I’ve had a lot of people ask me why I run the 2
charities…….how I got started……why I design hats and blankets and what I ‘get’
from it. I do it because I think I
was meant to do it. If that makes
any sense.
My poor Mom has tried to teach me to crochet several times over
the years. Each time, I have
failed miserably. It’s not
her……she’s taught other people successfully. It’s me. Yet,
I’d always see how there was a demand for handmade items to help people in
various situations. I do cross
stitch, but that doesn’t really have the potential to make a difference.
So, in November of 2009 I decided that I would teach myself
how to knit so that I too could make a difference. I searched for a charity that spoke to me and I found Head
Huggers. My grandfather passed
away from a blood disorder when I was in the 6th grade. My aunt succumbed to breast cancer when
I was in the 8th grade.
My friend Patsy’s mom also was a victim of cancer. Father James Tully, a
wonderful priest and dedicated friend also lost the battle with cancer, but
more recently. I truthfully do not
know anyone who has not had her life touched by cancer in some way. My years of working in health care made
me painfully aware of the extreme stresses of cancer treatment. I wanted to do something to help make
things a little nicer, maybe give a little cheer to those dealing with this
disease.
Sue Thompson, who started Head Huggers asked me to start a
splinter group to serve the Delaware area………….and that’s how this all
started.
Kozy Kovers for Kids began when a woman who was making hats
for DEHH asked me if Delaware had any type of program that gave blankets to
foster children. I researched it,
learned that we did not and stepped in to try to fill a void. Foster children often have absolutely
nothing of their own. When I think
about all I have and all that my son has, it was a simple thing to realize that
this too needed to be done. As I
reached out to various agencies and organizations, I realized that there are so
many children in need, entering our hospitals, battling abuse and neglect that
even if I had a never ending supply of blankets, there would still be children
who needed one. So, we do what we
can and hope that it makes a difference.
I design hats because I have fun! I get bored with the same patterns and see an opportunity to
create new things that can help. I
share the patterns because the hats (and the blankets) are meant to comfort and
bring hope……….and that should be shared!
I truly believe that my second grade teacher Carolyn, a wonderful friend
who passed away this past year from a rare blood disorder is responsible for a
lot of my creativity. She always
pushed me as a student to be more creative and I know that she would be so
happy with what I am doing. So I
guess maybe I do it for her too. I’ve actually had dreams about both her and
Father Tully lately.
I am in amazement at how many wonderful, talented and
special people I have met through these organizations. I’ve made friends with people I never
would have had the opportunity to meet and I’ve learned so much. Yes, shipping and supplies cost money
and yes, there are things that I skip buying so that all the items that come in
can be sent to where they are needed.
I do that because I want to do so.
It is a way I can remember the people I have loved so dearly and lost as
well as a way to help others who are going through treatment or suffering in
some way.
Children should be happy and healthy………unfortunately, that
is not always the case. If a
blanket can give a little comfort, then I’ll keep on making blankets.
Cancer is a brutal disease that too many people have to
battle. If a hat can give a little
cheer or a little hope, then I will continue to knit hats too.
I’ve got a tremendous amount to be grateful for in my life
and this is a tiny way I can give a little bit back.
The wonderful people who help me by knitting and supporting
my two ‘babies’ all do so for their own reasons I am sure. But, I know for certain, that each one
is a strong, compassionate and loving person who is doing it for all the right
reasons too.
Remember, all are welcome to
join us in
some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more
people hear about us. So, spread the word! And, as always, if you or
anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to
contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be
happy to ship some out. If there is a chemo center that is near and
dear to your heart and you think they could use some hats, let me know
and I will ship a box off to them. This is what we do!!
Delaware Head Huggers
Kozy Kovers for Kids
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