Why We Created It: The Story Behind “Kate 26” Calendula Tallow Balm
There Are Some Calls You Never Forget
The story of our Kate 26 Calendula Tallow Balm, began with a phone call.
One night, my dad called to say something was wrong with my niece, Kate. She was just five years old, beautiful, spicy, full of fire, and the little spark who kept everyone on their toes. His voice carried something heavy and unspoken, and I knew immediately that I needed to get to Phoenix.
By the next day, our family was gathered at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, bracing for news that would change everything. Kate had a rare brain tumor. It was the type of diagnosis that stops time, where the rest of the world keeps moving, but your family enters a different reality.
A Journey That Shaped All of Us
Days blurred into weeks, then months. There were hopeful moments and heartbreaking ones. Everything became about fighting for this bright, brave little girl who filled every room with warmth and spark.
Watching my sister Holly and my brother-in-law Aaron navigate that season remains one of the greatest examples of strength I have ever witnessed. Now, as a mother myself, I cannot fathom how they kept going through that level of uncertainty and pain.
In the early years, Kate’s journey was shared publicly, inviting thousands to pray and hope alongside us. But as she grew older, her story naturally became her own—one held quietly, privately, and with deep respect.
Sixteen years after her initial diagnosis, Kate was preparing for yet another brain surgery. When my sister asked if I could help create a healing balm to support her skin afterward, it felt like an honor. I wanted every part of it to be intentional, pure, and crafted specifically for her healing.
From Her Story Came “Kate 26”
The balm we created for her is calming, restorative, and deeply gentle. It’s designed to soothe surgical scars, nourish compromised skin, and offer comfort during a vulnerable stage of healing.
We named it “Kate 26” for her birthday, December 26, a day that celebrates her life, her sweetness, her spark, and her remarkable resilience.
Kate 26 isn’t just a calendula tallow balm.
It’s a story.
A story of a family who learned to hold both fear and faith.
A story of a community that rallied in prayer and support.
A story of a girl who has walked a road harder than most adults ever will
and has done so with courage, humor, and softness.
Creating a Healing Balm, Ingredient by Ingredient
I turned to plants and tallow. Every ingredient in Kate 26 was chosen with purpose, especially for sensitive or compromised skin.
Grass-Fed Tallow
Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and deeply compatible with human skin. It offers restorative nourishment and supports the skin barrier during recovery.
Organic Shea Butter
For softness, suppleness, and protective moisture—especially important for tender post-surgical skin.
Emu Oil
A deeply penetrating carrier that reaches the deeper layers of the skin, helping deliver nutrients where they're most needed. Known for easing inflammation and supporting repair.
Manuka Honey
A medicinal honey with powerful antimicrobial and skin-regenerating properties. It brings a layer of protection while assisting in tissue healing.
Calendula
The star of the balm. Calendula has been cherished across generations for calming inflammation, supporting wound healing, and soothing delicate skin. Its presence makes the balm gentle, renewing, and deeply comforting.
Each ingredient was selected with Kate’s healing head in mind—intentional, soothing, and safe for sensitive skin.