Resource Highlight: The Remissionaries

Christina Wu was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2018 and felt that during her cancer journey there was something missing between discovery, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. She founded The Remissionaries, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, to help others going through chemotherapy treatment by providing that missing element.

“Having been through [breast cancer treatment], I saw that there was a missing piece to the puzzle: Direct Patient Care. Specifically for those going through chemotherapy,” Wu expressed.

Wu said she had an amazing support system and was given resources to ease the treatment process, but said she saw some women had immeasurable support while others had none. This sparked the idea to help women by providing nurturing resources to help ease chemotherapy side effects.

“I wanted to provide the same comfort for women about to take their first step on the same road,” she said. “Chemotherapy isn’t easy but if I can help provide some ease to the discomfort, that is the mission.”

The organization provides a comfort crate at the beginning of treatment to help remedy common side effects of chemotherapy. It includes activities, remedies for common side effects of chemotherapy treatments, and other useful tools.

Wu said a comfort crate is a “pick-me-up when cancer brings you down… Our hope is that these small tokens make a big impact on the emotional well-being of our recipients and lift them up during difficult times.” 

Not only do the Remissionaries support women who are undergoing chemotherapy, but they also give tips to loved ones on how to support someone who’s been diagnosed.

“When life gives you lemons, I won’t tell you a story about my friend’s cousin who died of lemons,” Wu said.

The organization recognizes most people have a difficult time knowing what to say or do when they’ve been told about a diagnosis, so they’ve given nine tips for families, friends, and coworkers. 

To learn more about the Remissionaries, visit their website and learn about how to support and get involved.