Piedmont, Alabama · Non-Profit
Comfort for cancer patients, packed by hand
Care bags and gas cards for patients across Northeast Alabama and Georgia, since 2013. Run by a volunteer board. No paid staff.
The mission
A bag in every patient's hand on day one
Venecia Butler started packing bags for other cancer patients during her own treatment, filled with the things she wished somebody had handed her. Blankets, chapstick, a journal, a gas card. The foundation that carries her name still packs every bag by hand and works to get one to each patient before their first treatment.
“In her mind, these bags serve as a substitute for her not being there to hold a cancer patient's hand.”
Where the bags go
Partner clinics across Alabama and Georgia
Care bags and gas cards reach patients through partner treatment centers: Alabama Cancer Care in Anniston, Ft. Payne, Gadsden, and Sylacauga, Clearview Cancer Institute, The Cancer Center at Gadsden Regional, Coosa Valley Hematology and Oncology, Floyd Medical Center, HOAA of Gadsden, and Radiation Oncology at Regional Medical Center. When a friend or family member asks, bags get mailed anywhere in the country.
Where the money comes from
The Crap Run, the Polar Plunge, and neighbors like you
Every dollar comes from fundraisers and donations. The Crap Run 5K each October is the big one, named for Venecia's own word for cancer, and the Polar Plunge each January sends brave souls into the Piedmont pool in the middle of winter. Last year's run alone raised over $46,000.
Secure donation through PayPal. Every dollar goes to care bags and gas cards for patients.
Come see us
Visit the Foundation
Venecia's last wish was a permanent home for the foundation, and the board made it real in 2020. Come by, ask about a care bag for somebody starting treatment, or ask how to volunteer.
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