Fighting the fear of cancer just became a little easier: As of last week, all the information patients need to stay organized as they battle the disease is not just in the bag, it is also on the wrist.
“I think the new bag is going to serve patients so well,” said Sherri Romanoski, who founded the nonprofit Bag It in 2003. “The USB wristband is an even more improved resource and such a great tool where they can store their information, and I think they will appreciate that they are able to share it with more people who are helping them through their cancer journey.”
Named for the canvas tote bag that has become recognizable to many cancer patients and their families in the past decade, the organization is on a mission to educate, empower and support newly diagnosed individuals and their families.
The new bag contains not only educational information and resources from the National Cancer Institute and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and the signature tabulated binder in which to organize lab and test results, insurance papers and other medical records, but also a USB wristband — think a “Livestrong” bracelet that contains a USB flash drive with four gigabytes of storage — that holds all the publications and forms in the canvas bag in PDF form as well as any desired medical records.
“Four gigabytes can hold a lot of documents, and patients can use this as another form of storage for medical history, advance directives, test results and any other paperwork. They can customize it as they like, and it is really helpful for patients and medical providers who have electronic medical systems,” said Romanoski.
Romanoski emphasized that while many patients still prefer a hard copy of their records — and many physicians encourage patients to keep a hard copy — the new wristband/USB drive will also become essential.
“Everything is becoming more and more digital with smartphones, tablets and computers and eventually that is probably where everything will be, so we are transitioning slowly.
“We are listening to what patients and medical providers are saying and want to make information as accessible and user-friendly as possible since the easier it is to use it, the more likely they are to use it,” Romanoski said.
The USB is also convenient for patients since different hospitals and medical providers often utilize different electronic medical systems.
“Even if systems aren’t compatible, if you give them a USB, they can see all your reports and information.
“Also, with snowbirds and people who spend part of their time in other places, the USB makes information very portable. The medical providers really like it since it is easier to share information in an efficient way and it is just another way to keep patients informed, which is part of our mission,” Romanoski said.
Romanoski understood the need to take control and become educated after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2001; that desire inspired Bag It, which has helped to empower 70,000 patients and their families .
It provides bags to patients with all types of cancer free of charge and currently distributes 7,000 bags through 160 clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices statewide annually.
“We think we are currently reaching about 25 percent of people diagnosed with cancer statewide, and we would like to reach more than that,” said Mindy Griffith, the volunteer and event coordinator for Bag It.
To facilitate expansion, the organization depends not only on long-time sponsors such as Arizona Oncology and contributions from private donors, but on fundraisers such as the annual Take A Hike For Bag It, which seeks to raise at least $100,000 this year.
Now in its 13th year, Griffith said the family-friendly event features hikes or walks suitable for all ages and abilities followed by a themed brunch with a fun and whimsical atmosphere.
This year’s theme is Superheroes Hike for Bag It, and participants are encouraged to dress in superhero costumes; additionally, participants who complete the Challenge Hike into Ventana Canyon will be rewarded with superhero capes.
“We feel that everyone connected to Bag It and cancer in general are superheroes, from those battling cancer to the people supporting them and caring for them,” Griffith said.
Griffith hopes the event will attract a diverse audience, from those who enjoy hiking and cancer survivors to those currently undergoing treatment — many of whom she said choose to participate in the meditative walk around the grounds of the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.
She suggested that those who prefer to sleep in consider the brunch-only option to support the cause.
“Cancer is something that impacts us all and we need to embrace it and deal with it in the best way we can. We want people to have a good time at this event and feel good about helping themselves and others because, unfortunately, if we haven’t already been impacted by cancer, we are going to be at some point,” Griffith said.
