Jefferson County 4-H’ers add positive view for oncology patients

Preparing youth to be successful, contributing members of society. That is the vision of the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program. It is the initiative behind every opportunity provided to 4-H youth, including that of a recent experience for seven high schoolers in Jefferson County.

Earlier in the year, the Jefferson County 4-H Teen Council agreed to take on a project that would enhance the landscape surrounding the oncology wing at the Jefferson County Health Center McCreery Cancer Center.

Taking on this large of a project required a great deal of planning and laborious work. They learned about budgeting, landscape design and partnering with local businesses. The 4-H Teen Council worked with Winn Corp whichonated all of the rock. The group also worked with Daisy Dew Lawn and Garden to determine the right types of plants and shrubs for the area. The Jefferson County Health Center was also a supporter, providing supplies and volunteers, and agreed to help maintain the garden for years to come.

Jenifer Thompson, clinic manager at Jefferson County Health Center, confirmed the importance of this project, 'Many of these patients sit for hours at a time and watch the happenings outside through the floor to ceiling windows.”

Looking out through those windows, patients enjoy a view of the pond and the neighboring Maasdam Barns. Now, the new rock garden in front of their windows adds a serene setting, complete with bird baths, several bird feeders, shrubs that keep foliage through winter, and plants and flowers that attract birds and butterflies. The many creatures that are enjoying their new habitat are also providing cheerful entertainment for the onlookers in the oncology wing.

'It really helps the ambiance of the area and provides a beautiful view for our patients to enjoy. Patients and staff alike have made many positive comments about the space and are very pleased with how it all turned out. We are very appreciative of the students' time, energy, and funds utilized to beautify this space for our cancer patients,” exclaimed Thompson.

The 4-H pledge recited by these members states, in part, 'I pledge my hands to larger service.” The group took this pledge to heart and had the determination to see the project through to the end. To many of the Jefferson County 4-H Teen Council members, it was more than just a project; it was personal.

'The oncology wing landscaping project was important to me because I had a family member go through chemotherapy, and I know how a pretty view can impact their outlook on the treatment,” stated Sophia Mineart, Jefferson County 4-H Teen Council member. 'I wanted all patients in this wing to be able to look out and see the pretty flowers and the wildlife it attracts. I wanted to make their treatment experience better.”

Each one of us knows someone that has been affected by cancer. For one of the 4-H Teen Council members, that person is his mom.

Mary Shirkey-Bishop, now a four-year breast cancer survivor, knows firsthand that the patients at the Jefferson County Health Center McCreery Cancer Center receive quality care. She knows because it's the same place where she received treatment during her cancer journey. She said, 'I was thrilled to see Teen Council initiate and complete a community project so personal to my son and me that will help cancer patients and their support systems. The landscape adds sunshine and hope during a very difficult and challenging life event.”

These youth have contributed to their community in a priceless way. While the plants and shrubs continue to grow, so will these 4-H members – in compassion, leadership, service and generosity.

For more information about Jefferson County 4-H, contact Ashtin Walker, Jefferson County youth coordinator, at 641-472-4166 or ashtinw@iastate.edu.