Detroit Dye House aims to make 300 hats for cancer patients

By CH News On Oct 20, 2021

DETROIT – A local tie dye shop is offering a workshop this weekend to honor a former customer who lost his battle with cancer.

At Detroit Dye House you can buy almost anything. But it was one item in particular that caught the attention of a young customer, and a bond was formed.

Among all items that are painted, they are dying hats.

“We really made them for winter running, something lightweight. That wasn’t that popular. We all enjoyed it, but we really didn’t sell ahead,” said Tammy Bourque, owner of Detroit Dye House.

It wasn’t until just before the pandemic, when Bran Tolhurst, a young boy battling cancer, visited the store and fell in love with the colorful hats.

“He came here to do a tie-dye class, but we had the beanies for sale, and he had no hair, so they were perfect, and he bought some and they loved them,” Bourque said. .

Bourque saw a need for this in cancer patients

“We’ve heard great responses. It’s fashionable, it makes people who aren’t feeling well feel a little better,” she said.

After bonding with Bran and his family through frequent visits to the store, the owners were heartbroken to learn that Bran had lost his battle with cancer last year. Detroit Dye House wanted to do something to remember him and help other kids battling cancer.

“We thought we would give tie-dye classes. We send them to multiple stations. People will learn different techniques with all the different palettes. We hope to make 300 hats,” said Bourque.

All hats will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

“The intention to make something for children and children who are sick changes the art process. You don’t rush through it, you take your time, you know you want it to be beautiful and beautiful makes people feel better,” said Bourque.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 24. Click here for more information.

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