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Quilting for Cancer Patients

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Feb 27, 2013 at 6:47 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 27, 2013 at 7:56 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - One volunteer organization is turning their loss into hope for others.

Caring Hands & Hearts makes quilts for cancer patients around the Western Slope and even have requests around the nation.

Most of the quilters in this group have experienced loss due to cancer and now they quilt to bring comfort to other families.

They've created quilts for hospice veterans and even make them blue stars that hang on their doors, to recognize the veterans' services.

The group is very tight-knit.

"For those of us who've been through losses, it's really great to have them," said Jane Gunn, a hospice volunteer and quilter.

"We meet the most wonderful people and we end up being close friends," said Ceola McDonough.

McDonough started the organization in 2003 after her husband was diagnosed with cancer.

"I had a lot of heart to hearts with God at that time. I said, "If you give me more time with him, I will find a way to help people,'" recounts McDonough.

Her husband suggested quilting. So that's what she did.

"Word started getting out and people started coming to me saying, "I want to help with your project,'" McDonough said.

Before she knew it, Caring Hands and Hearts had given away more than 1,650 quilts to cancer patients around the valley.

"I try to take them to the oncology department. I take them to Community Hospital. I get calls from people, just making personal requests," McDonough said.

By threading hope through every inch of the fabric they use, these handy helpers end up getting more than they give.

"Cancer patients invariably end up comforting their caregivers, when it should be the other way around," McDonough added.

"I have a strong family history of cancer. So this is one of the things I can do in honor of them," Gunn said.

"My daughter had breast cancer last year. I know how she felt when she wrapped up in the blanket when she was having chemo," said Joan Snyder, a quilter.

Caring Hands and Hearts is always looking for more volunteers and is happy to donate to anyone in need.

Contact Ceola McDonough at 250-7443.

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