A man standing next to a banner in a store. The banner promotes "Hugs & Hats," an initiative for supporting cancer patients by providing free hats and hat-making classes to uplift their spirits and restore confidence.

An initiative supporting cancer patients

Using his decades of hat expertise and personal loss, Anthony Gaskins uplifts cancer patients with free hats and hat-making classes to inspire confidence and care.

Meet the Team

Person wearing a purple event t-shirt with "PurpleStride" logo, standing outdoors near a tent labeled "Team Andra". Buildings and trees are in the background.

Anthony Gaskins - Founder

Anthony Gaskins knows people. In particular, he knows the look of someone fighting cancer and experiencing chemo. “I have spent a lot of time in chemo wards,” he explained with a heavy sigh as he recalled losing both parents and a sister to cancer within a few months of each other in 2012. Now, when he spots a person with that look, he offers them a hug and a hat.