Comfy for Chemo

Happy 40th Birthday Kim!

2011-07-01T08:45:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was my sister’s 40^th birthday. We had cupcakes, candles, balloons and birthday wishes to celebrate…the only thing missing was my sister. Help us celebrate our founder’s 40^th birthday this year by donating to the Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation. Through Kim’s vision and from many generous individuals, we have been able to purchase and donate almost 400 cozy blankets to patients undergoing chemotherapy across the United States.

Last year, our 39 for 39 Birthday Campaign raised enough money to purchase 90 blankets which well exceeded our goal of 39 blankets. Help make a difference …one blanket at a time…one life at a time by making a donation to our 40 for 40 Birthday Campaign – 40 blankets for Kim’s 40^th birthday.

Sarah and Hannah sent birthday wishes to their Aunt KiKi by writing messages on notecards, attaching them to balloons and setting them free. Enjoy the photos below. Thank you to everyone who remembered Kimberly yesterday. Your birthday wishes meant the world to us.

Comfy for Chemo wishes you a Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T01:14:00.000-05:00

On behalf of the Comfy for Chemo Foundation and our family, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. We are so very grateful for all of the support we have received in 2010 from friends, family and people that believe in our efforts. Through all of your charitable contributions we have been able to donate a year’s worth of blankets to Womack Army Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC, blankets to St. Joseph’s hospital in Atlanta, GA, children’s pillows to Candlelighter’s Camp CLIFF in Houston, TX and individual blankets to patients in AL, IA, IL, GA, LA, PA, SC, TN and TX.

My sister, Kim, would be so honored by the generosity displayed by so many this past year as you have all helped make her initial vision a reality. We hope that you will continue to support our cause in 2011 and bring a sense of warmth and comfort to those undergoing chemotherapy with the gift of a blanket.

To learn more on how you can help us or to request a blanket for a friend or loved-one undergoing chemotherapy, please contact us at comfyforchemo@suddenlink.net.

Sincerely,
Lara Ryan

Make a difference... one blanket at a time... one life at a time.

2010-12-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

January 1^st, 2011, will mark the one year anniversary of the Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation. The start of this incredible journey was sparked by my daughter Kim’s last wish; to help other chemotherapy patients by giving them a comfy blanket, like hers, to have while undergoing treatment. It was a rather simple request, one that has proven to be more than just a blanket for all those who have been a recipient. We have received countless comments from loved ones and friends on how the simple gift of a blanket has been a source of comfort and support. The blanket has helped lift the spirits of those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, and has become a cherished companion during the remainder of their therapy, hospital visits, and days of recovery at home.

The first project that Comfy for Chemo undertook was to support the oncology department at Womack Army Medical Center, where Kim spent so many hours, with her blanket, undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Comfy for Chemo has delivered over 200 blankets to the oncology department at Womack Army Medical Center, enough blankets to give to all the chemotherapy patients who have received treatment at Womack in 2010. “So many of our patients have loved receiving the lovely, warm, comfy blankets [given to them at the beginning of their chemotherapy treatment],” says Dr. Penelope Harris, the Chief of Oncology at Womack Army Medical Center. Additionally, Dr. Harris states, “It's also good to see that when patients have to be admitted to the hospital during chemo, or even afterwards, most will bring their blanket with them, an obvious sign of comfort and familiarity.”

It is Comfy for Chemo’s commitment to continue to provide blankets to Womack’s oncology department on an ongoing basis. To be able to carry out this commitment, Comfy for Chemo will sponsor an annual fundraiser, with 100% of all donations received being committed to purchasing and delivering blankets to Womack Army Medical Center.

As President of the Comfy for Chemo organization, I am so very proud of our first year achievements at Womack, and I’m especially thankful for all of the support we have received from friends, family, co-workers, and the military community in the Fayetteville area. It is estimated that the oncology department at Womack will provide care to 400 chemotherapy patients in 2011. We are kicking off our 2011 fundraising campaign specifically aimed at raising funds to purchase blankets for these patients.

