My Chemo Bag Inc

My Chemo Bag founder Paola Domenge was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2011. Her grueling journey through chemotherapy treatment inspired her to start this organization. Although the oncology nurses at Washington, D.C.’s Sibley Memorial Hospital were exceptional in administering chemo treatments, Paola felt alone in preparing for and dealing with the aftermath, emotional burden and side effects of chemotherapy. As she bonded with other patients, she realized that she wasn’t the only one who needed more guidance and nurturing. 

To help cope with issues caused by the chemotherapy drugs, Paola began bringing along certain items to her treatment sessions—everything from hand cream and lip balm to nausea-reducing ginger chews and beanie caps to warm her bald head. As new patients entered treatment and camaraderie grew, Paola recommended and shared her bag full of trusted items. Fellow patients loved the suggestions, and Paola loved helping others navigate their journey. This, she decided, was a service she could not abandon, even when her own treatment ended.

In early 2013, Paola and two other breast cancer survivors launched the 501c(3) non-profit organization, My Chemo Bag, to serve chemotherapy patients in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The group provides free bags filled with practical items that provide relief and comfort to patients having treatments. Our goal is to make sure every single newly-diagnosed cancer patient in the Washington area will receive a bag on their first day of treatment. Chemo drugs help us survive, but My Chemo Bag helps us feel our best while we fight.