Candace Dunbar Memorial (Hats for Healing)

In 2011, at age 31, Candace Dunbar was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Lobular Carcinoma – Breast Cancer. On July 28, 2018, after a very long 7 year battle, we lost our dear friend to this disease. Throughout this entire process, Candace never lost hope. After having begun chemotherapy, she lost all of her hair and longed to feel “normal” again. She found this sense of “normalcy” and regained some of her confidence wearing hats and scarves. Candace was such an incredibly selfless person and wanted to share this “warm feeling” with other warriors fighting and/or survivors who have fought similar battles. In 2012, Candace started Hats for Healing. As she collected and delivered hats and scarves, her selflessness and love for others shined bright. Candace once said, “The patients instantly lit up when I hand delivered a hat to each and every patient that was receiving treatment that day at the Cancer Center. I met with each patient and got to visit with them for a few moments. The experience was completely humbling and is one that I will never forget.”

Candace may no longer be with us, but her beautiful spirit lives on through her legacy by continuing Hats for Healing. Since 2018, her friends and family have continued collecting and delivering hats and scarves to the Cancer Center. As is the case with everything this year, COVID 19 has changed the process of Hats for Healing. Instead of collecting hats and scarves to deliver to patients, we have decided to start a “Go Fund Me” page to allow Candace’s supporters to donate money to continue her project. Our goal is to use the funds collected to purchase new hats and scarves to deliver to fellow warriors in the future when we are able and when it is more safe to interact with others.

Please spread the word and consider making a donation to help us keep Candace’s beautiful and loving spirit alive through Hats for Healing. We know that Candace would be so happy knowing that we continue to spread her love and warmth throughout our community.