GIFTS OF LOVE HATS FROM THE HEARTS BRINGING SMILES TO AREA CANCER PATIENTS.Byline: Krystn Shrieve Staff Writer NEWBURY PARK - When her best friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer ovarian cancer Malignant tumour of the ovaries. Risk factors include early age of first menstruation (before age 12), late onset of menopause (after age 52), absence of pregnancy, presence of specific genetic mutations, use of fertility drugs, and personal history of breast and was told the chemotherapy would rob her of her hair within two weeks, Ann Hohimer went on the hunt for hats, wigs and scarves - and eventually just started making her own. Last year Hohimer, retired after working for nearly two decades at a fabric store, started Hats from the Hearts, a nonprofit organization Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. that makes and gives away simple cotton hats - including 3,000 expected to be done this month - in a rainbow of colors. ``When a woman loses her hair it's devastating dev·as·tate tr.v. dev·as·tat·ed, dev·as·tat·ing, dev·as·tates 1. To lay waste; destroy. 2. To overwhelm; confound; stun: was devastated by the rude remark. ,'' said Hohimer, 52, of Newbury Park. ``This is just a little something that gives them comfort.'' Hohimer, who lost her mother to breast cancer and has two other relatives with cancer, said her goal is to offer all women with cancer some dignity. She and other volunteers have made and given away 600 simple cotton hats in a rainbow of colors. ``When I woke up from surgery in intensive care, the thought of losing my hair hit me very fast,'' said former Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. resident Linda Lynch, the friend who inspired Hohimer's passion. ``It bothered me, I won't say it didn't, and I shed tears over it. I had to tell myself I could either die with a full head of hair, or make the best of the situation, go through the treatment and grow new hair.'' This month Hohimer and her team of helpers are in the final stages of finishing 3,000 more. The hats will be available for free to cancer patients in October at each of the county's hospitals, American Cancer Society American Cancer Society, n.pr established in 1913, this national volunteer-based health organization is committed to the elimination of cancer through prevention and treatment and to diminishing cancer suffering through advocacy, scholarship, research, branches, oncology offices and the Wellness Community, a Westlake Village organization that provides services to cancer patients. ``She's such a special volunteer,'' said Madeline Sattler, executive director of the Greater Conejo Valley The Conejo Valley is a region spanning both Southeastern Ventura County and Northwest Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States. It was discovered in 1542 by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and eventually became part of the Rancho El Conejo land grant by branch of the American Cancer Society, who uses the hats in her Look Good, Feel Better Program. ``She does such a wonderful job making these beautiful hats, and it's such a joy to see the women's faces when they put these hats on.'' The hats are typically made out of cotton or other soft fabric and include a wide band that covers the entire hairline hair·line n. The outline of the growth of hair on the head, especially across the front. . They're made in a variety of patterns and always include a pin with flowers, buttons, ribbons or coordinating decoration. Hohimer and her husband, Jim, have funded the project almost exclusively, but have received donations from throughout the county. She's always on the lookout for in search of; looking for. See also: Lookout contributions, from white gloss spray paint for the display baskets to fabric, glue, silk flowers or decorative pins. Hohimer said she sews constantly to keep up with the demand - taking supplies with her. After making so many, Hohimer said once the fabric is cut she can sew a hat in five minutes flat. About 25 volunteers, from Girl Scouts Girl Scouts, recreational and service organization founded (1912) in Savannah, Ga., by Mrs. Juliette Gordon Low (1860–1927). It was originally modeled after the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, organizations created in Great Britain by Sir Robert Baden-Powell during to personal friends, have helped - her grandson, she said, mastered the art of tying the tiny decorative bows at age 4. Hohimer estimates she'll have to make 3,000 to 5,000 every year just to keep up with the needs of cancer patients in Ventura County alone. ``Camarillo Community Church held an all-night sew-along recently and said they plan another one soon,'' Hohimer said. ``It's amazing how much help I'm getting, but I can always use more.'' Sue Benvenuto, a seven-year breast cancer survivor, said she wishes Hohimer's hats had been around when she was going through her treatment. ``You look in the mirror and you're totally bald with no eyebrows or eyelashes,'' said Benvenuto, 58, of Newbury Park. ``Looking in the mirror you know you're a cancer victim. But covering it up with a pretty scarf, a neat hat or a great looking wig makes you forget that for a moment.'' HAT FACTS Hats from the Hearts will be available at Relay for Life Relay For Life (often shortened to Relay) is a fundraising event of the American Cancer Society, and is now held in many other countries. It is an overnight event designed to spread awareness of cancer prevention, treatments and cures, celebrate survivorship and raise money , a 24-hour fund-raiser, scheduled for various times on Saturday and Sunday at Oxnard and Camarillo High schools, Sept. 16-17 at Newbury Park High School, Oct. 7-8 at Royal High School in Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. and Nov. 18-19 and Moorpark College Moorpark College is a California-state funded community college located on a 134 acre (542,000 m²) property reclining on a hill in Moorpark, a town in Ventura County, California. . Call (805) 497-0114. For Hats from the Heart, call (805) 499-1051 or visit www.bearhugsv(AT_SIGN)aol.com. CAPTION(S): 2 photos, box Photo: (1 -- 2 -- color -- 2 color in Conejo edition only) Ann Hohimer, above, and a team of helpers make hats to cheer up cancer patients. Some of their handiwork is seen at right. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News Box: Hat Facts (see text) |
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