Local quilters donate to cancer center
Contact: Sarah Bello
By Kara Dowaliby, Marketing and Communications Coordinator l
Having something warm to put on during cancer treatment can mean so much to a patient, especially if that item is handmade with love in every stitch. Thanks to the Clatsop Quilters' Guild, the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative received 35 quilts.
“Quilts offer not only physical comfort but also provide a reminder that others are thinking of them throughout their cancer journey,” says Durinda Haukap, director of the Cancer Center. “Quilts are perfect for lounging at home after treatment.”
The guild's president chooses a charity each year and proposes a president's challenge to the members.
"We make sure that all of our efforts are blessing those in Clatsop County," says Janet Mossman, guild president.
Mossman was inspired to donate quilts to the cancer center after her own experiences with cancer.
"I lost both of my parents very young to cancer. I had cancer young but survived, and my sister has cancer now," Mossman says. "Unfortunately, cancer touches a lot of people."
After choosing the cancer center and moving their challenge forward, Mossman contacted Chris Laman, CMH's vice president of strategy, and Haukap. The guild chose the OHSU Cancer Center to donate their beautiful handmade quilts.
“Partnerships like this are what make our community so special. These quilts provide physical comfort and show our patients they are not alone,” Laman says. “It is heartening for patients to know members of our community are actively supporting them during their cancer journey.”
Getting quilts from the local community makes a difference to patients because it’s their community full of family, friends and peers providing handmade quilts.
"We are honored to create comfort for our local cancer center, which will, in turn, give our quilts to patients to provide warmth and comfort," Mossman says.
Mossman started the guild in January 2023 alongside Lynda Newell. The guild has grown strong and now has 64 members. Its goal is to make as many quilts as possible throughout the year for donation.
Most quilters will complete one quilt per month. More accomplished quilters finish two or three quilts per month. Members of the guild buy all their materials for the quilts they donate. At the same time, they teach and share their skills to move forward in the art of quilting and welcome newcomers. Quilters provide quality quilts to local charities annually to support and comfort. The guild is open to everyone of all ages and skill sets.
"Anybody that quilts will tell you two reasons they quilt. The first reason is they love to give heirlooms to friends and family," Mossman says. "A quilt is a very exclusive, thoughtful gift, and people like to get them. The next reason is they like to relax. It's that activity where you start thinking about the process, and your mind relaxes. That's probably the best benefit of quilting. We also get to have a great sense of community."
Patients will receive beautiful handmade 100% cotton quality quilts thanks to the guild and the quilters. Thank you, Clatsop Quilters' Guild, for your generous donation!