Home for the Holidays: Special delivery for Infusion patients

The holiday season brought a heartwarming surprise for many Home Infusion Pharmacy patients that was months in the making. In addition to their usual medication delivery from IU Health, patients received a handcrafted holiday card - a gesture representing an extra dose of joy from their dedicated care team.

“We wanted to do something extra special for our patients this season,” says Kelly Rogers, pharmacy director. “Each of our patients - and/or their caregivers or family members - is dealing with an acute or chronic condition that has a significant impact on their daily life, and not only during the holidays. We wanted to take it to the next level in terms of showing that we care.”

Over seven months, the team dedicated 450+ hours to create 1,200 holiday cards, driven to create as many cards as possible to delight as many patients as they could. Led by Judy Hacker, a clinical nurse with a love for card-making, the team crafted each card uniquely, some during workshops, others independently at home.

“Several people have told me that receiving a handmade card means that someone cares enough to make something special for them,” says Hacker. “I’m amazed at how the staff jumped in and finished their card projects and then asked what more needed to be done. I’m sure the patients will appreciate the connection and hard work.”

The team, guided by Hacker, embellished the cards with hand-cut decorations, personalized stamped messages and glitter, reflecting the uniqueness of the patients, families and caregivers who will receive them. Rogers says, “We hope receiving these cards brought a smile to our patients’ faces during the holidays – whichever holiday(s) they chose to celebrate.”