Tote Program
We are proud of our Tote Program!
We have delivered several hundred totes to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Fresno/Madera Counties. When we first decided to make and deliver totes in May of 2006 we never imagined "word of mouth" could be such a powerful force. Things started slowly, almost a crawl, and then little by little we received more requests. So much so that we needed to create a request form to keep track of deliveries and requests. We now have a committee that takes care of assembly and delivery and the response has been overwhelming. One woman in SOS found it such a moving experience when she delivered a tote to a recently diagnosed patient said she now knows where she will volunteer in retirement. The daughter of a recent tote recipient wrote to thank SOS for delivering a tote to her mother and told SOS "What you do for breast cancer patients is wonderful! Keep up the good work!" and she hopes someday she can do something to help women in her community.
Please contact our office at 559-439-2183 or email info@sisterhoodofsurvivors.org to request a tote for yourself or someone you know.
Thank you for your support!
Handmade, personal-size tissue holders are donated by Hollywood Wigs. American Cancer Society also donates several booklets, one in particular is a favorite of ours to include in the totes "Exercises after Breast Surgery" is a very practical guide to recovery showing very simple exercises. We try to have a balance of items in each tote. Below are some of the items we are able to include thanks to your generous donations.
Pictured is MaryAnn Rogozinski with an SOS Tote!
History
When you request a tote as a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, a SOS survivor personally delivers this tote to you or your loved one. Below is pictured of a tote that contains loads of educational materials, purse size personal items (hand sanitizer, tissues, lotion, chemo caps, etc.), discounts for services pertinent to breast cancer patients (wigs, prosthesis, etc.), and Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. Serious consideration and thought goes into our tote to make it economically efficient as well as meeting the needs of those who would be receiving the tote. We hope you find the tote a useful tool for breast cancer patients to use during her treatment as well as after her journey. The tote has three side pockets for a water bottle, cell phone and "whatever" as well as a zippered main compartment. One of the newest items added to the tote is Breast Cancer 101 - Basics for the Diagnosed; it's a planner for people with cancer and their caregivers.
How can I help?
Donations can be accepted that will be included in the totes. Some items donated in the past have been bath salts, toothbrushes, antibacterial hand cream, pill boxes, fans, date books, candles, pens, paper, crochet items, inspirational reading material, pocket tissue packs, breast cancer awareness items.
We include the "Breast Book" by Dr. Susan Love made possible by the CCWC.
Both books are available for purchase through Amazon or anywhere books are sold. Just click on the image of either book and the link will take you to the Amazon site.
Many volunteer opportunities are available, please attend one of our luncheons to see where you can use your talents to assist women in the community faced with very difficult decisions.
Please contact our office at 559-439-2183