Janesville families facing a cancer diagnosis can find practical help right at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. Hope Blooms, a volunteer‑run service located at 3200‑3400 E. Racine St., supplies wigs, wig‑styling, skin‑care products, educational materials and more at no cost to patients.
Support from a breast‑cancer survivor
Susan Dearing‑Bond, senior director of development for the SSM Health Foundation and a breast‑cancer survivor, explained how the program eases the emotional and logistical burdens of treatment. “It was a very scary time for me, so to know that there are people out there that understand you’re scared, you don’t know what’s happening, and so you’ve got the support team that goes beyond just your nurses and your doctors,” Dearing‑Bond said. She added that simple gestures—like a good book, crossword puzzles or a friendly conversation—can make a big difference.
How to access the services
Anyone currently receiving cancer treatment at SSM Health is eligible for Hope Blooms’ resources. The program operates within the hospital’s cancer‑care wing, and volunteers are on hand to assist with wig fitting, product selection and answering questions. For those who need to confirm hours of operation or have specific inquiries, the program can be reached at 608‑373‑8611.
Volunteer opportunities
Hope Blooms relies entirely on community volunteers. Those interested in giving their time can review the organization’s volunteer guidelines, which outline the commitment required and the various roles available—from assisting patients with wig styling to managing inventory of donated items. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up through the hospital’s volunteer services portal.
Why local support matters
Providing free, high‑quality resources locally helps patients avoid the added stress of traveling elsewhere for basic needs. It also reinforces the Christian‑based principle of caring for the sick, a value deeply rooted in Janesville’s community fabric. By offering tangible assistance, Hope Blooms embodies the tradition of families and faith‑based groups rallying together to support one another in times of hardship.
Community impact
Since its inception, Hope Blooms has assisted dozens of patients, reducing the financial strain associated with cancer‑related expenses. The program’s presence also highlights the broader effort of local nonprofits and hospitals to address health challenges without relying on government mandates, aligning with the community’s emphasis on personal responsibility and charitable action.
For more information about Hope Blooms, including how to donate or volunteer, visit the SSM Health website or call the program directly.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
