Our Why

Mandi's Thoughts...  When my dad was receiving chemo, I was incredibly lucky to be able to be with him. Those days were filled with a lot of complicated moments that come with intense treatment in rooms filled with cancer warriors. My dad and I spent the time talking about nothing and everything at the same time. Those days will always be one of the hardest and best hours of my life. Chemo was hard on my dad, brutal even. What people endure to stay alive through treatment is nothing short of heroism. 

One day there was a particularly hard treatment that was just longgggggg - this sweet woman came over to my dad and handed him this bag with a bit of a grin.  She said, "Jack, someone donated these bags and we just really thought you could use this today."

Do you ever have those moments where your heart snaps a photo? After she left, my dad's face was priceless.  First, we giggled until we cried about the manliness of the bag - then he spent the next hour or so wondering why someone would give him a gift that didn't even know him.  This bag made his day. This was also the first time that my dad and I talked about him dying. We were closing in on Easter and in that moment, my dad and I decided to make and give bags like this to patients.  They were delivered during his treatment buy anonymously and he delighted in seeing people open them.  Since that day, our tribe has donated more than 3000 bags.  

Right before my dad died I promised him that as long as I live people will know his name.  Cancer took our dad, grandfather, spouse, friend, relative, etc from us, robbing us.  But, it will never take away the lifetime of joyful moments we had. We are immensely grateful to the 100's of people who have donated, packed, delivered, and supported our mission. My cure to grief has been intentional generosity and a commitment to showing others that you can survive and thrive in moments of great loss.  Thank you.