Soothing a Loved One or Friend with Breast Cancer October 25 2019

October’s pumpkin spice cannot cloud the attention we should pay toward Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Especially since one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s like one on every block! There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. And all of them can use a little comfort.

There are several ways you can help share awareness or provide some solace to those with or have survived breast cancer. Like this Hope Kit from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

And some are of the crafty sort.

For the yarn lovers, Knitted Knockers are handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or similar procedures. Started by a knitter in Maine, Knitted Knockers provides free knockers and free patterns alongside kits for purchase to help the growing organization continue. Have some needles that could see some use? Take a look at the site and its tutorials to get started. 

Rosalie Dekker, who passed at the end of 2017 from breast cancer, created this beautiful pink heart piece, called Hope, Love and Friendship, that makes an excellent wall decoration when stretched around a 16-inch by 20-inch artist's canvas. Hidden within the heart are symbols of hope such as a butterfly, bluebird, hearts, and flowers. The pink hanky linen stitched with variegated thread make this the perfect gift for someone going through a difficult time, such as breast cancer, as it will share with them your hope, love and friendship.

Hope Love and Friendship by Rosalie Dekker

Dekker had been ill, then in remission, then ill again for 10 years. During that time she kept doing what she loved, creating beautiful things for us to stitch and quilt. Here’s to you Rosalie! We thank you so much for your work.

Our own Jennifer Lee has made a quilt for someone close who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She knows the power of giving a soothing handmade hug to someone who needs sympathy, relief, and comfort.

Jackie's quilt

Quilting performed by Quiltographic 

What ways have you soothed a loved one or friend? Please share with us your story in the comments below.

And remember to get those mammograms!