OUR LEGACY
In 2015, Abbie Nelson and Pia Phillips set out to make a difference. Together with Abbie’s mom Martha, the teens started PAB’S PACKS in order to bring comfort and encouragement to chronically ill teenagers.
Over the last four years, PAB’S PACKS has been honored to fulfill this mission. Through our hard work, generous donors, and corporate partners, PAB’S has brought comfort and encouragement to over 8,000 teenagers and their families nationwide. On a daily basis, we receive notes of thanks from recipients who share about the impact their pack made. More than once, we have heard stories of past recipients who, inspired by our work, decided to start their own projects in their local hospital. We could not be prouder of this legacy. Together, we have witnessed the great impact two teenagers can make when they set out to make a difference.
TEEN ambassador BOARD
In the Summer of 2018, PAB’S PACKS launched its one-of-a-kind teen board program—a unique opportunity for teens to grow their entrepreneurial leadership skills, serve others, and learn how a nonprofit works while making a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Abbie (center) with Teen Board members, Lauren and Brian, on a visit to Gillette Children’s in Saint Paul, MN.
The PAB’S PACKS Teen Ambassador Board celebrating at a the Xcel Center as the MN Wild Charity of the Month in November, 2018.
Caroline, Sofia, and Lauren with their new friend Steven at Gillette Children’s, Saint Paul.
“I’ve learned what it means to give back and how to interact with other teens. I’ve grown in my confidence, my knowledge of how a nonprofit works, writing, and my ability to empathize and connect with others. This opportunity is extremely rare for teens and so having the teen board is in many ways, filling yet another gap that exists for teens in our community.”
inspiring TEENS to give back and take ACTION
Morgan (left) received a PAB’S PACK during her treatment at The Mayo Clinic. Desiring to give back, Morgan partnered with her family and friends to organize a packing party and delivered packs on our behalf to teen patients at the St. Mary’s Campus of Mayo Clinic Hospital through the coordination of our CCLS partners and advocates!
Inspired by PAB’S PACKS, recipient Natalie Tyron collected over 600 donations for her local children’s hospital in the fall of 2016.
We often hosted sports teams looking to give back! Here, boys from Andover Basketball are writing notes that will be encouraging reminders to teens in the hospital. Andover Basketball also hosted a fundraiser for PAB’S PACKS at one of their games!
The Andover Girls Hockey Team broke our office packing record: 30 participants and 200 backpacks packed! We are grateful to First & First, for donating space.
PAB’S PACKS near and far
Through a partnership with the JC Memorial Foundation and Build A Bear, PAB’S PACKS were provided to teens in St. Louis, MO! We could not be more grateful to Gina Caruso (right), the President and Founder of JC Memorial, for her dedication, hard work, and championing of our mission in her hometown. Gina, a high school teacher, also engaged her students in our mission by hosting both packing parties and note card writing activities. Together, we brought comfort and encouragement to 500 Missouri teens.
PAB’S PACKS partnered with 94 teen leaders from three local Leo Clubs in order to host a service learning event for at the annual Lions Club Convention in Bloomington, MN
“Just over a year ago I was hospitalized out of state for sadly a long period of time. I struggled with an eating disorder and my life was in danger. A few days into my hospital stay, one of my kind nurses told me that a couple of girls (P+A) were giving out gifts to teens in the hospital.
I loved everything about my PAB’S PACK; it really helped me to feel more comfortable and at home. I will never be able to thank these Pia and Abbie enough for what they did. These compassionate, wonderful girls inspired me to help kids in the hospital just like they helped me.”
“Hi! I was in the hospital last week for diabetic ketoacidosis and receiving the pack made me feel fuzzy and warm, and helped me feel better. I’m glad to know I’m not in this alone.”
Through a partnership with Sprint to Cite Soleil, PAB’S PACKS were provided in Haiti.
“PAB’S PACKS have been very well received within our teen patient population because they are not only providing comfort, but giving a message that you are important, you are seen, and we care about you.”
The Penn State LYM Crew drove 3 hours to deliver the PAB’S PACKS they packed to our partner hospital in North Philadelphia!