In January of 2023, Sidney Church, published a post to Facebook sharing her story of losing her father to cancer the previous year. In addition to her grief, Sidney announced a desire to honor his legacy by creating care kits for cancer patients undergoing chemo.
“I wanted to extend support and compassion to others facing similar struggles by offering small tokens of comfort and care during such a difficult time,” said Sidney.
Through the support of donations, she was able to put together 48 kits and distribute them to cancer centers in both West and Middle Tennessee ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4. Sidney has continued her endeavor each January and was able to increase the monetary value of each kit while expanding to 60 this year, for a total of 156 kits to date.
“Each year, my goal is to create carefully curated care kits with items that are practical, helpful, and can provide a sense of comfort,” she said. From blankets and wheelchair cushions to hand sanitizer and snacks (see the full listing below), Sidney has thoughtfully compiled a collection of essentials.
“Creating chemo care kits in his memory was a deeply personal and meaningful way for me to honor his legacy,” said Sidney. “Through this, I have been able to channel grief into something positive and continue to share the memory of my father with others.”
The success of this program truly depends on the selflessness and kindness of those who choose to help, and I am deeply grateful for the support I have received. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to carry forward my dad’s legacy.
Sidney Church
Class of 2022
B.S.B.A. in Political Science
Class of 2023
M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership
Q&A with Sidney
Santa Fe, Tennessee.
In 2025, the kits included a blanket, thermometer, wheelchair cushion, socks with grippers, a soft-bristle toothbrush, ChapStick, ChapStick holder, water bottle, hydration drink mixes, Biotene Mouth Wash, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Three Lollies Queasy Pops, Tummy Drops Lozenges, Phys Assist Oncology Aromatherapy, ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Purell Hand Sanitizer, Kleenex tissues, Campbell’s Sipping Soup, Gatorade, and snacks.
I focus on ensuring that each of the kits are packaged with essential items that will provide comfort and support to cancer patients. I then use the monetary donations to purchase additional items that may increase the monetary value of the kits this year.
These kits are delivered ahead of World Cancer Day, February 4, which aims to raise awareness and encourage the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. These kits are distributed to cancer centers in both West and Middle Tennessee. Some years, I receive requests for specific individuals to be a recipient of a kit, and I work to ensure those individuals receive one.