By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist
One of the best parts of being a Chemo Pal Mentor is being able to celebrate a mentee’s completion of treatment at their Chemo Pal graduation. Mason and Eileen recently got to celebrate such an occasion after more than three long years of treatment.
Mason is a funny, giggly guy who loves playing with superheroes, dinosaurs, stickers, cars, and Play-Doh. He also likes to throw the football around and would occasionally take rides around the hallways of the hospital in a play car.
Eileen insists that even though she may be the mentor, Mason teaches her so much about how to play and laugh no matter the circumstances, and to be brave through it all. She says that the most heartwarming and very best part of the days she gets to see him are the tackle hugs he gives both to her and to the bag full of toys she brings alongs as soon as she walks in the room.
According to Mason’s mom and doctor, Mason is not just graduating the match, but he and Eileen are also graduating from Chemo Pals to BFFs! They are always enjoying being silly together and will continue to have more adventures together outside of the hospital.
Mason is one of the 250 Pacific Northwest children and teens CCA’s Chemo Pal® Mentor Program has brought the joy of friendship in the past year. Trained Chemo Pal mentors have devoted 5,800 hours forging and strengthening friendships and family bonds, bringing diversion, fun, and activities to kids during their treatment. Chemo Pal mentors also give parents a much-needed break to grab a cup of coffee, talk with doctors, or spend time with their other children.
In 2013, Oregon Mentors awarded CCA’s Chemo Pal Mentor Program with their most prestigious award for mentoring excellence, recognizing the program for exceeding standards of excellence and quality.
With your support, we can match even more seriously ill children and teens with compassionate adults who offer supportive relationships throughout treatments.
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