Meet Our Team
Robin Redfern
My name is Robin Redfern and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2009. I was very sick during my treatment and struggled physically and mentally. I felt defeated and I wanted to give up. It was Christmas time and I had just announced to my husband while I was getting chemo that I could no longer continue the treatments and I was giving up. I did not have an ounce of fight left in me. At that very moment a women turned the corner and presented me with a gift bag. Her presence was not a coincidence. She was sent to me at the exact moment when I needed her and she impressed upon me to NEVER give up. I knew in my heart that if and when I got better that I would pay it forward. We started in 2010 giving out gift bags to women receiving chemotherapy hoping it would offer them love and hope.
Founder
Roots
My name is Roots Redfern, and I joined the Bags & Blessings family in the summer of 2026! I’m so excited to be part of this amazing family and to be around all the wonderful events and people who make Bags & Blessings so special.
I’m still a puppy and learning every day, but I already know one thing—I LOVE people! I can’t wait to meet you, say hello, and hopefully get lots of pets and belly rubs along the way!
Mascot
Co-FounderChad Redfern
Hi, I’m Chad Redfern, and Robin is my wife.
In 2009, our lives changed when Robin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching someone you love go through cancer treatment is something you never forget. There were many difficult days, and there came a point when Robin felt she simply couldn’t continue.
During that time, a woman approached Robin and gave her a gift bag. She told her that she was praying for her and encouraged her not to give up. That small act of kindness came at a time when Robin needed it most, and we both felt there was a greater purpose behind it.
That experience stayed with us. We knew that someday, when Robin was healthy enough, we wanted to do for someone else what that woman had done for her—offer a little encouragement, let them know they were being prayed for, and remind them that they were not facing their journey alone.
In 2010, we began giving gift bags to people going through cancer treatment. Over the years, that simple idea grew into Bags & Blessings.
Today, it is a privilege to be part of an organization that brings love and encouragement to people during one of the hardest times in their lives. We are incredibly grateful for our committee, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and everyone who has helped us grow this mission.
What began with one gift bag has become a way for us to continue paying forward the kindness that was shown to Robin—and we truly believe God has blessed every step along the way.
Jennifer Temple
When I was going through my treatments for breast cancer, I received a bag from Robin filled with amazing products. That moment I knew I wanted to become involved in Bags & Blessings. My husband Rick and I delivered bags to AHN Beaver this past year. My children Ella and Wesley also volunteer their time at our events. This is our way to show love to someone else and walk beside them on their journey.
Marketing Director
Brandee Cercone
I have been friends with Robin for 25 years. I was there from the beginning when we assembled 12 bags in her basement. I have been blessed to watch her each year grow this ministry into something that has so much impact on women. I have been married to Dan Cercone for 19 years and we have two children Makenna (17) and Marino (12). My children have been assisting with the bags for the last 5 years and have volunteered at the race this year.
Event Director 
Terri Lenox
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. The experience was overwhelming in many ways, but what has stayed with me was the kindness of so many people. I joined Bags & Blessings to try to repay some of that kindness.
Grant Writer & Secretary
Lina Houser
My name is Lina Houser and I have been a member of Bags & Blessings since 2018. My daughter, Cassidee, did her senior project for Robin's Bags. I love the mission and wanted to get more involved. I am excited to join the team as Treasurer for this important non-profit. I am married to my husband Dave, and we have 2 children Tanner & Cassidee.
Treasurer
Matt Noll
My name is Matt Noll. I’ve known Robin for more than 45 years. Her close friendship with my sister, made Robin like a 3rd sister to me. It’s a great feeling helping Robin with Bags and Blessings in any way that I can. My main roles are designing flyers and DJing the fall 5k and spring Pop Up in the Park.
Graphic Design
Diane Hapach
InstructorMy name is Diane Hapach, and I joined Bags & Blessings because I immediately fell in love with its mission. As a person of faith, I have always believed in sharing God's love through acts of kindness, compassion, and service. Bags & Blessings does exactly that by offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of community to individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis. Being part of an organization that leads with Christian values and reminds people they are never alone has become incredibly meaningful to me. What started as a place to volunteer has truly become a second home, and I am grateful to be part of a community that loves, serves, and uplifts others every day.
Paula Rishack
InstructorAs a newly retired Special Educator of 31 years, I was looking for a local site to teach more yoga classes and was fortunate to have met Robin. Listening to her story brought my thoughts to my mom's recent cancer journey. Being a part of this organization will be a way of celebrating my mom and all the wonderful people who continue to help her through treatment with prayers and thoughtful support. In addition, it will help me honor the lives of friends and family I have lost to cancer over the years. I look forward to sharing some of the yoga that has helped me get through it all with grace!
Website DirectorI met Robin through Jennifer when they planned for their first Bags and Blessings 5K in 2019. I don’t like running! That’s why I decided to support Bags and Blessing with their website.
Volkmar Kuntz
Vicki Helsley
My name is Vicki Helsley and I am the Owner / Photographer of VickiLee Photography and Lil’ Angels Photography. My husband works with Robin, and it all started with him choosing his United Way Organization to give to with every pay and he chose Bags and Blessings. This gave us sponsorship to the amazing race Bags and Blessings does every year. I was able to watch and admire Robin with the absolute joy and faith she puts into every step of it, it gives me chills, it is truly amazing to see. She first asked me to bake for an event, I do that too, and I, of course, said yes, but then she found out I was a photographer. She asked me to photograph an event, and I jumped at the chance to do anything I could to help this incredible organization. I am so honored to have something that can help. Before you know it, Robin has me as their official photographer for Bags and Blessings and you don’t say no to Robin, but why would you!