![]() WEAR HOPE … GIVE HOPE ![]() PLANNING A FUNDRAISER? CALL US FOR WHOLESALE PRICING Copyright © 2006 Hats of Hope Please send any comments regarding this website to hatsofhope Congratulations to Elaine Sherwood and Conway Regional Health Center for an unbelievable event, the 1st Conway Regional Health Fair. Elaine has been one of our biggest supporters, bringing hats to her Relay for Life Team at Conway Regional in Conway, Arkansas. Not only is Elaine an oncology nurse extraodinaire, she is tireless in her efforts to raise money and awareness. Elaine alerted us to the Colossal Colon project and the women who made it a reality. Elaine Sherwood, Lea Algood, Hannah Vogler, Molly McMaster, and Noelle Sherwood. ![]() hats of hope is proud to work with SMA. To learn more about this disease go to our links and click on SMA sites. Pictures from Madison’s Angels at the End Zone Fundraiser 3/12//05 ![]() L-R: back Michelle Torbert wearing visor with Cade’s picture, Tod Torbert; front Callie Torbert, Cade Torbert, OSU coach Jim Tressel ![]() OSU football coach Jim Tressel and Michelle Worellia ![]() During the final days of my father’s illness, only two things mattered Tribute to a Hat A simple baseball hat with the stylized embroidered word “Hope” on the bill has given me the most meaningful moment of my life. The hat is from the “Hats of Hope.com” company and is one of the “healing hats”. Inside the hat is the Jewish prayer for healing in Hebrew and the interpretation of the prayer in English by Debbi Friedman. She has written a hauntingly beautiful melody for this prayer, and translates it as follows: “May the source of strength, who blessed the ones before us Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing and let us say. Amen. Bless those in need of healing, with r’fuah shlemah The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit and let us say. Amen” This particular “Hat of Hope” was presented to my father (Rabbi Herbert Morris). He was supposed to give a prayer for the children at my son, Elijah’s, preschool graduation in May. He was unable to be there because his health was deteriorating. The preschool director, Joanie Charnow, sent the hat to my father. Very touched by her thoughtfulness because he did not know her well, he wore the hat to his chemo treatments so he could share the prayer with the other patients. As his health declined, the hat ended up in the closet. It sat atop a stack of hats from his travels. Alaska, China, Australia, Denver, even his police chaplain hat. On November 3, we knew Dad was in his last few days of life. He knew it also. But on that day Mom said to him, “You are not done being a Rabbi yet, there is more for you to do”. Carolyn, a nurse who had helped Mom and Dad recently, needed to see “her Rabbi” although she is not Jewish. Her mother is dying from her struggle with cancer and on this day, she found that her 11 year old daughter has cancer and must begin chemo immediately. We lovingly took the hat from the closet and gave it to Dad. He held tightly to the hat, and with purpose in his eyes said, “ok”. Carolyn arrived and sat next to Dad. He talked with her about the fight ahead and entreated her to remember the part of Psalm 23 that we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death”. “You will walk through, you don’t stay there, you just keep moving through. That is how you will get through this,” he said as he gripped her hand. Carolyn brought her daughter, Jessica, into my father’s bedroom where we were all gathered. I believe that there were 15 of us (family and friends). Jessica sat by my father’s side, a lovely blond-haired and pink-cheeked girl in her Catholic school uniform. Dad was very weak and trembly but his voice was strong as he spoke to Jessica, giving her what strength he had left, telling her that although she had a rough road ahead she would get through it. He explained the healing prayer to her and as she took her mother’s hand, we began to sing. As the 15 people gathered sang the prayer, we held hands and we helped Dad to take Jessica’s hand to complete the circle. While everyone was drying their tears, we asked Jessica to pass the hat along when she meets someone who needs it more than she does. We asked her to sign the hat on the inside and that maybe, with each person who uses the hat, the prayer will gain strength. Three days later, Dad passed away. For those of us fortunate enough to have been with him at the end, we will never forget the spirituality of a man who used his last bit of strength to bring comfort to a child. All of us were shown the true circle of life from a Rabbi who taught us how to live and was now teaching us how to die. We send you our deepest gratitude and thanks for your remarkable product. Dena Kaufman, Judy Morris (my Mom), Bram Morris (my Brother), Rayna Arnold (my sister), Tamra Dollin (my sister) ![]() ![]() In August of 2003 I was diagnosed with uterine sarcoma and needed to have surgery and then chemotherapy. My oncologist explained the course of treatment and what to expect for side effects, one being the loss of hair. My family decided to have a “Mad Hatter Party” and each guest was to bring a hat for me to wear during my “bald head days.” My sister Sandi works at a wonderful pharmarcy, and she received a call from DeeDee of hats of hope explaining their mission