As part of “Giving Tuesday” I am kicking off my “4th Annual CHEMO CARE TOTES” Campaign.
When I began my journey with Thirty One in 2011, I wanted to make a difference. Actually, I have been making difference all of my life – from collecting funds for MD as a child to working in soup kitchens and food pantries to bringing a smile to those who are struggling. I want to share my spiritual gifts of “helps and encouragement” so others know someone cares when they are struggling.
Here is the message I received from past recipients:
Wanted to let you know I have handed out all of the beautiful bags you had donated for women battling breast cancer. Each person loved the bag and it put a smile on their face to know someone was kind and providing a sense of support as they started their chemotherapy treatments. Thank you again for supporting our patients.
Yes, I cried the first time!… Now, I get goosebumps every time I read it. Cancer has touched each of us in some way – a friend, a family member, a sister, a mother, a father, a child, and the list goes on.
This project is near and dear to my heart. It is a tribute to my family who fought a good fight against this dreaded disease and lost: Edythe (kidney cancer), Elsie (breast cancer), Pop-pop (lung cancer) and my dad (prostrate cancer). I spent many hours in the Oncology Units with Elsie and Edythe as they underwent chemo treatments. I held their hand when they struggled with the insertion of the needles. I was there when they were sick from the chemo and sat by their bedside when they were too weak to go out. As a friend said #cancersucks. It takes many from us long before their time. It ravages families. It leaves children parentless. It has parents burying children.
With my own health struggles, I have spent many hours in the infusion units of local hospitals. I am blessed to only have to be there a short time – time for blood work and special testing. The many women I have seen are not there for a one time visit, they are there for weeks of painful treatments. They smile and carry on conversations while encouraging each other. My heart breaks and the tears come each time I leave the unit for I know what their struggles are like.
Your gift/ sponsorship of $25 will pay for the bag. I will use 100% of my commission to fill them with a variety of things like a blanket/scarf, notepad, pen, bottle of water, lotion, warm socks, chap stick and crossword puzzle book. Donations will again be delivered to the local Cancer Care Center at Southern Ocean Medical Center to bring a smile to the face of those who are fighting this dreadful disease.
Last year, we delivered 31 bags BUT this year, my goal is 50. I know it is a HUGE jump but I am confident we are up for the challenge. Yes, I know it is the holiday season. Yes, I know money is tight. STOP for a moment and think how you would feel if someone handed you an unexpected gift – no strings attached – when you were feeling your lowest. Let the love of this holiday season shine through with your help.
For $25 you can bring a smile to someone who is fighting the cancer battle.
You can sponsor a bag in memory of someone, in honor of someone or just anonymously. Payments can be made via check, credit card or through Paypal at hopesgiftcloset@comcast.net as a friend/family. If you see me at a vendor event, I will be happy to accept your donation.
Won’t you help us to make a difference today?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 