By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Cancer has the unique ability to bring out both the best, and at the same time, the worst in people. From endless doctor appointments to treatments and an uncertain future, even the smallest acts of kindness can be a shining light in an otherwise dark time of life.

One local woman is hoping to brighten the day of cancer patients and their families through a new program she developed called Cancer Sucks Faith Heals (CSFH). The program was started by Tawnya Terpstra after she began brainstorming ways to make money at a vendor event with unique and custom-created items in October 2024.

“We were originally talking about ways for me to start making money at vendor events. That did not happen, but it turned into bags that we would give to cancer patients,” said Terpstra.

Along with her mother, the pair quickly went to work to not only see if there would be a demand for a bag full of items that can be given to cancer patients, but also brainstorm how to go about getting the items to the cancer patients in need. 

While she has had family members who have had cancer in the past, Terpstra said that wasn’t the reason she started CSFH. Rather, the Henning resident just listened to her heart and followed her intuition that something as simple as a bag full of items could be a way to show someone they are being thought of in a time of need. 

“In all honesty, God just kind of slapped us upon the head and said this is what you are doing and we just kind of went along with it,” said Terpstra. “We have had family members who have had cancer and we have had people ask us if that is why we started this and in all honesty no.”

So far the bags have been given to hospitals in Alexandria, Staples, Perham, Wadena, Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, Fargo and everywhere in-between. Terpstra’s mother lives in northeastern Minnesota and has also delivered a number of bags in the Grand Rapids and Iron Range area as well. When a hospital runs out of the unique bags, Terpstra brings a fresh set of items that provide just a bit of cheer in the face of a challenging time for a family.

“We go to local cancer centers and we give them the bags and they give them to cancer patients,” said Terpstra. “If someone knows of a person who has cancer they can reach out to us directly and we will make a bag for them and deliver it to them.”

Each bag includes a worry stone, candy, activity books, stress ball and a bag that can be used to bring things like a change of clothes or activities to future cancer treatments and appointments. So far the bags have been well received by the hospitals and cancer patients with Terpstra stating many of the hospitals said patients are bringing the reusable bags back each time they return for an appointment.

“It’s something small just to help them know they are loved and they are being thought of in a time of a really crappy feeling. We are just trying to give them a little extra push to get that little extra fight when needed,” said Terpstra.

Down the road, Terpstra is hoping to include things like socks, hats, gloves and even a gift card for coffee or gas to help offset some of the expenses for cancer patients. All of the expenses related to purchasing items in the CSFH bags are funded by Terpstra and family members, but the Henning resident is open to contributions that individuals and businesses may be willing to give to help the cause grow throughout the region. 

Since the CSFH program started last October, Terpstra and her mother have made well over 500 bags for cancer patients. While a majority of them are given to hospitals to distribute, Terpstra has personally given three bags to cancer patients who were appreciative of the gift they received.

“I have personally given three of them to cancer patients and the feeling of getting to give them their bags is something you cannot explain. It gives you a whole new meaning for life and a push for the day,” she said.

For more information about the program, or to make a donation to Cancer Sucks Faith Heals, visit the program on Facebook or call Terpstra at (218) 866-2912.