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SALT LAKE CITY — When a friend gifted Greg Thorpe's family with a night out at a Utah Jazz game, his wife, Jennifer, almost forgot she had cancer, Greg Thorpe said.
Jennifer Thorpe was diagnosed with colon cancer in April of 2013. As the Thorpes met other patients, Greg Thorpe began asking local restaurants and hotels if they'd be willing to donate their services to patients so they could have a night out. He would then give the donations to the nurses, who would gift them to specific patients.
The service started out as a side project, but has recently developed into a non-profit organization that aims to provide patients with a break from cancer by partnering with local businesses, donors and volunteers to give them a nice night out or a short getaway.
JUST-a-BREAK services patients at McKay Dee Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute and Dixie Cancer Hospital, but Greg Thorpe — founder of the nonprofit — has been in contact with people all over the country for possible expansions.
"As current and past caregivers of loved ones with advanced stage cancer, we get it, and we can appreciate how a simple getaway can provide a much-needed emotional lift," Greg Thorpe said. "We know the reality of the financial burdens of cancer treatments and how they can prevent even a simple night out, and so we want to help with that."
Greg Thorpe works with nurses and social workers to gift the services. Rather than providing a discount program, Greg Thorpe said organizers want it to be a true complimentary night out.
One St. George donor pointed out to the nonprofit founder that he thought it was cool to gift a certificate to an advanced stage cancer patient taking a break in his restaurant rather than just giving it to an individual who would sell it at an auction for their daughter's soccer team.
Community members can also donate by visiting the website. Their donations may go toward a hotel stay or they can donate unused restaurant gift cards by sending them to: JUST-a-BREAK c/o Greg Thorpe, 1202 E. 2650 North North Ogden, Utah 84414.
Visit JUST-a-BREAK to volunteer or to learn more about its services.
