BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — At WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, compassionate care extends far beyond clinical treatment — and thanks to one local family’s ministry, cancer patients are receiving comfort, encouragement, and reminders that they are not alone.
Jessica Johnson and her children began assembling “chemo totes” in 2019 after losing her mother, Diana, to breast cancer following a four-year battle. What started as a personal act of love has grown into a community-wide outreach that has delivered more than 700 totes to patients across the region.
Each tote is filled with items designed to support patients during long chemotherapy sessions, including puzzle books, journals, nail care kits, tissues, wipes, eating utensils, blankets, seasonal scarves or hats, devotionals and prayer cards. Many of the contents reflect items Diana herself used during treatment.
“My children were such a light in her life,” Johnson said. “After she passed, God laid it on my heart to start making chemo totes with them. It’s a small act that makes a big difference and keeps my mother’s love alive in our hearts.”
The ministry distributes totes to several regional facilities, including WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital and WVU Medicine United Hospital Center. Volunteers from across the community donate supplies, help assemble the bags and often pray over each one before delivery.
For patients receiving treatment at St. Joseph’s Hospital Infusion Center, the totes represent far more than convenience items.
“These bags mean so much to our patients,” said Tera Shreve, BSN, RN, of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Infusion Center. “Chemotherapy can be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. When someone receives one of these totes, they immediately feel cared for — not just by their healthcare team, but by their community. It brings comfort, encouragement, and sometimes even a smile on a very difficult day.”
The ministry holds donation drives twice each year — in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in April, the anniversary of Diana’s passing — but community support continues year-round.
“Chemo treatments aren’t for the weak,” Johnson said. “If these totes can bring comfort or peace to someone walking that road, then we know we’re honoring my mom in the best way possible.”
Community members interested in supporting the chemo tote ministry can contribute supplies, volunteer time or make donations by emailing Jessica Johnson at jessicajohnson7707@gmail.com.
