Foundation gifts cancer patients Radiant Wraps and head coverings

When a person goes through a vulnerable time in life, even small acts of kindness can make a difference and help support them through their journey. Gundersen Medical Foundation gifts cancer patients with Radiant Wraps and head coverings for that very reason — to provide comfort and joy during treatment.  

Created by a breast cancer survivor, Radiant Wraps are an upgraded alternative to traditional hospital gowns and provide cancer patients with an extra measure of comfort, dignity and style.  

Wearing hospital gowns was routine for the company’s founder, Maria Lucas, while she underwent cancer treatments more than a decade ago. Donning the gowns so frequently was a continual reminder of being sick, and she felt compelled to transform an all-too-common experience among cancer patients.

“I was stripped of my personality and felt uncomfortable, embarrassed and cold. For weeks, I wore those hospital gowns thinking there had to be a better way,” Lucas said.  

Specifically designed for radiation treatments to the chest area, Radiant Wraps have a human-centered design made of flexible, gentle fabrics and look identical to stylish blouses one might wear in everyday life. Unlike most gowns that can embarrassingly expose a patient’s backside, Radiant Wraps provide full coverage and allow for easy access as needed during routine treatments and scans.    

In 2022, the Gundersen Medical Foundation allocated more than $11,000 in support of purchasing Radiant Wraps and $5,000 for head coverings, including contributions from the Treasured Chests breast cancer support group in Tomah, all of which will be gifted to local patients.  

Through the Foundation’s breast cancer fund and donations raised from the annual Steppin’ Out in Pink event, each Gundersen breast cancer patient selects their Radiant Wrap at the start of their treatment journey. Any Gundersen cancer patient can also choose special head coverings to help manage and cope with chemotherapy-induced hair loss.  

Breast cancer patient Annie Beinborn shared her personal experience with being gifted a Radiant Wrap.  

“It was uplifting to know that others cared enough to give me something fun to wear. This may seem trite, but it was nice to feel pretty,” Beinborn said. “The wrap, along with the very personable staff in Gundersen’s Radiation Oncology department, made the entire treatment process bearable. A little kindness goes a long way.”  

Beinborn said during her weeks of radiation treatments, it was comforting to see other women wearing similar garments, which created a special bond and feeling of community.  

“This made for easy conversation because we instantly knew we shared a common ‘thread’ with our Radiant Wraps,” Beinborn said. “We’re on this breast cancer treatment journey together.”

Support breast cancer patients

You can help patients like Beinborn today by donating to Gundersen Medical Foundation’s breast cancer fund.  

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