Jessica Williams, radiation therapist at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.
May 20, 2020 - Jessica Williams, radiation therapist at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, is a genuine example of the health care heroes who work throughout BJC.
With the emergence of COVID-19, Williams and her team realized quickly that they would have to make some changes in treating this special population of patients who are immunocompromised and must continue to come to the hospital for their cancer treatments.
They brainstormed creative ways to keep their patients safe and came up with the idea to give their patients small care packages, including information about COVID-19, a cloth mask, a package of tissues and, if available, hand sanitizer.
Care packages for cancer patients
Williams went above and beyond to help put together these care packages for patients — and even enlisted her mother to help.
“When I asked my mom if she was willing to make cloth masks, she didn't even hesitate. It was an automatic ‘How many do we need?’” says Williams.
Williams and her mom began sewing cloth masks on the weekends, and she was able to obtain several donations from others wanting to help as well.
With the emergence of COVID-19, Jessica Williams, coordinated care packages for cancer patients.
“The most amazing contribution came when I was able to reach out to Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville, Illinois, for a donation of hand sanitizer to add to the care packages,” Williams says.
“I love putting together these care packages,” she says. “It’s a way that my mom and I can do something to make my patients comfortable coming in for treatments every day.
“It has been appreciated by every patient who has received one. The way patients react when we give them the package is the best part,” she adds. “There have been many reactions — from tears, myself included, to big smiles from the patients. It feels really good to help others during this difficult time in their lives.”
KSDK “Rise Up for Heroes”
Williams was featured recently on a KSDK “Rise Up for Heroes” segment. See the clip here.
Donations
BJC HealthCare is grateful to the entire community for supporting our health care heroes during the coronavirus pandemic. If you would like to make a donation, please visit bjc.org/coronavirus/donations to learn more.