Mission Blue Skies Newsletter - Issue 1
A Message From
BVMRF’s Executive Director
Dear Friends,
This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service of our nation’s heroes, individuals whose strength continues to inspire us every day. The Mission Blue Skies (MBS) program was founded to support Veterans undergoing cancer treatment, inspired by the dedication and compassion of U.S. Air Force Veteran Matilde Cruz.
The program continues to serve as Ms. Cruz's living legacy. What began in her honor has grown into a source of comfort and strength for many Veterans receiving chemotherapy—proof that one life can truly inspire hope for many.
Thanks to your generous support, Mission Blue Skies has raised over $30,000 since its launch in February 2024. These funds have already provided more than 100 meal vouchers to Veterans receiving oncology treatment at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center through the Mattie’s Meals initiative and continue to support the expansion of nutritional education for patients as well as future projects designed to enhance treatment.
Your generosity keeps carrying this mission forward. Because of your support, patients are receiving care, nourishment, and encouragement at the moments they need it most. The first MBS Veteran stories shared in this newsletter reflect the meaningful difference you make every day.
Even in today’s challenging times, Ms. Cruz’s legacy continues to bloom through this program, and it is your partnership that allows it to flourish. On this Veterans Day, and every day, thank you for standing with us—and with our Veterans—as we carry forward the foundation she so generously left behind.
With gratitude,
Johane Simelane
Executive Director, BVMRF
Veteran Voices on Mattie’s Meals
Veterans Mr. Jose Rivera, Mr. Joseph Iemma, and Mr. Ivan Vargas (pictured below, left to right) were among the first participants in the “Mattie’s Meals” initiative at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, which provides VA canteen meal vouchers to support those undergoing treatment.
In addition to expressing their gratitude and brightening the room with their smiles, they shared that they are proud to support Ms. Cruz’s legacy and hope that it continues to uplift many more fellow Veterans receiving treatment.
“I haven’t eaten since Saturday. I know I should eat but I live alone and it’s hard to shop and make something and then eat it. If you give me a voucher for the cafeteria here, I will definitely get something to eat after this [doctor’s visit].”
-Anonymous Veteran
As Mattie’s Meals continues to support Veterans receiving cancer treatment at the Bronx VA, feedback from participants reinforces the ongoing importance of this initiative.
One Veteran who wished to remain anonymous, living with chronic leukemia, went without food from Saturday until his doctor’s appointment on Monday. He struggled to get to the VA because of transportation costs and physical effort, yet he continued to arrive on time and remained pleasant with staff and fellow patients.
During one visit, he was observed wearing a soiled shirt, appearing physically weak, and quietly told his doctor that he had not eaten in days.
“His face absolutely lit up when [the clinical staff] mentioned that we have $10 food vouchers for the prepared food downstairs.”
Such experiences highlight the food insecurity many Veterans face and show how even modest assistance can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.
Patient Care and Comfort
Items Made Possible by MBS
A Veteran using an MBS long-sleeve shirt with an IV access point for treatment.
Warm Clothing with IV Access Points: Long-sleeved shirts adapted for IV access help patients stay warm and comfortable during chemotherapy sessions while allowing medical staff to work efficiently.
PICC Line Sleeves: These sleeves are designed to keep IV lines secure during cancer treatment, ensuring that tubes remain in place throughout the process and reducing the risk of discomfort or disruption.
Blanket Warmer: Blanket warmers allow clinical staff to offer patients warmed blankets during infusion therapy—small gestures that make a significant difference in comfort and peace of mind.
Journals and Calendars: Providing journals and calendars helps Veterans track treatments, appointments, and personal goals, encouraging greater engagement in their own care and supporting the completion of long treatment cycles, which can be especially demanding for Veterans managing both physical and mental health challenges.
Looking Ahead:
Expanding Support in 2026
As Mission Blue Skies continues to grow, our goal is not only to sustain our current efforts but also to expand the ways we care for Veterans undergoing cancer treatment. With your continued generosity, the following initiatives will help enhance treatment and patient care in 2026.
Meal Vouchers: We plan to continue and expand this popular initiative, allowing patients to purchase healthy, nourishing meals from the VA Canteen. Proper nutrition is a key component of recovery, and these vouchers help reduce financial stress while supporting Veterans’ well-being during treatment.
Nutrition Education for Oncology Patients: As part of its educational mission, Mission Blue Skies is laying the groundwork for targeted health education resources for Veterans and their caregivers. These evidence-based efforts will focus on improving understanding of cancer care, nutrition, and wellness to empower Veterans with knowledge to actively participate in their treatment and recovery.
Therapeutic Relaxation Tools (VR and Multimedia Options): MBS is exploring the use of virtual reality and other digital tools to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation during treatment sessions. These interventions may also support stress management and pain reduction, which contribute to better overall treatment experiences.
A Community of Voices Advancing Veterans’ Health
Members of the BVMRF CoRe (Core Research) team, including clinical research nurses, research coordinators, lab assistants, and program managers, gathered during the Oncology Service’s seasonal meeting at the Bronx VA in October 2025 to celebrate accomplishments, plan for the year ahead, and share insights with investigators and clinical staff to advance health outcomes for Veterans’ undergoing cancer treatment.
Celebrating the Legacy of U.S. Air Force Veteran Matilde Cruz: Mission Blue Skies
U.S. Air Force Veteran Matilde (Mattie) Cruz, whose legacy of compassion inspired the Mission Blue Skies program.
Matilde Cruz dedicated her life to protecting and helping others. Even while undergoing cancer treatment at the Bronx VA, she cooked meals for her treatment team and fellow patients in the oncology unit. Her warmth and generosity helped create a sense of comfort and community amid difficult treatments and stressful days.
Ms. Cruz’s daughter, Adella Colvin, and BVMRF’s Executive Director, Johane Simelane, at a preliminary meeting to explore the vision that became Mission Blue Skies.
In February 2024, during her final days, Matilde asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to BVMRF to improve the quality of life for Veterans receiving cancer care at the Bronx VA. In honoring her wishes and legacy, BVMRF established Mission Blue Skies in close partnership with her daughter, Ms. Adella Colvin.
MBS logo, designed by Ms. Cruz’s granddaughter in honor of her grandmother.
Mission Blue Skies was founded in the same spirit of compassion that defined Ms. Cruz’s life. The program provides supplemental support to make cancer therapy more manageable for Veterans and their caregivers.
Thank You for Being
A Part of the Mission!
Your support helps us continue providing essential services and compassionate care for Veterans receiving cancer treatment. You can make another one-time donation or increase your impact by becoming a recurring donor. We also welcome your questions or feedback at any time.
Even if a donation isn’t possible, spreading the word about Mission Blue Skies helps raise awareness and strengthen a community of care that ensures every Veteran receives the comfort, dignity, and support they deserve.
About BVMRF
BVMRF is an independent VA-affiliated nonprofit operating under Title 38 U.S.C. §§ 7361–7366. As the congressionally authorized partner to the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, BVMRF supports VA-approved research and education activities. Education activities include Veteran-focused health education initiatives. This includes programs that help Veterans improve their nutrition, manage chronic conditions, and stay engaged and compliant with their care plans—advancing the overall health and well-being of those who served our country.