Campus Connection

Radiation therapy students reach out with warmth at local hospital

Students in UW-La Crosse’s Radiation Therapy program brought comfort to people receiving cancer treatment at Gundersen Health System this season. They delivered 12 handmade, tie blankets to patients in the Oncology Department, a tradition they’ve continued for five years. The Radiation Therapy Club made the blankets during the group’s last meeting of the year earlier this month. UWL Junior Carly Ferguson, the club’s president, says the service project gives students a chance to interact with patients, which is a good experience as they prepare for future professions. “It is also an amazing way to give back to the community,” she adds. The club also gives back by visiting with residents at Hope Lodge who are receiving cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. They also participated in Steppin’ Out in Pink, a walk-a-thon for breast cancer awareness this fall. Radiation Therapy Club is for students who are interested in radiation therapy as a major. The group helps prospective students prepare for the program.