You can make a significant difference…one blanket at a time…one life at a time. This holiday season I am asking you to help us by donating to this most worthy cause, helping provide comfort and support, and in some small way improving the lives of Womack’s chemotherapy patients as they are in the fight for their lives against cancer. Please open your hearts and donate to Womack Army Medical Center. The cost of one blanket delivered to one patient at Womack is $27. To make a donation please use the Paypal button to the left or send a check payable to Comfy for Chemo at 13314 Queensbury Ln., Houston, TX 77079.

I thank you all in advance for your support, and God bless you for helping others in their time of need.

Dave Nypaver

President, Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation

A letter to all from Lt. Col. Bill Hansen:

Dear Friends,

It was over 28 months ago that my beautiful wife Kimberly was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. When we first heard this news from the doctor, none of us truly understood the impact of what we were hearing- we had no idea that just 18 short months later, Kimberly would be taken from us. Through all of the pain and suffering, there was one thing that made Kimberly feel just a little better- a blanket her sister had sent her when she first started treatments. This blanket became much more than something to keep her warm. It became a symbol of comfort and security. It was the one thing that brought Kimberly some semblance of peace as she was fighting for her life. Every time I took her to the doctor, she had the blanket close at her side. It meant so much to her that one afternoon during a trip to the Emergency Room, she had me turn the car around because she realized she had left the blanket at home in her rush to get out the door.

In the midst of her own suffering, Kimberly decided that she needed to do something to help others. Kimberly came up with the vision for Comfy for Chemo. Kimberly wanted all chemotherapy patients, particularly those at Womack Army Medical Center, to feel the same comfort and security that she felt with her own blanket. When making arrangements for her final days, she asked that instead of sending flowers, people consider donating a blanket for other cancer patients in the Womack Oncology Department. Even in the end, Kimberly was still thinking of others. Less than 48 hours after her passing, donations began pouring in and we had enough blanket donations to give one to every cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Womack Army Medical Center. It was through the kind generosity of people like you that Comfy for Chemo was born.

December 31^st will mark the one- year anniversary of the death of my wife. Kimberly was an amazing woman with a heart full of compassion that knew no bounds. She was always there to help others, and even in her death she was still focused on making a difference in the lives of others. The donations did make a difference. I have been contacted by several people that we have donated blankets to. I have listened to countless stories of how much the blanket means to them. It is something they can hold onto…something that is theirs.

This is the time of year for reflection, a time of good will, and the spirit of giving. During this holiday season, I ask that you consider donating to Comfy for Chemo. All donations during this holiday season will be going to support the Womack Army Medical Center’s Oncology Department in honor of Kimberly. The military members and their families have put their lives on the line for the rest of us. Now they are fighting for their own lives. The gift that you will be giving is much more than a simple blanket. I have witnessed this first hand. It is the gift of hope and comfort for those that are in the fight of their lives. I want to say thank you in advance and happy holidays.

Sincerely,

Louis William Hansen

Here is one story of how a blanket has touched someone’s life:

“On April 16, 2010, I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. My daughter, Karen, went to school with Kimberly and had gotten very involved in her story, as had I. As soon as Karen’s friend, Bill Hansen, heard of my diagnosis and planned treatment, he immediately sent me a blanket. I started chemo a few days later and had my blanket by my 2nd round of chemo. I was astounded when I received it. It was the softest blanket I had ever felt...and it was beautiful! I never had chemo again without that blanket...it was such a comfort to me. It represents more than I can put into word.

One day near the end of my months of chemo, the chemo IV started leaking and I didn't realize it until it was on my clothes and the blanket. The chemo team told me that it was toxic and confiscated my clothes and my blanket. I was devastated. Not about my clothes, but about my blanket! The next day when I arrived for chemo, they told me they had talked to some "experts" and that my blanket would be okay after a few good washings. I was ecstatic!!! I got my blanket back!!!! I could finish out my chemo rounds with my beloved pink blanket!!!! It meant so very much to me.

We were told the tumor would never go away, but would hopefully get much smaller and would either be "active" or "inactive". A few weeks ago, we met with my Oncologist regarding my last CT Scan. He said the tumor is gone!!!! What a miracle! We have so much to be grateful for.”

Know 39 Ways To Be Sassy?

2010-07-10T14:18:00.000-04:00

We do — and so do a lot of you!

Thank you for your outpouring of support for the 39 for 39 campaign. If you'd like to contribute, just look to your left for our secure PayPal button. If you have already donated, thank you for your generosity.

