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Quilting for Chemotherapy Patients

Billy Amon

Posted Mar. 25, 2008
Tagged: Health, Cancer, PersonalStories

I was watching ABC World News on Friday and was moved by the group they chose as their Person of the Week: The Piecemakers Quilting Group of Henderson, Nevada. The group, made up of twelve women of the Central Christian Church, makes quilts for people going through chemotherapy.

The group was formed by the late Joyce Koontz, who was appreciative of the love and support she received from the Central Christian Church. Wanting to give back to her church, she taught other church members to quilt. Biblical verses are sewn into the quilts, which are provided to people undergoing the agonizing process of chemotherapy.

Although Koontz died two years ago, the group lives on and continues to quilt for those in need. To date, about 800 quilts have been made for cancer patients. The group also donates a quilt each year for the Relay for Life event.

Dorothy Fletcher, one of the quilters, says, "It brings sometimes comfort to the person, to the survivors after their loved ones have passed on. And that's a double blessing."

My mom, who battled cancer for 10 months, would have been very moved by this group. I’m sure she would have appreciated a quilt made especially for her.

I think ABC News chose well. What a wonderful and caring group of people.

You can read the entire story and watch the video on the ABC News website. Currently, 195 comments have been left by individuals and families affected by cancer, others involved with quilting for those in need, and viewers moved by the group.

I have personally seen the high costs and inner workings of the health care system. My best friend was in a coma for 12 days and had brain surgery. My mom battled leukemia for 10 months and passed away in February of 2007. I know firsthand that our health care system is in dire need of change and am personally dedicated to working to bring about that change.

I am the Online Community Manager for Trusera. Previously, I was the content manager for the Qvisory Health blog. I live with my wife, dog, and two cats in Seattle, WA. See Billy Amon's other posts and profile.

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