Customer Spotlight: Tricia’s Troops Cancer Connection

In mid-2017, we designed a shirt for a great organization: Tricia’s Troops Cancer Connection, a non-profit that connects cancer patients to resources and volunteers.  We wanted to learn more about this incredible group from Bill Wright, Tricia Wright’s husband, and about the person this all inspired.

We know this organization, Tricia’s Troops, is in honor of a remarkable woman.  Can you tell us a bit more about Tricia?

On January 16th of 2010, life took a dramatic turn when Tricia Wright, wife to Bill Wright and mother of two little girls, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. At age 35, the diagnosis and especially the aggressiveness of the disease came as a shock. During the initial months of treatment, a group of people from Tricia’s home church, Dr. Martin Luther Church in Oconomowoc, WI began providing meals, prayers, cards and other gestures of support to help her throughout her battle. The group became known as “Tricia’s Troops” and soon the entire community rallied around Tricia and her family.

The Wrights recognized that not everyone has the abundant blessings that they were fortunate to receive in their time of need. She and Bill made it their mission to start a non-profit to “give back” and touch the lives of other members of the community facing cancer. It was May of 2011 that their vision was realized and they proudly hosted the grand opening of Troops Cancer Connection.

In Tricia’s personal life, the outpouring of support filled her with a sense of peace, hope for the future and a faithful calling to live vibrantly…even though cancer had touched her life. She adopted the motto “Where Faith is Planted…Miracles Can Bloom” and every moment that Tricia lived, she believed in those words. Tricia did not receive the miracle of a cure here on earth, but her beautiful legacy will live on in the organization she created.

We’d love to hear more about Tricia’s Troops and how they serve their community.

Tricia’s Troops have several programs to assist those going through this difficult time, including “Flower Power” and “People Power,” among others.

For Flower Power,  they send a fresh bouquet of flowers to patients at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital during their initial appointment for chemotherapy. They also distribute Chemo Care Tote Bags to patients at other local cancer centers that are filled with practical and inspiring items to provide much-needed comfort, relief and relaxation for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.  In 2017, they sent out more than 50 bouquets of flowers, and gave out over 200 Chemo Care bags.

Flower Power Chemo Care bags!

In People Power, Tricia’s Troops focus on the practical concerns, out of pocket costs, and daily living needs that arise from living with cancer. This ranges from providing limited financial assistance to help cover bills while people are out of work, to free services like help with laundry, child care, and wig styling. This program gave out over $53,000 in financial assistance in 2017!    By helping alleviate some of the daily stresses associated with a cancer diagnosis, people are able to place more focus on their health, happiness and those they love.

Can you tell us more about the event that this shirt was designed for?

This year was our annual “Rallying The Troops” fundraiser which had a theme of “Casino in the Tropics.” Thanks to generous donors, the evening began with each guest receiving a lei and a custom-made Tricia’s Troops Hawaiian shirt featuring our logo and our tagline, “Where Faith is Planted, Miracles Can Bloom.” While enjoying island-inspired cuisine, attendees were also treated to live steel drum music. There was exuberant and lively participation all night in the casino-style games and a live auction.  This event raised over $100,000!

Thank you so much Bill Wright and Tricia’s Troops for all the good you do in your communities and the world!  We’re sure Tricia’s spirit shines on through your good deeds.