Meet Our Ultimate Warrior Blanket Recipients 3/20/13

As you will see, this week was a busy blanket week…again! We are so happy to be able to spread our support over the country. We have now sent blankets to 5 states and Canada. As I always say, we couldn’t have done it without all of you!

We received word this week that one of our blanket recipients lost his battle to this beast. I hope that we were able to give him some love during that difficult time in his life, and hope his family can continue to feel our support through the blanket. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  While you read about these 10 people, be sure to keep sending the positive thoughts and energy their way. Although we can take a break here and there from crocheting, they can’t take a break from cancer.

Mary was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer that has spread to her liver.  She has been going through rounds of chemo which has resulted in her losing her hair.  Just recently, she was given news that the tumors are still growing and that she now must enter clinical studies.  About 4 years ago Mary lost her husband to cancer.  She became a grandmother in 2011.  Her granddaughter is her reason to fight.  Her sister-in-law, Mary, says that Mary is “an amazing strong person but you can see she is scared.”  Mary received her blanket this week and says she absolutely loves it.

Judi is a second time breast cancer fighter.  Over twenty years ago she beat cancer for the first time.  Just recently she has been diagnosed once again.  This past week, Judi received her first round of chemo that will continue for 4 months.  Knowing her strength, she will make it through once again.  Keep fighting Judi!

Joanne, who is a member of Bucks County Breast Friends, recently started her chemo treatment for breast cancer.  She has been beset with complications such as hospital stays, pneumonia, and even gall bladder surgery.  We can only hope that the blanket sends Joanne some healing power.

Patiann isn’t a first timer with the cancer beast.  She was first diagnosed at the age of 34 with colon cancer.  After fighting for nearly 10 years, she then found out she has stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.  She lost both parents to cancer and is determined to live as long as she could for her 3 children. Even though there are days when she is in such pain she cannot even get out of bed, she powers through. Patiann was originally told she had 18 months.  27 months later, she is still here.  I can say from experience, these “met” woman are tough!  Keep going Patiann!  We are supporting you.

Joel was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Her friend describes her as “a kind loving woman from Louisiana. She survived Hurricane Katrina and has proven to be strong and determined.”  Joel will be undergoing surgery April 1st then receiving chemo and radiation. We hope the blanket will give Joel the support she needs to endure this upcoming journey.

Alida was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer on Halloween.  She had surgery to remove most of the tumor in her brain, which is located in the speech and motor skill region, but the doctors were unable to get it all.  She has had chemotherapy and radiation but was recently told the tumor is growing rapidly. Alida’s sister, Eufemia, nominated Alida for a blanket knowing that this week will be especially difficult. Even through all of this, she is smiling with her family.

Connie is an old-fashion grandmother who has helped raise her grandchildren, bakes the most fabulous cookies and is active in her church. She has not let colon cancer stop her.  She is always more concerned about others. This is exactly why Connie deserves a blanket. We hope Connie can feel the warmth and comfort in the blanket that she has been giving to others for so many years.

Rick, a father of two and grandfather of two and a half, was nominated by his niece for a blanket. He was diagnosed with throat cancer earlier in the year. Since he lives away from most family and friends, we all wanted to give him the blanket to have him feel the love, support, and strength that is encompassed in one of our blankets.

Vikki, a single mom, was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in early January.  She receives chemotherapy each week. She is an amazing mom to her two daughters, both of whom have type 1 diabetes.  Her sister Robyn writes; "This isn't easy for her to do, but at this point in her life she now has to learn that her body is going to need to some time to heal. Not every day is a great day at this point, but she will win this battle. I can't always be there while she is receiving her treatment, but this blanket and all the people behind it who care deeply, would symbolize so much of what I want her to feel, namely hope and love that the blanket is made with. I could give you a million other reasons why she should receive a blanket, but the biggest one is that she is my big sister, and no one could ask for a better one. She is a prize fighter, and I know the blanket would help to remind of her of that fact.”