Lifestyle

Mom of cancer patient brings holiday cheer to medical team at Central DuPage

Posted December 20, 2020 6:00 am

Paul Valade

Follow @dhpaulvalade

South Elgin resident Stacy Lazzara made a medical treatment-related chalk art piece using her 5-year-old daughter Averie. Averie was undergoing treatment for leukemia at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, which inspired her mom to decorate the hospital's pediatric oncology department. Courtesy of Stacy Lazzara

In September, 5-year-old Averie Lazzara of South Elgin finished nearly 2.5 years of medical treatment. Averie was under the care of the pediatric oncology team at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, where she was being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

South Elgin resident Stacy Lazzara, right, provided some holiday cheer to her daughter's oncology floor at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Lazzara provided craft items for patients and parents to make ornaments on treatment days. Courtesy of Stacy Lazzara

Her mom, Stacy Lazzara, said treatment days can be long for pediatric cancer parents. While at the hospital, positive distractions are important for both patients and parents. This year, the oncology team is not hosting their annual holiday party due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So she decided to bring some seasonal cheer to them. With the help of friends, Lazzara set up and decorated a Christmas tree, hung garland and stockings and made gift bags for patients. She also set up an activity table for kids to create their own holiday ornament.

South Elgin resident Stacy Lazzara hung holiday decorations at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, where her daughter, Averie, was being treated. Courtesy of Stacy Lazzara

“My hope is that the holiday decorations and crafts are not only making treatment days go by faster, but also creating positive memories for kids of their time in clinic,” Lazzara said.

Over the past couple of years, the doctors, nurses and other patients have become a second family to the Lazzara family.

“We are so grateful for everything this community has done for Averie and our family,” Lazzara said. “I'm always looking for creative ways to show our gratitude and reciprocate their generosity.”

South Elgin resident Stacy Lazzara set up and decorated a Christmas tree to spread holiday cheer at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Courtesy of Stacy Lazzara

She thanked the Michaels' Difference Makers holiday campaign, which enables artists to use their creativity to bring festive joy to those who need it. Through the program, the arts and crafts company recognizes people for “taking on the unexpected with creativity that inspires entire communities.” All of the supplies Lazzara used were donated by Michaels.

Lazzara said Averie is doing well and that she will have monthly clinic appointments for blood work.

“It's definitely been a challenging year for so many, so I'd love to encourage others to join me in using their creativity to make the holiday season a little brighter for others,” Lazzara said.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.