Pillows for patients: Buena Vista 4-H club makes 150 ‘port pillows’

People undergoing chemotherapy treatment at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare’s Cancer Resource Center now have a special gift from a local youth organization.

Friday afternoon, members from the Buena Vista 4-H dropped off 150 “port pillows.” All of these pillows were handmade by the members, who come from Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

According to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, people getting chemo often have a portacath to help get medicine, rather than having an IV line inserted at every appointment. The port can be uncomfortable for patients when a seat belt rubs against it. These handmade pillows are supposed to help protect the portacath from getting irritated.

In a news release, SVMH said it was “grateful to the 4H members who are supporting our cancer care team and patients with this thoughtful gift.”