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Bag It News
June 2024
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 Survivorship: A Personal Story
by Mikey Shock
In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 2nd, Bag It’s own Mikey Shock has shared her personal journey of coming to terms with being a cancer survivor.
Cancer Survivor… Survivorship… They are words that usually make one think of someone who has won the battle with cancer and is in remission. But there is so much more to survivorship than we think. Survivorship begins at the time of diagnosis and continues for the rest of your life, beyond treatment. It refers to the navigation and experience of a cancer diagnosis.
For the longest time during treatment, I felt like I couldn’t use the word survivor because I had not yet beat cancer; I wasn’t in remission yet. But, others told me that I was a cancer survivor. There was so much inner turmoil because how could I have cancer? I honestly thought it was REALLY funny that I had such a diagnosis. I grew up asking my Mom if I would get the cancer she had when I was two, and she would always tell me no because it isn’t genetic. Well… it's funny because I got the same diagnosis in the same location, and during the same time of year, 19 years later.
Cancer was one of the best and worst things that ever happened to me. I am so glad and grateful I had cancer. I learned so much about who I was and what I could do. Even though I know my diagnosis doesn’t define me, I now find myself constantly motivating myself by saying “I beat cancer, this is nothing!” Knowing that there is a possibility you could die because you have a deadly diagnosis changes your perspective on life and the world around you. You see things you never noticed before, you appreciate the world around you and the fresh air in your lungs (especially after you experienced a collapsed lung). My diagnosis changed me for the better.
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| Bag It Board News |
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These individuals commit their time and expertise for a minimum of two years to help guide the organization. We are grateful to their passion and belief in the work that Bag It does to help guide those impacted by cancer.
Ginny Kokorudz - Board Chair Mickey Gomez - Board Treasurer
Mindy Griffith - Board President/Executive Director Michelle Bonito Dr. Susannah Cooper, MD Deborah Hoffman LaNita Price Richard White
An extra special thank you to our outgoing board members, Michelle and LaNita. Michelle has been on the board for 6 years and served as Board chair for two years. LaNita was a member of the board for the past two years. We truly appreciate their support and continued commitment to Bag It.
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| Bag It News |
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Bag It is excited to share that applications are OPEN for our 13th Annual Escape to THRIVE Leadership Conference for Cancer Advocates, which will be held January 15-19, 2025 at Miraval Arizona. THRIVE is a unique conference that brings together a diverse group of advocates who are survivors, caregivers, or professionals to learn, network, and grow all while improving patient education and outreach. There is no other conference that offers this unparalleled balance of learning, skills development, and diverse peer interaction, complemented by overall wellness activities to embrace the WHOLE advocate—professionally and personally. The deadline to apply for THRIVE is July 31st. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind experience and apply at https://escape4advocates.org/. Email info@escape4advocates.org with any questions. |
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| Making a Difference |
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 Monthly Donors Make Our Future
You can help make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by cancer by becoming a monthly donor to Bag It. With your consistent support, we can continue to provide the Bag It Bag to individuals and families navigating their cancer journey.
Your recurring donation ensures stability and sustainability in our mission to empower and uplift those facing cancer diagnoses. Together, we can make a difference, one donation at a time.
"As a board member and long time donor to Bag It, I’ve witnessed the remarkable impact this organization provides to the community. I decided to set up a monthly reoccurring donation about 2 years ago. This is not only convenient but allows me to make a larger donation over the span of the year. Not to mention how it helps the organization by creating a monthly cash flow they can count on." ~Michelle Bonito 
Join our community of monthly supporters or increase your monthly gift and you'll receive a free microfiber cleaning cloth!
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| Did You Know |
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We are wrapping up our 20 years of monthly Bag It trivia questions. Take a few minutes to explore the website (dig deep) or check social media and see if you can find the answers. What are 3 tips you find in our animated video “Let Your Bag It Bag Be Your Guide”? Hint* look on the patients tab of the website.
Submit your answer by Wednesday, June 19th at 12pm AZ/3pm EST to be entered into the drawing (correct answers only) for a Starbucks gift card.
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| Share Your Story |
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Share How Bag It Has Impacted Your Journey
Join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary! Have the Bag It Bag and resources made a difference in your cancer journey? If so, submit a short, 15-30 second video of yourself finishing this sentence:
"During my cancer journey, the Bag It Bag has supported me by __________."
Be sure to include your name, and how you are impacted by cancer (previvor, survivor, caregiver, family member).
Email your video to info@BagItCancer.org. The first 10 people to participate will receive a Starbucks gift card!
We will be sharing your videos throughout 2024 on social media. This celebration wouldn't be the same without you, so please add your voice to this effort!
Not ready for a big screen debut?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 is June 30th.
"I appreciate the way the binder has tabs to divide the material, it is comforting to know where to find the resources quickly. The information helped me have a better grasp on the words and terminology used in the medical field which reduced the intimidation factor for me. I so appreciate the time and effort put into this great resource and providing it for minimal cost." Wayne (WI)
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| Did You Know |
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Facebook Live Wellness Wednesdays - 11:30am (MST) - Join us once a month as we share tips for healthy living and overall wellness. Watch Live or On Demand.
Our website shows all the upcoming Bag It hosted events and events where we will be exhibiting.
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| Spread The Word |
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Could you please help us by leaving a Google review for Bag It?
Reviews can help tremendously in this day and age and let other people know about the valuable Bag It Bag. You don't need to write a long review, just something that tells people why you love Bag It and how it helps. Click here to tell everyone why you love Bag It.
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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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