As always, keep spreading the sassy word!

39 Bursts of Sassy

2010-07-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

Oooh ...! Aaah ...!

Fireworks — who doesn't love them? They look, sound and feel like a whole bunch of happy exploding all over the sky.

This year as we look up at them, we'll imagine the sassy girl who loved them so much looking right back at us, watching the super-sparklers with that big, shining smile spread across her face.

Three days ago, in honor of Kimberly's birthday, we launched the 39 for 39 campaign. And just like the girl who never took just one day to celebrate, we'll be continuing the 39 for 39 party throughout the month of July. We're off to a fantastic start, all thanks to the generous support of people like you.

And — when you look up at the sky this weekend, exploding with happy colors and sounds — don't be surprised to see 39 bursts of sassy burning just a bit brighter than the rest.

Birthday Wishes For Aunt KiKi

2010-06-30T20:24:00.038-04:00

We miss you!

— Hannah and Sarah

39 For 39

2010-06-30T00:19:00.001-04:00

From Lara M. Ryan:

Today, June 30th, would have been Kim's 39th birthday. It also marks six months to the day that I lost my dear sister, my best friend, to cancer. Kim was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in August of 2008 and passed away on December 31, 2009, after a courageous 18-month battle.

It has been a difficult six months for me and my family. We have experienced many "firsts" without Kim ... the first New Year's, the first Super Bowl (Kim loved a good football game), the first Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Today is just one more milestone we face as this is the first birthday Kim is not with us to celebrate. It seems only yesterday that Kim was taken from us, and days like today are especially hard. It re-emphasizes the time that has passed since I last heard her voice and her laugh, shared a story, looked to her for advice, hugged her, and saw her ever-present, infamous, ear-to-ear, toothy smile.

Over the years we have exchanged many gifts with one another — toys, books, Barbies, dolls, clothes, gift certificates ... and, a blanket: a blanket that Kim carried with her to each hospital visit and chemotherapy session. It was never very far from her and we laughed that as I teased her about becoming the Peanuts character, Linus. I believe the blanket gave her far more than physical warmth. It gave her a sense of her family, a sense of her animals that she loved so dear, a sense of home, and most of all, it gave her comfort and calmness.

Before her passing, Kim's vision was to help provide that same sense of comfort to her fellow patients who were enduring chemotherapy at Fort Bragg's Womack Army Medical Center by giving each patient their own cozy blanket. Thanks to you, we were able to fulfill Kim's vision and deliver 120 blankets to Womack on January 20, 2010. With the remaining blankets donated, our goal is to expand upon her vision and bring comfort to chemotherapy patients all over the United States, which is why the Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation was formed.

In loving memory of Kim and in honor of her 39th birthday, we have launched the 39 for 39 campaign — 39 blankets for Kim's 39th birthday. Our goal is to raise enough money to purchase at least 39 Comfy for Chemo blankets. Again, these blankets will be used to further Kim's vision of providing a sense of warmth and comfort to those undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Please join me and make a donation to the Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation as a tribute to Kim as we remember and honor her on what would have been her 39th birthday in a life cut all to short by cancer. Help us make life just a little more comfortable and cozy for those who are in the fight for their lives by making a donation using our new PayPal button or send a check payable to Comfy to Chemo to the following address:

Lara Ryan

13314 Queensbury Lane

Houston, TX 77079

Donation levels:

$27 — buys one blanket for a patient undergoing chemotherapy

$39 — in honor of Kim's 39th birthday

General donation — every dollar helps us in our effort to bring comfort to chemotherapy patients

Something Sassy This Way Comes

2010-05-23T18:18:00.001-04:00

The Kimberly A. Hansen Comfy for Chemo Foundation is almost six months old, and — wow! — what an exciting time it's been.

Thank you — as always — for your continued support of Comfy for Chemo. Much has happened, and is happening, and it will take more than one post to catch up — but we'll catch you up. Just some of the news and activities we'll be reporting in the coming days, weeks and months:

Roundup reports from the Teams LiveSassy who participated in Get Your Rear In Gear (GYRIG) events in Raleigh, Charlotte and San Antonio.
Personal GYRIG stories and insights from Kimberly's friends and family.
An artist's LiveSassy tribute to Kimberly.
New friends and supporters from our Facebook fan page spreading the sassy word.
A podcast interview with The Cancer Warrior on EmpowerRadio.com.
Grassroots fundraising in Atlanta inspired by one woman spending time in her mother's chemo treatment center.
Little people living sassy and making a big difference on an all-kids Relay for Life team in Kimberly's honor.

