by Katie Vasquez
BELLE HARBOR, N.Y. — Small items such as eye masks, slippers and gift cards are making a meaningful difference for people preparing to undergo surgery for a rare condition.
Earlier this month, Belle Harbor resident Anne McDonagh launched a care package initiative through a project she founded to support people diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, or TOS.
“So far, we’ve had 10 packages, and we’re continuing to grow that number,” McDonagh said. “We’ve sent them to places like Virginia, California, Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, New Jersey and even the U.K.”
The care packages are sent to people scheduled for thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, offering comfort and encouragement during recovery.
McDonagh explained that thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when the collarbone and first rib move too close together, compressing arteries, veins or nerves, which can lead to serious complications, including blood clots.
After years of suffering from migraines, McDonagh received a TOS diagnosis in September and underwent surgery in December.
“I didn’t go to school for two months, and my friends would always come visit me and bring me stuff to make me feel more comfortable and let me know that I wasn’t alone,” she said.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, thoracic outlet syndrome affects about one in 125,000 people, making it difficult for many patients to find others who share their experience.
“It was just very hard because it’s hard to find other people to relate to,” McDonagh said. “It’s always good knowing that there are other people there to help you get through it.”
During her recovery, the Xaverian High School student said her Catholic faith became an important source of strength. That experience inspired her to include a prayer card in every care package she sends.
“After going through such a rough time, you really start to appreciate how much you can’t do it without God,” she said.
McDonagh hopes each package reminds recipients they are not facing surgery alone.
“It would just make me feel so much more comfortable knowing that I have support with me,” she said.
The Queens teen is able to fill each care package through donations and hopes to continue expanding the project to reach even more people preparing for thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.
To learn more visit her Facebook page.