Because of you... Greg receives care
Greg Komula, 36, of Bridgman
Greg has had many health challenges in his 36 years of life and lives with his mother, Dorothy. Greg has cerebral palsy and had a bone marrow transplant for acute leukemia four years ago, which made him cough frequently and feel very weak. Because of his many health issues, including graft versus host disease from the transplant, Greg is prone to infections, his wounds heal slowly, and he requires frequent medical care.
BECAUSE OF YOU…
Connie, a nurse with Berrien County Cancer Services, a United Way impact partner, became acquainted with Greg shortly after his transplant. Greg recovered after being hospitalized and Connie has provided home visits since. The physician managing Greg’s care was in Grand Rapids, so having Connie help him in the home was much appreciated by all. One of Greg’s primary skilled nursing needs was having his blood drawn through a highly specialized central line. Connie was able to be trained in management and care of this line, making Greg’s trips to Grand Rapids less frequent. Connie is there to keep a close eye on his many needs and provide support for Greg and his mother. Connie has also been able to provide items from the Berrien County Cancer Services resource closet such as dressings, bed pads, and essential nutritional supplements. With frequent trips to Grand Rapids because of complications, Berrien County Cancer Services has provided gas cards to help with the costs.
The Berrien County Cancer Service has been caring for Southwest Michigan's cancer patients being treated by any oncologist since 1948. It is a unique skilled oncology nursing service that provides compassionate care for cancer patients and those with related illnesses in the comfort of their own home. It is able to do this at no cost because of the generosity of our community. In addition to nursing care services, it has an extensive loan closet of medical equipment and supplies offered at no cost including nutritional supplements, wound management supplies along with incontinence products. It hosts an art program for children and families impacted by cancer to provide emotional support.
