In this heartfelt episode of Southaven Business Beat, host Aaron Cozort sits down with two incredibly resilient women, Tracy Gallagher and Tamara Dickerson, who are not just survivors — they’re warriors, leaders, and community builders. Tracy and Tamara share the powerful origin story and mission behind DeSoto Hope, a local nonprofit born from personal battles with cancer and built to ensure that no one in DeSoto County fights alone.
🎗️ What started as a simple idea — delivering care baskets filled with comfort items to local cancer fighters — has now grown into a movement of hope, healing, and heartfelt support. Since 2020, DeSoto Hope has hand-delivered over 2,100 baskets, each tailored to the unique needs of the individual, from silk pillowcases and specialized toothpaste to devotionals, snacks, and even fun surprises for kids.
💪 But their work doesn’t stop at baskets. DeSoto Hope also offers $500 travel grants for those who need out-of-town cancer treatment, covers gas or hotel expenses, and connects patients with community resources. It’s a grassroots organization run by five fierce women — all survivors — who understand the fight intimately and are committed to walking with others through theirs.
💬 In this episode, Tracy and Tamara open up about their personal journeys, the emotion behind delivering these baskets, and the simple but powerful truth they want every cancer patient to know: you are not alone.
🎬 Chapters
00:00 – Intro: Meet Tracy and Tamara
01:00 – Tracy’s Journey & Birth of DeSoto Hope
02:10 – Tamara’s Story: From Supporter to Survivor
03:35 – What is DeSoto Hope?
04:30 – “No One Fights Alone” – The Mission
05:28 – The First Basket & Growth of the Ministry
06:31 – What’s Inside a DeSoto Hope Basket
08:00 – Who Receives a Basket & How
08:47 – Why the $50 Gift Card Matters
09:26 – Custom Baskets for Kids
10:16 – Sponsor Thank You
11:09 – Return to the Conversation
12:01 – Helping Patients with Travel Grants
13:22 – How the Community Can Get Involved
14:04 – Events: Light at the Lake & Night of Hope
15:11 – Amazon Wish List, Fundraisers, and Memorial Donations
16:19 – Basket Delivery Stories That Will Touch Your Heart
18:06 – Summer & Future Opportunities to Help
18:25 – Bird Feeders & Unexpected Joys
19:19 – Giving Credit Where It’s Due: The Community’s Role
19:38 – The Chamber of Commerce’s Impact
20:51 – Trick-or-Treat & Telling the Story
21:32 – Final Thoughts & How You Can Help
🧡 Why You Should Watch
Hear inspiring real-life stories of cancer survival, sisterhood, and selflessness.
Learn how everyday people in your community are making extraordinary impact.
Discover simple ways you can get involved — from buying bird feeders to sponsoring events or donating on their Amazon Wish List.
Be moved by the emotional basket delivery stories that show what human connection really means during the toughest of battles.
🔗 Get Involved with DeSoto Hope
🌐 Website: https://desotohope.org
📦 Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1FZZDKJF8K4OX/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
📬 Want to request a basket or donate? Visit their site and learn how you can help.
📅 Events: Light at the Lake – In April at Central Park, Southaven
📣 Support This Show!
💼 Southaven Business Beat is made possible by the Southaven Chamber of Commerce and our amazing sponsors. If you love stories that highlight what makes our city great, subscribe to the channel, like this video, and share it with a friend!
📢 Drop a comment below: ✨ Have you heard of DeSoto Hope before? 💬 Know someone who could use a basket? 🙏 Been impacted by cancer? We’d love to hear your story.
💖 Southaven Business Beat proudly highlights stories of strength, service, and entrepreneurship in our community. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and stay connected.
