We recently connected with Carol Hamler and have shared our conversation below.

Carol, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

For the Love of Zoey was established as a community initiative in 2015 to honor my late sister-in-law, Sonya “Zoey” Hamler, who passed away from breast cancer in 2014. After witnessing Zoey’s struggles with chemotherapy and various treatments, including the loss of hair and appetite, I wanted to find a way to comfort others going through similar experiences.

Initially, the Chemo Care Love Packages project focused on supporting women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, we have since expanded our efforts to assist warriors fighting any form of cancer. The packages we distribute are thoughtfully curated to provide comfort and support. They include items such as head scarves for hair loss, blankets to keep warm (as patients often feel cold during treatment), grip socks for warmth and safety, journal and puzzle books to help distract from the challenges of chemotherapy. Additionally, we include lip balm for dry lips, tea, and queasy drops to soothe stomach discomfort caused by treatment.

It gives me great joy to see the smiles on the recipients’ faces when they receive one of my love packages. The recipients often express their gratitude for the encouragement and love that comes with these packages.

Carol, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and I have been married for 38 years. I have two adult children, ages 37 and 33, as well as three grandchildren, ages 12, 9, and 4. I am currently retired from the City of New York’s Housing Preservation and Development, where I worked for 17 years. I hold a B.A. degree in Psychology from Hunter College.

After relocating to South Carolina, I became a Notary. And applied for my 501(c)3. Community service plays an integral role in my life; I have always made myself available to help others. I have donated blood over ten times to help save lives. I’ve also volunteered with Harvest Hope Food Bank and participated in a women’s empowerment group called Exhale Columbia.

I started this nonprofit because I genuinely care about the patients and what they are going through. Often, patients undergoing treatment feel alone and confused. I want to encourage them as much as I can. Receiving a horrible diagnosis is scary enough, but feeling alone while going through treatment is even worse.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My co-founder, Monique Hamler, is my daughter. I chose to make her my co-founder because she is a cancer survivor and knows firsthand what it feels like to undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

To fund this non-profit, my daughter and I primarily use our own money. We have applied for numerous grants but have consistently been turned down because our initiative does not align with their causes. Additionally, we have received in-kind donations from the public to help purchase the necessary items for the chemo care love packages.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fortheloveofzoey.com
• Instagram: @Chemocarelovepackages
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/for-the-love-of-zoey/