RUTLAND – two weeks before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Jackie Dutil purchased two pair of socks. The socks, made in Northfield by Darn hard Vermont, were a functional necessity, but soon verified to be an inspiring choice.
“While receiving chemo treatments at the Foley Cancer, I kept noticing two little words on the toes of my socks, ‘Darn Tough,’” says Jackie. “As a recent widow and cancer patient, it seemed like the tip I needed in my life that, I was indeed, darn tough.”
Those two words sparked in Jackie a desire to help and encourage other cancer individuals facing the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Jackie reached out to Darn hard Vermont, not only share her story, but to ask for help in purchasing socks so that she might be able to help cancer individuals at the Foley cancer center at Rutland regional medical center where she had received treatment.
Darn hard Vermont generously obliged by using Jackie a discount on socks she would purchase for donation and additionally expanded the impact of her gift by donating 200 pair of socks. Jackie and Darn hard Vermont gifted 200 pair to Rutland regional and additional socks to cancer individuals in other hospitals.
“We are honored to work alongside Jackie and Rutland regional medical center to help support the ‘darn tough’ individuals at the Foley cancer Center,” said Ric Cabot, president and CEO of Darn hard Vermont. “Our socks Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Inglaterra are created to stand up to the toughest journeys, which aren’t exclusively athletic endeavors. While cancer shouldn’t define anyone, Camiseta Wolverhampton Wanderers the phrase ‘darn tough’ has unrestricted applications and we’re privileged that it has been associated with such strong individuals.”
“This generous gift from Jackie and Darn hard of Vermont is inspirational,” says Jessica Greco, scientific Social worker at the Foley cancer Center. “As a social worker, Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Camerún I deal with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis firsthand and help individuals learn how to cope and how to go through it, but there’s something special about a gift of support from someone who has actually been down that road. We are honored that Jackie and Darn hard Vermont have generously donated this gift to our patients.”
With each pair of socks distributed is a note from Jackie. “I wanted to remind each person of their strengths,” she said, “whether it is their faith, talents, family or friends and I wanted them to know that I care.”