Stage4 began in the spring of 2021 around a kitchen table. Best Friends Sherry Petryszyn and Pam Harris had both received a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. With a strong desire to give back for the kindnesses they had received, the idea of comfort bags made for newly diagnosed cancer patients was born and the name Stage4 was given to the endeavor. The unique thing about Stage4 is that these comfort bags are created with items for cancer patients by cancer patients. Everyone involved with Stage4 has had cancer touch their lives in some way. From those in treatment, to care givers, to those who care, our goal is to provide comfort to those newly diagnosed and make their journey a little easier.
Stage4 has seen much growth over the last number of years. We now are supplying on average 56 bags per month to 10 sites in 2 major hospital systems in our area. We feel as though we are able to speak hope into the lives of the people who receive them as they enter into their cancer treatments. The fact that many of our Stage4 volunteer members have walked through those same treatments makes our bags and the hand written notes inside very personal.
This is Pam. She and Sherry made a lot of cards together. It was a wonderful diversion from talking about cancer. Pam continues to be a big part of Stage4, and she never ceases to be awed by what God has done in her life. He has turned the awful cancer diagnoses into a wonderful way to touch others in similar circumstances.
This is Sherry. Her kitchen table was the birthplace of Stage4. She loved everything about the idea of Stage4. Sherry selected the logo we still use to this day. She has passed away, but we still feel her with us as we continue to touch lives.
This is Ray. He was our mug maker when we started out. Ray imprinted the mugs with "Hang in there God's got this." We loved the saying. Ray has since passed away, but we think about him every time we write a note to tie onto the mugs.
