Today we’d like to introduce you to Gisenia and Lucy Reyes.
Gisenia and Lucy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
On October 22, 2019, Gisenia Reyes heard the scary words, “You have cancer.” Gisenia never imagined she would receive a cancer diagnosis a decade after her mother passed from cancer. She vowed to fight and beat cancer at all odds. Gisenia was diagnosed with one of the deadliest cancers, acute myeloid leukemia, which is an aggressive type of blood cancer. She immediately underwent chemotherapy to save her life. To reduce the risk of relapse, Gisenia’s oncology team recommended a stem cell transplant be done. The concern now was who would serve as her stem cell donor. Gisenia’s prayers were answered when the doctors confirmed that her identical twin sister, Lucy, was a perfect match! Gisenia is now three (3) years of cancer-free!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We believe every great testimony comes with numerous tests. Our path has definitely not been easy, but as we like to say, there is a purpose in pain. Gisenia overcame a cancer diagnosis and grueling chemotherapy treatment and Lucy overcame being a full-time caregiver not knowing if her twin sister was going to die, but through our faith and trust in Jesus’ plan for our life, we are emotionally healed today from our painful journey.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
The Reyes Twins created We Care Chemo Kits, a 501(c)3 Miami, Florida based nonprofit foundation, which delivers chemo kits (essentially care packages) to children and adults battling cancer and host special events at the hospital. What makes We Care Chemo Kits unique is that cancer survivors deliver the chemo kits, so the patients are able to see hope face-to-face. With each chemo kit, We Care Chemo Kits aims to infuse hope and joy into a cancer patient and inspire others to make a difference.
We Care Chemo Kits started in 2017. While it is in its grassroots stages, it is just a matter of time before their vision of having a global impact becomes a reality. All the local major network news stations in their hometown have covered their unique story of survival. They hope to garner recognition from national news sources to make a greater impact on cancer affected communities and to advocate for the importance of donating blood and signing up to become a stem cell donor in hopes of saving someone’s life. We Care Chemo Kits is proud to be making a difference in the lives of patients battling cancer. Cancer treatment can be a grueling and traumatizing, but special surprise visits from the We Care Chemo Kits angels team changes the outlook of a cancer patient’s day. The items in each chemo kit are designed to maintain a cancer patient-focused on fun versus treatment. Activity items such as word searches, puzzles, arts and crafts, handheld games, inspirational books, journals, etc. can be found in their signature kits. The Reyes Twins are excited about what the future holds. They have a huge heart for God and know that they would not be here today celebrating life had it not been for His mercy over their life.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality or characteristic we feel is most important to our success is having compassion. Life is so tough and at We Care Chemo Kits, we believe kindness goes a long way. Something as simple as a smile can brighten the mood of someone not feeling so great.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WeCareChemoKits.org
- Email: info@WeCareChemoKits.org
- Instagram: @WeCareChemoKits
- Facebook: @WeCareChemoKits
- Twitter: @WeCareChemoKits
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