In addition to the great stories above, we'll also be rolling out more opportunities to donate, be involved and spread the word about Comfy for Chemo, in the form of a stronger online presence:

Direct donations through PayPal — here on the blog, on Facebook, and even a widget you can put on your own site or Facebook page.
T-shirts will be available for sale in adult and children's sizes.
A comprehensive website — www.comfyforchemo.org — is under construction.

It's because of the support of people like you that Comfy for Chemo has already made an impact and also how we'll continue to grow Kimberly's vision. So, tell us what you think — what stories do you know that you'd like to see featured here? What ideas do you have for raising awareness? What donation or fundraising ideas do you have? How would you like to become more involved?

Talk to us. We're listening.

San Antonio GYRIG

2010-03-24T10:01:00.001-04:00

For more information about late registration and joining Team LiveSASSY, contact San Antonio team captain Becky Norris via email today.

If you can't participate in the event, please consider a donation in honor of Kimberly's legacy. Click here to find out how to donate funds to benefit the San Antonio community.

San Antonio! Get YOUR Rear In Gear Today!

2010-03-23T10:29:00.000-04:00

Want to Get Your Rear In Gear In San Antonio this Saturday, March 28? Online registration closes tonight at midnight EST. Follow the instructions below to join San Antonio's Team LiveSASSY, or to donate funds in Kimberly's honor.

Go here
Click on Register Today
Click on Register Now
Click on Guest Access
Choose Adult 5K Registration
Choose Agree to Waiver and add your name and birth date
Click on Agree and Continue
Select a team: LiveSassy
There is NO password; skip this line
Fill in your personal information
Click on Continue (if you are registering more than one person you can choose Register Someone Else on this page)
Fill in your billing information and click on Pay Now

You will get a confirmation page that says Registration Is Complete. For more information, including how to get your Team LiveSASSY shirt, contact San Antonio team captain Becky Norris via email today.

Can't participate in the event, but still want to donate in honor of Kimberly's legacy? Click here to find out how to donate funds to benefit the San Antonio community.

Hey San Antonio! Ready To Get YOUR Rear In Gear?

2010-03-21T13:52:00.001-04:00

Want to Get Your Rear In Gear In San Antonio this Saturday, March 28?

Go here
Click on Register Today
Click on Register Now
Click on Guest Access
Choose Adult 5K Registration
Choose Agree to Waiver and add your name and birth date
Click on Agree and Continue
Select a team: LiveSassy
There is NO password; skip this line
Fill in your personal information
Click on Continue (if you are registering more than one person you can choose Register Someone Else on this page)
Fill in your billing information and click on Pay Now

Can't participate in the event, but still want to donate in honor of Kimberly's legacy? Click here to find out how to donate funds to benefit the San Antonio community.

Charlotte GYRIG

2010-03-10T10:43:00.001-05:00

Online registration for Charlotte's Get your Rear In Gear event has closed. For more information about late registration and joining Team LiveSASSY, contact Charlotte team captain Dana Webb via email today.

If you can't participate in the event, please consider a donation in honor of Kimberly's legacy. Click here to find out how to donate funds to benefit the Charlotte community.

For more information about Team LiveSASSY in San Antonio, click here.

Hey Charlotte? Are You Ready to Get Your Rear In Gear?

2010-03-09T12:27:00.002-05:00

Want to Get Your Rear In Gear in Charlotte this Saturday, March 13? Online registration closes tonight at midnight EST. Follow the instructions below to join Charlotte's Team LiveSASSY, or to donate funds in Kimberly's honor.

Go here
Click on Register Today
Click on Register Now
Click on Guest Access
Choose Adult 5K Registration
Choose Agree to Waiver and add your name and birth date
Click on Agree and Continue
Select a team: LiveSassy
There is NO password; skip this line
Fill in your personal information
Click on Continue (if you are registering more than one person you can choose Register Someone Else on this page)
Fill in your billing information and click on Pay Now

You will get a confirmation page that says Registration Is Complete. For more information, including how to get your Team LiveSASSY shirt, contact Charlotte team captain Dana Webb via email today.

