About our organization
Mission
BAG IT is committed to providing information and education to newly diagnosed individuals with cancer and their families. This information is designed to help them cope with their diagnosis, and empower them to become an active member of the treatment team. The helplessness of being a "victim" begins to diminish with this type of support.
Our slogan for BAG IT is "Fight the Fear" .
History
The Story
(Sherri's story was recently featured in an article by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivors. Read the article here.)
BAG IT is a successful grassroots community project founded in Tucson, Arizona by survivors for survivors. Founder, Sherri Romanoski, was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and like so many other patients, tried to find information to cope and to assist her in talking with her family about cancer. Her doctors gave her details about her cancer and treatment, but nothing about how to handle her diagnosis. She found little assistance to help her cope with feelings of devastation, lack of control, loneliness, and desperation. After completing a tough course of chemotherapy, she came to the realization that this coping problem existed not only for her, but other patients as well.
After almost two years of development, with the input from focus groups of cancer survivors, oncologists, and oncology nurses, BAG IT was made available to individuals with cancer and their families.
Sherri's story of survival and fight against cancer was recently featured in an article by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. Read the article to learn more.
The organization
BAG IT is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. It provides early support to individuals with cancer and their families. BAG IT is designed to assist anyone with any type of cancer.
In most cases, newly diagnosed cancer patients receive our BAG IT canvas bag of information and materials from their doctor. Surgeons, oncologists, and nurses offer bags to patients on their first visit at offices, hospitals, or clinics.
BAG IT began distribution in July of 2003. We have reached 24,000 individuals with cancer. Volunteers are vital to the organization. They include cancer survivors, their families, and friends.
Board of Directors
Direction for BAG IT comes from strong, dedicated leadership:
- Sherri Romanoski, survivor, teacher, and founder
- Dr. Donald Brooks, founding member, oncologist with Arizona Oncology
- Corey Arvizu, CPA, Partner with Heinfeld and Meech
- Susan Leigh, RN, cancer survivor, patient advocate, national speaker on survivorship
Annual Report
Download our 2007-2008 Annual Report
Download our 2008-2009 Annual Report