Situation

Pediatric cancer not only affects the patient and their family, it impacts friends and classmates.  The Bullitt County 4-H members knew of classmates who were undergoing chemotherapy and felt helpless.  

Partner(s)

4H members (age 9 to 10) partnered with the Cedar Grove Elementary Beta Club and the Lebanon Junction Elementary Beta Club to …

Educational Response

…conduct a service project to benefit pediatric cancer patients.  

Outcomes

Initial

Youth contacted families battling pediatric cancer and asked what could do to help their child or other children.  The parents identified a number of items.  4-H and Beta Club members categorized the items into three groups: comfort, managing side effects and activities.  A goal was set to assemble 30 Chemo Comfort kits, each containing 5 items, for local pediatric cancer patients who were between kindergartens to 5^th grade age.  Members estimated that the items for managing side effects and comfort (i.e. lip care, hand sanitizer, lotion, tissues, mints) could be purchased for $6 per kit.  An activity items would be included that determined if the kits was more appropriate for a boy or girl.  

Intermediate

The 4-H and Beta Club members sought donations of specific items needed.  There were enough items donated to fill 60 Chemo Care Kits. Since they exceeded their expectations, the additional kits were donated to Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Long term (Social, Economic, Environmental or Civic)

The 4-H and Beta Club project increased awareness of pediatric cancer in Bullitt County.  The youth shared their desire for more information about cancer and how to treat their friends undergoing chemotherapy, emotional concerns and the need to service.