Backpack Program Updates | Q4 Newsletter 2025
From Backpacks to Leadership: A Transformative Year for Man Up to Cancer|
This has been a pivotal year for Man Up to Cancer and our Chemo Care Backpack Program. It’s a project that Trevor Maxwell and I launched more than three years ago—one of the very first programs we created to support our brothers in this community. From the beginning, our vision was simple but powerful: to stand beside men as they begin and endure their cancer journey, and to remind them that no one has to walk into treatment alone.
Over time, this program has grown far beyond what we imagined. What started as a small grassroots effort has become a national movement of connection, compassion, and brotherhood. This year alone, we were able to reach more patients than ever before, placing backpacks filled with comfort items, practical tools, and emotional support into the hands of men who often struggle silently through treatment.
But the impact isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s measured in stories. Stories of men who felt seen for the first time. Men who were surprised that someone cared enough to show up for them. Men who told us their backpack became a reminder of hope on the hardest days of treatment . Those stories continue to fuel our mission and guide our work.
This year with the help of our executive director , Matt Kozlovac and with the introduction of our Wolf-Packs backpack project working alongside our industry partners. We have expanded distributions of these backpacks beyond our membership to local cancer centers by providing a team building project for our industry partners which has laid the foundation for even bigger growth for the program in the coming year. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, donors, caregivers, and the entire Wolfpack community. Every person who has packed a bag, purchased a backpack, donated to the program, written a note of encouragement, or sponsored a patient has helped amplify this mission.
As we close out the year, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. The Chemo Care Backpack Program has become more than a project—it’s a lifeline, a symbol of brotherhood, and a promise that no man fights alone.
On a personal note, I’ve seen my role evolve in incredible ways over the last six years with the Man Up to Cancer organization. I began as a volunteer, serving as the lead administrator of The Howling Place Facebook group while also creating and launching the Chemo Care Backpack Program. Those early days were all about building community, supporting our brothers, and laying the groundwork for what MUTC would eventually become.
When we officially formed the nonprofit two years ago, I stepped into a part-time role as Chief Operating Officer. Then, earlier this year, I took on the position of Interim Executive Director as we began the search for a permanent leader. It has been humbling and inspiring to help guide the organization through such an important transition.
I’m truly excited to share that, beginning January 2nd, I will be stepping into a full-time position with the MUTC nonprofit as its Director of Programs and Partnerships . It’s an honor to continue serving this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help expand and strengthen the programs and partnerships that support men and their loved ones throughout their cancer journeys.
Joe Bullock
Director of Programs and Partnerships