Innovative Comfort in Clothing Program Helps Patients Go Forward with Confidence
Program Founder Diane Stratton Ensures Patients at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton Dress Well

HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY - Diane Stratton knows how to select fabrics, styles and sizes that are just right. She is not fashion designer, personal assistant or even tailor; she brings her talents to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, where she runs a program called Comfort in Clothing.

Comfort in Clothing provides patients who are undergoing cancer treatment with opportunities to choose from a wide selection of new garments, from t-shirts to turbans. Patients often need this clothing because the side effects of their treatment include weight and hair loss.

All garments donated to Comfort in Clothing have come from area businesses or have been purchased through contributions. Stratton, a Hamilton, New Jersey resident, has helped raise more than $10,000 in clothing and funds to support the program. She established Comfort during Clothing in 2003 in memory of her husband Maynard, who was a patient at CINJ-H.

"While caring for him I could see how much more comfortable he felt in fitted clothing," says Stratton. "It made me realize the importance of helping other patients to feel the same way."

One Less Thing to Worry About Each week, Stratton makes several trips to CINJ-H to ensure that the clothing supply room is well stocked. She takes the time to ensure that everything is neatly pressed and ready to be worn. Many patients are relieved to know that clothing is available because they are either on a fixed income or do not feel well enough to shop.

"Having an inventory of various clothing sizes and styles at CINJ-H means patients have one less concern to deal with while undergoing treatment," Stratton says. "This really helps to eliminate the burden of shopping for new clothes so that they can focus on getting well."

Stratton ensures that clothing available through the program is always in season. She also makes sure that shelves at CINJ-H are stocked with fleece blankets and scarves for patients who feel cold during treatment. Stratton selects an assortment of fabrics that are soft, comfortable and fit the unique needs of patients undergoing cancer treatment.

"The Comfort in Clothing Program is a great source of relief to patients in helping them maintain their dignity," says CINJ-H Executive Director Lisa Breza, RN, BSN. "During times of illness, this is especially important since a patient's emotional well-being can be vital to their recovery."

Stratton finds that running the program is very rewarding. She has received several letters from patients who are thankful and appreciative that the program and CINJ-H are assisting them with more than just medical treatment.

Those interested in making monetary or clothing donations to the Comfort in Clothing program may contact The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton at (609) 631-6960.

More About RWJ Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) is the only New Jersey hospital to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, the hospital is part of the RWJ Health System and Network and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey-RWJ Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The RWJ Hamilton Health Care Corporation serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, three affiliated medical groups, seven Lakeview Child Centers, and the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, home of a medically-based fitness center and the hospital's extensive community education program. Over 1,900 hospital employees and 650 medical staff physicians share RWJ Hamilton's passion for Excellence Through Service. For more information, visit www.rwjhamilton.org.