(Pacer Graphic / Sophia Phillips)

What began as a way to honor a father’s memory has grown into a community-driven effort to bring comfort to cancer patients through Sidney Church’s Chemo Care Kits program.

Church created the program after her father lost his battle with cancer. Feb. 4 marks World Cancer Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, treatment options and detection. After her loss, Church knew she wanted to do something meaningful in his memory.

“My dad was a very kind and selfless person,” Church said. “I always remember the kindness that was shown to my family during that time.”

Church said these moments of generosity help shape the purpose of the care kits. She reflects on what brought her father comfort during treatment, including things like warm food and resting with a blanket, and uses those experiences to guide what goes into each kit. Her goal, she said, is to create something rooted in kindness and comfort.

This year’s Chemo Care Kits packing event features several different areas for volunteers. Participants will be able to write cards and decorate boxes, help pack kits using an assembly line setup or assist with loading completed kits into a van for delivery the following day. Church said the setup allows people to contribute in ways that fit their interests and abilities.

Now in its fourth year, the program continues to grow through donations and volunteer support. Church collects donations primarily through her personal Facebook page, receiving support from family, friends and strangers. Each kit contains about $150 worth of items, making community support essential.

Looking ahead, Church hopes to expand partnerships with schools and civic organizations and potentially reach additional counties across the state, including East Tennessee. Still, she says her priority remains quality over quantity.

“I want people to feel like what’s in these kits is useful to them,” Church said. “As long as I have the support, I’m going to continue to do it.”

This year’s Chemo Care Kit packing night will be split into two parts to accommodate for recent winter weather. Prep Night will be on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 6-8 p.m. in the Cooper Hall basement. Packing Night will be on Monday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m., location TBD.