.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:1.76%25,w:96.48%25,h:100%25/rs=w:400,h:533.3333333333334,cg:true)
Kathy's Story
I am a very grateful lung cancer survivor. One day, when I arrived for chemo, I was given a hat by the nurse. It was made by a woman named Margaret, who had written a sweet note to me. It meant a lot to me. I never forgot that kindness and how it made me feel to receive this gift from a caring stranger on that day.
Margaret has no idea that her one act of kindness to me has led to thousands of Happy Caps being gifted so far!
I started with a simple Facebook page in hopes I would find a few people who would like to make Happy Caps with me. At first, it was about five of us, and I began delivering to 2 locations.
The more people who receive a hat from us, the more join us. By the end of the first year, we gifted over 2,000 Happy Caps! We are beginning our eighth year, and with over 200 volunteers, we have now gifted more than 44,000 Happy Caps since we began in October 2015!
About Happy Caps
Kathy DeJoseph
Kathy DeJoseph
Kathy DeJoseph
Founder & President
I started Happy Caps to "pay it forward"… by gifting handmade soft, stylish hats to cancer patients, each one signed with a personal message from the person who lovingly made that cap.
It is a special blessing in my life to have met so many wonderful, generous people who volunteer with me to make Happy Caps a dream come true.
Julia Miller
Kathy DeJoseph
Kathy DeJoseph
Vice President 2015-Present
" I have a strong belief in service to others, and I want to make sure that I am a role model in that belief for my young daughter. Happy Caps allows me to bring a smile to the face of a patient, if only for a moment, during a very difficult time."
Paulette Smith
Kathy DeJoseph
Paulette Smith
Secretary 2018-Present
" After retiring, I wanted to do something that makes a difference in the lives of cancer patients. I found Happy Caps, met Kathy, and found my volunteer home. I serve Happy Caps in memory of my dear Mother."
Jeff
Kathy DeJoseph
Paulette Smith
Treasurer 2022-Present
"I am humbled to contribute my time and expertise to Happy Caps. My sister-in-law, Sophia, lost her battle with breast cancer, and being involved in this wonderful organization allows me to contribute my time in her honor."
Sherry Engelken
Sherry Engelken
Sherry Engelken
Director: 2021-Present
"I've always had a passion for helping people and was blessed to stumble upon Happy Caps through my work. As soon as I met Kathy, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. To honor all of the members of my family who have/had cancer, I want to be a part of bringing some comfort to others who are going through cancer treatment."
Helen Pumillo
Sherry Engelken
Sherry Engelken
Director: 2021-Present
"I am blessed to be a small part of this awesome organization. When relocating to Georgia, I missed the volunteer activity, which was part of my life in New York. Then I met Kathy and the Happy Cappers and found my heart fulfilled. Come join us!"