Harrisonburg, Va. — Patients receiving treatment at Sentara RMH Hahn Cancer Center will find things a little more comfortable, thanks to a generous donation.

Representatives from Bob Wade Subaru in Harrisonburg dropped off 17 boxes filled with blankets, pillows, and children’s coloring supplies. It’s part of the partnership between the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Subaru Loves to Care initiative.

“Why would we not help out?” says Kevin Knott, Bob Wade Subaru sales manager. “It’s
something we want to do to give back to the community and make sure that any patient that comes in is as comfortable as they can be while they get their treatments.”

Bob Wade Subaru also presented a check for $16,145 to the RMH Foundation through the Subaru “Share the Love” event.

“The support from the Subaru Share the Love Event greatly improves the way our talented medical staff at Sentara RMH cares for patients and their safety,” says Benjamin Craig, RMH Foundation director of annual giving. “These donations will continue to help save the lives of patients in our community and we are deeply grateful for the partnership with Bob Wade Subaru.”

“This is just a small token of appreciation for what the community does for us,” says Knott. “To give back is always something we want to do at Bob Wade Subaru.”
Cancer radiation treatments typically take around 15 minutes to complete. Chemotherapy sessions, however, are much longer. They can last from one hour to several hours. The blankets and pillows are a great resource to ease some of the discomfort.

“This is very important to our patients,” says Anita Smootz, Sentara RMH Hahn Cancer Center radiation oncology manager. “It shows the patients the community support given to them as they are going through a difficult time. It means a lot to them to know that somebody cares.”

This is the 8th year that Subaru of America has partnered with LLS through the Loves To Care program, and by the end of 2023, retailers across the country will have supported nearly 300,000 cancer patients through this initiative.

“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is so grateful for the generosity from the team at Bob Wade Subaru,” says Khiem Tran, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, campaign development manager.

“Their donation of blankets, care kits, and messages of hope to cancer patients in the Greater Harrisonburg area provides warmth and comfort through physical and emotional support.”