Okay so maybe that’s a little extreme - but I used to be an actor so I like the added drama. This was the situation - my husband had just lost his job, my mom had just been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, we had a 2 year old - and I didn’t know what the heck to do.
My mom lives 4 hours from me so I felt helpless. I couldn’t go there everyday to help and I didn’t know if she was going to make it through the chemo. I had just seen my Grandma lose her battle with uterine cancer and I couldn’t bare the thought of losing the other the woman in my life who I held so dear.
My mom, me, and my daughter after her first chemo treatment
We needed money. My husband had been working as a professional actor for a decade and now there was no contract to be seen. Despite the financial woes all I could think was - I have to help my mom - I have to help all the people who are going through chemo - I have to do something - and I have no money to work with (don’t worry it gets better).
A shop had just moved in down the road called Sweet Charity (which is now Fresh Vintage by Amy if you want to check it out). They sold artisan made products that were dedicated to giving back. Immediately, I knew what to do. I walked down to the shop with 5 handmade hats and a mission to donate one free hat per five sold to Nemours Children’s Hospital. The owners graciously excepted my work (which is a far cry from what I offer today) into the shop and the rest is - as they say - history.
The first hat I ever sold on Etsy
The first five hats I took down to Sweet Charity - oh how far we have come!
The demand for product got bigger so I started to sell on Etsy. The need for donation hats that could be shipped straight to patients became apparent so I coded my own website that would allow that.
All of a sudden I needed to hire staff, order in bulk, turn my cat closet into a knitting studio, and knit round the clock. God had turned what I had seen as curse into a blessing. I had all the money I needed to completely fund the charity thanks to my wonderful Etsy customers and I had enough left over to help pay the bills.
My knitting studio
Now for the important part - my mom is healed! After extensive surgery and two years of chemo she is alive - beautiful - and healthy! Praise the Lord! As for me I must also praise the Lord. I am able to stay at home with our daughter while running a legitimate business. A business that I would have never thought of had difficulty not struck our lives.
Me and my mom a few months ago - in matching hand knit cowls of course
So be encouraged my friends. Someone high above and mighty is looking out for you. He loves you. He cares about you. And he will provide for you.
Work hard. Pray hard. He will show you the way.
Some of our popular current designs
Thank you for sharing. I SO needed this today.
Needha I’m so glad our post helped you today. All my best and big hug!
Beautiful story! Your mom and I are childhood friends and hearing your story as well as hers is heartwarming. We found our about 2months ago that our mom has stage 2 ovarian cancer. She is going through chemo now. We pray that she comes through this. Thanks for sharing.
Amy A. thank you so much for sharing. I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I wish I could reach through a screen and give you a big hug. I will be praying for her. I pray for her peace, strength, and complete healing. Please keep in touch. Lots of love.
I am also a survivor of stage 3 ovarian so it’s wonderful to know someone else won that courageous battle!! I am also a knitter of 50 years, crocheter of 37 years. I would like to get on line with my products but I need help to do that and don’t know where to find it. All my proceeds go to fund my children’s charity I began in 2008 which provides hats, scarves and mittens to children who live in poverty in MN, SD and ND
Marybeth P. how wonderful to hear you are doing well! I am overjoyed for you! If I can be of any help with your work/charity please let me know! I’ll be happy to give you any advice I have picked up along the way. Email me at [email protected] anytime you like!
So glad your mother looks so healthy. Isn’t it interesting that the Lord gives us what we need when we need it?
Thanks so much for your kind words Pat. I agree with your words of wisdom. I am reminded of this scripture
Luke 12:28-31
“And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”