In 2005, our Co-Founder Angelle was just 38 years old with 3 small children when she was given a 34% chance of surviving breast cancer. The diagnosis itself was a heartbreaker, but the idea of losing her figure and hair was absolutely heart-wrenching.
Her locks of long curly hair were her signature, but faking her exotic hair with a wig in 2005 was not possible. The struggle to find good-looking, good-fitting head covers just didn't exist.
Scarves were costly, had to be tied, and refused to stay in place. Her search caused her more anxiety than she could handle. She lost her dignity and mostly went bald or lived in a comfy bandana that left many parts of her head exposed.
Five years later, she survived thanks to new targeted therapies liked Herceptin. She had the honor of being the first women to cheer on Dr. Denny Slamon (Harry Connick, Jr.) at the end of the movie, Living Proof -- a movie filmed in her hometown about the hero, who she knows without a doubt, saved her life! His story taught her that one person can change the world, and she had a new appreciation for the second chance at life she was given, and made a vow to live a purpose driven life.
In 2010, her sister was diagnosed, and she refused to let her suffer the same frustration. She came up with the perfect solution to ease the added burden of baldness for others.
Along with her niece, they designed, developed, and patented, a simple, yet, stylish alternative to old-fashioned scarf-tying and your grandmother's turban. The unique design called Chemo Beanies®️, created for her sister Danielle has now become a generic name, used by cancer patients, and other conditions like alopecia that cause medical hair loss.
The goal was to provide one simple solution that would take the anxiety out of the search. A easy, slip-on solution that provides full coverage with a proprietary level of elastic bands in the back, that always keeps it comfortably in place. The built-in neck scarf was designed to invoke the feeling of having hair, without a large knot on the back of their head for long afternoons in the chemo chair. Women should be free to focus on their healthcare, not their headwear. Each Style is named after a warrior who inspired us along the way.
Thoughtfully made in America, with hand picked fabrics chosen by the founders for optimal comfort, breathability, and style, because they know first hand the journey of hair loss is at least a year, and matching outfits day to day can be an added frustration not needed. They are priced so patients can afford multiple styles for fashionable looks over the time of treatment.
Our beanies have been worn by many in solidarity for a loved one as a simple gesture of support. The way they are packaged, ensures the perfect gift, because you can tell a neighbor, co-worker, family, or friend that you understand what they are about to go through without having to say a word!
We are soooo grateful for all of our customers over the past decade plus, and we are always looking for nominations for warrior names for our new styles that come out every season! We are glad you are here, so please don't hesitate to reach out with comments and questions contact@chemobeanies.com.
xoxo
~ Chemo Beanies Team