Cancer Survivor Deeana Bedics Brings the Holiday Spirit to Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute Cancer Patients

There was an abundance of holiday cheer at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg the evening of Dec. 11. It was the annual party sponsored by Pink Pumpkins Coins 4 Chemo, a nonprofit established by Lehigh Township cancer survivor Deeana Bedics. Every year, she organizes the event for patients undergoing active treatment at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. Their family members also join in the festivities.   

"It bothered me that people worried about the holidays, and that they couldn't take care of themselves or their family members. I thought we could do a little something about that," Bedics said. "We're not only making memories for patients. Their loved ones will have those memories and that's just as important, if not more important.”

The event featured an appearance by Santa Claus himself, along with Bedics dressed as Santa’s elf. More than 50 patients and their family members enjoyed a homecooked, sit-down dinner, cakes, cookies and goodie bags to take home. There were gifts for everyone including hand-knitted scarves and hats. And, of course, all had the chance to have a photo taken with Old St. Nick himself –  or, if they preferred, Bentley the dog. 

The staff at the Cancer Institute helped make the event successful by serving food and assisting in whatever way they could. Hematologist oncologist and President-Elect of the LVHN Medical Staff Ranju Gupta, MD, has been involved since the party’s inception a decade ago. She was accompanied this year by Brian A. Nester, DO, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jefferson, and President, Lehigh Valley Health Network; Pat Toselli, DO, Chief Medical Officer at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks; James Miller, Regional President, Jefferson Health–Lehigh East Region, Senior Vice President, Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence and Senior Vice President, Perioperative Services; and Keith D. Micucci, Vice President, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg.

In 2014, when Bedics was undergoing six-plus months of treatment for breast and liver cancer at LVHN, she founded Pink Pumpkins Coins 4 Chemo to raise money for the Prager Patient Assistance Fund. The fund provides financial support for the nonclinical needs of cancer patients and their families. About the party, she said, "[We wanted] a place to share the camaraderie with others who are like you. Here at the center, we're all from the same village, we all are doing the same journey.”