by Sylene Argent
The recently renovated oncology room at Erie Shores Healthcare was unveiled last Wednesday afternoon during an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
The new coat of paint, counter area, three new reclining chairs that are specially designed for patient comfort, new flooring, and three TV additions are sure to bring more comfort to those who utilize the oncology services at Erie Shores HealthCare, thanks to Miss. Lizzy’s Tea Foundation, which raised the $32,000 needed for the renovation.
Members of the Foundation, which Liz DelCiancio founded, worked with local companies to stretch the dollars as far as they could. The funds were raised through the annual Miss. Lizzy’s, gala-like, tea event.
The fundraising event, that will celebrate its tenth anniversary next spring, started in the basement of the DelCiancio home, but grew to a point where a venue was needed. Now, around 300 ladies participate in the event annually. Over its years of operation, the Foundation has raised funds for the Erie Shores Hospice and Leamington Hospital.
Members of Miss. Lizzy’s Foundation are devoted to fundraising to show support to cancer patients and their families in the Windsor/Essex County area. With the passing of founder Liz DelCiancio in 2017, the Miss. Lizzy’s Committee continues to support local healthcare initiatives through the efforts of her daughter, Sarah, and husband, Gino.
“I’ve got goosebumps. I feel Liz’s presence here today. She is here inspirit,” Gino said inside the newly renovated room after the official ribbon cutting. “This has been a long-time dream of my wife who had breast cancer.”
Gino said his wife had a desire to keep people close to home while they received the care they needed.
“She was always a giving person and wanted to help other people,” Gino said of his late wife, adding she volunteered at the hospital, hospice, and at church.
The renovation of the Oncology room means more home-like comfort for those, who can spend as much as eight hours at a time there, to receive treatment. The fresh paint job makes the room brighter and more like home, not a hospital. As well, a few quilts were also donated to help keep patients warm.
