Administrator's Note:  We share the below story from our good friend, Patti Sanchez-Chambers, in honor of and in memory of so many who fight the cancer battle, just like Patti's father.  Prior to the holidays, a box of hats was sent in memory of Patti's father to North Star Lodge in Yakima, WA.  Whether you are together in person or in spirit, we wish you all a happy, healthy Holiday season.

When my friend Nikki shared with me the Story of Helmut and Halos of Hope, I immediately knew that this was an organization that I needed to help spread the word about.  This organization wasn't going to get recognized for CURING or PREVENTING cancer BUT, it definitely needed to be RECOGNIZED because what it DID DO was show the human being, diagnosed with cancer, whom was suffering the side-effects (of chemotherapy) it showed them COMPASSION & LOVE.Pamela Haschke (Founder of Halos of Hope) knew from her battle with breast cancer (2004) exactly what it felt like to have her "hair fall out in clumps" during her treatment.  She knew that she wanted to provide the same comforts to others that were provided to her.  Her favorite hats and scarves were ones that people had made for her, those were the ones that became her favorites-because she knew that "they were made with affection and love."  These kind acts are why Pam chose to found an organization thats soul purpose was and is to "PROVIDE SURVIVORSHIP SUPPORT TO OUR COMMUNITIES"!!!

In Sept 2009, my father, Manuel Sanchez was diagnosed with an aggressive/merciless pancreatic cancer.  His only option was to forego chemotherapy.  One evening, after a few chemotherapy treatments, he noticed  he was beginning to lose some of his facial hair; it was then that he decided that he would lose his hair (that that remained) on his terms, so he and my stepmother shaved his head.  From that night forward I almost always saw my father with a knitted cap of some type...I believe that this became part of his armamentarium in his fight.

I can only hope that you will find it in your heart to visit this website, in honor of my father, Nikki's father, Mrs. Lohner, Pam Haschke or in honor of your loved one and donate as little as $20.00 to this wonderful organization.  A small $5.00 donation sends a package of 15 hats to a local oncology office! Imagine what can be done with $20 or $100! http://www.firstgiving.com/halosofhope

I also hope that you will repost & share the story of Pam, of Danny's dog Helmut, of Lawrence Groth the Sharkman, of Nikki and her infectious compassionate spirit and of my father the inspiration behind Sancho the newest addition to the Shark Hat Family!!!

This Holiday I wish you and yours:GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS, LAUGHTER, LOVE AND WARMTH!!XOXO & CHOMPS,Patti

Oh MY Gosh... I almost forgot to give recognition to the WONDERFUL WOMAN who brought Sancho to life, Mrs Jodi Littlefield!!!  Jodi spent so much time on gathering the materials and seeking guidance and help from more experienced knitters as she was bringing him to life...Sancho was created with sheer love!!!  I can't wait to show Jodi ALL of Sanchos' ADVENTURES!!!  One of the most important conversations that I had with my Father, was one of our last ones, it was one where he shared with me the two biggest regrets of his life.  ONE was not spending enough time with his family (distant states & countries) the SECOND was that he didn't travel and see the world, rather he worked in distant places to provide for his wife and myself.  So my life goal is to do just that with Sancho, travel and spend time with the family!!!  Watch for the many photos to come of "Sancho and Patti's Adventures", you will see him popping up ALL AROUND THE WORLD in the years to come, many of those photos in dive destinations (as he has an infinity for the sea) as well as photos with my Fathers family, guess that would be OUR family TOO!  So stay tuned....