This post is written by Shaun Morris, Public Relations Intern, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
The Gerstell Academy varsity girls’ basketball team delivered 50 hand-painted Believe Mugs to cancer patients and family members in the Weinberg Building on January 5th.
This is the first year that the students have delivered the mugs, expanding on the work of cancer survivor Ivelisse Page, food service manager at Gerstell. She created and delivered similar hand-painted mugs to fellow patients during her stay. The students hope to continue the mug delivery as an annual event.
One student who presented mugs to patients expressed her gratitude for being given the chance to help out Hopkins patients. “It follows the principles and attributes of our school, and that means a lot to us.” A fellow team member agreed, hoping that their donations “let the patients know that they’re not alone. They have someone else rooting for them.”
Head Coach Roxanne Cannaday explained the team’s motivation for picking up Page’s project. “We mentor our student athletes to lead by example and do the right thing. The team realized how even the smallest random act of kindness can touch so many lives at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.”
Gerstell Academy is located in Finksburg, Md. To find out more about the Believe Mugs, visit BelieveBig.org.