IN 2016, BETHANY HART and her husband, Kevin, learned they were expecting their first child. When she went through routine medical appointments, doctors caught a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Hart, then age 30 and 16 weeks pregnant, had stage I small cell cervical cancer. She displayed no symptoms, so the disease likely would have been found at a much later stage if she hadn’t been pregnant.
In order to start treatment immediately, Hart had an emergency cesarean section at 19 weeks into her pregnancy. Born extremely preterm, her daughter, Hallie, did not survive. Hart then had a radical hysterectomy, followed by five rounds of chemotherapy and 28 rounds of radiation. She completed treatment in March 2017 and has had no sign of cancer since.
Many people don’t know what to say or do when a close friend or family member gets diagnosed with cancer. While it may seem simple, sending a care package with a handwritten note and fun-yet-practical socks can have a big impact, HallieStrong Foundation co-founder Bethany Hart says. “Here’s a really easy way to show up for the cancer patient in your life,” she says.
As Hart considered how she could honor her daughter’s memory, she remembered what brought her joy during treatment: cozy socks with fun designs. At one appointment, Hart had worn mismatched socks, which her mother photographed and posted on a blog for family and friends. They noticed and sent her more socks, which helped keep her warm during long hours in cold hospitals and reminded her of the people supporting her through treatment.
In May 2018, the Harts launched the HallieStrong Foundation. On its website, people receiving cancer treatment or their loved ones can request two pairs of socks, and Hart selects designs based on the person’s interests. To date, the HallieStrong Foundation, which the Harts operate out of their home in Noblesville, Indiana, has shipped more than 5,000 free care packages.
Bethany Hart, co-founder of the HallieStrong Foundation, stands with baskets and bags containing some of the socks the organization sends to people receiving cancer treatment. Photo courtesy of the HallieStrong Foundation
Find creative sock designs to match anyone’s interests.
People staying in a hospital for cancer treatment often must wear hospital gowns, so socks become their only outlet for personal style. Luckily, you can find designs to match anyone’s interests, according to Bethany Hart, co-founder of the HallieStrong Foundation. Hart notes she once even found a slot machine design for a casino-loving grandmother. She suggests choosing socks featuring motivational sayings or the recipient’s favorite animal, food or fictional character.
Hart says she hopes the socks provide a pick-me-up during the often-isolating experience of cancer treatment. “Every time they’re worn, I just hope it’s a reminder that you aren’t in it alone,” she says.
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