Lin’s Linens, Paying it Forward for Local Cancer Patients
By Christa Riddle
Three years ago, Lin Salerno began facing her latest challenge in the face of breast cancer. Originally diagnosed with the disease in 1997, Lin knew from experience that chemotherapy would require time spent in bed to regain her strength, time away from nature, where she loved riding her horse. As an interior designer, her sister, Lizbeth (Liz) Balogh, knew the vital impact environment can have on the spirit; she also knew Lin would miss her outdoor sanctuary while unable to horseback ride. During one of Lin’s doctor visits, Liz transformed her sister’s bedroom into a healing retreat within her own home. In the wake of Lin’s positive reaction to the transformation, Lin’s Linens, Inc. took root.
At Lin’s Linens, Inc., a 501(c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization growing since June, 2010, Liz and her team of fellow volunteers and supporters, including Lin, remain dedicated to their mission to provide nurturance and support to women in treatment for cancer by creating personal healing sanctuaries that promote positive mind-body-spirit connections crucial to the healing process. Lin’s Linens, Inc. meets with each potential “program sister” to choose a space that will serve as the at-home healing sanctuary. Thanks to the donated services of an interior designer and a team of contractors and other volunteers, the sanctuary is created free of charge.
Through the unremitting dedication of Lin’s Linens, Inc., over 10 “program sisters” have benefitted from their own healing sanctuaries at an average cost of $3,000 per room. In addition to volunteers and donated services, project funding for related costs and supplies is accomplished through monetary donations, fundraisers, and the sale of Lin’s Linens, Inc.’s signature products, such as agate stone bracelets and Maureen’s embrace throw blankets. Groups and organizations can participate in the “sponsor a sanctuary” program to take a more active part in the process. The only limitation in Lin’s Linens, Inc.’s ability to provide healing sanctuaries to women in need is financial funding. All funds accrued are immediately put to use in very tangible ways.
Lin’s Linens, Inc. has been featured on NBC Nightly News Making a Difference and the front page of the Bernardsville News. They proudly received the 2011 Union County Human Relations Commission Unity Award for Achievement as a Non-Profit Organization. They can also be found in the current issue of Aspire Magazine, under the “Paying It Forward” section in an article entitled “InKind Sisters.”
For more information on Lin’s Linens, Inc., based out of Island Heights, call 732-270-4546 or visit www.linslinens.org. The website enlightens visitors with photos and personal stories about supporters, volunteers, and participants, as well as volunteer opportunities, fundraiser events, and the poignant purpose and mission behind Lin’s Linens, Inc. Donations, as well as signature product purchases, can also be handled through the website. On Sunday, December 11th at Asbury Park’s historic Paramount Theater, Lin’s Linens, Inc. and Monmouth County’s The Premier Theater Company will present Scrooge as a fundraiser event. For ticket pricing, information, and sales, go to www.linslinens.org, then select “News” at the top of the home page.
-Article written by Christa Riddle, owner of All About Writing, www.allaboutwritingconsulting.com.
Posted by Ocean County News
on Nov 21 2011. Filed under Community, Headline News.
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