Chix 4 a Cause, Ltd.

The goal of Chix 4 a Cause’s Gifts of Love program is to provide some relief from the financial stress of cancer treatment and uplift spirits during a time of great uncertainty. ”Chix” is an acronym for Cancer Has Its eXtras. Men, women, and children living with any form of the disease are surrounded with positive thoughts and encouragement to ease the burdens involved with their journey.

Chix 4 a Cause understands the importance of increasing community support for people living with cancer. Founder Jillian Clark, the board of directors, and a large team of volunteers work hard each year to host a variety of events throughout the region, including the signature event Kickin’ & Sippin.’ These events serve not just as fundraisers, but as awareness builders for the organization and its mission.

Chix 4 a Cause partners with area businesses to provide in-kind items whenever possible. Some examples include Wisconsin Dells getaway packages, snow removal, and appliance repair. The steadfast support from businesses, foundations, civic groups, churches, and individuals is truly what has made Chix 4 a Cause a mainstay in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Gifts of Love recipients are grateful for the financial and emotional support that Chix 4 a Cause provides. One person said, “I think it’s a real needed service. It’s nice to have someone go through it with you. It was a big help emotionally and financially.” Another person shared, “There aren’t words to describe it. My life was turned upside down. They just pulled me through a depression. I felt great like a new person.” Chix 4 a Cause truly has an impact on individuals living with cancer and their families.

Individuals with cancer typically learn about Chix 4 a Cause through a medical professional, social worker, family member, or friend. The person with cancer contacts the organization through a phone call or an application through its website, chix4acause.org. A trained volunteer interviews the individual to gather information and see whether they qualify to receive Gifts of Love. One of the main requirements is that the person be undergoing cancer treatment and have their oncologist sign a document stating so. The volunteer learns all about the individual’s date of diagnosis, type of cancer, family structure, and support system. They also ask what type of financial support the person is seeking that would be most beneficial.

Once the interview process is complete and the documentation of cancer treatment is received, the volunteer discusses the person’s information with Founder/CEO Jillian Clark. During the next monthly board of directors meeting, Jillian presents the person’s first name, cancer type, family structure, and requested Gifts of Love. She explains why the items are important to the individual and how they would impact them. The board discusses the request and asks questions, then decides which items to approve and the value of each. Final decisions, including each item and the amount, are written down.

The volunteer sends approved payments directly to the vendor to ensure the money is used for its stated purpose. They also purchase the approved gift cards or other items, then prepare everything for delivery. A Gifts of Love Box, filled with emotional support items for the person with cancer and their family members, is included as well.

Jillian and a trained volunteer set a time to drop off the Gifts of Love. They talk with the recipient over the phone or a video conference call. Jillian and the volunteer learn all about the individual’s joys and struggles during their journey with cancer. They also offer encouragement and hope.

For 16 years, Chix 4 a Cause has provided approximately $250,000 in Gifts of Love to residents of Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond who are living with cancer. These services include ongoing emotional support items and a one-time financial gift of up to $1,500 to help with non-medical expenses.

Chix 4 a Cause evaluates the effectiveness of its Gifts of Love program through a survey sent to each recipient. The five questions ask whether the recipient felt financial and emotional support from the community and whether they would recommend services to others with cancer. There is space to write comments as well. The goal of the survey is to determine whether the needs of individuals with cancer and their families are being supported as much as possible and how Chix 4 a Cause can improve its services. For these reasons, the board of directors regularly reviews the survey questions to determine whether they need to be updated.

Responses from Gifts of Love surveys have been positive from the start. One person said, “I was able to have some relief emotionally and financially which was a great comfort to me at a time in my life with my challenge with cancer. It relieved a lot of stress which helped my state of mind.” Another stated, “They came and overwhelmed me with their concern, kindness, support, caring, and love. They were concerned about everything regarding my health (physical, emotional & mental), my work, my family & friend support. Making sure I was getting and doing the best care. They removed financial weights. Helped me to handle food & gas concerns because of treatments (locations, traveling, eating when you have to but don't want to). They gave me hugs by a hugging blanket. It means so much from just a hug.”

To provide ongoing emotional support for people living with cancer, Chix 4 a Cause added Gifts of Love Boxes to its services. These emotional care packages include essential oils with a diffuser, spiritual guidance books, meditation CDs, journals, adult coloring books, and other items designed to spark creativity and encourage hope. Special items are included for recipients with spouses and children living with them, as they require emotional support during a journey with cancer as well. Gifts of Love Boxes are given to each Gifts of Love recipient and also are available for purchase and shipment throughout the United States.

Chix 4 a Cause partnered with the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) to develop a mobile app to promote the purchase of Gifts of Love Boxes. The app will include options to receive a free Box (subject to approval from our board of directors) if a person is battling cancer, purchase a Box, or order resources for a person with cancer and their caregiver. A soft launch of the mobile app is set for Fall 2022.

Chix 4 a Cause celebrates its Purple Hair Challenge every April. Because lavender is the universal color for cancer, people are asked to dye or streak their hair purple, add a purple hair extension, or wear a purple wig or hat to show their support for people with cancer, then post a picture on Chix 4 a Cause's Facebook page and/or donate money through its website.