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The Monthly News
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The Power of Support Through a Cancer Journey
-By Kerri Reeves, LMSW
Oncology Social Worker
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Cancer. It’s a word that can shake the foundation of a person’s world—whether it’s your own diagnosis or that of someone you love. The emotional weight is immense, and the journey ahead can feel uncertain and overwhelming. But one of the most powerful ways we can help is simple: we show up.
Research by Evans Webb and colleagues (2021) highlights that cancer patients who receive consistent support from family and friends experience better emotional well-being, are more likely to follow treatment plans, and often have more favorable outcomes. Support matters. And showing up—physically, emotionally, and practically—can make all the difference.
Loved ones respond to a cancer diagnosis in many ways. Some are afraid—afraid of saying the wrong thing, afraid of the disease itself, afraid of the possibility of loss. That fear can lead to distance. Others may respond with overwhelming attention, reaching out constantly in ways that can feel smothering. And some may fade over time, as the initial shock wears off, and life pulls them in other directions.
So how do we support someone with cancer in a meaningful, balanced way?
We show up.
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Bag It News |
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| Breakfast with Bag It 2025: The Power of Showing Up What an inspiring morning! Together, we raised $20,275 to support those impacted by cancer—thank you to everyone who joined us for Breakfast with Bag It 2025.  Our keynote speaker, Kerri Reeves, LMSW, reminded us of the power of showing up for people with cancer and offered practical ways to support loved ones through their journey. We’re so grateful to Claire for courageously sharing her personal story and bringing that message to life.
Congratulations to our Outstanding Volunteer, Louise Johansson, and Outstanding Partner/Distributor, Logan Health in MT—we’re thankful for your continued dedication and partnership. A special thank-you to our Presenting Sponsor, Nova Home Loans, and to all our generous sponsors who helped make the event possible. Your presence, generosity, and energy remind us what it truly means to show up and make a difference.
Couldn’t attend but still want to help?
👉 Donate today to continue supporting cancer patients and their loved
ones year-round.
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Sponsor Highlight |
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We’re proud to highlight Hope for Stomach Cancer, a nonprofit supporting patients, caregivers, and families affected by stomach (gastric) cancer through education, advocacy, and community resources.
Through our collaboration, we created the Hope in a Bag – Stomach Cancer bag, providing practical support and resources to individuals navigating a stomach cancer diagnosis.
This month, we’re also featuring their Nutrition Guide for Stomach Cancer, a free, evidence-based resource created by oncology dietitians. The guide offers tips for managing side effects, easy nutrient-rich recipes, and guidance for maintaining strength and wellness throughout treatment and survivorship.
Good nutrition can make a real difference in quality of life, and this guide is a valuable resource for anyone affected by stomach cancer.
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If you or someone you know was recently diagnosed with Stomach Cancer,
order Hope in a Bag today with code BINEWS25, loaded with valuable information to help guide one through this challenging time.
If you would like to check out all of our cancer-specific Bags, please click here.
If you are a healthcare provider looking to order Bags for your patients/practice please contact our Healthcare Outreach Manager, Terie, at terie@bagitcancer.org
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Share Your Thoughts |
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on the Bag It Bag! 
Share your thoughts by filling out our feedback form or providing a written testimonial and be entered into a quarterly drawing for a
$25 Amazon gift card. Next drawing December 30th.
"It helps to keep dates of everything that happened and will happen which helps you to prepare. The tips are most helpful in coping with anticipation of upcoming procedures.
The information helped me to ask the questions that concern me."
-Survivor (NY)
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Mark Your Calendar |
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Relay for Life - American Cancer Society (Tucson, AZ)
Saturday, November 12, 2025 4:00-9:00pm
Join community members walking in honor of every life impacted by cancer, and don’t forget to visit the Vendor Resource Village for up-to-date support and information.
Click here to learn more.
ZERO Prostate Cancer's Annual Caregiver Retreat (Atlanta, GA)
Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16, 2025
This event is for all caregivers or care partners who support their loved ones with prostate cancer. Learn from experts, gain strategies for caregiving challenges, and find support to renew your strength. Click here to learn more
Bag It Bags Info Sessions for Healthcare Providers (Virtual)
If you are interested in learning more about how you can have Bag It Bags in your practice for your patients, join us for an upcoming Info Session.
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 10:00 am AZ (12pm EST) Register now
- Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 1:00 pm AZ (3pm EST) Register now
Healthcare Professionals Cancer Resource Open House (Phoenix, AZ)
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 5:00 pm -7:00pm
This event provides resources for healthcare workers, oncology professionals, and social workers to learn more about the direct services and resources available to cancer patients, caregivers, and family members in Central Arizona. Click here to learn more.
Giving Tuesday (Online)
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
A global day of generosity and giving that encourages people to support charitable causes, volunteer, or perform acts of kindness.
Our website shows all the upcoming Bag It hosted events and events where we will be exhibiting.
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Bag It Educates, Supports, and Empowers those impacted by cancer.
We help patients, caregivers, and cancer advocates to Fight the Fear of Cancer through our two key programs: the Bag It bag and Escape to THRIVE. The bag helps anyone with any type of cancer to cope with their diagnosis and become active members of their treatment team. Escape to THRIVE is a national leadership conference to support cancer advocates.
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