BAPS Charities Unique Exhibit for Cancer Patients

March 12, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

On March 12, 2011, BAPS Charities volunteers provided cancer patients nutrition education about healthy plant-based diets in observance of March being national nutrition awareness month. The uniquely edible exhibit was set up at the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of American Cancer Society in Philadelphia. Cancer patients living over 40 miles away can stay for free with their care giver at one of the many Hope Lodges across America while actively receiving cancer treatment. Volunteer organizations like BAPS Charities who arrange fun activities for Hope Lodge guests really help cancer patients better cope with the stress of their medical condition. To reduce cancer risk the American Cancer Society recommends maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet with more foods from plant sources. BAPS Charities volunteers came up with the edible exhibit concept to show Hope Lodge guests how to eat a more nutritionally balanced plant-based diet.

In the edible exhibit healthy food choices were grouped by key nutrients so that cancer patients could read about a nutrient and freely choose the food item they wish to try. Paula, a wife caring for her husband who has cancer, thought the edible exhibit was a great way to conveniently learn about and try different nutritional foods that are available at many grocery stores. One cancer patient mentioned that it reminded him of foods he liked but had not eaten in a while after being diagnosed with cancer. All cancer patients and caregivers staying at the Hope Lodge appreciated BAPS Charities for this creative way of sharing good food choices with them in a fun and educational way.