CNX Caring Cart Program Expands to the IRMC Cancer Center, in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Indiana, PA

Content Submitted

This expansion, launched in 2023, builds upon the success of the nearly decade-long program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often face several hours of treatment at a time. The appointments can be physically uncomfortable, and filling the expanse of time can be challenging. That’s where the CNX Caring Cart—a cart filled with snacks, throat lozenges, lip balm, puzzles, blankets, backscratchers, and more—has helped to provide some comfort and occupy patients’ treatment times since 2015. Launched in collaboration with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Volunteer Services, this initiative has since expanded to the IRMC Cancer Center, in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

According to Rachel Wyzkowski, lead coordinator, UPMC Hillman Volunteer and Community Services, the fact that volunteers bring the cart around makes it particularly special.

“When patients see the cart coming around the corner, it’s an opportunity for them not only to grab some fun items, but it’s also a distraction from their medical treatment. They know the person delivering the items is one of our volunteers and is not there to talk about medicine or protocols. It sounds small, but it really makes a difference,” she said.

Since 2015, CNX has provided over $325,000 to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, beginning at its flagship location in Shadyside. Most of the funds support the caring cart initiative, which Rachel and CNX’s external relations manager, Amy Hopkins, like to keep fresh with a balance of items that may help ease the side effects of treatment along with fun items that help provide distraction.

Rachel said backscratchers are popular all year round, but bucket hats became a favorite over the summer.

Recognizing a need for this service beyond UPMC Hillman in Shadyside, the CNX Foundation, CNX’s philanthropic arm founded in 2021, decided to increase its support for the program to provide a cart to the IRMC Cancer Center, in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, in Indiana, PA.

“We are really excited to extend this program to an additional UPMC Hillman location,” Amy said. “It’s our way of hopefully brightening a patient’s day and filling a need at the cancer center as well.”

In December, CNX Resources employees volunteer to take the cart to patients on each floor of the cancer center. During the rest of the year, UPMC Hillman volunteers bring the cart to patients throughout the center, offering various care items.

“Undergoing cancer treatment can be a tremendous challenge,” said Nick Deiuliis, CEO of CNX Resources. “We hope that the caring carts help bring some joy and comfort to patients and their families during a difficult period in their lives.”

Philanthropic impact can take many forms, from individual donations to teams of people working together.

“The caring cart program requires financial support, of course. But it also relies on regular volunteers and the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into selecting the items,” said Shannon Kroskie Smith, community relations coordinator for UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

To learn more about the CNX Caring Cart program and how your organization can help support UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, contact the Development Office at 412-623-4700 or givetohillman@upmc.edu.