Jan 3, 2017

Mud Pie supports American Cancer Society with new collection

When Marcia Miller, Mud Pie’s founder called on a friend facing a recent cancer diagnosis, their time together took an unexpected turn. “Nobody knows what to say to a person who has just received devastating news,” said Karen Paz to Miller. And they absolutely don’t want to come empty handed. Pointing to a stack of adult coloring books and jam, they laughed about the lack of creative and tasteful gift options in the marketplace designed for just such situations. An idea was brewing. Then the conversation turned to hair.

“A bad hair day is better than a no hair day,” Karen joked as she relayed the challenges of losing hers and getting insurance to cover the cost of a wig. And with that, the still simmering idea began to take shape.

In a matter of days, a collection of encouraging, inspirational and motivational gifts – Paz▪itive Thoughts (a play on Karen’s last name) – emerged. The American Cancer Society came on board to help facilitate wig distribution to patients in need. It would be a small answer to the question of what to say or give in a difficult situation while at the same time, helping to provide comfort and assistance to cancer patients facing hair loss.  Two amazing and inspiring gifts in one.

Mud Pie is thrilled to support this program with a $100,000 donation to The American Cancer Society in honor of Karen Paz and in memory of Marcia’s dear friend Debbie Sonenshine, who was lost to breast cancer in 2004.

Proceeds from Mud Pie’s Paz▪itive Thoughts initiative will help to increase awareness of The American Cancer Society’s Tender Loving Care (TLC) program and will fund gift certiciates to help underserved cancer patients purchase wigs. TLC allows patients to shop for affordable wigs in the privacy of their own homes, no matter where they live. Mud Pie gift vouchers will be distributed by ACS patient navigators who guide cancer patients to reliable information, resources and services that help them eliminate non-medical hurdles that prevent them from getting the care that they need. The pilot program launches in 2017 in select hospitals and cancer centers across the nation.