Imagine sitting in a hospital room, just a day before your child’s fifth birthday, hearing the words that no parent ever wants to hear—a diagnosis that will forever change your world. As the weight of uncertainty sinks in, you’re left wondering how to make your child’s pain go away. For the next 19 months, you watch your once-joyful child lose their innocence and the carefree moments of childhood. But, like any loving parent, you bring a bag full of toys and games to the hospital hoping to help your child be a kid again.

This is the story of Tammy Krause and her daughter, Gabby. Gabby was diagnosed with brain cancer at a young age, and while the treatments were challenging, it was the loss of her childhood joys that hurt Tammy the most. She always brought Gabby’s favorite toys and games from home, knowing they would provide comfort during her hospital stays. Those simple items brough distraction, fun, and a touch of normalcy during the toughest days.

Though Gabby’s battle came to an end in September of 2004, her final wish came true. This wish was for every child at the hospital to receive what her mother gave her: a Bag of Fun. No child should miss out on the joys of childhood just because they’re facing a serious illness. Tammy knew she had to carry on Gabby’s legacy—-thus, in 2004, began the non-profit Bags of Fun.

Since 2004, Bags of Fun has been driven by the same values that inspired its creation: compassion, integrity, and a deep belief in the power of play. What began as a single bag delivered to a pediatric oncology patient in Colorado has grown into a movement that has reached thousands of children across the country. These bags are more than just a collection of toys—they’re a lifeline for children battling long-term or life-threatening conditions—and offer excitement, distraction, and even a sense of normalcy amongst the uncertainty.

As Bags of Fun celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2024, the organization has delivered 18,000 bags to children of all ages, spreading hope, joy, and playful recovery to kids in Colorado, Kansas City, Nebraska, Indianapolis, and California.  

Each bag of fun is thoughtfully curated with items that are customized to meet the needs and interests of the child receiving it. From encouraging socialization and self expression to enhancing fine motor skills and cognitive thinking, these bags are designed to provide comfort, distraction, and, most importantly, joy.

Each bag includes an electronic device, Amazon gift card, various games, art supplies, and toys to further enhance the playful experience. Valued at $475, these bags come at no cost to the family thanks to the generosity of donors in the community.

Bags of Fun is committed to bringing joy to every child, regardless of their age or condition. From newborns all the way up to 18-year-olds, and even adults with pediatric conditions, these bags are delivered to children fighting all types of illnesses.

While bringing toys and games to children as a means of playful recovery is Bags of Fun’s mission, it is important to recognize its lasting impact on their recipient’s road to recovery. At MJ, we’re all about data-driven results and admire the story the Bags of Fun data tells. A study conducted by the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, found that 98% of parents feel less isolated knowing that others are thinking of them and their child when they receive a bag of fun. Additionally, 87% of recipients reported that the bag gave their child a sense of normalcy and helped them cope with their current medical condition.

These statistics reinforce what every parent who has received a Bag of Fun already knows:  these bags aren’t just about toys—they are a resource that changes the child’s path to recovery. 

After 19 years of distribution, Bags of Fun recognized the growing need to address mental health challenges among tweens and teens. In response, Bags of Fun launched Mental Health Bags of Fun which are specifically designed to help young people cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These bags contain items that foster connection, provide comfort, and help the recipient cope. Since the program’s pilot, they have delivered over 120 Mental Health Bags and are committed to changing the narrative around mental health.

Today, we are proud to share that Gabby’s wish was kept alive, as Bags of Fun is celebrating 20 years of playful recovery to children across the country. MJ admires Bags of Fun’s visionary abilities in embracing humanity, aligning with the pillars that the MJ Foundation is built upon. Embracing humanity includes embracing the little humans too! Gabby would be so proud of the legacy she left behind—a legacy that allows children to be seen as more than their medical condition. They are children full of light and joy, who are just kids trying to be kids.

Bags of Fun has been spreading joy to children for 20 years, but they can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can get involved: