 Haskell
and Joy Shelton: Purveyors of Life's "Little Sparkles"
How
did you get involved with the Cancer Center?
About three-and-one-half years ago, my husband Haskell (Hal),
came down with what we first thought was a cold, but later
learned was acute lymphocytic leukemia.We came to U-M for
treatment, which was very successful, and we continue to return
for follow-up about twice a year.
In treatment, you spend time waiting with other patients.
We’d watch the children and see how upset and frightened
they were. We used to feel so great when the Therapaws folks
would come through with dogs to pet – it made such a
difference for the kids. We started to wonder, “What
could we do to make a difference?”
You’ve certainly made a big difference. Tell
us what you’ve been up to.
Everything started when a friend heard about where we were
going and organized a group at her church to knit and crochet
blankets and hats. Getting people involved proved to be contagious
– people started to think “I could do that,”
and what started out small snowballed. One of our knitting
friends put us in touch with an area costume shop about to
be remodeled, and through them we gathered a whole trunk full
of costume samples to bring to the pediatric area for Halloween
– the kids had so
much fun going through that trunk!
Next, a local area pharmacy donated a bunch of Beanie Babies
for us to bring to the kids. It got so every trip we made
to Ann Arbor our car was filled with something from people
in our community. Every time we’d give a little we’d
run into someone who would give even more.
What’s your latest project for the kids?
Well, when Hal was in treatment, we both found music to be
very helpful to us. We thought, “it must be ten times
tougher for kids – wouldn’t it be great if they
could have their own music?” So we purchased 100 portable
CD players and about 200 different CDs and a supply of batteries.
We took all of that to the Child Life Program, and we got
to see some of them given to kids in treatment. It was just
tremendous!
What would you say to people who want to get involved, but
don’t know where to start?
Anything and everything you do makes a difference. It doesn’t
have to be done in a big way. Support from others is like
a diamond in the dust for parents and kids facing cancer.
They’re so touched that someone else is thinking of
them. Parents and caregivers can get so wrapped up in the
process, they don’t have the time or the energy to supply
life’s “little sparkles.” That’s what
we try to do.
What’s next for you?
Books. We’re bringing a whole bunch with us on our
next trip to Ann Arbor.
Your chance to shine.
Patients and families undergoing treatment at the Cancer Center
need all the sparkle they can get. To find out ways you can
brighten the lives of those touched by cancer, call the Patient
Support Services staff at 1-734-615-3122 or the Development
office at 1-734-764-7170 or visit
How to Support the Cancer Center .
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