DE PERE, Wis. — Grace Fuss and mother Jenni recently worked together at their kitchen table, putting labels on homemade candles.
She sells them to fund her passion project, inspired by her mom, who was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago.
“At the time, my kids were all very young. I was only 34 when I was diagnosed, and my youngest was two,” said Jenni Fuss. “Having the support of family and friends just really meant a lot. Whether it was bringing gifts in, blankets or meals or whatever it was, it just meant a lot that people were thinking about us and the difficult time as a family that we were going through.”
Three years ago, her daughter decided to create care packages for people like her mother who were going through cancer treatment.
“That year we were able to create 60 care packages,” said Grace Fuss.
Her mom made Grace Fuss write down goals for the project and is proud of the skills she’s learned in the process.
“She said, I didn’t think this would have gotten as big as it did. I didn’t even think we were going to make it to 20,” explained Grace Fuss.
Through the pandemic, they grew. Last year gave out 120 care packages. Those who received them often had no idea what they were up against and what they'd need for support.
“I was like, oh my gosh, there’s like tons of stuff in here,” said Deb Dubois, who received a package in December. “I felt like I kept pulling stuff out and pulling stuff out. I was like, when’s it going to end?”
Dubois was struck by the thoughtfulness of the items in the bag. At first, she didn’t understand why Grace Fuss included blank paper and a pen. Then she soon realized how handy it was during conversations with doctors and nurses.
“When you don’t know what you’re getting into with cancer, like why it was put together, once you get that package and you start going to your treatment, it all makes sense," said Dubois.
Dubois is so impressed by Fuss that she’s now buying items to help support the cause. Actions like that come as no surprise for Jenni Fuss.
“I think once you go through cancer or any serious illness, I think you have a new appreciation for life and other people,” said Jenni Fuss. “Being able to pay that forward and caring for other people, I think is important. This is just one way that we can do that as a family. It’s grown into something so much more.”
Grace Fuss expanded her care packages beyond those going through treatment.
“I also make care packages for doctors and nurses because I know that they aren’t going through the actual treatment, but they’re supporting the cancer patients too,” said Grace Fuss.
Fighting Cancer with Grace keeps gaining momentum thanks to Grace Fuss and everyone she impacts.