Erie County Legislator Chris Greene honored Hope Totes founders Colleen Marchetta and Amy Velez as Erie County's Citizens of the Month. Marchetta is from Clarence and Velez is from Amherst. Hope Totes was created as a response to serious medical conditions faced by Colleen's son, Jackson, and Amy's son, Thomas. To prepare for the difficult task of organizing medical records, treatment regimens, and their outcomes and side effects, as well as travel and lodging to various hospitals and treatment facilities, Colleen and Amy, through Hope Totes, developed an easy-to-use tote system for organizing all these functions. The totes also include a blanket, slippers, items specific tot he patient and caregiver's needs, a Hope Journal and a personalized letter from Colleen and Amy to comfort and encourage recipients of the tote. They were recognized at the County Legislature's July 20th session.
