My Story…
5 whole years of supporting Sue's Gift and Selma. 5 whole years of a cancer diagnosis. 5 whole years of you being the difference for so many.
Can you believe it's going to be our 5th year running/walking for Sue's Gift?! And this aint Selma's first rodeo as she leads the charity as the Executive Director!!!
And as always, those that show up are more than welcome to meet us afterwards at Fat Sully's for pizza and drinks, on me!
If you can't make the 5k or can't walk/run but still want to support something near and dear to our family and, of course, Selma, then please make a donation for her team.
Let's make a splash for her as she closes out her second year! We appreciate anything that you can afford as we know exactly who it helps and how.
If you have any questions about this, feel free to reach out to Selma on Facebook. As the Executive Director, she will be able to give you the understanding of what this gift truly means. Thanks!
Description
Hi Friends!
I'm excited to introduce you to my favorite nonprofit Sue's Gift! Let's help them raise money to support people in Colorado facing a gynecologic cancer diagnosis.
Mission Statement
Sue’s Gift provides financial, emotional, and social support for people in Colorado facing a gynecologic cancer diagnosis, with the goal of improving survival outcomes and reducing the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Organizational Background
Sue’s Gift received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in September 2014 and was originally founded in 2009 as the Sue DiNapoli Ovarian Cancer Society. The organization was established by the family of Sue DiNapoli, a Colorado resident who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2005. During her cancer journey, Sue recognized a significant lack of support services for individuals diagnosed with gynecologic cancers. Following her death, her family created the organization in her honor to address these unmet needs. The organization later expanded its mission and services to support all gynecologic cancer types and became known as Sue’s Gift.
Financial Assistance Program
The Sue’s Gift Financial Assistance Program provides critical financial support to individuals undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancer, helping them pay essential bills during a time of medical and economic hardship. Since the program’s launch in 2015, Sue’s Gift has approved 445 applications for assistance and distributed more than $346,000 to support Coloradans during their cancer journey.
Woman-to-Woman Peer Mentoring Program
The Woman-to-Woman Peer Mentoring Program connects newly diagnosed patients with trained survivor mentors who are at least one year post-treatment and share the same cancer type. There are seven types of gynecologic cancer, and Sue’s Gift has at least one mentor available for each. Since its inception in 2019, the program has facilitated 284 mentor-mentee matches, providing critical emotional and social support at the time of diagnosis.
Lunch & Learn Coping Skills Program
Sue’s Gift offers two monthly Lunch & Learn programs designed to foster emotional resilience, practical coping skills, and meaningful community for individuals impacted by cancer. Each session is facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and combines evidence-based coping strategies with the healing power of shared connection over a meal.
The groups meet in Colorado Springs and Parker, Colorado, ensuring accessibility to patients in multiple regions of the state. While Sue’s Gift maintains a focus on gynecologic cancer, the Lunch & Learn program is open to individuals with any cancer diagnosis, as well as their family members and caregivers, recognizing that cancer affects entire support systems.
Program content is grounded in the Sue’s Gift website blog, which focuses on emotional support, trauma-informed coping skills, and strategies to manage the psychological challenges of a cancer diagnosis. By blending professional facilitation, peer connection, and shared nourishment, the Lunch & Learn program reduces isolation and supports the emotional well-being of participants throughout their cancer journey.
TEAL Good Bags (Chemo Support Bags)
Sue’s Gift also distributes “TEAL Good Bags” to individuals newly diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. These chemo support bags include items to help manage nausea, reduce port discomfort, provide comfort and distraction during treatment, and promote self-care and healthy eating. Each bag also includes educational materials and coping resources to help patients feel informed and prepared. In 2024 and 2025, more than 400 TEAL Good Bags were distributed statewide.