Local women give back to cancer patients

Two local make up representatives are taking it upon themselves to brighten the spirits of cancer patients at Saint Peter's Hospital.

With donations from local businesses, Judy Shaw and Shelley Olson put together 200 Mary Kay gift bags for cancer patients at Saint Peter's Hospital.  Shaw says coping with cancer is something dear to her heart.

Shaw says, "My husband passed away 12 years ago.  We went through chemo for 2 and 1/2 years.  So familiar with what happens to your skin.”

Cancer patient Debbie Palmer says she could not have received the gift bag at better moment.

Palmer says, "I was just thinking that a facial would be the perfect thing.  I mean the timing could not have come at a more perfect moment.”

Palmer started chemo yesterday, and says she appreciates the gesture from the community.

Pedersen says, "It's just amazing to me that I guess the outgoing support that people in my position receive I just think it's very special.”

Shaw says, receiving support from the community while her husband went through chemo inspired her to help cancer patients.

Nurse Kari Palmer says, "They don’t have to go find the products they don’t have to figure out what works and what doesn’t and spend a lot of money trying and erroring a bunch of products this is just given to them to try and help.”

Through the gift bags filled with skin care products, Shaw and Olsen hope to spread cheer to cancer patients.  Shaw and Olson say they hope to replenish these supplies for cancer patients with donations from the community.

Story by Kelley Smith, Beartooth NBC.
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