Bag It

Since 2003, Bag It has provided education and information to guide those with cancer and their families to help them cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Bag It content extends from newly diagnosed to through end of life to support the number of people who are living longer after cancer treatment. The bag is offered in both English and Spanish Bicultural, and in collaboration with other organizations there are some cancer-specific bags available. We are proud to announce we have provided the Bag It Bag to over 97,680 cancer patients and their families. Bag It Bags are distributed to patients through oncology and radiology offices, clinics, hospitals, tribal health centers, nonprofit organizations, and other medical facilities in Arizona, Nebraska, Montana, Texas and expanding across the United States. Individuals across the U.S. also request and order bags directly from Bag It for themselves or to send as a gift. On feedback surveys patients continue to report Bag It was helpful in assisting them to cope with their cancer, worry less, be more organized, and they were better able to communicate with their healthcare team. We continue to partner with a local AZ non-profit, The Beacon Group, which provides jobs for people with disabilities to assemble and ship the Bag It Bag. Bag It was named the primary beneficiary of a local bike race for the twelfth year.

Bag Its 5-day leadership conference for cancer advocates, Escape to THRIVE (Encouraging and Sustaining Cancer Advocacy Programs and Efforts) celebrated its 12th conference in January, 2024. Over 35 attendees were in attendance representing a range of cancer types, backgrounds, ages and advocacy experience. This conference impacts hundreds of cancer patients and survivors as attendees return home with many new skills and improved attitudes to continue their advocacy work. The overall goals are to build capacity, develop collaborations and explore self-care. Since its launch in 2011, over 180 organizations have been represented at Escape to THRIVE.