Inspiring Women on a Mission: Kim Bavilacqua and Jen Coffel

The founders of Handing H.O.P.E. have been touched by cancer in the most profound ways possible.

Kim Bavilacqua was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and knows the discomfort and fear that comes with having (and fighting) cancer. Jen Coffel lost her dad, her mom and her best friend all to cancer in a period of less than two years.

The two met through their church where they were part of a pre-school mothers group and became fast friends. Out of their individual struggles and grief, they found a common cause to make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer.

In 2010, they founded Handing H.O.P.E. which stands for Helping Others through Prevention and Education.

Both women are wellness advocates and much of their work revolves around seminars that teach people how to be proactive about their own health. Firm believers in the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the women educate on how small change can have a big impact in a person’s health.

Their other program is probably what they are best known for, however – the Lollipop Tree Project.

Chemotherapy can quite literally leave a bad taste in your mouth, often described as metallic or sour. To combat this, Handing H.O.P.E. provides lollipop trees to cancer clinics, hospitals, and camps nationwide. It helps soothe the soreness some children experience with treatment.

They also are a healthy treat, according to the founders.

“The lollipops that we are providing for children in these cancer facilities are naturally sugar free,” said Jen. “They also are nut free, dairy free, gluten free, dye free, and soy free, but they are not free of great taste; they taste amazing.”

In addition to combating “chemo mouth,” the lollipops also help with nausea and just give some comfort to those undergoing the trial of cancer treatment.

As one of the health professionals in the video on the Handing H.O.P.E. website says: “The lollipop tree has been fantastic for our unit because it’s a great way for us to help kids through procedures.”

The lollipop trees are currently in hospitals in 10 states, but Kim would like to see the movement go nationwide.

“It’s a big vision,” she said. “We want to be in every state.”

The founders are also working on “some big dreams” including creating a Center for Hope retreat near the ocean where children with cancer and their families can visit to have some time together to make precious memories.

Please take a minute to visit Handing H.O.P.E.’s wonderful, colorful, kind, caring and informative website. 

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