For patients, their loved ones and staff in the Aultman Cancer Center and infusion therapy unit, getting away for lunch can be tricky. Aultman Nutrition Services aims at making food more accessible by making the rounds each weekday with a food cart.                                  

“Patients are often getting treatment for hours at a time, and nurses are so busy that they can’t get away to grab a bite to eat,” said Carla Kobilarcsik, unit director of Aultman Guest Services. “Bringing a food cart to the Aultman Cancer Center and infusion therapy unit is a simple way we can support patients, their caregivers and staff.”

Larry Heckaman (pictured above), Canton resident and lifelong Aultman patient, is currently battling lung cancer. He receives chemotherapy once a week for three weeks and then gets a week off. Being at the Aultman Cancer Center so often, Larry has developed quite a rapport with the staff members. “Dr. Schmotzer. Dr. Vemulapalli and the nurses are so great,” Larry said. “I wanted to give back for all they do for patients.”

On three separate occasions, Larry made arrangements with Nutrition Services to pay for all of the items on the food cart. “He gave them advanced warning, so they could bring two carts of food and snacks,” said Larry’s daughter Jennifer (also pictured above), who accompanies him to chemotherapy appointments. “That way, the carts could go through both sides of the cancer center – Morningstar and Aultman Medical Group – and feed everyone.”

Larry isn’t the only generous person in the Aultman Cancer Center. One patient donated new TVs for the treatment rooms, while another family brings in cake once a month to celebrate patients’ birthdays. “These are just a few examples I’m aware of. Many patients and families give behind the scenes to show their appreciation,” Larry shared. “It’s like a family here in the Aultman Cancer Center.”