Soft, comforting blankets are being distributed to cancer patients thanks to generous donations made during the Intermountain St. James Foundation’s Spirit Gala 2025.
(PRUnderground) November 23rd, 2025
Patients at the Intermountain Health St. James Hospital Cancer Center watch the weather change through the window, but thanks to community donations, can now do so with a soft, comfortable blanket.
“Chemotherapy wears you down. You’re tired and it makes you cold,” said John Maloughney, a current patient receiving treatment at Intermountain St. James.
Maloughney comes to the Cancer Center at St. James to receive treatment every three weeks. Each time, he spends upwards of three hours receiving his chemotherapy.
On Tuesday, during one of his treatments, Maloughney received an unexpected gift – a soft, comforting blanket, the first of many to be distributed thanks to generous donations made during the Intermountain St. James Foundation’s Spirit Gala 2025.
The Spirit Gala is more than just an annual celebration, it’s a testament to the power of community.
Through the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, the event raises vital funds to support services at Intermountain St. James Hospital.
This last year, the Gala focused on raising funds for oncology services at the Intermountain St. James Cancer Center, including the blanket initiative.
As a result, around 100 patients will receive a blanket stitched with a heart and the uplifting message, “You Got This,” a small but powerful gesture of hope and encouragement during their treatment journey.
“To receive this blanket, it’s amazing, it really is. I wasn’t expecting this,” said Maloughney. “It’s so soft and amazing and warm. Now, with the weather changing, we’re going to be able to use these and stay warm while sitting here for treatment.”
“These blankets are more than just fabric and thread, they represent warmth, safety, and care,” said Jerri Doyle, director of the Intermountain St. James Cancer Center. “For patients undergoing cancer treatment, the experience can be physically and emotionally taxing, often lasting hours on end. A soft, warm blanket can offer a small but meaningful sense of comfort during long hours of chemotherapy or recovery.”
Each one is a tangible symbol of support, woven with the love and hope of those who contributed to the gala. The blankets we created by Portson Design, a local Butte business.
Maria Robinson and Rachel Davenport, co-owners of Portson Designs and lifelong Butte residents, were deeply moved by the community’s support at the Gala.
“Anything to make patients feel comfortable and prioritize what matters—we want to be part of that,” said Robinson.
“It’s heartwarming to know we can play a small role in bringing comfort to those being treated here,” added Davenport/
“Butte’s just amazing,” said Maloughney, after learning that these donations were made possible thanks to donations from members of the community. “It’s not a town, it’s a community – and it’s one where everybody looks out for one another.”
“Intermountain St. James is deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible,” said Doyle. “These donations are directly impacting the community, helping wrap someone in warmth during one of the most vulnerable times in their life.”
At Intermountain Health St. James Hospital, the mission is to help people live the healthiest lives possible.
“Our annual Spirit Gala raises impactful dollars from our donors and community year after year. This year’s recipient is our Cancer Center and patients. These dollars support the everchanging needs in the Cancer Center to help to continue providing exceptional care and keeping our patients close to home.” said Kacie Briney, event specialist with the Intermountain St. James Hospital Foundation.
For anyone interested in getting involved in donation projects like this, contact the Intermountain St. James Hospital Foundation at peaks_giftservices@imail.org.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, over 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/.
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Original Press Release.
