*Whew!* What a Week!
- posted by: Angela
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: May 16, 2009
As KJ and WJ (aka “The Jo-Jos”) have talked about, the Leads had a big week together. We were in 2 states and we met at least 200 hundred people in several unique environments. It will take awhile for us to share all our experiences but I want to share what we did this Wednesday. Rebecca connected with Levine’s Children Hospital in North Carolina to get us set up to come into the hospital to make pillow cases with the pediatric oncology patients for Conkerr Cancer. You know what I was thinking the whole trip leading up to going to the hospital? I’m going to be honest with you (although I was trying NOT to let the other Leads know I was thinking this): “OMG, I’m going to freak out…. I hope I don’t cry… kids with cancer? I don’t think I can handle it… this is a terrible idea… I don’t think I can do it…” My heart was actually racing as we went up the elevator to the oncology floor. And then?
Loved it. Loved it. The kids were, of course, just kids. Just like any kids, just like mine in fact, which, while it IS heart-wrenching, was okay. Because making pillows was like any craft I’ve shared with countless people- the kids were totally focused on picking out fun fabric and “driving” the foot peddle and I was focused on not messing up the pillows (which at least one of the older kids thought was great- he stayed with us the entire time we were there to make sure I didn’t sew any of the younger kids an inside-out pillow which of course I almost did a few times to his delight). So that’s it. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Doesn’t doing crafts always lift the spirits a bit?
Tifany #5942 says:
May 16th, 2009 at 12:45 pmCool! What a sweet thing to do!
Michelle 3624 says:
May 16th, 2009 at 12:59 pmThank you for sharing so honestly with us and I can hear in your writing that you loved it so. . .
Maxine Hodges says:
May 16th, 2009 at 1:12 pmHelping a sick child in any way that one can is rewarding. You can hear that you truly did love it in your post. When I made my pillowcases I just kept thinking if this was my child or grandchild, I would hope that people would care about them.
Groovy Deb says:
May 16th, 2009 at 1:30 pmAw! I am glad you were able to get to the point where you could work there with the kids. Kids with any sort of sickness if difficult to deal with, but I know that all of you must have brightened up their day in this way. Good job!
Deb♥
Lisa Simpson says:
May 16th, 2009 at 2:25 pmI love this,my baby brother,Glenn,passed away with cancer,he was in stage 4 when we found out,they say it gets easier,but it’s now yet,it feels like yesterday,I was in laying bed with him when he left us,I stayed with him for the last 2 months and would give anything to have had one more with him,,,,he wouldn’t let me go anywhere,he said she’s the only one that can’t go anywhere,he held me captive,lol.I enjoyed every moment.People don’t realize what some of the patients go thru,and they do need help,Sorry I just wanted to share my experience,if you know anyone with cancer,lend a helping hand,don’t ask,most are to proud,just do it.Thanks for sharing this with all.
maryannehoekman5271 says:
May 16th, 2009 at 3:10 pmangela thanks for your honesty.. i too would cry.. you are truly compassionate about what you do and i will have to check in with finding a local chapter!
Amanda #4550 says:
May 16th, 2009 at 4:17 pmWhat a great experience.
Pinky #3405 says:
May 16th, 2009 at 4:46 pmOh how wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Angela #3100 says:
May 16th, 2009 at 7:12 pmThanks for sharing how you really felt and how it worked out! I’ll bet you’ve inspired some folks to try to help in ways they might not have thought they could.
Mardi says:
May 16th, 2009 at 7:40 pmTFS, love this story!! I just checked out which hospital in the area does this and found about 8 different hospitals. You have inspired me Angela!!! Thank you!
joybear 4434 says:
May 16th, 2009 at 8:52 pmGlad you were able to do it and enjoyed it!
Merlene #1166 says:
May 17th, 2009 at 9:24 amThis is such a rewarding cause. I have been making pillowcases every month for ConKerr Cancer. There are chapters everywhere. I chose Seattle Children’s Hospital, because that is where my granddaughter was hospitalized several times, and my gret nephew is being treated for Cancer now. These kids are kids and love new experiences. Anyone can make a pillow case. The directions are on the ConKeer Cancer website. I encourage you all to make a difference in a child’s life.
Kathleen says:
May 17th, 2009 at 2:24 pmThis is such a great cause and the kids are so happy getting the pillowcases. It is always hard to see anyone who is ill especially children but like you expressed kids are kids and people are people. The experience is priceless. Thanks for sharing this personal response. You expressed it beautifully.
Shannon says:
May 17th, 2009 at 8:42 pmThis is such an amazing idea. I’m so glad you had the chance to do it, and that you shared the story with us! This is something I’ve been wanting to do. Thank you for sharing!
cheryl says:
May 18th, 2009 at 5:54 amI enjoyed spending the week with you and I’m so grateful you had this opportunity. You have so much to give to so many! I know I am blessed because of you!
Tina S. 3612 says:
May 18th, 2009 at 8:32 amThat’s so great! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Julie O. says:
May 18th, 2009 at 9:46 amWhat a blessing. Such an experience and opportunity I’m sure you’ll never forget!
Karri #6255 says:
May 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 pmThat is so awesome! I am a North Carolinian and really appreciate what you and the others were able to do within our state. It’s a beautiful thing regardless of which state you were able to share your talents. Thank you!