Metro Woman Puts 'Kaps' on Cancer

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Pink is popping up everywhere in the fight against breast cancer this month. But the battle is personal for one metro woman who lost a loved one two years ago.

As a teenager, Kerry Ann Wagoner learned how to knit from her grandmother. It's now become her favorite pastime. And these days, as Kerry Ann knits, she also thinks.

"I can think of Sonya, think of her children and our immediate family," Wagoner said.

Sonya Hill Payne was Kerry Ann's cousin. She was also a dear friend of mine from college. She had great faith, talent and we both majored in broadcasting.

But sadly, my sweet friend was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2007. It didn't take long for her to lose her signature curly hair.

"She said the main problem she had was her head would get cold at night, but she didn't want to wear a stocking hat because it would be too hot," Wagoner said.

So Wagoner came up with an idea to knit her a cap.

"So, I started trying to put a pattern together and uh, we lost her," Wagoner said.

At 38-years-old, the mother of four was gone. But Wagoner didn't stop her project. She now takes orders for her Kozy Kaps and they're even in stores.

"This is a mission for me," said Wagoner. "I feel like God told me to do it."

Jeannie Beal is a two-time survivor of breast cancer. Her store, Accente, helps women in the midst of their fight. Kozy Kaps, each one with a handwritten tag reading "for Sonya," are among the merchandise she sells.

"They just keep your head warm mainly and that's what doctors want women to do, to keep something on your head to keep your head warm because so much body heat is lost out the top of the head," Wagoner said.

The caps are made from one simple stitch, but one with a great purpose; to honor an amazing woman whose story continues to inspire.

"I think of her and all the other victims that I don't need to know their names, I just know there are a lot of them and I just hope this is a small part of what someone can do to find a cure," Wagoner said.

Wagoner donates all the proceeds, minus her expenses, to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Learn more about Kozy Kaps.