Elgin's Sherman Hospital honors cancer victims

Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin started the giving season on Monday morning by releasing 75 biodegradable balloons into the air in honor of cancer patients who died during the past year.

"We wanted to find a way to not only honor patients, but release some of the pain and sadness involved with losing a patient," said Stephanie Boecher, director of the hospital's Cancer Care Center. "It was a way to pay it forward, and we hope this serves as a symbol that inspires others to do small gestures of goodwill."

Balloons included the names of those who died, as well as inspirational messages written by staff.

"It was almost cerebral to see, and everyone got teary-eyed," Boecher said. "It was a reflective moment not just about our patients, but what we do every day to make a difference."

The center plans to make the balloon release an annual tradition.

The giving season will continue at Sherman Hospital at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1, when the Advocate Charitable Foundation at Sherman Hospital hosts its annual lighting of the Hoffer Healing Courtyard, located at 1425 N. Randall Road.

This year's ceremony is in memory of Dr. William T. Sheehy, a urologist on staff at Sherman Hospital who died a year ago at age 75.

Contributions made in his memory will be designated for cancer care at Sherman Hospital.

To RSVP or make a donation, call the foundation at (224) 783-2500.