For Ellyn Perreault and Jessica Sonnenberg, co-founders of Mend Wellness Packages, feeling loved and supported is a vital element of recovery—regardless of what that recovery is a result of. It’s in helping to spread this feeling of togetherness and positivity that inspired Perreault and Sonnenberg to start their business, and it’s an immensely personal endeavor for each of them.
A survivor of both breast and ovarian cancer, Perreault was approached by her neighbor, Sonnenberg, after Sonnenberg’s close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Perreault knew the buoyant boost that receiving care packages had given her during her own treatment and recovery, and it was with a lens of practicality and purpose that she approached her suggestions.
“I felt sad and lost when my dear friend was diagnosed,” Sonnenberg says. “I wanted to help but I didn’t know how. Ellyn put together a package of such beautiful, useful things. That was the first Mend Wellness Package.”
Perreault and Sonnenberg soon began collaborating on curating their care packages, speaking with other cancer survivors about what they found useful and comforting in their own experiences. Word quickly spread among their friends and family of the immense positivity and care that their packages provided.
“Family and friends of cancer patients are so often left wondering what they can do to help,” Perreault says. “Fighting cancer means making countless decisions, but sending a Mend Wellness Package is an easy one they can make to show a loved one that they stand with them in their journey.”
Mend Wellness Packages are full of useful, non-toxic, organic and primarily local Front Range products. Each of the items in their four types of boxes is purposefully selected to address a common side effect of cancer treatment or chemotherapy. But while supporting cancer patients and survivors originally inspired their business, they quickly began receiving requests for packages for friends and loved ones going through different types of challenges, from non-cancer-related medical procedures to mental health journeys and more. With each package curated especially with the recipient in mind, their purpose of spreading positivity and love is universal and especially poignant today.
“Now more than ever,” they say, “it is crucial to let people know you are thinking of them.”
Sidebar: Comfort Curated
Items from Mend Wellness Packages include:
· “The Hug” custom wrap and scarf from Charlie + Me Handmade
· Body Butter and Chamomile Calendula Lip Balm from Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary and Supply
· Eye pillow from nummies® by Dream Designs LLC
· Triple Root Ginger Chai Tea from The Tea Spot
· To-go mug from W&P Porter
· The Front Range candle from Karmalit