Building Community Partnership: Chemo Bags of Hope

[2 MIN READ]

Contributing author: Jennifer Baxter, President of Chemo Bags of Hope

Chemo Bags of Hope is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Auburn, WA. We are a group of volunteers that come together four times a year to assemble "Chemo Bags" to donate to cancer patients around the Pacific Northwest.

What do we do? 

We provide a “Chemo Bag” to cancer patients facing chemotherapy and radiation. The bag is filled with helpful items for both the patient and caregiver, and designed to carry with them to treatment. Each bag is lovingly filled with a variety of items such as a lap blanket, coloring book, puzzle, lip balm, notecards, stress ball, hand sanitizer and more for its recipient.

Who receives the bags?

Bags are delivered to patients upon request, as well as to 22 infusion centers and cancer resource centers around the PNW. We have bags designed for men, women, and children. One of our bag recipients, Edith Mannick shared with us, “I enjoyed the bag and it was very helpful to have the notebook and pen for me to use to write down my questions for my oncologist. I also enjoyed the coloring book to keep me calm. It warmed my heart knowing someone cared!”

Why do we do it?

While battling cancer, our founder, Janis Cupp, wanted to give back to others facing cancer. She was so grateful for the gifts and support she had received that she decided she wanted to give back to others facing a similar battle. When asked why she wanted to start making bags of hope she said, “It just occurred to me that there are people out there just starting chemo that could use an act of kindness in their lives. I just wanted to be able to give the bags freely to those in need.” Since starting Chemo Bags of Hope in 2016, we have given away thousands of bags in her memory.

What can you do to help?

We are always accepting donations of items to fill the bags. Items include fleece blankets, unscented sanitizer, colored pencils, puzzle books, journals, stress balls and more. Several times a year we hold a bag stuffing event and everyone is welcome to help! To donate, volunteer and attend events, check out our website at www.chemobagsofhope.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Chemo Bags of Hope.