Satchels of Caring shows cancer patients they're not alone
The items inside the bag -- a scarf, journal, knit cap, note cards, tissues, body lotion and a relaxing musical CD --- are more than material objects.
The hand-sewn totes, courtesy of the Satchels of Caring Foundation, are equally filled with hope for cancer patients.
"It is very rewarding sharing these bags with people who need them," says Heather Knuth, president of Satchels of Caring and a breast cancer survivor. "It is the circle of giving. Everyone who helps sew these bags gets just as much out of it as the person receiving it. It is very therapeutic. When you have cancer you have a different perspective on things. And there is the fear of the unknown and where you can turn for help."
Knuth, who was awarded the 2011 Community Caring Award from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Pittsburgh Affiliate, hopes you'll turn to the volunteers at Satchels of Caring who create the bags. A fundraiser -- Bags, Bellinis, & Brunch -- is planned for Sunday.
The effort began as the CREW Foundation, the Pittsburgh Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women, which changed its named to the Satchels of Caring Foundation in 2003 when organizers contacted the American Cancer Society to help with the Look Good, Feel Better program.
So far, volunteers have assembled more than 5,285 satchels for distribution through local hospitals and treatment and support programs.
When faced with a cancer diagnosis, Knuth says, often the smallest gestures make the biggest impact on our lives.
The day Cathy Luzier was diagnosed with breast cancer, she left the hospital in shock, confused and filled with questions. She says she didn't know much about breast cancer, even though she knew many women who were survivors. So she called a friend.
"She called me back the next day and said she was going to stop over because she had something special for me," Luzier says. "She came to my door with a beautiful Satchel of Caring bag filled with information, inspiring prayers and lovely little gifts. This wonderful token made me feel comfort to know that I had phone numbers of people that I could call to find answers.
"My special 'satchel,' which carried my binder of medical information, came with me to every chemo treatment and doctor visit that I had. This is a special gift that I received."
There's no application process and no charge to receive one. The foundation covers the production cost through fundraising and donations as well as through grant money.
"Whenever I share the satchels with our patients, their reactions range from surprise to being overcome with emotion," says Karen Gasper, a registered nurse at St Clair Hospital. "They can't believe I am giving them this bag filled with wonderful items to help them get through a difficult time. Most are surprised it's free. They are so moved by this kind gesture and generous gift, they often question if this is a mistake or they didn't hear me correctly."
Most bags have been given to women. There are some created for men dealing with cancer too.
Rebecca Whitlinger, executive director of the Cancer Caring Center in Bloomfield, says she has seen patients with tears in their eyes when they receive a bag.
"Our patients are so grateful," Whitlinger says. "The bags are perfectly lovely, but the real beauty is that someone took the time to make something memorable for a stranger. Our patients feel special, and that's why I volunteer for this organization because it's such a valuable program."
Additional Information:
Bags, Bellinis & Brunch
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Herberman Conference Center in UPMC Cancer Pavilion, UPMC Shadyside
Tickets: $25
Details: Website
