We Are Lyon’s Way
Robert H. Lyon’s values of compassion, love and generosity lie at the heart of our Foundation and our latest initiative Lyon’s Way, which aims to improve the lives of youth and young adults afflicted with cancer by providing extra layers of armor as they persevere through one of life’s most difficult diagnoses.
In partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital on the South Side of Chicago, Lyon's Way currently supports the initiatives below:
A Full-Time Psychologist
In 2021, the Lyon Family Foundation granted Comer's AYA program $450,000 to fund the program's first full-time psychologist for a three-year term. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on both the short- and long-term mental health of a young person, leading to anxiety, depression and other symptoms that exacerbate cancer’s physical impact. A dedicated full-time psychologist better meets the needs of AYA patients and their families by helping them navigate treatment and by devising individual plans that support their mental, physical and spiritual health throughout their experience with Comer Children’s.
The Lyon’s Way Auxiliary Fund
The Lyon’s Way Auxiliary Fund is established to remove financial hurdles for patients while they are undergoing treatment. The fund will take care of unexpected or extraordinary expenses, such as medical procedures that are not covered by insurance, transit to the hospital, and others that impact daily life, like a utility bill or car repair. With over $200,000 in the fund already, this reserve will be able to make important financial contributions to patients and their families during this challenging time.
The Fertile Hope Program
In 2023, the Lyon Family Foundation made a commitment to support Comer Children’s Hospital’s Fertile Hope Program to provide fertility education, counseling and preservation to pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients at risk of treatment-related infertility. As a result of this support, each patient, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, has the option to receive fertility treatment free of charge, preserving their ability to have biological children should they choose to at a later time.
Patient Gifting
With the aim of lifting spirits, Lyon's Way also gifts care packages throughout the year to support patients during their cancer journeys. The care packages are thoughtfully curated to be a welcomed treasure trove of personal care items, and include such items as slippers, water bottles, lip balm, wellness journals, bluetooth speakers, and more. A batch of 80 care packages was assembled by guests at the foundation's Love Like a Lyon event in February 2022, just in time to share love for Valentine's Day. The next Love Like a Lyon event is planned for February 2024.
Healthcare Worker Appreciation
Also in the spirit of lifting others up, Lyon's Way hosts special healthcare worker appreciation days to thank the doctors, nurses and staff for their commitment to their patients. December 2023 will mark the third year that the Lyon Family Foundation hosts a festive Healthcare Worker Appreciation Day, complete with food trucks, hot cocoa/coffee, sweet treats and holiday swag, as well as a visit from Santa Claus. Each summer, the oncology floor is also treated to lunch from Jersey Mike's.