Can't participate in the event, but still want to donate in honor of Kimberly's legacy? Click here to find out how to donate funds to benefit the Charlotte community.

Raleigh GYRIG

2010-03-03T12:07:00.001-05:00

Online registration for Saturday's Get Your Rear In Gear event in Raleigh has closed. For more information about late registration and joining Team LiveSASSY, contact team captain Lisa Fellure.

If you can't participate, please consider a donation in honor of Kimberly's legacy. Click here to find out how to contribute funds to benefit the Raleigh community.

Click city names for more information about events in Charlotte and San Antonio.

Raleigh, Is Your Rear In Gear?

2010-03-02T12:57:00.010-05:00

MARCH 6: Raleigh, NC

Captain Lisa Fellure

This Saturday is Raleigh's Get Your Rear In Gear event. Are you registered? To join Team LiveSASSY, click here for more information, or follow the link and instructions below.

Go here.

Click on “Register Today”

Click on “Register Now”

Click on “Guest Access”

Choose “Adult 5K Registration”

Choose “Agree to Waiver” and add your name and birth date

Click on “Agree & Continue”

Select a team “LiveSassy”

There is NO password, skip this line

Fill in your personal information

Click on “Continue” (If you are registering more then one person you can choose “Register Someone Else” on this page)

Fill in your billing information and click on “Pay Now”

You will get a confirmation page that states your “Registration is Complete” For more information, including how to get your Team LiveSASSY shirt, contact team captain Lisa Fellure at crfldf@hotmail.com today.

It's Time to Get Your Rear In Gear!

2010-02-23T19:06:00.005-05:00

Last year, Kimberly formed the first LiveSASSY team for Raleigh's inaugural Get Your Rear In Gear event.

Kimberly (#546) "getting her rear in gear" with her 2009 Team LiveSASSY

Afterwards, she posted the following on her blog:

"I DID IT!!! I walked the whole 3.1 miles without my wheelchair. I did take the wheelchair with me, however, I went ahead and just pushed it. Didn't even need it. I was so-o-o-o-o determined not to use it. It was a great experience."

So excited about the event, Kimberly immediately started talking about her 2010 team, even while nursing her sore legs and prepping for another week of radiation and chemotherapy. She wanted a bigger team and to raise even more money for colorectal cancer awareness.

Kimberly is not here to lead the 2010 team, but as always, her sass lives on. Three LiveSASSY teams have formed in her honor:

MARCH 6: Raleigh, NC
Captain Lisa Fellure

MARCH 13: Charlotte, NC
Captain Dana Webb

MARCH 28: San Antonio, TX
Captain Becky Norris

Click on the team captain names above to link to information about these event dates. You can enter to walk or run as a Team LiveSASSY member. Or, you can simply make a donation in honor of Kimberly's legacy and the spirit of living sassy. All fundraising goes to raising awareness of colorectal cancer, providing screening programs for those with financial barriers and creating support for those affected. Plus — 75 percent of funds raised stay local to ensure community awareness and improvement.

Participants will receive a t-shirt with the team name on the front:

T-shirt front

The back of the shirt will feature a message spreading the word about Comfy for Chemo:

T-shirt back

What an awesome way to spread the sassy word!

If you are interested in joining an existing team, check out the the city links at the top of our home page, or simply click a team captain's name above.

If you'd like to create your own Team LiveSASSY in a city near you, please visit the Get Your Rear In Gear official event site to find out how. If you do create another Team LiveSASSY, please contact Lara Ryan at laramryan@gmail.com so we can help you spread the word and get t-shirts to you.

Living sassy!

Any questions, ideas or even just cheers of support — please leave a comment below. We love to hear how you're living sassy!

Coming Soon — Getting Sassy Rears In Gear

2010-02-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

Teams Sassy are forming for the Get Your Rear In Gear events in Raleigh, Charlotte and San Antonio. More information on how you can get involved is coming soon.

Stay tuned!

