The journey through a cancer diagnosis is never just a medical one. It is a physical, emotional, and spiritual marathon that tests the very core of a person’s being. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation understands that while doctors treat the disease, the community must support the person. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation seeks to provide more than just words of encouragement. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation desires to offer a tangible, physical embrace to those in the heat of the battle. In 2022, we turned this desire into a reality through our “PAC Care Kits” initiative.
As we look back at the impact made in 2022, we are reminded of the power of collective effort. We successfully distributed 100 “PAC Care Kits” to warriors who needed them most. This included 50 kits specifically designed for adults and 50 kits tailored for the youngest among us: the brave children fighting this disease. Our mission has always been clear: to inspire HOPE, encourage FAITH, and promote LIFE. These kits were the physical representation of that mission.
Understanding the Warrior’s Journey
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation knows that a cancer warrior endures things most people can barely imagine. From the moment treatment begins, the body becomes a secondary battlefield. Chemotherapy and radiation are life-saving, but they come with a heavy toll. We hear from our community about the extreme internal temperature fluctuations that leave warriors shivering one moment and overheated the next. We see the skin changes that make even the softest fabrics feel abrasive. We walk alongside them through hair loss and the complex food tolerance issues that make nutrition a daily struggle.
Although one may prepare themselves for these changes, it still hits hard. The emotional highs and lows can be as exhausting as the physical symptoms. It is during these times that a physical reminder of support becomes essential. YOU may not always know what to say to someone battling cancer, but showing up with a resource that acknowledges their struggle says everything.
The 2022 Milestone: 100 Kits of HOPE
In September 2022, we had the incredible privilege of visiting the Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. There, we delivered 40 “PAC Care Kits” to children who are demonstrating more courage than most adults will ever have to find. The remaining kits were distributed to adult Cancer Warriors throughout our community. Each kit was a curated collection of comfort, designed to address the specific needs of those undergoing treatment.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation believes that every item in a kit should serve a purpose. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation chooses items that soothe the body and engage the mind. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation seeks to remind every recipient that they are seen, they are loved, and they are not alone.
What’s Inside a PAC Care Kit?
Creating these kits was a labor of love that involved partners who share our heart for the cancer community. We didn’t just want to provide “stuff”; we wanted to provide quality items that addressed the realities of chemo and radiation.
For the Body and Soul
The internal temperature fluctuations we mentioned earlier are no joke. To help with this, we included “Putt Away Cancer Foundation Comfort Socks,” created by Annette Godfrey, Owner of Not Only Tees. These aren’t just any socks; they are a soft barrier against the cold hospital floors and the chills that often follow treatment.
To address skin sensitivity and the need for comfort, we included “Warrior Masks.” These were beautifully created by Kelle Harper, Owner of Chameleon CreationZ. These masks provide protection while reminding the wearer of their inherent strength.
We also wanted to engage the senses in a way that promotes relaxation. Mycheryl Russ, the Owner/CCO of Chak Therapy, created custom “Putt Away Cancer Foundation Wax Melts.” These scents are designed to transform a sterile room into a sanctuary of peace, helping to manage the emotional highs and lows of the journey.
For the Mind and Spirit
Distraction is a powerful tool in a hospital room. For our younger warriors at Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, we provided coloring books and crayons. These simple tools allow a child to be a child, even in the midst of treatment. For our adult warriors, we included Word Puzzle games to keep the mind sharp and occupied during the long hours of infusions.
One of the most special components of the 2022 “PAC Care Kits” was the inclusion of healing smoothie recipe cards. These weren’t just random recipes; they were curated by our co-founder, Leilani Davis. Leilani used these exact recipes during her own battles with cancer to manage food tolerance issues and maintain her strength. Sharing these recipes is a way of passing the torch of survival from one warrior to the next.
A Community of Support
The “PAC Care Kits” initiative would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of our sponsors and partners. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation is a community-driven organization. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation thrives because of the generosity of those who believe in our mission. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation seeks to honor those who stand with us.
We would like to send a special thank you to:
- The JC Cares Foundation and the Clarkson Family for sponsoring this initiative;
- Mycheryl Russ of Chak Therapy for her sensory contributions;
- Annette Godfrey of Not Only Tees for the comfort socks;
- Kelle Harper of Chameleon CreationZ for the warrior masks;
- Leilani Davis for sharing her personal healing recipes.
Their contributions ensured that 100 people felt the warmth of the cancer community in 2022. We have captured these moments in pictures and videos, which we are excited to share across our platforms to show YOU the direct impact of your support.
How YOU Can Get Involved
The work does not stop with one year or 100 kits. The need for HOPE, FAITH, and LIFE is constant. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation desires to reach even more warriors in the coming years. YOU have the power to help us expand this physical representation of our mission.
Whether YOU choose to donate, volunteer your time, or partner with us through your business, YOUR contribution makes a difference. Every kit we give out is a reminder to a warrior that they have an entire foundation standing behind them, cheering them on, and praying for their strength.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation invites you to be a part of our future initiatives. Together, we can continue to provide the comfort and support that makes the hardest days just a little bit brighter.
Share the Mission
Help us spread the word about the “PAC Care Kits” and the incredible warriors we serve. Sharing our story helps us connect with more sponsors and more families in need.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation is more than an organization; it is a family. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation remains committed to the fight. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation will always be a place where HOPE is found. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Let’s keep putting away cancer, one kit at a time.