and goals with these wonderful hats . . . She bought one for me and brought it to the party for me to wear. I loved it and still wear it today even though I have my hair back. My last chemo session was due to take place over Christmas. My family and I decided that instead of buying gifts for everyone we would buy some hats of hope and give them to the people on the adult cancer unit where I would be receiving my treatment with the hope that these hats would bring the same sense of peace and hope that mine had brought me . . . The nurse that distributed the hats on X-mas eve reported back to me the joy that each patient expressed with the idea brought by these wonderful hats. I still wear my hat to remind me that there is always hope and to never give up! Lee Colby ![]() ![]() We’d love to see you in your hat so we can add it to our words and photos page. Please mail your photos and/or words to us at:Hats of Hope 12 Donald St. Lexington, MA 02420 or E-mail us. ![]() “The hats that I ordered will be worn in memory of a special woman, my cousin Judith, who lost her battle with breast cancer this past November-after a valiant 5 year fight…One is for her best friend, one for her niece and one for me-her cousin. We all participated in the Avon Breast Cancer 3Day this year…2nd year for me-the first for them…I thought that the hats were so beautiful and unique-that I had to get them to honor such an incredible and amazing woman such as my cousin. Thank you so much!!”Chris Woodward ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() “Thank you so much for the hats of hope. They are just wonderful. I have given two of them to breast cancer patients and they love them. The hats offer such words of wisdom and mean so much to the people who wear them. It is a wonderful way to make a difference and I thank you.”L. Littler,R.N.Bethesda Memorial Hospital ![]() ![]() Elaine Sherwood and Willie Sullivan inside the colossal colon. ![]() MDA walk, Columbus Ohio, 3/5/05 L-R: Kelly Stare, Michelle Worellia, Michele Torbert Callie Torbert, Katie Stare Katie Stare ![]() “I wear a hat with pride. Keep up the good message of “hope”. ![]() Barb, New York ![]() “My mother and I went to the Dana Farber Center in Boston, MA and distributed the Hats of Hope for my Bat Mitzvah project.We took about twenty hats and went to the children’s floor. There were two kids and a nurse sitting in the playroom. We explained why we were there and the nurse offered the two girls hats. When we gave each of them their purple hats they were so excited. I felt so good when I saw the smile on their faces. They asked to see themselves in the mirror. I had brightened up their day. It made me want to do more. So then we gave out some of the other hats to children on that floor. All the children were so happy to get a hat. I was so happy I did this for my mitzvah project.”Jessica S., age 13 ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() “Your hats arrived at Karmanos just before the holidays, and were truly a highlight of celebration. The lights that sparkled in the eyes of the patients that we “gifted” were similar to the lights strung on the holiday trees. Everyone who saw them wanted one, the staff tried to sweet talk us into sharing stating “we need a little hope”-it didn’t work! Thanks for creating such an “uplifting ray of HOPE.” Sharon Cure, Director Patient and Family Support Services Karmanos Cancer Institute ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() love the hats” ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Copyright © 2006 Hats of HopePlease send any comments regarding this website to hatsofhope |
n The NewsHATS PROVIDE CHARITY-EVENT RUNNERS WITH HOPE AND FUNDSFebruary 12, 2004 (Lexington, MA) – Runners and walkers in charity-fundraising events have found a new way to stay motivated, keep the sun off their faces, and raise funds with hats of hope™. These unique caps and visors, which feature inspiring quotes inside the crown and the embroidered word “Hope” on the underside of the brim, have long been a favorite of cancer patients and survivors, and are now being worn and sold by event runners to keep their purpose in sight and in mind. Hats of hope™ recently entered into an agreement with the New England Chapter of the American Diabetes Association to provide the official hat of the America’s Walk for Diabetes event in October. Beginning in April, customized ADA hats will be available for purchase through www.diabetes.org (click on MA page), as well as directly through hats of hope, www.hatsofhope.com. Walkers, runners, and supporters of ADA’s mission of Cure. Care. Committment are being encouraged to purchase hats to supplement fundraising efforts. Forty percent of the $20 price per hat will go directly to the ADA New England Chapter. Other organizations including Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Affiliates and the National Wellness Community have also started to wear and sell hats of hope. Supporting causes they believe in, in addition to providing hope and inspiration to people, has been a part of the ethos of this company of three women since its inception in 1998. “We started making our hats with messages to help friends and family who were going through difficult times,” says Joan Yarmovsky of hats of hope™. “It seemed natural, as we started selling the