JOHA Foundation cares for Joliet-area cancer patients

In November 2000, Joliet Oncology & Hematology Associates formed the JOHA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to meet the financial needs of their patients, bridging the gap between treatment and recovery.

All of the donations JOHA receives go directly to its cancer patients, because the foundation committee is entirely composed of volunteers.

This includes physicians, employees and community members who donate their time to help patients with their greatest needs.

These funds are distributed to patients for assistance with prescriptions, transportation, nutrition, wigs and other items throughout the year.

The Thanksgiving Food Drive provides patients and their families with all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner.

Families are also given a $20 Walmart gift card so they can purchase a turkey or other needed items. Food boxes were also distributed.

On Nov. 2, the foundation held an annual Patient Appreciation Day. Patients, their families and caregivers were invited to celebrate life by enjoying free food, Bingo, raffles and prizes at Presence Cancer Care in Joliet.

The JOHA Foundation also offers breast cancer screenings in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. JOHA physicians provide free breast exams and mammogram vouchers to underinsured women.

The foundation also hosts an oncology/hematology symposium at AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, educating medical professionals about the newest updates in cancer diagnosis and treatments.

JOHA will be introducing a new fundraiser in 2020.

To help support JOHA's work, call 815-725-1355 and ask for a JOHA foundation representative or visit jolietoncology.com.

According to its Facebook page, Joliet Oncology Hematology Associates Ltd., founded in 1981, is a multi-physician practice with locations in Joliet, Morris, Bolingbrook and Glen Oaks.

JOHA offers chemotherapy and other infusion services in its infusion centers, radiation therapy, radiology services, a full-service laboratory and pharmacy and a specialty boutique with a full-time cosmetologist to help with custom fit wigs and breast prosthetics.