How “More for Mom” Brings Comfort to Patients at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
A Miami mother and daughter turn a personal cancer journey into a growing outreach program delivering care packages, hope and encouragement to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Mother’s Day is extra special for Rebeca Diaz and her daughter, Sarah. Rebeca was diagnosed with Stage 3B endometrial cancer in January 2024 and underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy, radiation and then immunotherapy. Throughout it all, Sarah was there, supporting her mother, who now shows no evidence of disease.
While the journey was difficult for both mother and daughter, they consider it a blessing. It made them stronger, brought them closer together and sparked More For Mom, a passion project they now share. They make and deliver care packages to patients undergoing chemotherapy at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System, and the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, as well as to individuals through referrals.
A Daughter’s Love
Moved by the thoughtfulness of the kind gestures and small gifts Rebeca received while undergoing cancer treatment, Sarah started the More For Mom charitable program during her junior year at Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer, a Miami-Dade County Public Schools magnet school.
“My school was very community-service oriented, and I always knew I wanted to start my own project,” said Sarah, who just finished her first year at the University of Tampa. “After seeing what my mom went through, I decided I wanted to do something that would help moms battling cancer. The initial idea was to pamper mothers, because they are the ones who take care of everyone else, even when they are facing something as scary and difficult as cancer. We’ve since expanded to support all patients.”
Sarah, a lifelong dancer and captain of the dance team, hosted a “Day of Dance” fundraiser at her high school, where participants took classes in various dance styles. Proceeds were used to purchase items for the care packages.
Each item was carefully chosen to provide comfort to patients receiving chemotherapy, such as a soft blanket, a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, lip balm, fuzzy socks to keep warm and a tote bag to carry all their supplies. Each bag also includes a letter from Sarah explaining why she started More For Mom and offers words of encouragement.
Outreach of Caring
Sarah and Rebeca, along with a few of Sarah’s friends, delivered the gift bags to patients in the chemotherapy treatment unit during a recent Care Tour coordinated by Cancer Resource Center Programs Manager Tangela Hillery. Care Tours is a Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute program that allows community organizations, such as More For Mom, to interact with patients and donate approved items. Hillery says these visits can help lift patients’ spirits during a trying time.
“Not every patient has family or friends who understand and support them, or come with them to the treatment, so they’re there alone,” said Hillery. “These little gifts give them some inspiration and encouragement. You see the impact of this caring outreach, especially when it comes from the heart, as Sarah has with More For Mom. This touches our patients in such a special way.”
That’s something Rebeca can attest to.
“These little gestures show that somebody’s thinking about you and, as a cancer patient, that’s so important,” said Rebeca. “It was extremely emotional for me to go back. I could not hold back the tears. The patients were so appreciative. I’m glad hearing my story helped inspire and encourage them.”
Through More For Mom, Rebeca serves as an inspiration to current cancer patients, showing that, at Sylvester, patients not only survive but thrive.
“As home to one of only a handful of dedicated survivorship institutes nationwide, Sylvester offers a fully integrated, multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach of care that is holistic, wellness-focused and patient-focused,” said Frank Penedo, Ph.D., director of the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute, associate director for population sciences and the Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship. “Seeing former patients and their loved ones take an active role in this mission is truly inspiring.”
Growing the Mission: What’s Next for More for Mom
Proving that it is better to give than receive, Rebeca and Sarah are brainstorming ways to improve their next Care Tour to reach more patients. Sarah’s ultimate goal is to expand More For Mom and turn it into a not-for-profit organization.
To learn more, email Tangela Hillery.
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Tags: cancer research, cancer survivorship, chemotherapy, community outreach, endometrial cancer, immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute