PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. -- Anne Coletti's breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 inspired her to help other patients.

  • Anne Coletti started 'Survivor Sacks' after surviving breast cancer
  • Bags filled with items to help cancer patients through chemo
  • Call 727-462-2128 to donate to Survivor Sacks

"I never asked why, I've always known there was a purpose for me having this and now I know what the purpose was, is to help give back," said Coletti.

She put together Survivor Sacks to give to new cancer patients at Morton Plant Hospital as they began chemotherapy treatment.

"I need to do something so that the new chemo patients would know that somebody cared about them," she said. 

The bags are filled with things she found she needed during treatment: a blanket, socks, lip balm, a word find book, lotion, hand sanitizer, gum, tissues, and a journal and pen.

"The journal was important to put in because that was one of my things I needed to write everyday, things I was thankful for, not the bad things but to remain positive so I journaled," Coletti said. 

Anne also wrote a letter to put in each bag. The letters all began with the greeting, "Dear Friend."

"From the moment you were told you had cancer, you became a survivor," it reads. "You will need to ask questions. You will need to cry. You will need to scream. And that is okay. But you will need to laugh. Laugh often." 

(Click HERE to read the whole letter.)

More than two years cancer-free, Coletti says she hopes the survivor sacks make patients feel love and hope.

"I am living proof that there is hope," she said.

Patients appreciate the support, telling Anne they re-read her letter for encouragement.

"I cried," said Coletti. "I just felt this is my purpose because if I can give comfort to one I can keep it paying forward."

To learn more about the Survivor Sacks or to donate, call Deborah Hannah at Morton Plant Hospital Infusion Center at 727-462-2128.

Anne will participate in the Pitch for Pink event Friday at 6 p.m. at Spectrum Field.

The event raises awareness for early detection and helps raise funds to help support breast health services and programs at Morton Plant.