Donation Honors the Life and Legacy of Tyrena Spry at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center

Lanham, MD — Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) has received a meaningful donation made in memory of Tyrena Spry, a beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend who was cared for at the hospital before her passing in 2012 following a courageous battle with breast cancer. The donation of “chemo comfy bags” is intended to support patients currently undergoing cancer treatment and to honor Tyrena’s enduring spirit, strength, and compassion.

Known as the glue that held her family together, Tyrena Spry was affectionately called Ma, Tye-Tye, Weenie, May May, Rennie, and Auntie Rena. Even as cancer challenged her body, Tyrena remained defined by her warmth, creativity, and devotion to her son, Kennedy Birdwell, while continuing to uplift everyone around her.

"The hospital staff was with our family during one of the most difficult chapters of our lives," said Shavon Spry, Tyrena’s sister. "This donation is our way of saying thank you and carrying on Tyrena’s belief that even in the hardest moments, kindness and hope matter. She would want every patient to know they are not alone and that their strength is greater than they realize."

The donation of “chemo comfy bags” are designed to provide comfort and encouragement to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Each bag is thoughtfully filled with items such as books, journals, cozy blankets, scarves, hats, snacks, and more to help ease long treatment days.  

The family initially set a goal of assembling 50 bags in honor of what would have been Tyrena’s 50th birthday, but the effort quickly gained momentum throughout the community. With support from friends, neighbors, and a local Girl Scout troop that joined the initiative, the drive ultimately resulted in the donation of more than 100 “chemo comfy bags” to cancer patients.

To express gratitude for the family’s generosity and the opportunity to carry Tyrena’s legacy forward, nurses, physicians, and care team members gathered for a ceremony honoring Tyrena’s memory and reflecting on her courageous journey.

“We are deeply honored to receive this donation in memory of Tyrena Spry,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC “Her story reflects the courage, love, and perseverance we see in so many of our patients every day. Gifts like this help us provide comfort, compassion, and support to individuals and families navigating cancer treatment, and we are grateful to the Spry family for allowing us to be part of Tyrena’s lasting impact.”

The donation will help support comfort initiatives for patients undergoing treatment, offering reassurance during a challenging time. The Spry family hopes that each recipient feels a sense of peace and encouragement, carrying forward Tyrena’s message of courage, faith, and joy.

"Tyrena taught us that true strength isn’t about never falling," added representatives of the family. "It’s about rising every time and lifting others along the way."