One of the scariest feelings of all is when someone you love is diagnosed with cancer. But when it happened to one of my closest family members, I didn’t realize that help is right around the corner. Wellness Place is a community cancer resource in Palatine for cancer patients of all ages and those who love and care for them. The group was founded eleven years ago by two Barrington cancer survivors. It’s thriving today, thanks to contributions from the community and events like this Saturday’s Art of the Human Spirit Gala, on October 8th at the Art Institute of Chicago. Over the years, hundreds of cancer patients and their families have turned to Wellness Place to find comfort and to cope with the disease in their own way and at no charge. The McLeod family is sharing their story to give us a look at one of the ways Wellness helps.
When Carolyn and Mike McLeod’s 5-year-old son, Sam, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia two years ago, they turned to Wellness Place to find ways to help Sam and his little sister, Grace deal with the diagnosis. Carolyn says, “It really has been tearing me apart to watch Sam go through so much while fighting this awful disease. It’s just as heart-wrenching to see my healthy child experience all that she has.” Wellness Place Art Therapist, Lori Mackey, has worked hard to help Grace better understand her big brother’s situation.
“A cancer diagnosis is often very confusing and overwhelming for children. They may not know how to respond or what they should be feeling.” Lori says, at Wellness Place, they teach skills to help kids work through their concerns with the help of art therapy and medical play in Wellness Place’s Foglia Children, Teen and Family Center in Palatine. “Medical play is a way for children to learn through exploration and age appropriate education. We have cancer related medical equipment set up for children in an environment playroom we call The Tree House that welcomes discovery and child centered play. It’s a way to offer children and adolescents a sense of control while encouraging self-expression and self-exploration.”
Today, Carolyn McLeod says, “Sam and Grace have taken many things from Wellness Place and incorporated them into their daily lives.” They’re sharing their story to help spread the word about Wellness Place and encourage the community’s continued support. We can all help the cause by attending this weekend’s Gala, organized by the Wellness Place Women’s Auxiliary at the Art Institute of Chicago. The cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception begins at 7 p.m. at the Garden Café and McKinlock Court, followed by a seated dinner and live auction in the museum’s Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room. An after party featuring raffle prizes, open bar, dancing and live entertainment by the Eddie Butts Band will take place at 9:30 in the Millennium Park Room. Tickets for the evening cost $250 each or $100 if you can only make the after party and here’s a look at the official invitation, which originated as a piece of art by Barrington resident & Wellness Place Auxiliary member Kimberly Gray.
Wellness Place typically hosts their annual gala closer to home, but chose a Chicago venue this year to offer a memorable evening of art and culture. For more information about the Art of the Human Spirit gala, visit WellnessPlace.org and to purchase tickets, call the Wellness Place office at 847-221-2400 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through this Thursday. The doors are always open during those hours at Wellness Place’s Palatine location. You’ll find them at 1619 W. Colonial Parkway, you’ll find them on Facebook by clicking HERE and, if you or someone you know could use this great cancer support resource, they say you’re welcome to drop in and pay them a visit any time.
Wow what a big heart. I hope the Gala was a success as I am sure it would be and thank you for raising awareness to Wellness Place and those who it assists.