The Story of Hug-E-Gram™

My name is Peri and I am a breast cancer survivor. Even though my family had a long history of cancer, I was still shocked when my Doctor told me the three worst words in the English language, "You have Cancer". I decided to fight back aggressively and over the past five years I have had many surgeries and treatments, but I am happy to say I am cancer free today!

There were many dark days. The pain was excruciating, the mental anguish of cancer recurring was unnerving, and just coping day to day was very difficult. People were very kind and meant well, but the most comfort I felt were the simple hugs from my husband. Maybe it was the love, or maybe it was the support, or maybe knowing we were in this together! Whatever it was, the times I felt the worst were the times I needed a hug the most

In the beginning of my treatments my husband was always there for me, but as the months turned into years, his job made it impossible for him to be there all the time. However, I sorely missed his hugs when he was away. I thought if he couldn't be there to give me a hug, maybe I could make something that would be the next best thing to him being there. Not being very good at sewing I still decided to sew a plush soft set of arms that I could wrap around me. I imagined closing my eyes and feeling the support and comfort of a hug from my husband.

The hug really worked, I always felt better, but I didn't dare tell him about for fear he would think I was being silly. I thought I had kept it secret from him when one day I went to put it on and I noticed a tiny audio speaker with a button hanging on a rubber band from the hug. I pushed the button and out came my husband's voice saying, "You are the best, I love you, and I think the hug is a great idea!" I felt goose bumps up and down my spine, and I broke down and started to cry! I wanted to freeze that moment in time and be able to share this feeling with other cancer patients and so the Hug-E-Gram was born.

It started me thinking about the people I thought would benefit from a Hug-E-Gram. Mothers whose children are living away from home and won't be there to celebrate on Mother's Day, they need a hug. Or our brave men and women whom are serving overseas and won't be home for the holidays, they need a hug. Or the grandparents living miles away from their grandchildren and not being able to afford the trip, they need a hug. I realized that hugs were the medicine for the soul and everybody needs one! Though we are often so many miles apart I felt Hug-E-Gram could bring people closer together.

Offer Details: A Hug-E-Gram ® lets you give your hug to someone when you can't be there! It is the hug that lasts. You will understand how very special the moment can be as the love and sentiment from you comes through. The Hug-E-Gram ® is available in 3 different colors (Black, Red or Salmon). After you order, you may record a personalized audio message that will arrive with your Hug-E-Gram ®. You must follow the information given to you to record your message. If you do not record a message, our system will use our Hug-A-Round song. Personalized messages must be recorded at the time of purchase. Hug-e-Gram ® ships UPS to the United States and Canada. Overnight and 2nd day orders placed before 1PM EST will ship that business day. Standard shipping orders and overnight and 2nd day orders received after 1PM EST will ship the following business day.