By Jessica Ekstrom
Being on the cover of Endurance was an incredible advancement for Headbands of Hope, especially in the running community. Since then, we’ve teamed up with Sweaty Bands to create runner-friendly headbands with a non-slip velvet grip on the back.
We’ve also had amazing running and outdoor gear stores carrying our products, such as Capital Run Walk in Raleigh and Townsend and Bertram in Carrboro.
In September, we’ll be hosting our first Sweat Hope 5K and Festival to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Registrations will raise money to donate headbands and buffs to UNC and Duke children’s hospitals.
Recently we hosted a Make Your Own Headband Day at Duke Children’s Hospital to celebrate Headbands of Hope’s two-year anniversary. The patients were able to come to the playroom and pick their elastic and flower embellishments and craft their own headbands.
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Since our cover appearance last July, we’ve traveled across the country and donated headbands to over 9,000 girls. Some of the hospitals included Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; Atlanta Children’s Hospital; and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
“Survivor” winner and two-time cancer crusher Ethan Zohn delivered headbands to Stony Brook Cancer Center in Stony Brook, New York.
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We were lucky enough to have Miss West Virginia deliver headbands on her hospital tour across the U.S.!
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While delivering headbands, we’ve realized we don’t want to have to pass by any room. Therefore, we started a line for boys called Headwear of Hope. It’s the same concept as Headbands of Hope, but now we donate buffs to boys with cancer. Therefore, we never have to pass by a room during our hospital deliveries.
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Ever since creating Headbands of Hope in college, it’s been incredible to see my story serve as a source of inspiration to others to take action on social issues, no matter their age. I was thrilled to share my story in a TEDx presentation year.
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We’re excited to have the support of Endurance as we move forward into another year of fighting kids’ cancer!
Sweat Hope 5K
Cary, NC – September 27
On Sept. 27, Headbands of Hope will host the first Sweat Hope 5K and Festival for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary from 9 a.m. to 12.
Each female race participant will receive a headband and donate a headband to a girl at UNC and Duke hospitals. Each male participant will receive a hat and donate a buff for a boy at the hospitals.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy the post-race festival! Make your own trail mix from Earth Fare, get your hair braided with Simple Bliss Salon, test your fitness with Raleigh CrossFit, learn to drum with DRUMSTRONG, get a healthy snack from Whole Foods, drink a cup of coffee from Sola Coffee, take a picture in the Headbands of Hope photo booth and much more. In other words, expect a fun-filled afternoon for all ages!
