Layers of Love
Today’s guest blog post is written by Patty, who runs the Layers of Love donation drive; its mission is to make a difference in the lives of patients undergoing chemotherapy by supplying comfy homemade fleece blankets to the Cooper Cancer Institute. Read on to find out more about what led Patty to get started on her mission.
“The first time I sat with my parents in the waiting room of the Cooper Cancer Institute, I was struck by not just the number of patients who walked through the door, but by how many of them carried a tote bag with a fleece blanket tucked inside. As my mom and I walked my dad in for his appointment, the reason became apparent – the temperature in the treatment room dropped considerably. The first thing my dad said as he settled into his chair was, “I sure wish I brought my blanket with me…it’s cold in here!” Not only is the room kept cooler, but as we all soon learned, being cold is a side effect of chemotherapy. While hospital blankets are of course provided, they are the standard, thin sort. Hardly the type I’d imagine would provide any real warmth and comfort. Judging by the blankets other patients chose to bring, fleece is the fabric of choice.As I drove home that day my thoughts never left those patients who – like my dad – could use all the comfort they could get at this point in their lives. That’s when the light in my head went off and Layers of Love: Comforting Cancer Patients One Blanket at a Time was born.And we’re asking for your help. We’re collecting new, homemade, no sew fleece tied blankets to make chemotherapy patient’s experience more comfortable.
Why fleece? Not only is it warm, but it is soft and breathable. And unlike wool, it is machine washable. Our idea was started with a simple need. Chemotherapy patients suffer a terrible side effect of treatment. Being susceptible to cold. So we are hoping, with everyone’s generous help, we can make a difference for these patients going through chemotherapy. Our mission is to donate homemade fleece tied blankets to the Cooper Cancer Institute. Why Cooper Cancer Institute? This is where my Dad is going through his treatment.
We have set up guidelines to make this as easy as possible no matter if you plan on making your own fleece tied blanket or if you are purchasing a kit. We have links to purchase directly the no sew fleece kits or fleece fabric (if you choose to make your own) on our blog sidebar, to make the donation process as easy as possible. All the blanket donation information is available on our blog.
This month’s blanket goal is 74: in honor of my Dad’s birthday. We can be followed on Twitter, and also on our Layers Of Love blog, and everyone can become a fan on our facebook page.
Personally I have big plans for our drive, hopefully going forward, after we take care of the needs of the Cooper Cancer Institute, I hope to move on the pediatric floor of the Cooper University Hospital, then moving on to Cancer Centers and Hospitals, filling the needs of both the adult and children cancer patients all over the United States, and then hopefully, one day all over the world.
Layers of Love
Comforting Chemotherapy Patients One Blanket at a Time.
layersoflove1@gmail.com
What a lovely caring gesture.
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Patty, I am always amazed in what the spirit of the human heart can do when you set your mind to it! What a wonderful gesture of giving back to those around you. I am believing you will far pass your goal of 74! Thank you for taking the time to share.
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I absolutely agree with Luann. This is a gesture borne out of a loving heart. Well done Patty
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This is just so inspirational. The power of what one person with love and compassion can achieve
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Patty I wish you every success with your worthwhile endeavour
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Great to know more about Layers of Love and how it got started. I already follow on Twitter and this morning became a fan on Facebook. I remember how much I used a blanket, scarf or my prayer shawl when I was going through chemo and it made a big difference. Keep up the great work!
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What a wonderful idea – I am sure you will exceed your goal as Luann says 🙂
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Just wonderful 🙂
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Patty,
The way you work with chemotherapy patients is all too familiar to me. I have seen and known the power of determination; witnessed the extent to which it can sway obstacles and persuade more people to join in to the cause.
I’m all too proud and honoured to have read your blog and feel humbled commenting on it.
Mother Teresa once said, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.”
I wish you grand success in accomplishing your mission.
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Thank you to you all for your wonderful comments. I am very honored to be here on the Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer’s blog. Thank you all for taking the time to read about our donation drive and what we are trying to do. Thank you also for becoming our fans on facebook. I am overwhelmed by the response today from everyone. It’s amazing what a difference we can all make together. Thank you again.
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