Volunteer plays Cupid for Condell cancer patients

Bill Casale volunteers in the lobby of the oncology unit at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for a couple hours every week.

Friday's mission? Delivering to cancer patients the Valentine's Day cards made by students in Libertyville High School's Cats Against Cancer organization.

"Part of the reason I do this is because so many people were nice to me, and I feel a moral obligation to be nice to other people," said Casale, who has survived a couple of bouts with cancer.

The American Cancer Society provides around-the-clock support for patients, family members and caretakers. They provide free rides, wigs and makeup services to patients, and other support including counseling and one-on-one patient-survivior contact. Volunteers like Casale can visit patients in the hospital and those undergoing treatments.

Cats Against Cancer is working with the American Cancer Society to support the cancer patients in the community, in addition to promoting cancer education and early detection. The group, with about 30 members, formed last spring and is the nation's second school against cancer program, and the first in Lake County.

Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire is currently working on a similar program, said Terri Gardner, American Cancer Society's health initiative representative.

American Cancer Society volunteers, and programs like Cats for Cancer, don't go unnoticed by patients.

"There's no excuse for people to say there is no one to help; they're always there," said Linda Vital, of Libertyville.

Vital, who is undergoing radiation treatment for colon cancer, used the group's Web site for resource information.

But Sarah Russ, American Cancer Society's patient services representative said more volunteers are needed.

"The more volunteers we have, the more presence we can have at the office," Russ said. "It's not a problem, but there's a need for outreach and to expand the outreach to more of our patients."

Drivers for the Road to Recovery program, which provides free rides for patients, are especially needed. Patients often have daily treatments for six weeks, and finding a ride can be tough, Russ said.

Cancer patients looking for support can call (800) 227-2345 for information day and night from the national information center, she said. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Russ at (847) 317-0025.