Flock Cancer Idaho is thrilled to introduce Cary’s Care Kits —a free, oral health care program and designed by a dental hygienist— as a long-needed solution for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.
Cary’s Care Kits include toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouth rinses and other curated products, plus compassionate advice on how to maintain best oral health during cancer treatments.
How do chemotherapy and radiation affect oral health?
Chemotherapy and radiation, while often effective in fighting cancer, also disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. That can lead to dry mouth, tooth decay and mouth sores. Yet, oral health care still isn’t a priority in many oncology treatment plans. Cary’s Care Kits, specially designed by a 40+ year dental hygienist, is on a mission to change that!
So, who is Cary?
That’s our girl, Cary Casperson Wilson! The pink boxing gloves, cape and crown (a gift from a Mrs. Idaho), tell you all you need to know. Cary was a 25 year warrior in the fight against cancer—her own and many others. And her legacy of “never give up hope” will forever endure.
Cary was born with the BRCA gene mutation and for decades, battled several cancers, including breast and ovarian. With remarkable vulnerability, depth and, oh my, that trademark humor, Cary shared every step of her journey. She mentored hundreds of people—friends and strangers alike—who knew what it was like to receive a cancer diagnosis. She soothed and calmed, helping them ask all the right questions about how to pick a top notch medical team, facility, treatment and, equally important, how to nurture their emotional health.
You can read Cary’s story in our blog.
Before Cary passed, on June 22, 2024, she loved knowing her friend and dental hygienist, Jeannie McCarthy-Jaggi, would launch, in Cary’s honor, this non profit, Cary’s Care Kits.
How do I get a Cary’s Care Kit?
If you or someone you love is going through breast cancer treatment, please email [email protected]
A specially trained dental hygienist will make an appointment with you, hear your story, specially prepare and deliver a Cary’s Care Kit. We’re here for you! (And so is Cary.)