A stack of brightly colored homemade crochet blankets sits on the counter, wrapped in ribbon, ready to be delivered to Cypress Oncology and Hematology at Parker Adventist Hospital.

The blanket’s thoughtful creator, Cheri Benitez, is doing what she can to help give a little comfort to those who may need it.  “In October 2015, my mom was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and every three weeks while sitting with her while she received chemotherapy, I noticed people who didn’t have a support system like that” Cheri notes. “I really wanted to let them know they aren’t alone.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t Cheri’s first encounter with the malicious disease.  When her adopted son, Thomas, was diagnosed and had to go through treatment, on top of trying to cure him with Slurpees, frozen custard and Rice-A-Roni, Thomas would also have a new blanket for every chemo treatment he went to.  “I wanted him to feel wrapped up in love, and that’s how Blankets for Chemo began.”

Currently, she has made and donated about 40 blankets, and donates them at a rate of five every two weeks.  The average cost is about 22 dollars per blanket out of Cheri’s pocket, despite her best efforts to find yarn at a discount.
She is also helping others learn her craft.  “I’m teaching others to crochet, and would really like to donate more and to more facilities,” Cheri smiles.  She includes a letter of love and encouragement for each recipient of a blanket, letting them know that they are loved and that somebody is thinking about them.

Blankets for Chemo is currently looking for talented blanket makers.  If you desire to help or donate, donations of 12 oz and 5 oz skeins of yarn are greatly appreciated, as well as cash donations for yarn.  It takes about two twelve oz skeins and one five oz to make one forty-five inch square blanket.  Information for volunteering and donations can be sought by contacting Jennifer Roque by email at [email protected].  Every dollar or skein is greatly appreciated!

 

If you’d like to help or have your own cause you’d like to see featured please contact the Editor at [email protected]