Teen volunteer uses origami to bring comfort to oncology patients

A 17-year-old St Margaret Mary’s College student has helped Townsville University Hospital oncology patients find a moment of peace and comfort through the art of origami.

Chloe Lone has spent part of her school holidays volunteering on the oncology ward, teaching patients how to transform simple squares of paper into intricate cranes and flowers.

The initiative was deeply personal for Ms Lone after she lost her best friend, Jordan, to cancer nine years ago.

“This is something that is very close to my heart,” Ms Lone said.

“Since Jordan’s passing, I have been looking for meaningful ways to give back to those who have been facing similar battles.

“I had been involved in an international not-for-profit youth program called ‘Origami for Good’ which gave me the idea of getting involved in an origami workshop for oncology patients.

“After some research, I realised there weren’t really any origami workshops in Townsville and thought it would be a good opportunity to bring it here.

"Hospitals are busy environments for patients and there is always a lot going on.

“Something like origami is simple, which helps to slow down the brain and let people just focus on what they’re doing.”

The workshops are run in collaboration with Brighter Lives as part of the ‘Brain Buggy’ initiative, a mobile activity station designed to keep oncology patients cognitively active during their stay.

Clinical nurse Jessica Cashford, who initiated the Brain Buggy concept, said maintaining cognitive function was important for patient recovery.

“There is a lot of research around trying to maintain a patient's cognitive baseline rather than allowing it to deteriorate while they’re in hospital,” Ms Cashford said.

“I came up with the concept of the buggy and took it to Brighter Lives, who were on board from the start and helped to fund some of the activities that are in it.

“Patients can find activities like origami, puzzles, and card games, which help them stay engaged, which can ultimately help them get home faster.

“It also gets everyone out of their beds and into the family room to get them talking and meeting each other rather than just staring at four walls.”

“The health service was lucky to have volunteers like Chloe donate their time.

“They help to bring a smile to patients' faces during what can be some of the most difficult times of their lives.”