The gesture may seem small, but for the cancer patient who feels chilly during infusion, the offer of a warm blanket provides much more than creature comfort.

癌症中心志愿者, 琳达Bigsby, 如上图所示, distributes drinks and snacks in the infusion areas of the 北州癌症中心.

"I do the simplest of things, but people are so appreciative," says Bigsby.

After retiring from a career as a nurse, Bigsby found time to give back to her community. Bigsby offers snacks if a patient is hungry, magazines if he or she wants to read, companionship if he or she is alone. She says she has learned to tell when people wish to be left alone, and when they want company.

志愿者s from the cancer center go through the American Cancer Society's Cancer Resource 志愿者 program so they are familiar with the resources available from the society. 这种方式, as the volunteers get to know patients, they will be able to suggest appropriate programs and services that might be helpful, along with the creature comforts they provide.