A Simple Act of Kindness
The Story of Karen’s Sunshine
When my mother, Karen, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, our family and friends were devastated. Like all close-knit communities, everyone wanted to do something to help. We were gloriously inundated with prayers, cards, flowers, meals and words of encouragement. It was both comforting and beautifully overwhelming.
Along with the sea of moral support, my wife Cynthia brought a paper sunshine decoration to the hospital and hung it in Mom’s room. My parents both enjoyed long vacations in Florida, so Cynthia thought the simple gesture of having a sun in her room would brighten her day. Mom always commented how much the little paper sun made her smile and always made a point to mention it to both visitors and staff.
Having the matriarch of the family in the hospital was emotionally devastating. Then came a global pandemic.
My business partner and I decided we had to do something – anything – to help. There was a shortage of hand sanitizer, so we stepped up.
Making hand sanitizer was a good fit for our company operations, and it was an opportunity for us to give back. All we needed was a brand.
All I could think about was that little paper sunshine hanging in Mom’s hospital room, so we decided to call our product Karen’s Sunshine. We also decided to honor her by donating a portion of sales to support cancer charities.
Today, Mom is recovering from surgery and feeling better – although she’s a little embarrassed by all the attention she’s getting with her name on a new product. But she’s quietly proud of what she inspired.
Karen’s Sunshine was born of necessity – to keep our friends and neighbors safe and healthy. But it was inspired by the love a mother has for her family. We all pray that Mom is able to enjoy some real sunshine very soon.
Stay safe,
Steve Satterthwaite
