Karaoke and Bingo Helping Heal Cancer Patients

When patients walk up to 3W at the Infirmary for Outpatient Infusion, they’re a little nervous.

Melissa Perkins, Outpatient Oncology Coordinator, Infusion Center, said part of her job is to do something to make patient’s forget about that nervousness.

“We’ll talk with you, joke with you, we even go back and forth with you just to show you that this is a family atmosphere. We like to have fun! At the same time we take our patient’s health seriously,” said Perkins.

One of those patients is Mike Goss from Cabot, Arkansas. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in January 2023, and has been doing chemo and fluid treatments at CHI St. Vincent.

“It’s working. I have been diagnosed as cancer-free as of a couple weeks ago. It’s a miracle and amazing,” said Goss.

He gives thanks to his doctors and nurses, especially the Infusion team. He said they’ve helped heal him not just physically, but emotionally as well.

A few months ago, they started karaoke and bingo on Fridays with the infusion patients.

“We had a patient and it was their last treatment. We don’t have a bell, but we have a karaoke mic,” said Perkins.

Perkins said that’s when Joann McFee Harris, PCT, grabbed the mic and started singing. The tradition lives on every Friday.

“They don’t know what they’re in for because half of the time, I don’t know what I’m in for on Fridays. We’re going to have fun. That’s all I can tell them. We’re going to brighten these patient’s days. We’re going to take their mind off of their problems,” said Perkins.

“I would think that anyone passing by the hallway would wonder, what in the world is going on in the infusion center? Is that cancer patients singing? Yes it is! What a wonderful change from our normal daily routine here,” said a patient who’d like to remain anonymous.

“I was especially touched when they sang to a patient in congratulations and happiness upon the patients’ completion of her final chemotherapy treatment. It really moved and meant something to every one of us in the room and I know the patient will never forget. A little positivity, cheer and humor help all of us to keep fighting,” said Lindsay Seals, patient.

“I think what it does is helps us realize that we can have fun in our situation. It helps the day pass. That’s why all these beautiful people are here. They’re the instruments of God. St. Vincent is an awesome cancer place. They care about their patients,” said Goss.

Perkins agreed and said they’re here to serve.

“I tell patients all the time, y’all come in as a patient, but you end up leaving as family,” said Perkins.