CANCER FIGHTING TOOTHPASTE
HARPSWELL, Maine —
Harpswell resident Adam Hewison was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. The news was gut-wrenching, but in the days after, he redirected his energy in search of a project that would help people like him.
“I’ve been given this gift, this life, and not to use it, it would be very sad," Hewison said. "I don’t think 'oh my god I’ve got cancer what am I going to do?' Forget it. You can do a lot.”
That's how Believe Oral Health was born. Hewison decided to start a 501(c)3 nonprofit to manufacture all-natural toothpaste and mouthwash with a plan to donate the profits to cancer research. He chose toothpaste because it's something people use every day.
“We all brush our teeth, two or three times a day, so why couldn’t we make a toothpaste, a natural toothpaste where all the profits go to cancer charities?” Hewison said.
His dream became a reality with the help of two Maine residents. Pamela Hurley-Moser helped Hewison get the project off the ground. Today, she takes pride in using their toothpaste at home.
“It’s great that she knows every time she brushes her teeth, she’s helping others," said Hurley-Moser of her daughter.
The company sells mint mouthwash and toothpaste in two flavors, mint and vanilla. The products are available on their website and in seven stores in Maine, including Morning Glory Natural Foods in Brunswick and Portland Food Co-op. So far, the stores that they've reached out to have been enthusiastic.
“Once they hear the story, they're in," Hewison said.
The founders hope to eventually sell the product nationwide.
“I aspire to be a brand like Newman’s Own," Hurley-Moser said. "I really do.”
Like Newman's Own, Believe donates 100% of the profits to charity. The funds will go to Maine Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They may add additional charities to that roster in the future.
“What I'd like to see eventually is that we’re raising enough money to do independent non-pharma research on cancer," Hewison said.