Cancer. Its not a pretty word but people with cancer are in need of a special loving touch. This is why I am talking about chemo caps today. Several of my friends and some family have had a brush with cancer. I've had the privilege of making hats or shawls for them to wear to keep them warm. One side effect of chemo is anemia which causes Chemo patients to feel cold. Healthline has an excellent graphic on the common side effects of Chemo. Those of us who work to keep chemo patients warm should have a look at this chart. Today my daughter is going to help me discuss how to help Chemo patients.
Just to be clear chemotherapy is NOT just for cancer. Chemo is also use for treatments for diseases such as Lupus, Sickle Cell Anemia, Scleroderma, and Rheumatoid arthritis patients. Its able to keep cells to keep the from rapidly multiplying causing more damage. So when looking for outlets for your Chemo Caps, do not hesitate to talk to local chapters of S.L.E foundation, Rheumatology office, Sickle Cell Association of America chapter, or ask at your local hospital for other ideas. These associations will be most appreciative of your thoughtfulness. There are a couple of "go to" websites I use when in need of ideas for Chemo caps. The first is "Headhuggers.org". I have used this site countless times over the years that I have been knitting and crocheting. Their whole purpose is to provide warm, attractive, handmade, hats to those going through Chemotherapy for whatever reason. Sue Thompson is the founder of Head Huggers. She tells her story here. If you knit, crochet or sew you will find hat patterns for men, women, boys and girls at Head Huggers. We've all seen the ads of people going through chemo, but there are very specific needs for hats for people going through chemo. The yarn/fabric must be very soft and machine washable. One organization you can work with is Crochet for Cancer. Its a marvelous organization. There are chapters all around the United States, Canada, and Australia. There are patterns available, as well as the opportunity to meet the chapter leaders. There are patterns for hats for all ages. Many of the people I've made hats for like their hats a little special. Put a team logo or a flower on the hat just for fun. No pins or anything that might rub on the sensitive skin. If you are looking for another way to donate look no further than Handmade for Charity or Create the Good's volunteer match . These to pages put you in touch with charities all over looking for your handmade items! I found plenty of opportunities on both sites. Make sure you add your zip code to Create The Good's volunteer match to see if there's a place near you to donate your caps! I did a google search and came up with several more organizations like Knots of Love. Check out the organizations with other knitters and crocheters on Ravelry or through Charity Navigator so that you are sure you are working with dynamic and growing charity. Donating chemo caps started for me many years ago when a friend of our family was diagnosed with breast cancer. Do you have your own story? Even though it may be difficult to think about that word "Cancer" remember that your loving gift will bring a smile. You can energize a survivor!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2022
Categories
All
Author**Opinions expressed on blogs about which I write are the opinion of the blog authors and DO NOT necessarily reflect my own opinion. |