By Heather Graves
Editor
DE PERE – Grace Fuss – creator of local nonprofit Fighting Cancer with Grace – said she is driven by a single goal, to create happiness for cancer patients and their families.
The 15-year-old West De Pere High School student has donated more than 100 care packages to area patients battling cancer.
“I’m a young girl with a passion for helping others,” Fuss said. “I’m excited to grow my non-profit and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Throughout the year, she raises money through various fundraiser to put together each care package.
She then donates to patients battling cancer and the health care workers treating them.
Fuss said patient care packages include blankets, warm fuzzy socks, water bottles, inspirational messages, a journal, pens, all-natural lotion, all-natural chapstick, dry soup mix, chemo cap, snacks and a personalized card from her.
All items she said she knows can bring comfort to someone fighting the disease.
Fuss said the nonprofit’s cause holds a special place in her heart.
“When I was 7 years old, I watched my mom battle cancer,” she said. “We were blessed with people who helped our family in many ways during that time. Fighting Cancer with Grace is my way to pay it forward.”
Fuss also prepares care packages for doctors and nurses “to thank them for saving lives every day.”
In February 2019, starting out small, Fuss said she set a goal to raise enough money to donate 20 care packages to local cancer patients.
She said she exceeded that goal and was able to donate 80 care packages to patients at The Bellin Health Center TEAM and Vince Lombardi Cancer Center, just in time for Christmas.
She donated another 80 care packages in 2020.
This year, Fuss set the same goal of 80 care packages, but her mother, Jenni Fuss, said like everything else her daughter does, she knocked it out of the park.
Last week, together with a handful of helpers, Grace Fuss surpassed her goal creating more than 200 care packages – 120 for patients and 86 for health care workers, a toal value of $21,096.
Grace Fuss said she believes a single action can make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer, and can greatly impact their journey.
“Giving these care packages has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, and I want to continue doing this for many years,” she said.
Grace Fuss said Fighting Cancer with Grace will continue its mission for years to come.
“As I think about the future of my non-profit, and I begin planning my goals, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead,” she said. “My goal is to continue donating care packages throughout the year. My long-term goal is to not only give care packages, but also bring cancer education into local communities.”
To learn more about Fighting Cancer with Grace visit fightingcancerwithgrace.org.