hats, that we would dedicate a portion of our profits to charities that provide hope. We’re delighted to be partnering with American Diabetes Association to help raise greater awareness and funds.” Runners, walkers and event-organizers interested in purchasing the hats for themselves or to raise funds can contact hats of hope at 800.460.1708 for more information. The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching more than 800 communities.Hats of hope™, founded in 1998 by Joan Yarmovsky, Dee Dee Pike and Wendy Friedman, creates and sells hats and with inspirational messages.THE MONICA R. WEINSTEIN HAT BANKOn ![]() Art For Hope MA Camp Make a Dream MT City of Hope CA Dana Farber Cancer Institute MA Emerson Hosp. Bethke Cancer Center MA Emory Hospital GA Friends for Hope KY Happiness is Camping Jimmy Fund Clinic at the Dana Farber MA John R. Marsh Cancer Center MD Kids in Need MA Lowell General Cancer Center MA Marian Cancer Center CA Massachusetts General Hospital MA Neely House MA Sharsharet NJ Sibley Memorial Hospital DC St. Jude Hospital and Research Center TN St. Rose Hospital, NV NV Tampa Hope Lodge FL Tufts NEMC MA Univ. Of Kansas Med. Center. KS Y-ME ILHats of Hope are en route to NYCby Diana Brown, Northwest Notebook Column of Boston Sunday Globe – October 7, 2001When Joan Yarmovsky and her business partners teamed up two years ago to make hats emblazoned with messages of hope, they were thinking of their friends going through chemotherapy.Then came Sept. 11. The four partners in Hats of Hope in Lexington looked at their denim blue hat with a red brim and white writing and had an idea. They sent 100 caps to the firefighters in New York City. ![]() Hats off to women with inspiration: Message-bearing caps offer words of hope by Kathleen Cordeiro, Staff Writer, Lexington Minuteman – September 7, 2000 ![]() ![]() Hats of Hope Bring Inspiration and Cheer to Those in Need of Support by Susie Davidson, Advocate Correspondent, The Jewish Advocate – June 14-20, 2002LEXINGTON – In the face of personal challenge, there is often no better therapy than the caring support of others, be they individuals or groups. Joan Yarmovsky, Dee Dee Pike and Wendy Friedman’s unusually altruistic venture goes to the hat of the matter, so to speak. Since 1999, they have manufactured “hats of hope” baseball caps, embroidered with messages of support, inspiration and encouragement. The company began as the brainchild of the three women, each coming from a different arena but familiar with the struggles people go through as they face illness.”When we began, we were three women with different backgrounds,” says Yarmovsky. (Pike, a psychologist, was working with people who had chronic illness, Yarmovsky was an educator, and Friedman an MBA working in the nonprofit/healthcare area.) “Although we came from varied places, we’ve all been moved by being part of people’s struggles.”The women, who had friends in treatment for cancer, began distributing their product to hospital gift shops and nurses, who handed them out free to chemotherapy patients. Not surprisingly, they caught on; 10,000 were sold in the first two years alone.The 100 percent cotton hats are purposefully, yet whimsically designed. Under the brim is the word “hope,” which is viewable at all times by the wearer. Varied phrases line the insides. For “Hair Loss,” two of the messages are: “I’d rather my hair than my mind,” and “I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch” (Gilda Radner). The “Inspirational” group includes “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet,” (Helen Keller) and “Sigh. Sob. Scream. Laugh. Repeat.”One of the series features folk singer Debbie Friedman and Rabbi Drorah Setel’s reworking of the Jewish prayer for the sick, Mi Shebeirach: “Mi Shebeirach imoteinu, m’kor habracha l’avonteinu. Bless those in need of healing with r’fua sh’leima, The renewal of spirit, And let us say, Amen.” After Sept. 11, they sent 100 to NYC firefighters. A rescue worker called them his “most enduring memory.”They recently attended the Oncology Nursing Society Meeting in D.C. “Novartis Pharmaceuticals gave out 7000 of our hats to nurses,” says Yarmovsky. “Each had special messages acknowledging their care and heart.”A Jewish chaplain at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas decided to give our Mi Shebeirach hats out to Jewish patients receiving treatment for cancer. We also had several rabbis purchase the hats with discretionary funds to give to people in the congregation who are in need of healing. Wear Hope … Give Hope continues.”They will be attending the CAJE (Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education) conference in San Antonio in August.The hats carry financial support as well. A portion of their proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the American Pain Foundation. The Mi Shebeirach hats help Hadassah and Chai Lifeline, and since Sept. 11, half of the selling price of the $20 red, white and blue hats has gone to the American Red Cross. Hats of Hope are available at www.hatsofhope.com, or in hospital gift shops nationwide. They are offered for $10 to any groups such as synagogues, schools or community organizations who wish to use the hats in social action projects. Capping Treatment With Bits of Hope by Aliza Phillips, Forward – December 28, 2001 ![]() |