Farmers Corporate Care Packing Party

I was very excited when the Farmers Corporate Office invited me to speak at their Women’s Inclusion Network event.  I was asked to share my story of battling Stage IV Ovarian Cancer, and how I used such a terrible disease as a catalyst to spread hope to those around me through the non-profit I founded during my treatment, Tenaciously Teal. In addition,  as part of the speaking engagement the Farmers employees hosted a Care Pack Party, and raised almost $1,000 to make over 50 Cancer Care Packs for patients fighting all types of cancer.

Like many, the Farmers employees were astonished to learn how countless individuals are out there fighting such a terrible disease with very little support or financial stability to afford going back and forth to treatment. Furthermore, no matter your socioeconomic status or the amount of friends you have Cancer is tough, and there is a lot of darkness associated with fighting the disease. A Cancer Care Pack gives fighters hope.

The Care Packs made by Farmers contained many things patients need throughout treatment, and each one contained a handmade card with handwritten notes and inspiring quotes. In addition, they all included a gas card for those drives back and forth to treatment. Following the Care Pack Party I had plans to take my grandmother to lunch for her birthday. One of her favorite things to do is to go on our monthly “Care Pack Runs”, so I asked if she wanted to deliver some of the packs made at the Farmers event. Without hesitation she jumped on the opportunity with excitement. We were both so glad we went that day, because we came across three individuals in particular who were nearing the end of their fight, and appeared to be struggling. Everyone was overjoyed upon receiving the Care Packs and one individual even cried when they found the gas card saying, ”  You have no idea how much I needed this, and what an answer to prayer you are”. Finally, we met an 88yro women fighting cancer who had her niece by her side for support. When we gave her the Care Pack and the niece began to cry. She said, ” This Care Pack was such a blessing, we were having a pretty tough day”. Her aunt followed up by saying, “This token of love means so much. I have had the hardest two days and have been feeling very depressed, but this Care Pack changed everything”.

We truly have no idea what our simple acts of kindness mean to others, and how it can change a dark day into a bright one! Thank you Farmers for inviting me to speak at your event, and all your hard work on the Care Pack Party!