In a collaboration aimed at providing support and care for individuals battling cancer, VPI, Inc., Nicolet National Bank, and the Spierings Cancer Foundation are joining forces to assemble Courage Kits. These kits, curated with items tailored to the needs of individuals undergoing chemotherapy treatments, are set to be assembled at the United Way Fox Cities Hub, located within VPI’s Kensington Production Facility, which is located at 110 N. Kensington Dr., Appleton, on Wednesday, March 27, at 9 a.m.
The initiative underscores the commitment of these organizations to extend compassion and practical assistance to those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment. A total of 100 courage kits will be packed out and distributed to local cancer centers in the Fox Cities.
Courage Kits are designed to provide comfort and essential items to individuals undergoing chemotherapy, a treatment often accompanied by physical and emotional strains. Each kit contains selected items intended to educate and provide a solution to alleviate symptoms and assist in the recovery process during chemo treatments for newly diagnosed cancer patients.
“Based on my cancer and chemo experience and others at VPI who went through cancer as well, having these items in a bag with me during treatment was instrumental in helping us get through treatment side effects,” said Denise Lesselyoung, controller at VPI, Inc. “Solutions on how to handle such things as nausea, dry mouth or taste changes. I was prepared going in to my first session thanks to the support and guidance from my colleagues, but there are many individuals who are not.”
The assembly of Courage Kits represents not only a gesture of support but also a reminder of the power of community and compassion in times of adversity. Through this collaborative effort, VPI, Inc., and the Spierings Cancer Foundation reaffirm their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals affected by cancer.
“This initiative directly matches our mission of enhancing cancer treatment in our community. Those who undergo cancer treatment know just how important it is to be prepared with the necessary resources on their treatment day,” said Katie Dougherty, executive director at Spierings Cancer Foundation.
Moving forward, VPI plans to provide the logistical support of this initiative as they do for the United Way Fox Cities HUB, while the Courage Kit Team continues their search for a long-term funding partner to support this initiative on an ongoing basis.
VPI’s mission is to promote the dignity and worth of individuals who have disabilities or are disadvantaged and to assist them in developing their optimum level of social, vocational, and economic independence in the community.
VPI, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides a variety of community programs and services – including education, early intervention, employment, mental health, and social and recreational services, and packaging solutions to the Fox Cities and surrounding areas. By providing efficient contract packaging and production services to private industry with an integrated workforce, VPI has been able to deliver community programing and services to support the changing needs of community members with disabilities or disadvantages.
Spierings Cancer Foundation is a local non-profit, which provides financial support to local families affected by cancer, enhances cancer treatment in the Fox Cities and funds cancer research in the state of Wisconsin. For 16 years, Spierings Cancer Foundation has raised more than 2 million dollars to support cancer in our own community.
For more information about the Courage Kit initiative or to get involved, please contact:
Allie Lucht
Marketing & Development Manager
[email protected]
(920) 749-5859
