Quilty Hugs--Emily Bailey, You can help too.

When Jan asked me to write a little about the quilty hugs I give to Happy Chemo, it took me a while to think of what I wanted to say.  This cause is very dear to my heart for so many reasons.  First I would like to thank everyone that has donated a quilt so far.  Then let anyone who may be thinking about giving a quilt that these quilts are given to real people and they make a big difference.  I am also  I am need of backs and people who can quilt tops.  We accept donations of fabric, and blocks. 

Thanks to the generosity of so many quilters I have been able to donate over 600 quilts.  Each quilt is given individually to a person going thought the throws of cancer.  I wish I could share the smiles, hugs and kind words I receive as I had these out.  I have been able to make so many new friends and had my life touched so deeply because others are willing to give of their time and talents to make beautiful quilts. 

Let me share a few of these stories.  I’ve changed names to preserve privacy. 

Jill is a twenty something artist with melanoma.  She does beautiful work in many mediums; painting, music, jewelry.  She is positive and has great plans for her future.  She has had to put many of these plans; school, work etc.  on hold while she undergoes treatment.  But on good days she makes jewelry with her mom to raise awareness for cancer.  She was ever so grateful for her quilt.

I met George in the chemo lab with his lovely wife Gloria.  We found we knew many of the same people and were practically neighbors.  We enjoyed many wonderful conversations.  When I took his quilt to his home/farm his family had just finished removing popcorn from the cob.  They showed me the cool machine they used for this and shared two quart jars of their home grown popcorn.  It is the best I have ever tasted.

Shelia is a teacher valiantly fighting breast cancer.  She shared a funny story with me.  Her students had all made cards and drawn pictures for her.  She said one of the cards had a pirate on it.  She could not figure out why this little boy would put a pirate on her get well card.  Then she realized it was not a pirate but a picture of her with the scarf she wore on her head.  We had a good laugh over that.

I could go on and on.  Cancer sucks and strikes far too often.  But the quilts that are donated make a difference and touch real people and make their life a little better.  Thanks again to all those who have given so generously.  And if you could spare a quilt and want to make a difference in someone’s life let me tell you a quilty hug is just what you are after.

These quilts are some that have been given to those fighting cancer.   If you want to contribute at the quilt walk, Emily will be there.  You can use the free sew room to work on a quilt or whatever you want to contribute.  I have a quilt ready to go, well except for the binding.  You know I how I feel about binding.