Hope In Hand Bags
Every September, we pause to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — a time to honor the children and families who have faced a cancer diagnosis, and to support those just beginning their journey. For our family, this month holds deep meaning.
December 10, 2018 marked the beginning of our 19 terrifying days in the hospital, where we learned that Brynn had Ewing Sarcoma. In just the first week, she underwent biopsies, scans, oxygen support, her first cycle of chemo, and countless moments no child should face. Those first moments were confusing, isolating, and filled with fear.
But in that darkness, light appeared: a local nonprofit and another cancer family reached out to us — total strangers who offered compassion, presence, and practical help. That early support grounded us in a moment we felt lost. It reminded us we weren’t alone.
Now, through the Brynn Wheeler Foundation, we want to be that light for others.
That’s 17 families who, like ours, will be blindsided each month by a diagnosis that changes their lives forever. We want them to feel seen and know that they are not alone.
We decided to create Hope in Hand Bags. One for each of those families, containing simple, meaningful items that offer hope, comfort, and support during the disorienting days after diagnosis. To accomplish this, we created an Amazon Wishlist that we shared with our followers to join our mission. It included adult coloring books, journals, healthy snacks, toiletries, iPhone chargers, portable speakers, blankets, shower shoes, DoorDash gift cards, and more…even farting Frenchie Bulldogs to pass along Brynn’s playful spirit.
Packages arrived every day throughout September, until we received each item on our Wishlist. Then, on October 1st, volunteers gathered together to assemble the 17 bags. And on October 3rd, we delivered all 17 bags loaded to the brim to the Oncology floor at CHOC hospital.
Every item donated went into the hands of a parent or caregiver navigating their child’s brand-new diagnosis. Thank you for helping us make these families feel seen and met in their darkest hour. Together, we are wrapping these families in love, care, and the hope Brynn carried so well. Thank you for being a part of this with us.
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