, running up into the stands,” recalled Doering School Interventionist Kristen Oberheim.

The CHD Cancer House of Hope is a nonprofit organization that offers support services free of charge to adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. Among the available services are wig fittings and consultations, counseling, relaxation classes, certified oncology massage, reiki, hypnosis, art therapy, yoga and cooking demonstrations. The organization is also offering counseling for youth, whose family is experiencing a cancer diagnosis.

This is the third year of a partnership between the school and the organization. School Adjustment Counselor Karen Cree said the partnership began after a student was diagnosed with leukemia, and wanting to help, the other students raised money for Cancer House of Hope. The following year, two parents developed cancer, and the partnership continued.

“They’re our ambassadors,” Toomey said. Addressing the children, she said, “Every single one of you should be so proud of what you’ve done.”
Student Maha Abdelrahman said, “I feel really good that I donated my time. I decided to donate my time instead of sitting and watching TV.” Lily Sullivan simply said, “I like helping people.”

Many of the students had family members or neighbors who have had cancer. Alanna Sullivan “I felt so excited. I know my aunt recently got diagnosed with breast cancer. I thought it’d be awesome to come help.”

Anna Parent has family members who died of cancer. “It makes me feel good to be here and help.” Posey Clark said, “I have family members that came here for support before.”

Students expressed empathy for the experiences of those with cancer. Zoey Jasperson, whose grandfather had cancer, said the illness can be frightening. “A lot of times, you can go for treatment, but it might not work or it might hurt.”

Chloe Maynard said, “I’ve met a lot of people who had cancer. It doesn’t change their personality. It doesn’t change them because they’re sick.”
Tyler Baker said, “People, when they get cancer, it might make them feel down on themselves.” He said of the organization, “It’s really nice how they help out people who really need it.”

After touring the Cancer House of Hope, Chloe Perrone said, “I think it’s very beautiful, and it’s nice that Mrs. Toomey and everyone is there for them.”

Hazel Atkins said, “I know how sad it can be when you find out they have cancer. I want people to know that there’s people there for them.”