Healthy Living Newsletter
Love…in every stitch
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| As lap quilts, afghan and shawls are delivered weekly to Mercy Hospital for the Maureen O’Sullivan Blessed Blanket program, Father Paul Higdon blesses the blankets with the following prayer: “Our Father in heaven, we ask your blessing on these blankets, to be given to our cancer patients. May they provide the warmth these patients need. And, send your blessing not only on the blankets, but on all those who use them, and those who made them and gave them for this good purpose. We ask you this, through Christ our Lord.” |
With the prick of a needle or pin, a gesture of love, a gesture of caring can be crafted to comfort those diagnosed with cancer.
As Mercy Hospital plans to honor its volunteers during National Volunteer Week beginning April 15, one group of dedicated volunteers cannot be overlooked; for they bring comfort in a most unusual way to patients battling cancer.
For a number of years the group, with members as far reaching as the community itself, toil away crafting the most beautiful quilts, afghans, and shawls. The group — known only as the Threads of Mercy — never know who their gifts will touch, nor rarely meet the recipients. But, they know they are given to the most worthy of warriors.
Providing lap blankets and shawls to patients of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center could only be the brainchild of one who battled the disease herself.
“Maureen O’Sullivan contacted me while she was being treated for her second cancer diagnosis,” comments Pat Gerbig of Fort Gratiot, a longtime Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Organization (MAVO) member. “Maureen said that she had received a quilt from a friend. Maureen went on to say, how touched she was by the gesture and wouldn’t it be wonderful to create the program for patients of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center?”
Although Maureen eventually lost her battle, her idea sparked the imaginations of a host of quilters and knitters and launched one of the most successful patient projects in the area: the Blessed Blanket program.
Doreathea Markel of East China has been participating in the program since it began over four years ago. She has a reputation around Mercy Hospital for her beautiful Pink Ribbon quilts (a pink ribbon is the universal symbol for breast cancer). She’s also been a Mercy Hospital volunteer since 1989.
“When I retired I thought I would try my hand at quilting,” explains Doreathea. “My mom made the most beautiful quilts and crafted one for each of her 32 grandchildren. So, I decided to give it a try. Now, at 80 years old, I have a quilting area in my basement and work on quilts whenever I can.”
The process for making one single lap quilt is extensive and in short order can be completed in approximately 30 hours. “The more detailed the quilt, the longer it takes,” explains Doreathea. “When I deliver my quilts to Mercy, I know they will go to someone who truly needs additional warmth and comfort. It’s all the reward I need or could ever want.
“Although once, I did receive a note from the family of a cancer patient who lost the battle, informing me that they were so taken by the beauty of the quilt and the gesture that they used the quilt as the casket cover,” Doreathea continues. “The note was so moving, I’ll never forget it.”
Mary Marsh of Port Huron Township has been a MAVO member for five years and couldn’t agree more.
“This project is so wonderful and fulfilling for everyone who participates,” Mary explains. “Patients are so overwhelmed by the thought that others are thinking of them and supporting them in their illness.”
Mary works her magic on shawls for patients. “Volunteering is an important part of my life,” comments Mary. “When I was a child and my family fell on hard times others helped us and now I have the ability to repay that kindness. After all, as Christians aren’t we supposed to be doing this?”
Although these gifts of art are admired by many, it is the patient and the patient’s family who truly appreciates the value of the Threads of Mercy.
“When we give a blanket to a patient we choose one that matches that individual’s personality,” explains Betty Silorey, Nurse Assistant, on the Oncology Unit of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center. “It’s like going shopping and purchasing a dress; we choose one that is just right for the patient, matching his/her need.
“Although the blankets are intended for the patient, the family members also benefit from the connection the blanket provides,” continues Betty. “It gives them a sense of comfort, a sense of deep care for their loved one.
“The patients are often overwhelmed with this gesture. They can’t believe we do this,” continues Betty. “It’s unthinkable that we would literally wrap them in comfort. Then, when they read the attached card and learn the blankets are blessed, they feel the blankets are empowered by God. This often has an unbelievable affect and visibly strengthens the patient and his/her family. It’s a very powerful experience for all of us.
“This is truly a wonderful program,” concludes Betty, “and all the credit goes directly to those who make these beautiful gifts. The patients continue to use the blanket even after they leave the unit. They are simply a continuing source of strength.”
As the program continues to grow and expand, the Threads of Mercy group felt the only way to truly acknowledge the program was to honor its foundress.
“It was important to us that we memorialize this project and give credit to the individual who truly deserves it,” concludes Pat. “Last year, we renamed the project the Maureen O’Sullivan Blessed Blanket program. I think Maureen would be proud of this accomplishment. It has made a world of difference and touched so very many lives.”
The Maureen O’Sullivan Blessed Blanket program is directed by Donna Gossman, who volunteers her time on this project, in addition to her work in Mercy Hospital’s Human Resources Department. For more information about this project, please call (810) 985-1877.
If you would like more information about becoming a MAVO member or to find out more about volunteer opportunities at Mercy Hospital, contact Cindy Henrion at (810) 985-1674, or visit the MAVO section of this website. |
