A Journey of Hope and Compassion

Amanda's Journey

At the heart of Hugs 4 Warriors is Amanda Casey Perez, a woman whose courage and resilience shine even in the darkest moments. In December 2023, Amanda received the life-altering news of a metastatic stage IV cervical cancer diagnosis. What was supposed to be a season of celebration became a season of uncertainty.

Amanda’s journey has been one of ups and downs—moments of hope mixed with moments of heartbreak. Through it all, she has faced treatment with incredible strength and grace.

Her experience has opened her eyes to the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens cancer patients endure. It’s a perspective she never wished to have but has used to create something meaningful.

Hugs 4 Warriors was born from Amanda’s desire to bring comfort, hope, and connection to others navigating the same struggles.

Each care package is more than just a collection of items—it’s a symbol of love, solidarity, and a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone. Whether it’s a warm blanket to wrap around weary shoulders or a heartfelt note to offer encouragement, every package is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit of those facing the battle of their lives.

Her current scope of operations is limited to her local cancer treatment center with heartfelt plans to expand as quickly as funding allows.

Will You Support Amanda's Vision?

Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—helps Amanda provide more care packages and reach those who need them most. Together, we can make a meaningful difference—one care package at a time.

D-Day

By Amanda Casey-Perez, December 12, 2024

It came with no warning, that December day,

When the world I once knew was swept away.

Diagnosis landed like a thunderous crack,

No time to prepare, no way to turn back.

I remember the weight, the unbearable sting,

The fear of what all of these words might bring.

I thought of my wife, her heart in my hand—

How could I shatter the life we had planned?

But even as the news tore through my chest,

Something within me refused to rest.

The warrior rose, though weary and raw,

Determined to face the beast that I saw.

The year unfolded, a battlefield wide,

With battles fought both in and outside.

Chemo marched in, relentless and grim,

A foe I STILL face with courage, though slim.

There were days I bent, but never did break,

Each scar a reminder of what was at stake.

I learned that strength isn’t loud or grand;

Sometimes, it’s just taking the next step you planned.

I’ve cried, I’ve raged, I’ve been brought to my knees,

But I’ve also found beauty in moments like these.

A soft hand held, a shared, quiet laugh—

Life’s light shines brightest along the hard path.

Now here I stand, one year down the line,

Not unscathed, but stronger, and that feels divine.

I see the woman I’ve fought to become,

Not defined by disease, but by all that I’ve done.

I’ve built bridges of hope, given others my care,

Turning pain into purpose, my burden to share.

This road is still rocky, the fight’s far from done,

But I know now I’m braver than I once could’ve known.

So, December 12th, I’ll mark with a vow—

To keep fighting forward, to cherish the now.

For a year ago, I feared I’d be lost,

But I’ve learned there’s no growth without some cost.

D-Day, Diagnosis Day, a day I’ll never forget.

Cancer tried to take me, but it hasn’t killed me yet.