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For cancer patients, 'Just Don't Send Flowers'

When someone we know is in the hospital, one of the first things we think to do is send flowers their way.  But a local woman discovered that for some, that's doing more harm than good.

WAXHAW, N.C -- When someone we know is in the hospital, one of the first things we think to do is send flowers their way. But a local woman discovered that for some, that's doing more harm than good.

Working in an office in her home today is far from where Gina Sibley was just a few years ago.

"I'd been in corporate America for over 20 years in senior management and said, there's got to be something more," Sibley said. "And I think this is what I want to do."

Sibley now runs an online business with gifts and items catered for cancer patients.

"The ginger snap cookies, which are great for nausea," Sibley said.

It all started after the diagnosis of her friend, Angie St. Gelais.

"I called to say what can I do? I want to send something," Sibley said. "They said 'Just don't send flowers.'"

Sibley found out that many cancer patients are sensitive to chemicals and fragrances. Her friend Angie who had lung cancer, died in April of 2014. Last year, Sibley launched her new company: Just Don't Send Flowers.

Motivational gift bags and other items are shipped nationwide, like beanies.

"When they lose their hair, their head gets cold at night and makes them cooler," Sibley said.

The reminder of Angie is always close by and Sibley says she knows she made the right career move when she's helping others every day.

"Both professionally and personally, rewarding beyond my expectations," Sibley said.

Sibley says the best compliment she ever got from a cancer patient who received one of her gift baskets, was when the woman told her, "this bag, is pure love."

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