CLAY COUNTY— Richard Reyes was just 45 when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer.

And it was just 30 days after that when he reached Stage 4. 

It was so quick. So sudden. Reyes said he was on a warpath, but had made a pact with himself. 

“If I lived, I would go out and tell everyone what I had learned from my journey.”

Now, as a proud survivor, Reyes lives. And he’s doing exactly that.

The Blue Bag Project is a direct result of Reyes’ mission of supporting those who need it most. What began just two years ago has now become a phenomenon. 

Through the project, Reyes and a team of volunteers forge together to deliver a backpack of hope and empowerment to cancer patients dealing with what can feel like endless days of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgeries. 

Reyes said the chemotherapy room is one of the most unique and daunting places to be, with a range of emotions within it. He wanted to provide it with some light.

“I noticed I was one of the youngest people in there. And you see all different types of people in there. Some aren’t saying anything, some are sleeping, some are talking,” Reyes said.

 Filled with 19 items, including lip balm, bed socks, a journal, a sleep mask, an anti-nausea wristband, hand sanitizers, ear buds and a beanie, among other items, Reyes said the bag is designed to cater to the practical needs of the warriors, as well as everyone who may be affected - whether that be family, friends, nurses or oncologists. 

“It’s something tangible that people, every time they pick it up, it’s a reminder that someone thought of their battle. And whether they’re winning it or whether they feel like they’re not, it’s a drive to keep looking at the positive, regardless,” said volunteer Belinda Ganey. “It’s a reminder that life is short, and you have to live while you’re living.”

The project is in conjunction with Operation Positive Vibes, an organization that promotes positive vibes in both cancer and veteran support. Reyes is a co-founder of the organization, along with Jared Ashley, a U.S. Navy veteran. Together, the two work to promote healing and support.

With distributions at Ronald McDonald House Charities around the country, local drives and community drop-offs, Reyes said the bags are given out frequently.

In addition to meaningful goodies, Reyes said the bags also act as a tool to help spread awareness. Inside the bags are also pamphlets that provide warriors with important facts and information about their diagnosis.

According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2025, roughly two million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.

“Colorectal cancer is on the rise, especially [with] younger people. It’s now moved to the number one killer of men for cancer, 50 and below,” Reyes said. "And [for] women it's number two."

Reyes educates people on what to look for and what to discuss with their doctor. Things that could help save a life or prevent a diagnosis. 

Before his diagnosis, Reyes said he began having stomach pains. But there was no way he knew what was coming.

“I never thought I was going to have cancer. I always thought that if something were to happen to me, it’d be [the] heart, because my father,” Reyes said. “But, when they staged me, they had said that I should have been screened a long time ago because of my family history. But, no doctor had ever told me that.”

Reyes said there were many misconceptions and unknowns about his condition. And after several opinions, he almost began the wrong treatment.

Later in his journey, Reyes said doctors explained to him that he was in remission. He became the 13th person in the world whose specific case had happened to.

According to the World Health Organization, about one in five people develops cancer in their lifetime. That’s why he said staying informed helps warriors, and their families, pinpoint symptoms and get ahead of the issue early. 

Ganey said she connected with Reyes following her husband Tom's cancer diagnosis. Ganey said she got involved with the Blue Bag Project after losing Tom last year.

Ganey said being involved with the project has been a cathartic experience. A way to help others be informed, make the most out of their condition and transform it into a positive. 

“I held off on asking questions that I should have asked or finding out things, and, you know, I just felt like I’ll have time. Then all of a sudden, we woke up one morning and there was no asking that anymore because he was not able to do that,” Ganey said. 

With almost 22,000 followers on TikTok, Reyes said people from all over the world join their weekly lives to share their stories—from warriors who have beaten the disease once, twice, or even three times to those who are currently battling it. It’s a place of refuge, where individuals can ask questions and receive non-medical advice from others who have either experienced it or are currently living through it.

Through many local partnerships with insurance companies, the American Cancer Society, Borland Groover, and Florida’s leading gastroenterology providers, Reyes said the organization has been able to excel and spread its message to great lengths, not only raising awareness of the disease itself, but also highlighting the mental and financial implications that come with it. 

Reyes and Ganey said the smiles on the faces of those they serve are priceless. Reyes said the constant messages he receives from those wearing their blue bags, beanies, and bracelets is truly a sight to see. 

Witnessing the efforts of those dedicated to their cause, such as Gary Hargrove, inspires them to keep going. Hargrove, the owner of Open Road Bicycles on Fleming Island, who is currently battling cancer, hand-delivers the bags to patients frequently. 

Reyes said you can purchase a bag through their website at bluebagproject.com.

For more information, you can also email info@bluebagproject.com. 

After his diagnosis, Reyes said his life was flipped upside down. But one thing that Ansil Lewis, of the Clay County Veterans Council, said to him after learning of his condition stuck with him. And it's been ringing true ever since.

“Positive vibes, positive vibes, bro.”