In Loving Memory: Carol's Journey

Carol Brand was a bright and beautiful soul—gentle, genuine, and full of warmth. With a smile that could light up any room and a heart that instinctively reached out to others, Carol made the world around her better simply by being in it. Her laughter, kindness, and quiet strength left an imprint on all who knew her.

Born and raised in the Detroit area, Carol remained close to home throughout her life, building a legacy of love centered around her devoted husband, her three daughters—Kelly, Sandy, and Jamie—and five cherished grandchildren. Her greatest joy was her family, and she embraced every moment she could with them. Carol was a stay-at-home mom in her early years, later returning to school to earn her associate degree and work in local industry, where she remained for over a decade. It was during this time she met her second husband, Kip, while working part-time at a local golf course—a place that quickly became part of their shared story.

Carol’s warmth extended far beyond her home. She was beloved by friends, coworkers, and neighbors, always offering a helping hand and turning strangers into lifelong friends. Whether volunteering to deliver Meals-on-Wheels or simply being there when someone needed a friend, Carol’s compassion was constant and unwavering.

She had a love for life—baseball road trips with Kip to visit stadiums across the Midwest, long afternoons spent golfing, cooking for her family, and cheering on her beloved Detroit Tigers, as a longtime season ticket holder. But in 2006, at just 48 years old, Carol’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

What followed was a long and courageous journey through multiple rounds of treatment, recurrences, and added diagnoses—Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Small Lymphocytic Leukemia, and Mature T-Cell Lymphoma. Despite her battles, Carol continued to work, to love, and to live fully. She rarely missed a day on the job, even in the midst of chemotherapy. Her strength, resilience, and grace in the face of adversity inspired all who witnessed it.

In October 2018, after a brave and unrelenting fight, Carol made the deeply personal decision to end treatment. Surrounded by family and friends, she said her goodbyes with peace and dignity.

On the day of her very first chemotherapy treatment, Carol felt a deep chill—a side effect of the harsh medicines. Kip left the hospital to buy her a blanket, one that became her constant companion and source of comfort throughout every treatment. It became her "Chemo Blanket"—a simple gift that brought her warmth and a sense of peace. Before she passed, Carol asked her family to consider starting a foundation to bring that same comfort to others enduring what she had faced.

That promise has become Carol’s Army.

We are proud to carry her legacy forward by providing Comfort Blankets to leukemia patients, supporting families in need, and contributing to life-saving research. Carol fought her battle with courage, heart, and hope—and now, through Carol’s Army, her spirit continues to touch others.

We invite you to join us in this mission. In her memory. In her name. For all who still fight.