For Mark and Sarah Ostrander, founders of Four Peaks Soap Co., what started as a family business dedicated to creating gentle, natural bar soaps now serves a greater purpose – raising pancreatic cancer awareness, and funds for critical research and patient care. This mission is personal for the couple, as they are honoring the memory of Mark’s late mother, Barbara, who passed away in December 2024 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Through their Lather Up With Purpose campaign, Four Peaks Soap Co. is blending the couple’s passion for skincare with their determination to make a lasting impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer. In partnership with Project Purple, they have created a special collaboration box that includes a mini soap sampler, a soap saver bag, branded stickers, and a Project Purple bracelet. For each box sold, the company will donate $5 to Project Purple.
Support Project Purple and Four Peaks Soap Co. by purchasing a collaboration box here.
A Mission Close to Home: Barbara’s Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
Barbara’s journey began with subtle signs: digestive issues, jaundice, and stomach tenderness. Her doctor immediately ordered a scan and bloodwork. She was officially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2023. After undergoing chemotherapy and Whipple surgery, Barbara fought fiercely, but the cancer ultimately spread.
The overwhelming outpouring of love she received from her friends and family was a testament to the impact she had on everyone she met.
“People would have dropped everything for her because of the type of person she was,” says Mark. “She gave and gave to everybody. People were always sending her flowers or dropping off food, sending letters, and giving her love.”
Love, Presence, and Positivity
Barbara’s life was one of selfless devotion. As a mother, she was always present, tirelessly supporting her three sons by taking them to their sports practices and shaping their values.
“She helped me understand what’s important in life. She taught me a lot about establishing relationships and keeping them,” Mark reflects. “She always put family first, and she made every holiday feel so special. Every time she saw you, she would make you feel like the most important person in the world,” Sarah adds.
Barbara’s love multiplied as a grandmother. “I think she loved her grandchildren more than her own children,” Mark laughs. With ten grandchildren ranging from ages three to fifteen, Barbara took every opportunity to make them feel special. Whether it was a birthday gift, a special outing, or a simple visit, she was always thinking of ways to show her love. When Barbara eventually retired, she fully embraced her role as a grandmother, often inviting her family over and spending time with them.
“She was persistent with her relationships,” Mark recalls. “She took the initiative to reach out and keep up with everyone. Whether it was friends or helping care for my great uncle and my grandmother, she was persistent about making sure that everybody was okay.”
Her relentless positivity and unwavering love for others continue to inspire Mark and Sarah in their work. “Barb always saw the best in everyone and in every situation,” says Sarah. “She always had a smile on her face. She had such a bright attitude about everything. Her positive mentality teaches you to look at everything from a glass-half-full perspective.”
A Healing Hobby
Even in the midst of her illness, Barbara’s positivity shone through. She found joy in the everyday things, including Mark’s soap-making. A hobby at the time, Mark’s soap-making was a healthy distraction for both of them.
“It’s very stiff in a hospital room. It’s not fun. It’s dry, it’s white lights, it’s very boring. I can only imagine what happens to your mindset, having to just sit in the hospital bed. You can’t move and you’re uncomfortable,” says Mark. “When I visited, it helped us. Just talking about something that wasn’t ‘Hey, how are you feeling today?’ It allowed for conversation outside of the hospital.”
Barbara enthusiastically gave her youngest son feedback, telling him what scents she liked. She supported their business every step of the way. At the beginning, Barbara would go to stores selling Four Peaks soap, pretending to be a complete stranger to spark interest in the other shoppers.
“When we first started and we were in a couple of stores, my mom would go and act like she didn’t know what the soap was,” Mark fondly recalls. “She would say, ‘Oh my gosh, this soap smells amazing,’” says Sarah.
Turning Tragedy into Tangible Change
Now, Mark and Sarah continue Barbara’s legacy through their business and commitment to making a difference. “We want to put our energy towards an important cause and take positive steps forward after something so devastating,” says Mark.
Mark and Sarah continuously support Project Purple’s mission as they have gifted the collaboration boxes to pancreatic cancer survivors at the Survivor Summit, as well as donating boxes to be raffled off at Project Purple events.
The Lather Up With Purpose Campaign is a way to honor Barbara’s legacy of love, kindness, and connection. Mark and Sarah are turning their personal tragedy into tangible change – one bar of soap at a time.
To purchase a Four Peaks Soap Co. collaboration box in support of Project Purple, click here.
To learn more about Four Peaks Soap Co.’s Lather Up With Purpose initiative, visit their mission page.
