Charity Idea OUTpost: Crochet for Cancer, Compassion. Creativity. Confidence

Crochet for Cancer Inc,  is a big organization with a  multi faceted operation  so I'm not going to be able  to cover every aspect  of their operation.    This is an important work!  Even though cancer feels chaotic, this  Christian organization helps to bring  calming comfort.      All of us have  seen what cancer has the potential to do, let's instead look at what  "Compassion,  Creativity,  Confidence,"  can do!   (and I'm going to try to keep this short so  YOU can get right to work!) 

Recently  the scourge of childhood cancers has  come to my personal attention.   While I am not personally involved in the situation, there's an instant gut check that happens.     When I  first began my crocheting journey  I did a lot of crocheting for groups reaching out to  families touched by childhood cancer.    Let me rephrase that sentence.   We say "touched by cancers"  as if it's a  gentle thing.  Not by any stretch of the imagination.       Cancer hits.   Crochet  For Cancer aims to  love back a  cancer fighter back. 

 The story of how  Crochet for Cancer came about is  personal.    I won't try to summarize it,  or to copy it here  I  think it should be read.   www.crochetforcancer.org/about-us/our-story/         Tracy Wells wanted to give back.  Taking a personal  story and make it profoundly victorious for the sake of her mom.      With a great deal of faith,  she did.      Now  we are invited to participate in the journey of victory  by helping other cancer fighters.     All of the items provided to  Crochet for Cancer  are made by volunteers and are given free of charge.    (because cancer is expensive enough!)    

Let's get right to the "helping "  part of this blog .        There are  official chapters of Crochet for Cancer where you can donate you handmade hats  but please pay attention to the  FAQ's  and the  Guidelines.    If you've read my  blog on Sunday you know that I am always harping on  guidelines.   It really saves the charity   time and effort.     They are volunteers just like you.      If you can't find a  chapter of  Crochet for Cancer near you, consider becoming a chapter  leader!        Are there patterns for crocheted  caps?  Yes!   However  the Crochet for Cancer chapters also accept knit or  sewn caps also.     Bear in mind that boys and men get cancer too.    I took a moment just to look up some men's patterns through  The Crochet Crowd.     There are many great ideas for men at this link.      

There are lots of ways to provide comfort.   If you have the time and ability,  why not  call your local oncology office or department to see if they could use your support.     Though cancer is a difficult subject,  we would all like to think that someone would be there for us if we needed a helping hand.     Cancer fighters,  from our youngest  fighters and oldest warriors   are amazing.        Looking for  more ideas to send to Crochet for Cancer OR your local Oncology department??   There are endless  free ideas at the Crochet Crowd   and  All  Free Knitting .    

Right  now you might be sitting there reading this blog and thinking,  "I wish I had more hours in the day".    If you can't donate  right now  there are plenty of opportunities to follow what is going on  with Crochet for Cancer on their  Facebook page,  www.facebook.com/CrochetForCancer/, Twitter  twitter.com/crochetforcure  ,  and YouTube  www.youtube.com/user/CrochetforCancer.    Get involved  with the discussion, ask questions,  and when you are ready,  Crochet away!       Thank you to Crochet for Cancer for EVERYTHING that you are doing  for  Cancer Fighters!!!