INDIANAPOLIS — The cost of cancer can take a toll on patients and their families. Circle City Cryogenics in Indianapolis is trying to alleviate some of that burden for people fighting cancer across the state.
Brian Tomlinson is cryogenically freezing anti-embolism stockings, a necessity for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
"I've cryo-ed just about everything you can think of between lightbulbs, razorblades, gun barrels," said Tomlinson.
The process has proven to improve the longevity, quality, and precision of these items.
So when Tomlinson's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, he wanted to find a way for the process of cryogrnics to help her and other cancer patients.
Tomlinson had cryogenically frozen nylon for racing teams in the past, so he thought the treatment might have an impact on anti-embolism stockings. He was right.
"I bought some of the nylons, cut them in half, marked them A and B. I froze one at 300 degrees below zero... the other ones I did not," said Tomlinson.
He then passed them off for testing at Purdue University. The results showed the cryogenically frozen stockings had a 50% improvement in elasticity. The findings also suggest the change in durability to be as high as 200 to 300%.
Tomlinson spoke to Tom Dunn, the owner of Circle City Cryogenics. He explained his findings, and they agreed to cryogenically freeze anti-embolism stockings for cancer patients across the state of Indiana for no charge.
This can save a cancer patient from having to buy new replacements more often. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are typically given two pairs of stockings after their first treatment, but then any additional stockings they need have to be purchased on their own dime. The stockings wear out, snag and run. The cost can be anywhere from $50 to $200.
Today Tomlinson's wife no longer needs the anti-embolism stockings; she's cancer-free. But Circle City Cryogenics is continuing its mission to help every cancer patient across the state.
A cryogenics facility in Ohio has also started the treatment, with a vow to help every cancer patient in the state of Ohio.
If you are fighting cancer or know someone who is, you can send your anti-embolism stockings to:
Circle City Cryogenics
2243 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Tomlinson asks that you place the stockings in a box with a pre-paid return mailing label. On the box and on the back of the packaging, write your name in permanent marker, so it does not freeze off in the process.
Then, visit circlecitycryogenics.com and go to the 'Contact Us' page and fill out the information. This will alert Tomlinson to be on the lookout for your package. All information will be kept confidential.
The stockings will be mailed back to you when they are completed.
