More than 2,100 Henry Schein workers around the world have assembled more than 27,000 kits witm basic hygiene items for patients undergoing cancer treatment and their loved ones.
The Melville-based company’s employees built the “comfort kits” as part of Schein’ second annual We Care Global Challenge, which focuses on “Helping Health Happen” for people and communities in need.
Each kit contains personal hygiene and comfort items, such as mouth wash, toothpaste, floss picks, hand sanitizer, lotion and other items.
The American Cancer Society will distribute the kits to patients and caregivers of patients living in the group’s Hope Lodge facilities while receiving cancer treatment far from home.
In collaboration with Heart to Heart International, the kits also will be distributed to people with cancer by the German Breast Cancer Society, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Australia-based McGrath Foundation.
Schein CEO Stanley Bergman said by collaboration with these groups, “we have the ability to positively impact patients undergoing difficult cancer treatments around the world.”
Greg Murray, the American Cancer Society’s senior director of regional corporate relations, said the Hope Lodge Program provides a place to stay for cancer patients and their caregivers.
“The Hope Lodge is a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need,” he said. “These kits play a large role in our ability to make our patients and their families feel at home.”