A Message From Dave Nypaver

2010-02-06T02:40:00.013-05:00

Dave Nypaver, who directs Comfy for Chemo's operations, is Kimberly Hansen's father. This is the first of what will be monthly messages from Dave:

It has been just a month since Kimberly's last wish was put into action, and our new organization, the one which she named "Comfy for Chemo," was born. Since then we have taken great strides forward to fulfill her wishes. Comfy for Chemo is now official, we have a DBA registered in the state of Texas, in Harris County. Our official address is: 20705 Abington Cove Drive, Porter, TX 77365

We have a web site, www.comfyforchemo.org; a blog site, comfyforchemo.blogspot.com; a Twitter account, @comfy4chemo; and I think we now have over 1,100 fans following our Facebook fan page.

Most importantly, we have had a tremendous outpouring from so many friends, co-workers, family, and acquaintances of Kimberly who have donated blankets through Brookstone, and cash to purchase more blankets. But the most amazing thing is that we have delivered on our promise ... we have delivered 120 blankets to Womack Army Medical Center's Oncology department to give to the patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. As you have read in our blog, on January 21, Bill Hansen delivered the blankets to Womack and they were accepted by Colonel Nadja West, Commander of Womack Army Medical Center; Major Robert Setlik, Chief, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Womack Army Medical Center; and Dr. Penelope Harris, Kimberly's oncologist.

Several of the volunteers loading the blankets to take into Womack Army Medical Center

Col West accepting the blankets from Bill Hansen, on behalf or Comfy for Chemo

Dr. Harris getting ready to hand out blankets to patients

The best of all was being able to give blankets to patients who were there, undergoing chemotherapy in the Oncology Department of Womack Army Medical Center (Womack). Over the past week, each of the 75+ chemotherapy patients will have received their cuddly blanket. This is just the first step, and a fantastic start toward many more donations to patients throughout the United States.

Three of the chemotherapy patients who were there and received Comfy for Chemo blankets. They were so very appreciative of this small gesture and we know that Kimberly was beaming to see that her wish and dream have come to fruition. We wish these patients well and will keep them in our prayers for their successful fight against cancer, and hope that the blankets will help keep their spirits high and will provide them comfort and warmth during their treatments.

As I have been talking with founders of other non-profit organizations, they are all amazed by all the efforts of all of you who have volunteered your time to help get Comfy for Chemo off the ground and flying in such a short period of time. None of this could have been possible without all your work and effort over the last four weeks. On behalf of Kimberly's family and the new Comfy for Chemo, I'd like to especially offer these heartfelt thank-you's to:

All of the many donors of blankets and money ... without whom, Comfy for Chemo would not exist
Bill Hansen, Kimberly's husband, who helped define the organization, and who played a huge role in getting the first blanket donation completed
Dwight Hansen and Karen Covington, who took Kimberly's wish and dream and got the effort started by getting Brookstone to participate in the blanket donation program, and who helped get the first core group of volunteers together to establish the foundation of a great organization
Butch and Margaret Hansen and Lisa and Chris Fellure and family, who helped stuff the Comfy for Chemo cards in the Brookstone blankets and deliver them to Womack with help from Ruth Bloomstrom and Susan Howell
Lindsey Interdonati, who printed the Comfy for Chemo cards, and was also on site to help deliver the blankets to Womack
Cathleen Conley-Wedding, who has been a rock star and really worked extra hard and went well beyond the call of duty to create the Comfy for Chemo card, web site, Facebook fan page, and blog, and who worked so very hard to get our web site and blog up and alive for the day of the blanket donation
Liz Gould, who has volunteered to be our Volunteer coordinator
Cherise Mlott, who has volunteered to be our consultant and coordinator for fundraising efforts
Carol Smock, who has been a valued consultant and advisor to help me get our non-profit organization ready to apply for all the state and federal tax-exempt certifications, as well as helping get all the administrative stuff created (like By Laws, Mission Statement, and governing board)
And a very special thanks to Derek Griffin, president of Speartek, who has donated his server and time to host our Comfy for Chemo web site.

We already have several projects starting up for the next few months. Over the past year, as Kimberly was battling cancer, she got passionately involved with Get Your Rear In Gear and participated by organizing her Team Sassy for the Raleigh walk.

