Friday, May 31, 2019

My heart project



Many years ago, when my youngest son was three weeks old, he came down with a high fever.  He was immediately admitted to the hospital for tests. During those tense days, there was little comfort not knowing what lay ahead with this little one.

My heart project has always been making pillowcases for children in the hospital. Ryan's Case for Smiles is an ongoing organizations, making and donating pillowcases for thousands of children in hospitals around the country. Actually over 50,000 children at over 330 hospitals are helped annually. So about twice a year, I purpose to make between 20 - 25 pillowcases to donate.

A GRATEFULFAMILY - posted from the Case for Smiles Newsletter

"Memorial Day, our son went to a local hospital with arm pain. The following day we were transported to the hospital and given a diagnoses of Stage IV Burkitt Lymphoma. Blake began an aggressive cycle of chemotherapy within hours of transportation to the hospital as the cancerous tumors are extremely fast moving. Within three weeks chemotherapy needed to stop. By week seven Blake was finished the fight and he went to Heaven. During our seven weeks in the hospital we were blessed by Ryan's Case for Smiles. And the blessing hasn't stopped. We never were able to bring our son home, but we were able to bring home the case that Blake had used while we were there. Our other children also had the opportunity to pick out cases. Thank you so much for giving such a valuable and lasting gift to my family. We are forever grateful to you!"

At the time when my little son was in the hospital, there wasn't anything like this. But there are lots of children who would enjoy a whimsical pillowcase that will bring a little bit of brightness and an emotional boost. And to put a smile on the face of sick children coping with the stress of their illnesses and injuries.

4 comments:

Jo said...

That is so thoughtful, caring and touching. Well done.

Barb Neiwert said...

Jocelyn - our quilt guild makes 200+ pillowcases each year for children with cancer who attend a week-long camp in the mountains near us. It's such a worthy endeavor and can mean a lot to those facing difficult times. What a nice letter from that family. Keep up your good work!

chrisknits said...

Our Guild does pillow cases for a local Autism org. It is a worthy cause and gives each patient a personal item that goes with them when they are able to leave. Your cases are wonderful.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

We never know how we can touch a life with something that we've made. Good job with the pillowcases.