Valley woman awarded for giving back to those undergoing chemotherapy
Surprise Squad is sponsored by Valley Toyota Dealers
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Sue co-founded Tammy’s Totes, a local nonprofit that delivers gift bags to people undergoing chemotherapy. Tammy is the daughter of Sue’s friend and passed away from a rare form of cancer several years ago.
After her death, Sue and Tammy’s mom decided they wanted to do something to help the community while keeping Tammy’s spirit alive, and that’s how Tammy’s Totes was created.
The gift bags contain thankets, books, crossword puzzles, and stuffed animals. —things that can comfort person while they undergo their rounds of chemotherapy. Sue knows far too well what that’s like. S‘s a four-time survivor of the disease.
Recently, Arizona’s Family’s Simone Cuccurullo and the Surprise Squad crew paid Sue for an unexpected visit to her home. She was a bit surprised when she opened the door to see the cameras on her doorstep but was happy to invite the team inside to talk about her charity work.
“We’re small, But we’re small and mighty just for this little area,” Sue explained.
“People always tell us they’ll cry when we give them a gift bag, like somebody’s actually thinking of us when we’re going through this. Just having somebody notice you. Notice what you’re going through and acknowledge that.”
Sue says that despite her personal health challenges, she finds the strength in her three children, who get up every day. She also tries to stay positive and grateful even when things are tough. She credits her children for helping her heal by taking time off of work to babysit her as she recovered.
“All of us at Arizona’s Family, we look for stories like this,” Simone said. “Positive people in the community who are making an impact. It’s very clear that you’ve had a positive impact. So we have something for you from our Valley Toyota Dealers.”
Simone handed Sue an envelope, and Sue gasped when she saw the certificate inside stating that Tammy’s Totes was being awarded $5,000.
When Simone asked what was going through Sue’s mind, she said she was thinking about all the gifts and goodies she could buy with that kind of money.
“She’s just the most amazing, living person I know,” Sue’s daughter Jennifer said. “Even when she’s going through all this, she just loves and cares for everyone else. She’s the most selfless person I know.”
“I just feel like I’m still here for a reason and I have to make my time count,” Sue added. “So this is my goal.”
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