Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Hammond
Hi Annette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born on January 3rd with my twin sister Ann. In December 2012, right before my 50th birthday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Throughout this journey with such an unknown and frightening disease, my family and close friends were incredibly supportive and encouraging. We are all true believers in God, and my sister Ann led the charge in praying for my healing,
After completing chemotherapy and radiation, I was eager to hear that I was cancer-free. But when I went for my follow-up appointment, my blood work showed some concerning issues. Those results led to yet another devastating diagnosis—Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a blood cancer that seemed to come out of nowhere. My heart sank, and I didn’t know what to feel. But one thing I did know—I had GOD on my side and a praying family.
Richland Hospital became my home for 77 days, filled with treatments, tests, and the constant battle against a weakened immune system. My second home was MUSC, where I underwent more treatments, including a stem cell transplant that required 100 days of recovery. My twin sister Ann was my donor and 100% match. Then, for three months, I stayed at the Charleston Hope Center Lodge before I was finally able to return home to my family.
I had missed so much.
After everything my body and mind had endured, I was declared disabled and unable to work as I once had. And you know what? I was okay with that.
Sometime after, realizing the power of community that surrounded me with support and love, it was put on Spirit to create a non-profit alongside my sister that would do the same for others, and thus Blanketing Families, Inc. was born!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Blanketing Families, Inc. has been going strong for seven years, but it hasn’t been easy. As a small organization among big agencies and well-established nonprofits like United Way, has to rely on the support of our community and small businesses. I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude because we wouldn’t be able to show up in the ways we do if it wasn’t for the community and our angel givers and investors!
We are deeply grateful for the friends and family who believe in our mission to serve and uplift those in need. To keep moving forward, we must continue being creative and finding new ways to grow and evolve.
We’re especially thankful for the partnerships and collaborations made possible by a community that believes in what we do. Your support means everything, and together, we can make a real difference.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was sitting in my living room when I asked God, What do you need me to do? I don’t know what to do. Then, God spoke to me and said, Go out and cover others as I have covered you.
I went into my guest room and saw a stack of blankets, gifts from my family and friends during my own time of need—piled high, almost to the ceiling. At that moment, I knew this was God’s way of giving me Blanketing Families.
Together with my twin sister, Ann Pringle, Blanketing Families, Inc. was established in August 2017. We stand firmly on our mission: What does a blanket do? It covers you from head to toe—just as we do for those in need. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Columbia, SC, we serve anyone in need, ensuring they are cared for, supported, and covered—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
In 2018, we were honored to receive the Community Builders Award from Mungo Homes and WIS-TV. Every Wednesday night, no matter the weather, we served the homeless community in Finlay Park, downtown Columbia—providing blankets, seasonal clothing, and hygiene items, all given with love.
Then, COVID-19 changed everything. We had to get creative, adapt, and trust that God would open a new door—and He did. While many organizations were serving those in need within the city, no one was reaching the rural areas. We saw the need and stepped up, expanding our outreach to Kershaw County, specifically the small town of Elgin, SC.
This opportunity allowed us to spread our wings, share love, and meet people where they were. Today, Blanketing Families continues to make an impact both within and beyond our community through various initiatives, including:
Project HY-G – Providing hygiene essentials to those in need.
No Family Hunger – Ensuring families have food on their tables.
Project No-Sew Blankets: Knotted in Love – Donating handmade blankets to cancer patients and children’s hospitals.
Homeless Outreach – Serving and supporting our unhoused community.
I’m Booked – Encouraging youth literacy with our first reading library in a daycare center.
Blanketing Families Community Garden (Elgin, SC) – Creating a space for nourishment and growth.
What started as a calling has grown into a movement, and we are beyond grateful for the support that allows us to continue covering those in need—just as God intended.
What are your plans for the future?
As we look forward to celebrating our 8th anniversary in August, our greatest hope for the future is to see those we have helped come back to pay it forward—whether by donating clothing, volunteering, or simply sharing their stories of how Blanketing Families was there for them in their time of need.
Looking ahead, we dream of having a small brick-and-mortar location—a central space to store our donated items, serve from, and continue expanding our outreach. With faith, dedication, and the support of our community, we believe this vision will become a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blanketingfamilies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blanketingfamilies.inc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blanketingfamiliesinc
