Occasionally, the time one spends on a hobby can bring joy to a person during an emotionally challenging time in their life. The Wisconsin Valley Woodturners, based in Wausau, have found a way to do this for patients suffering from cancer.
They’re a group of residents from Central and Northcentral Wisconsin with a passion for woodturning. They meet monthly to share ideas, techniques, and educate the public regarding the art of woodturning.
Jim Andersen is a member of the Woodturners and he’s also a patient receiving treatment at the Aspirus Cancer Center. He reached out to Radiation Oncologist Anna Brown, MD, to let her know that the Woodturners would like to do something special for patients at the Cancer Center.
Together, along with Aspirus Social Worker Amy Marquardt, they collaborated to design wig stands that are crafted by the Woodturners and donated to patients undergoing treatments for cancer.
Aspirus Maintenance Mechanic John Jagodinski is also a member of the Woodturners. He spends his weekdays making sure Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH) is properly maintained while occasionally spending his free time with fellow woodturners. “I thought it was a great idea from the beginning and I was extra-motivated already being a part of Aspirus,” says John. “Our group is always looking for opportunities to help improve the community and this was perfect.”
John was also once a patient at the Aspirus Cancer Center. In 2014, he was diagnosed with neck cancer and needed to receive radiation treatment. “It was a unique experience seeing how staff work from the patient perspective rather than one of their coworkers,” says John.
John understands the emotional challenges that comes with cancer treatments. He knows that the work that Jim, himself and the fellow woodturners are doing will make a difference for many going through a difficult time. “You have random woodturners who will probably never meet the people who receive this gift,” says John. It’s a wonderful act of kindness to brighten the day of someone going through a tough time in their life.”
Anyone receiving treatment for cancer in the Aspirus system can get a wig stand free of charge.