Kimberly (#546) and part of her Team Sassy walking in the Get Your Rear In Gear 5k last year

Before her passing, she made sure there would be a Team Sassy for the Raleigh walk in March this year. In memory of her, there have been two more Team Sassy entries in the Charlotte and San Antonio walks in March. Thanks to all who are participating in these walks and I hope that there are more of you who can take the time to join any of the three Teams Sassy. We are hoping that Comfy for Chemo can help participate in each of these walks and spread the word about our blanket donations.

We have many more blankets to donate, with more being ordered next week. I am busy trying to identify the next military hospital to to donate blankets to their chemotherapy patients. Dr. Harris has graciously sent a a personal email to other US Army hospitals to get points of contact to coordinate with so that we can expand our blanket donations. You will hear more about these efforts as they materialize.

I am so proud of all of you for having taken Kimberly's dream so far so quickly, and for establishing a foundation upon which we can build an organization that will expand on the dream and provide the comfort and support to many, many more chemotherapy patients. I know that Kimberly is very proud, and probably quite impressed by our progress so far. I am truly excited about moving forward with our Comfy for Chemo endeavors, look forward to working with all of you in our ongoing projects, and again ... I THANK YOU ALL.

Texans Live Sassy

2010-01-25T17:32:00.003-05:00

Remember those days when you'd call friends the night before school, giggling, and say: "Wear your (insert-favorite-Tshirt-here) tomorrow! Pass it on!" and a whole crew would show up dressed alike?

Well, who says you have to outgrow that kind of camaraderie? That kind of fun?

Above all, that kind of unadulterated support.

Not the staff of Pine Forest Elementary (PFE) school, who declared last Tuesday, January 21, Live Sassy Day to celebrate Kimberly's life — and like true sassy girls do, wore matching Tshirts to symbolize colon cancer awareness.

Karen Nypaver, Kimberly's mother, is PFE's speech pathologist. She addressed the faculty by sharing a mother's message:

"Take care of yourself. Listen to your body. Get yearly physicals and be persistent with doctors if any symptoms are not improving."

The staff of Pine Forest Elementary, located in the Houston metropolitan area, will participate in the Get Your Rear In Gear 5K Run/Walk in San Antonio on March 28. PFE participants, along with family and friends, will be racing under the Live Sassy team name.

Live Sassy teams are also forming in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC's Get Your Rear In Gear events.

More information about Get Your Rear In Gear and joining TeamSassy will be updated here soon.

Stay tuned — as always, there's more sassy to come!

Want To Help Spread the Sassy?

2010-01-22T10:51:00.005-05:00

Kimberly's wish may have been to stock the oncology department at Womack Army Medical Center with cozy blankets, but her vision was to provide comfort to all cancer patients.

The 100+ plus blankets for Womack were delivered yesterday, with much excitement and even more love. (Sassy updates to come!) Hundreds more, however, have already been donated and will be directed to other military facilities — and people everywhere have asked how they can help in any way.

First of all: Thank you. Comfy for Chemo is overwhelmingly grateful not only for your support, but also for your continual sharing of Kimberly's story. As we grow, there will be multiple opportunities for all of you who have volunteered your time and talents. Please know how much this is appreciated — and, that we will update this site with needs as they present themselves.

How can you help now? The simplest way is to keep spreading the word. Send your friends a link to this blog. Tweet it. Post it on your Facebook page. And, if you're not following Comfy for Chemo on either of those, please take a gander to your left and click on the links.

If you'd like to donate, there are two ways to do so. Brookstone offers a deep discount on the n•a•p® Cuddle Blanket requested by Kimberly.

"Cancer has touched my life and unfortunately, there probably isn't a person who in one respect or another hasn't been affected by cancer today," said Tanya Maxwell, the company's Director of Corporate Sales. "I was so moved by Kimberly's story and compelled to keep her spirit alive. There was no question I needed to act immediately."

To receive the $27 rate, contact Tonya's assistant Darla Wood at dwood@brookstone.com or 573.581.7777, ext. 6180. Blanket orders should be shipped to: Dave Nypaver, 20705 Abington Cove Drive, Porter TX 77365

Monetary donations — 100 percent of which go to purchase blankets for patients — should be in the form of checks made payable to Comfy for Chemo, and sent to: Lara Ryan, 13314 Queensbury Lane, Houston TX 77079.

