Cancer Patients Spread Message: Don't Worry Be Happy

Who do you wear your shirt for?

The next shirt you purchase can help a cancer patient pay their bills.

The HAPPY Place was inspired by the life and message of Kevin Carlberg who lost his battle with brain cancer in 2009. When he was diagnosed he began wearing a vintage-style T-shirt that read, “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” He wore the shirt everywhere and lived by its message. Carlberg’s philosophy was, “I’m happy and I want to make other people feel happy too, and know that you can survive this.”

He lived six years longer than doctors expected, helped to raise millions of dollars for cancer research and spread his worry-free message.

After his death, Carlberg’s aunt Mina Buc and her husband Jim Buc began making “Don’t Worry Be Happy” shirts to help spread Carlberg’s message. What began as a few shirts given to friends and family has become a fully operating 501C foundation that donates all proceeds from the shirts to help pay the medical and living expense of a “cancer warrior.” Carlberg’s story is printed inside each shirt.

“My goal is to see everyone wearing a Don’t Worry Be Happy shirt,” Mina said.

Jim said many of the cancer warriors wear their shirt during treatments and doctor’s appointments, adding that the shirts message helps to take the darkness out of the room allowing the patients see hope and feel optimistic.

Aliso Viejo resident Gina Miller was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in Sept. 2011. After surgery, six months of chemotherapy and radiation, Miller is in the waiting period with hopes the cancer will not return.

Shortly after Miller was diagnosed she received a visitor to her home. Her friend Mina was there with a tote bag filled with Don’t Worry Be Happy merchandise.

“[Mina] has so much warmth and selfless love. Tireless work and she never complains. She is always looking to help, ” Miller said holding back tears. “I can still picture her walking up to my door that day.”

Miller, who is a board member of the foundation, said she finds comfort just being in The HAPPY Place.

“My success in fighting this battle is due, in no small part, to the love and support from my family, my friends, my coworkers, my neighbors and my friends at The HAPPY Place. I remain positive and strong due to my extensive support group.  I hope to offer some of that same support to other cancer warriors in an effort to help others with their healing,” Miller said.

Don’t Worry Be Happy Foundation board member and cancer warrior Trycia Carlberg lost her battle on May 5. Trycia, who was Kevin’s cousin, was a professional dancer until breast and bone cancer sent her life in a tailspin. Trycia had always wanted to take part in a flash mob and finally got her chance during a Don’t Worry Be Happy fundraiser concert in 2010.

Trycia, who was then in a wheel chair and could barely walk from painful surgeries, choreographed and learned the steps she assumed she'd need to perform from her chair. But when the excitement from the event hit her she couldn’t help but dance. She got out of her wheel chair and danced every step.

(See video of Trycia’s flash mob above. She is the first out on the dance floor.)

Shirts can be purchased online at dwbhshirts.org or at the newly opened The HAPPY Place store in Laguna Beach. There are currently 36 "cancer warriors" being sponsored by The HAPPY Place. Those interested in purchasing a shirt are encouraged to read through the stories and select one who will receive the proceeds from the purchase.

Donations can also be made without a purchase of a shirt.

The HAPPY Place is currently offering a variety of wellness classes including Meditation Mondays, Wellness Wednesdays and a drum circle on Tuesdays. See the complete list online.