Cancer Perks continues mission through Bothwell Foundation

Cancer Perks, a local nonprofit that has provided comfort bags and emergency assistance to cancer patients since 2015, is entering a new chapter with the Bothwell Foundation.

The transition ensures that Cancer Perks’ original mission, adding light, hope and practical support to those facing cancer, will continue to thrive within the foundation. Whitney Cromley, founder of Cancer Perks, will serve as chair of the Cancer Perks committee, working closely with foundation staff and the Bothwell Susan O’Brien Fischer Cancer Center team to deliver Perk Bags to patients beginning treatment and assist with urgent patient needs.

Since its founding, Cancer Perks has touched the lives of hundreds of cancer patients throughout Sedalia and the surrounding area. Comfort bags filled with practical items and thoughtful gifts, including blankets, lip balm, snacks and notes of encouragement have brought comfort and reassurance to patients as they start their treatment journeys. The organization has also provided emergency assistance through a referral program in partnership with local care providers.

Cancer Perks’ leadership made the decision to dissolve the nonprofit and distribute its remaining assets to ensure its mission continues locally. As part of that process, the Bothwell Foundation and Fitzgibbon Hospital Foundation in Marshall will each receive a portion of the organization’s final funds. The transition to the Bothwell Foundation becomes official on July 1, and Cancer Perks will continue serving cancer patients receiving care at Bothwell.

Lauren Thiel-Payne, Bothwell Foundation executive director, said the foundation is honored to carry forward the work of Cancer Perks.

“Cancer Perks represents the power of simple, meaningful support at some of life’s most challenging moments,” Thiel-Payne said. “We are proud to continue its mission and build on the foundation Whitney and her volunteers created. Through this partnership, we can bring comfort and help to even more patients and families in our community.”

Cromley said she is excited to continue leading Cancer Perks’ efforts through the foundation.

“Cancer Perks has always been about bringing hope and care to people when they need it most,” she said. “I’m grateful that the Bothwell Foundation believes in that same spirit and will help carry it into the future.”

For more information about how to support the Cancer Perks initiative, visit brhc.org/cancer-perks or call 660.829.7786.