Thank you — so much — for your support.

One Woman's Gesture That Became A Calling

2010-01-21T17:11:00.004-05:00

Sassy.

It's not typically the first word that comes to mind when cancer is mentioned. But there's nothing at all typical about Kimberly Hansen's story. Known for her ever-present smile and signature "live sassy" slogan, she lived for opportunities to make others' lives better. Even as her own time was coming to a close, Kimberly had around 100 people in her community whose realities she was determined to brighten. She will — along with countless more across the nation.

On December 29, 2009, Kimberly expressed her wish for every cancer patient at Ft. Bragg's Womack Army Medical Center to have a warm, cozy blanket during chemotherapy treatments just as she had. With the power of the Internet, this simple but significant request was realized in less than 24 hours for all of Womack's cancer patients. Kimberly learned of the fulfillment of her vision before slipping into a coma and dying on New Year's Eve.

The 38-year-old wife of Lt. Col. Bill Hansen, Kimberly was diagnosed less than two years ago with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Each of her chemotherapy sessions at Womack were spent with a cozy blanket to keep the experience as comfortable as possible. She was struck, however, at how fellow patients either had only their coats,a hospital blanket, or nothing at all to help against chemo's chilling effects. Each active duty military, retiree or dependent receiving cancer care at Womack was, in her view, "in the fight for their lives" and should have some comfort during it. With that, Comfy for Chemo was born.

It made perfect sense to Lara Ryan, Kimberly's sister. Ryan and her parents, Dave and Karen Nypaver, all remember dolls and blankets fuzzed and frayed from Kimberly's cuddling during her childhood. Says Ryan: "The significance of a soft, cuddly blanket is that it reminded Kim of home, her animals, warmth and provided her a sense of comfort. She hoped that people would receive this same sense of home and comfort having their own blanket."

Kimberly's last act touched far more than her fellow patients. As dozens of friends, family and strangers spread the word, a rush of orders for over 300 blankets just like hers flooded Brookstone. The retailer took orders by hand, giving purchases on Kimberly's behalf a deep price discount. "Cancer has touched my life and unfortunately, there probably isn't a person who in one respect or another hasn't been affected by cancer today," said Tanya Maxwell, Director of Corporate Sales for Brookstone. "I was so moved by Kimberly's story and compelled to keep her spirit alive. There was no question I needed to act immediately."

The Comfy for Chemo blankets donated during those first few days after Kimberly’s death were delivered today in a small ceremony attended by military personnel, her husband Bill and several close friends.

But orders haven't stopped with just those 100 plus being donated to Womack, the response was overwhelming and to date almost 500 blankets have been donated to fulfill Kim’s vision.

"We have a mission now to provide comfort to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy nationwide," said Dwight Hansen, who spearheaded the start of the charity on his sister-in-law's behalf. "Our first goal is to deliver blankets to all treatment centers at military hospitals." After the Womack delivery, Hansen reports that there are plans for blankets to be delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and to the Navy Medical Center in San Diego in February.

"This is just the beginning," declares Hansen. "Comfy for Chemo is a way for our family to keep her spirit alive through touching other people's lives like Kimberly did ours."

Comfy for Chemo is a non-profit organization, led and supported by an all-volunteer board of directors and support team — and 100 percent of donations go to purchase blankets for patients.

Live Sassy!

2010-01-21T12:33:00.019-05:00

Known for her ever-present smile and signature "live sassy" slogan, Kimberly Hansen lived for opportunities to make others' lives better.

And so she did.

Diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in late 2008, Kimberly spent each chemotherapy session at Fort Bragg's Womack Army Medical Center with a cozy blanket. In her view, every cancer patient is "in the fight for their lives" and should have some comfort during it.

With that, Comfy for Chemo was born.

In her last days, Kimberly asked for enough blankets to stock Womack's chemo clinic, and within 24 hours, generous donors across the nation fulfilled her wish.

Today, Comfy for Chemo is dedicated to providing blankets for every active duty military, retiree or dependent receiving therapy; and, to do so in the spirit of Kimberly's own words:

"Enjoy each and every day because you never know how much time you truly have. Each day is a precious gift — never put off until tomorrow what you can do today! And always remember to Live Sassy!"