Students at Plank Jr. High School in Oswego, IL have been making heart pillows for patients at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL since 2008. Participants in the program, started by impassioned teacher Cynthia Gandy, sew heart-shaped pillows for patients recovering from heart surgery.
Lori Moran, Executive Vice President of BMS Moving & Storage A-1 Movers, Inc., first heard of the school’s program when her father, Dave Moran, received one of the pillows in 2011. She was recently invited back to the school to speak about the impact the pillows have on patients and their families.
“The students at Plank Jr. High are doing a great service for the patients at Rush Copley,” said Lori Moran. “I want the students to know the difference they make in people’s lives.”
Doctor Todd Guynn, MD started the heart pillow program and was also the heart surgeon who operated on Mr. Moran. He spoke to the students in detail about open heart surgery, how the breast bone needs to heal and the role their pillows play in each patient’s recovery.
“Mrs. Gandy’s enthusiasm was clear to me the moment I discovered the program,” said Chuck Collins, owner of Republic Trailer Services and husband to Lori Moran. “Lori and I wanted to show how truly grateful we are for her efforts.”
After Dr. Guynn’s speech, Lori Moran surprised Mrs. Gandy with a $1,000 donation from BMS Moving & Storage A-1 and Republic Trailer Services to continue the heart pillow program.
“I am so humbled and grateful to Lori and your company,” said Mrs. Gandy after receiving the donation. “God has blessed us through your companies’ generosity. We will continue this project as long as I can teach, thread a needle and move about! It has been my favorite experience of my career.”
