Two former Chicago Bears traded the locker room for the infusion ward Thursday, surprising patients at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with 100 care packages and a bit of company during treatment. Henry Melton and Rashied Davis spent time with patients receiving chemotherapy, antibiotics, blood treatments and other therapies, bringing along gifts from the nonprofit Lemons of Love.
According to the Lake and McHenry County Scanner, Melton and Davis visited patients undergoing infusions at the Libertyville hospital and donated the gifts on behalf of Bears Care, the charitable arm of the Chicago Bears. The pair are no strangers to the gridiron: Melton was drafted by the Bears in 2009 and played for the team through the 2013 season, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. Davis suited up for six seasons from 2005 to 2010, including the 2006 campaign when the Bears reached Super Bowl XLI.
Small Gestures, Big Impact for Patients
The care packages came from Lemons of Love, a nonprofit that supports people undergoing cancer treatment. Per the same report, Nikolaos Dallas, vice president and clinical leader for the Advocate Health Cancer National Service Line, Illinois Division, said moments like the players' visit can make a meaningful difference for patients and families. Dallas added that having someone visit patients and bring joy is incredibly special.
Lemons of Love was created in 2014 after founder Jill Swanson was diagnosed with colon cancer, according to Lemons of Love. The organization describes itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers care packages to hospitals and oncology centers, and it offers free programs for anyone impacted by cancer at its Mount Prospect, Illinois location while providing one-on-one family support at its building in Plymouth, Wisconsin.
What's Inside the Yellow Care Packages
The packages are built around practical items meant to combat the side effects of cancer treatment, Lemons of Love notes on its website. Among the contents are organic ginger tea to help with nausea, organic body lotion for dry skin, and lemon drops, the organization's about page states.
Lemons of Love reports that it has shared more than 30,800 care packages and has more than 21,500 volunteers.
Former Bears Visit Libertyville Patients
Henry Melton and Rashied Davis visited patients at the Libertyville infusion center Thursday, bringing Lemons of Love care packages.
For patients at Advocate Condell hooked to IV lines on a Thursday afternoon, the biggest moment came simply from two familiar faces showing up with a bag of lemon drops and a few minutes to talk.
