HurdleJumpers: Saying Yes To Helping

Chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients creates a host of difficult side effects, one of which is mouth dryness. We recently donated Yes To lip butters, in hopes of providing a little bit of comfort to those who are enduring the stress of chemotherapy or radiation.

How did this come to pass?

Hurdle Jumpers is the brainchild of Janet Halbert. Here's what she says about how and why she makes this happen:

Nothing prepares you for it. Nothing could.

I was 49 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2004. My friends and health care professionals suggested many things to help me get through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Aside from products given to me by two dental hygienists, a lot of energy was spent tracking down various items.

During and in between treatments, I knew I wanted to share my experiences. I often thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everything a cancer patient might need came organized in a kit?” I started Hurdle Jumpers to assist others who are about to start or are in the midst of cancer treatment. Our kits are designed to make a difference because they are conceived from a patient’s perspective. Each kit will help patients & caregivers be involved and active in their care, help reduce stress and anxiety, and help gain a sense of control. As a cancer survivor, I know what it feels like to start the journey to wellness.

The first generation Hurdle Jumpers kits are "my chemo comfort care kit" and "my radiation comfort care kit". All Hurdle Jumpers kits have a practical focus: to give patients a sense of control through education and knowledge, along with the items on hand if and when needed. This will make it easier to get through the medical experience and manage related side effects. At first I thought the kits would be for breast cancer patients, like myself, but I quickly realized other types of cancer patients could benefit as well.

Both kits contain my personal collection of survival tips, donated nationally recognized over-the-counter product samples and various useful items (humor book, relaxation CD, thermometer and others.)

Hurdle Jumpers goal is to provide these kits free of charge, except for shipping + handling. Hurdle Jumpers want the patient to focus on getting well, rather than having to re-invent the wheel.

This was an unmet need …until now. The response from industry has been incredible; virtually all products in the Hurdle Jumpers comfort kits have been donated. These nationally recognized, public and private consumer health companies are equally convinced of the Hurdle Jumpers valuable and important mission. Simply put, I took the lemon’s of a cancer diagnosis and made lemon meringue pie. I know my life is better because I’m helping to make someone else’s life better.

Thank you, YES to Carrots, for making a difference in a cancer patient’s day.

Thank you, Janet, for giving us an outlet to participate!