DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV) – A local teenager is making the holiday season a little bit brighter for those fighting cancer.
Since 2019, Grace Fuss has collected donations for care packages to gift to local people battling cancer. She does this through the nonprofit she launched with the help of her mom ‘Fighting Cancer with Grace.’
“Being able to continuously grow and make a difference in people’s lives, (it’s rewarding when) the cancer patients that receive them reach back out,” said Fuss. “They’re like I love this bag thanks so much.”
Fuss said her inspiration to give back started when she watched her mother battle breast cancer.
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“We were so touched by how many people supported our family and were there for us during this tough time, so I wanted to be that person for others,” said Fuss.
On Thursday evening, Fuss was at the West De Pere High School library, packing care packages with friends and family. She had enough supplies to create 200 care packages and 150 ‘thank you’ bags for doctors and nurses in local oncology departments.
Blankets, lotion, little puzzles and other games to pass the time are among the items included in the packages.
“Just a small gesture knowing people are thinking of you really went a long way,” said Jenni Fuss when asked about how unexpected gifts helped her during her cancer battle.
Grace said that the care packages will go to several local hospitals including ThedaCare and Bellin Health.
“My advice would be just to go out there and do it, even if it’s something so small,” said Grace when asked what she would tell other kids her age who want to give back to their communities.”
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“It’s amazing to just see the impact that she’s having at such a young age,” said Jenni.
Since 2019, they’ve packed 1200 care packages and 860 ‘thank you’ gift baskets for doctors and nurses. Grace said these packages contained $200,000 worth of items.
“We’re adding a little bit of Christmas magic,” said Grace.
