Joplin, MO. – Eighty blue-colored blankets, folded into hearts, were given as warm and fuzzy gifts to Freeman patients undergoing chemotherapy at Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute Wednesday afternoon.

The plush blankets will be handed out to Freeman patients over the next few weeks.

“As a patient myself, it is just so nice to know that somebody outside of the cancer institute is supporting them during their walk with cancer and treatment,” said Kathy Daugherty, Freeman Health System chemotherapy nurse. “To get a gift like that – it just makes you feel better.”

This is the 10th straight year Frank Fletcher Subaru employees, in partnership with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, have delivered huge blue boxes filled with the plush blankets, patient care kits, and messages of hope to the Freeman Health System campus. These items serve as the key components of the car manufacturer’s “Subaru Loves to Care” philanthropic program, held annually in June.

According to the American Cancer Society, a new patient is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma every three minutes in the United States. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience extreme sensitivity to cold, causing discomfort and even pain.

“You’ll see (our) patients with their blankets all cuddled up and it’s like a piece of home they get to bring with them every time they come here,” Daugherty said about the blue Subaru blankets. “Our patients are very appreciative of them.”

Helping Subaru employees unload the blue boxes through the Institute’s front entrance were Freeman’s Dr. Atman Shah, Ben Blair, oncology service line director, and Nurse Practitioner Ben Long.

“The donation is just a very nice gesture, and it’s nice knowing that somebody cares and tries to make it as comfortable as they possibly can (for our patients),” said Freeman’s Dr. Matthew Miller, who praised Frank Fletcher Subaru and LLS for their donation.

“It’s not something anyone has to do but it’s nice that someone would volunteer to do things like this,” he continued. “What they are getting out of it is really nothing more than appreciation and thanks, and on behalf of (Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute) we appreciate it so much.”

Since 2024, the partnership has distributed 230,000 blankets to hospitals nationwide, each one representing hope, love, and warmth to patients.

“If we can make a patient feel just a little bit better, that’s a blessing,” Daugherty said.

Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute brings together the many services necessary to provide comprehensive care for patients and families dealing with cancer. Physicians and staff use the most advanced technology available to treat and overcome the many types of cancer. For more information, call 417.347.4000 or visit www.freemanhealth.com.