Zonta Club Sews Support for Breast Cancer Patients
It's the 4th of the month, which means it's time to call your buddy as a reminder to do a self breast exam. It's also time for this month's Buddy Check Report.
When you are going through something that's a physical and emotional challenge, it's important to have something to comfort you.
Now, thanks to a group of Benzie County women, more than 1,500 breast cancer patients in northern Michigan have just the thing.
They measure and cut, snip and stuff. But their not just here for a sewing bee, they're on a stichin' mission.
Sharon Hillquist, Benzie Area Zonta Club project chairperson says, "Today we're sewing mastectomy pillows and when they're done they'll go up to the Smith Breast Center for distribution to women who have had breast biopsies or surgeries."
In June 2004, their club was looking for a new project to fulfill the group's mission of improving the lives of women and it was a project with personal ties.
Hillquist says, "It's an important thing to do. We have three breast cancer survivors within our club and yesterday we just had another member who had surgery so it's something women can relate to."
The specially shaped pillows are hand crafted and designed to provide pain relief after breast surgery and treatments. The pillows take the pressure off of a sensitive area and provide comfort to the patient.
Zonta Club members hope the patients get as much receiving the gift as they do crafting them.
Hillquist says, "I guess as long as I can get all of these women together we'll keep going. It's hard to believe when you think 1,500 pillows distributed through Munson Hospital I find that thought just overwhelming."
Benzie Zonta members also make special chemo caps and satin pillow cases for breast cancer patients.
