Donation makes ‘Sunshine’ at Clarion Hospital

The Norwex Foundation for a Brighter Future made a $25,000 donation to the Clarion Sunshine Project on Monday.

The Sunshine Project has been working for the past six years to help cancer patients at Clarion Hospital who are struggling with the costs of treatment and other expenses.

“We cover items not covered by insurance,” said Ray McGunigle. “We step in when insurance collapses due to disguised costs.”

McGunigle said Clarion Sunshine helps about three dozen families every year.

“We are delighted with this donation,” he said. “We donate about $60,000 to $90,000 every year.”

The money is usually donated by local businesses.

The donation originated with a letter sent to Norwex by Clarion Hospital employee Mary Rearick last spring. Rearick is an independent representative for Norwex.

“We selected Mary’s letter from our 100,000 Norwex representatives from across the country,” said Norwex co-founder Debbie Bolton.

The donation was more personal for Fred and Linda Huey of Brookville. The couple lost their daughter, Stephanie, to cancer in 2014 and the age of 23.

“Stephanie was an inspiration to us all,” said McGunigle, who lost his wife to cancer. “She was a ray of sunshine to the other patients.”

“She was always smiling,” said Linda Huey. “I like the idea of the foundation helping others. I think she is looking down saying ‘good job guys.’ She would be 100 percent behind the foundation.”