We are Cancer Called
Mama Lucy holds a special place in our hearts. Living in a small town in Ohio, she spends her time crocheting with love. Cancer Called began with a simple thought—Tamara, reflecting on a rotary phone on her shelf, felt as if cancer had “called” her. But she wasn’t alone in that call.
During her battle with cancer in 2020, Tamara received a prayer cloth from Mama Lucy, a small yet powerful gift meant to lift her spirits and bring hope. But Mama Lucy didn’t stop there. She kept crocheting and sending more prayer cloths, each carrying a message of love, faith, and encouragement.
One day, Tamara was surrounded by hundreds of these prayer cloths and asked, “What should I do with all of these?” Mama Lucy’s response was simple: “Bring hope to others.” And that’s exactly what we set out to do.
We soon realized Mama Lucy had crocheted over 400 prayer cloths! That’s when Tamara knew she had to get involved. She designed prayer and hope beads to accompany the crocheted cloths, bringing them together with a sprinkle of love and handmade determination. And so, Cancer Called was born—a heartfelt collaboration dedicated to spreading hope and healing to those who need it most.
At Cancer Called, we believe that even in the face of life’s toughest battles, hope can shine through. Our gifts of hope—lap cloths and beads—are lovingly crafted by Mama Lucy, Tamara, and dedicated volunteers. Each piece symbolizes strength, unity, and the unwavering support of a community that cares.
Our mission reaches beyond borders. Some of our lap cloths are handmade by women in Africa, who are paid fairly for their work, helping to foster entrepreneurship and economic independence. This initiative reflects our commitment to not only supporting cancer patients but also empowering women and creating opportunities for growth and self-reliance.
Cancer Called is more than just a company—it’s a community. Together, we bring hope, share strength, and remind every cancer patient that they are never alone.
Meet our Founder & President
Tamara Bara
Tamara Bara was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A. She has lived in Arizona for 10 years with her husband, Abdoulaye, a native of Burkina Faso, West Africa, and their two miniature red poodles.
Tamara is a two-time breast cancer survivor, the second time being stage 4. After years of leadership as a Senior Manager in the corporate world, she stepped away to found Cancer Called, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring individuals to embrace empathy through creative philanthropic opportunities that make a difference in the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
Tamara’s passion for service extends beyond her nonprofit work. She is a certified group home mentor for young girls ages 14-17. Also, she previously served as President of the Board of Directors for Faces without Places (now UpSpring), a nonprofit focused on keeping children experiencing homelessness connected to their education.
Guided by the belief that true leadership is about pushing beyond comfort zones for the greater good, Tamara embodies the words of Rosalynn Carter: "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be."
Through Cancer Called, Tamara is not just leading—she is creating a movement that challenges others to step up, give back, and stand alongside those in the fight against cancer.