Ohio woman's dream realized with new line of pajamas for kids with cancer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An Ohio woman's family made her dream of helping kids battling cancer become a reality.
Hallegrace, a line of pajamas specially made for kids fighting cancer, just hit the market last month. The line was created in honor of Halle Temple.
“It’s bittersweet. Honestly. It's such a joy to be able to see this dream come to life because it was something she talked about and dreamed about. The fact she's not here to enjoy it with us, we would love for her to be here but I know she’s been with us in spirit," said Julie Hershberger, Halle's mom and executive director of the Share Your Story Foundation, which was created after Halle died.
Halle was just six years old when she first had cancer. She beat that round, but it came back and the disease ended up taking her life when she was 24. She had often talked about her displeasure for hospital gowns and wanting something more fun and fashionable for kids going through treatment to wear, according to her mom.
“Her story didn't leave when she passed away," Hershberger said. "Her story is becoming bigger than we can ever imagine and impacting people we have no idea who it will impact."
They were designed by Amanda Rango, a central Ohio fashion consultant.
“Oh my gosh, this is honestly probably the most rewarding project of my career," Rango said. "This has been an absolute joy for me and I can't wait to see where this goes and the ultimate goal is to just impact as many kids that are going through treatment as we possibly can."
The pajamas have trendy designs with inspiring messages, sometimes drawing from what Halle liked, and special access points so they don't need to be taken off for treatment.
“Every child is encountering some sort of effect from (this), whether its the chemo radiation, whatever they’re going through, and so our hope is these just bring a sense of comfort and joy to them in some capacity," Hershberger said.
The pajamas can be bought online. Those who don't need them but still want to support the cause can still buy some, which will then be donated to a child who needs them.
The Share Your Story Foundation also helps provide housing for families who have kids receiving treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital through a program called Halle's Homes. The brand Hallegrace is a nonprofit and proceeds will help fund Halle's Homes, Hershberger said.
Hallegrace also plans to work with several children's hospitals to make the pajamas accessible to more kids.
"It's a beautiful reminder for us," Hershberger said. "I love talking about Halle because she was such a light and she had such a joy about her and so having these reminders of her that her spirit is still living on, her story is still living on, her name is forever on these pajamas."