Boutique Will Have New Focus in New Home

People joke about “retail therapy,” but the team at the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute’s Boutique understand the boost that can come from a little shopping. When it opens in the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, the newly renamed Marion G. Thompson Boutique, will feature products chosen to boost cancer patients’ spirits, as well as merchandise designed to support patients at any stage of their treatment.

Understanding the unique needs of cancer patients, the staff has carefully selected products that will appeal to cancer patients and those caring for them. Shoppers can find simple items like blankets or sudoku books to make hours spent in Infusion pass more quickly and comfortably. When a patient has had radiation therapy, they can stop by the boutique on the way out and pick up creams that will ease skin burns.

“The goal is to provide a service to our patients in a setting that is comforting, supportive and affordable,” GBMC Volunteer Services Director, Carmen Baeza, who oversees the Boutique, said. “They can trust that we will have what they need.

“Whatever it is: If a patient has had a mastectomy, we have mastectomy pillows and post-surgical bras to help them as they heal.”

In addition, the Boutique will also stocks products for men and women to support them as they are treated for cancer, including medical adaptive clothing such as port and chemo line shirts.  

Beyond items that meet therapeutic needs, there are plenty of more fanciful items to choose from.

“We’ll continue to carry clothing and accessories to help patients feel comfortable in their own skin,” Carmen added. “Items to help women feel confident and pretty while maintaining their dignity.” Gifts for caregivers and loved ones will also be available for shoppers to create custom gift bags.

Patients who have enjoyed the Salon will be happy to see Lisa Palmer has been promoted to Boutique Manager.

“Lisa was our cosmetologist for seven years before she took over the management manager role,” Carmen said. “She is just fabulous with our patients. They’ll have that same cared-for feeling with our new cosmetologist, Karen White.”

Karen joined the team in August and will be offering hair services in the salon. With an extensive background in salon services, Karen also understands the hair care needs of cancer patients through her volunteer work at Hope Lodge.

“Karen is a wonderful addition to the team, and we are thrilled that she is part of the GBMC family,” Carmen said.  

Like GBMC’s Corner Shop and Nearly New, Too, the Boutique will also be staffed by GBMC volunteers, many of whom have personal experience with cancer.

“Between our incredible staff and volunteers, I feel like we have a great team that really knows how to connect and understands what these women and men are going through,” Carmen said.

When it comes to products and ideas for the Boutique, the team is consulting with experts. Carmen and Lisa attended a recent meeting of the Berman Cancer Institute’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to deliver an update on plans for the new Boutique and to solicit recommendations. PFAC members were ready with information on products they’d like to see in the new Boutique. Examples included creams they found helpful during radiation therapy, as well as considerations for garments for patients to wear during chemotherapy. Many of the suggestions have already been introduced in the current Boutique and all will be featured in the new location.

The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion was designed to deliver patient-centered care. When it opens early in 2025, patients and families will find everything they need, even if what they need is a smile and a place to shop.