Hats for the “C-Word”

The "C-word," cancer, is a terrifying diagnosis! Due to a lack of medical options and support communities for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation in La Plata County, the Flying Hatter launched Hats for the C-word! A series of events offering hat-making workshops and a holiday event for cancer patients, providing psychological and social lifelines for our local rural communities!

The Flying Hatter received LTAC funding to support Hats for the "C-Word," 10 workshops throughout the 2025 calendar year that provided patients and their families with a place to connect and be seen as something other than a patient; instead, they became artists, creators, and designers of hats that can be used as a tool for recovery! Funding went towards hat-making supplies, instructors, rental spaces, marketing, and refreshments provided by Graze.

Survivors from the Cancer Support Community: Southwest Colorado were hired to help facilitate the hat-making workshops. Often, traveling to treatment for specialized oncology, sick time, and slow healing impact work. Additionally, these survivors tend to be older adults who have a hard time finding work, especially in flexible work environments. This program provided flexible options for the sick and elderly to work.

There were so many connections made with this project. The program worked to decrease the loneliness often found within a cancer diagnosis, including the stigma surrounding hair loss due to treatment. The group made hats for the cancer community while connecting cancer patients with local resources. Additionally, the hatters and cancer patients participated in a documentary made by an Animas High School Film Student. The word quickly spread, and cancer patients reached out from all over Colorado wanting to participate.