"Hats for Healing" Brings Smiles to Cancer Patients
By: Sophie Nielsen-Kolding WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: February 1, 2013
PEORIA- Battling cancer doesn't only change the way a person feels, but also the way they look, and one woman trying to make people feel better about what they see in the mirror.
Candace Dunbar arrived at Illinois Cancer Care Friday morning and started unloading boxes of hats.
"It's a lot of hats," she said.
More than 350 of them, she has to load them onto a cart to haul them inside. The word "survivor" on the back of her shirt tells you the reason behind her visit.
"I am a breast cancer survivor, officially December 8th of last year. And I received the most generous love and support from family and friends that I just want to pay it forward," Dunbar said.
She's handing out hats to the patients here, and receiving smiles in return. Dunbar knows what these women are going through, and says it's more than an accessory.
"To give love and support to these patients, although I can't be here physically by their side. They know that when they put their hat on that there's someone out there that loves them and is cheering them on," Dunbar said.
Teri Shaw dug through one of the boxes, looking for the perfect fit.
"It's really hard to go with no hair. So you try to do whatever you can you know, so you look kind of like you fit in," Shaw said.
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She said this act of kindness was unexpected, but that it goes a long way.
"I can say for everybody in here that's wearing them, you really appreciate them," she said.
Dunbar said that finally being cancer free has given her a new out look on life, and drive to help others.
"It opens your eyes to all the beautiful things that are out there, things you take for granted. So it feels really good it feels amazing and that I can help others. It feels really great as well," Dunbar said.
She says she hopes "Hats for Healing" is even bigger next year. If you'd like to help, Dunbar says to check out her Facebook page.
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