Hands2Help - Learn More About Quilty Hugs!

Hi, all!

I hope you're enjoying the change of pace this week as much as I am!  I have been fascinated to learn more about each of this year's Hands2Help charities. So far we've heard from Jack's Basket, Mercyful Quilts, and Victoria Quilts Canada.  Today, it's Emily's turn to tell us about her charity, Quilty Hugs!  Emily has been a part of the Challenge from the beginning, first as a participant and then additionally as one of our charities.  But she's got a lot to share - so let's give her a listen!

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I can't tell you how grateful I am every year to Sarah and all the quilters of H2H.  Because of all of you, Quilty Hugs is able to comfort so many more battling cancer.  Sarah has given me the opportunity to tell you a little about Quilty Hugs. 

Quilty Hugs, like so many things in my life, fell into place miraculously.  I had filled out a survey at the Utah Quilt Guild Annual Meeting.  On the survey they had asked for ideas on charities the guild could help.  Because of events in my life that had landed me in the infusion lab, and consequently led me to meet the amazing Ginger.  I put down her charity, Happy Chemo.  I thought nothing more of it.  Fast forward a few months, and I got a call from the guild president.  She was interested in helping Happy Chemo and would I be willing to be in charge?  Well, I couldn't very well say no.  And I figured it was just for a year.  When my year was up, I couldn't believe how many quilts had been donated.  So much comfort given.  I just couldn't stop. 

So though the Utah Quilt Guild would pick a new charity for the new year,  I continued to collect quilts for Ginger and Happy Chemo.  I collected scraps and started sew-ins.  Sarah found out about what I was doing through my blog and offered her help though H2H.  Now just over a decade later Quilty Hugs is still giving comfort to those battling cancer.  

A few years back Ginger's cancer came back with a vengeance.  She had to let a few things go while she fought her battle.  With her many connections, she was able to help me find new homes for the Quilty Hugs that were then coming in through H2H. 

My front porch during H2H

Now Quilty Hugs get loaded up and are delivered to three primary places.  All children's quilts go to Primary Children's. 

  

Others go to the Rack Pack, where they are put in bags with other heart felt gifts and given to women battling breast cancer.

The rest head up to Huntsmen Cancer Foundation where they are freely handed out to patients.  Sadly, the demand is more than I can meet on my own.  So I am so grateful to all of you who help me.  Quilty Hugs are throw size quilts for men, women and children.  Sadly cancer does not discriminate who it ravishes.  These quilts are so appreciated.  Tears are often shed as they are received.  Thank you notes poor in.  If I'm able, I pass those on to the person who made the quilt.  A label on your quilt really helps with this, but is not necessary.  Thanks in advance for all those who give so generously.  Your time and talents are appreciated and make such a difference.

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When I first started following Emily's blog, she had a thermometer in the side-bar showing how many quilts had been donated through her to (what was then) Happy Chemo.  It has been my great honor and privilege to help her reach her goal, which I think is to give everyone possible a quilty hug!  Quilty Hugs has been a perennial favorite with this group, as it seems everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer.  I know I can count on you to continue supporting Emily's mission!

And if you want to know how to sign up for this year's Challenge, go to this post - the sign-up is about halfway down the post!  We've already got 188 people signed up (WOW!!!) but there's plenty of room for more!

Hugs!

Sarah

PS  Happy Pi Day!  What's your favorite?

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop? My Hands2Help Quilts!

Hi, all!

Here it is, Friday again - the end of a busy week, but that just means that it's time for us to get our whoop whoop on!  Are you ready?  I am!!

Today I want to share the quilts I finished for the Hands2Help Challenge 2015, which ends this Saturday (6/6) at noon!  I'm happy to say that I managed to make one quilt for each of the three charities this year.

This first quilt, made with some orphan blocks and Kona snow, will be finding a new home through Layers of Hope/Quilting 911, which provides quilts to first responders and their families when they suffer a tragedy or have medical issues.

This quilt, also made with some beautiful orphan blocks set in Espresso Kona, will be given to Happy Chemo, an organization that provides quilts to people going through treatment for cancer.

And this quilt, made with the leftovers from my quilt for Nathanael, our adopted grandson, will be going to Because You Matter, our first Canadian charity, which provides quilts for foster children.  It only seems fitting that a child in need of a home receives this quilt!

So there you have it - my three quilt donations for the Hands2Help Charity Quilt Challenge 2015!

Can I get a whoop whoop?

(And just a reminder - if you haven't linked up your own H2H quilts yet, you have until noon CST on Saturday, 6/6 to do so!  Don't forget - there are prizes for the participants!)

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And now it's your turn!  

What are YOU whooping about this week?

What's got you dancing the happy dance?

Share - we want to dance right along with you!

And it's always more fun to dance with friends!

The party will stay open until Sunday midnight.

Hope to see you there!

Hugs!

Sarah

Hands2Help - Thank You For Your Quilty Hugs!

Hi, all!!

Today we're welcoming the first of our five guest bloggers for the Hands2Help Challenge!  I was so happy when Emily volunteered to do a guest post - hers was one of the first blogs I found way back when and I've always enjoyed keeping up with her.  She comes up with beautiful scrappy quilt designs that always make me smile.

If you haven't read her blog, Em's Scrapbag, you ought to check it out!  

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I am so thankful to Sarah for once again choosing to have Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo be one of the donation destinations for all your generously made quilts.  I know they make a huge difference.  I hear over and over again the hope and love the recipients feel when they receive their quilty hug.  Let me share a recent thank you letter.

 Hi Ginger,

I have been following Happy Chemo since 2011. My family and I are huge supporters. This time last year my aunt on my husbands side lost the fight to cancer. However thank you to your beautiful blanket you gave her it is being passed along to one chemo patient after another. They absolutely love it and it has been such a healing blanket. I remember when our aunt opened up her gift she was so touched and blown away. It was so good to see her smile. And thank you for that.

Now a year later my grandfather is dying from cancer. My husband and I moved in with him and my grandma so I could be his caregiver. I never knew how hard it could be but at the same time so rewarding. It is so hard watching someone your love dying before you. He has exhausted all options. Cancer really does suck!

Anyway I just wanted to share my aunts story with you and about the traveling quilt.

Thank you so much for all you do and the smiles you create.

I appreciate it so much especially since I have lost someone so dearly to it and now taking care of my grandfather who is dying from it.

Thank you,

These letters warm my heart and I appreciate your generosity in helping to lighten the load of those suffering with this awful disease.  Keep those quilty hugs coming. They are so appreciated.

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Thanks so much for reminding us why we are making these quilts, Emily!  It is wonderful to see the responses of people who receive them.  Just a small reminder, at least for me, of the real reason we quilt….

Remember too, that next week is our first check-in date!  I'll have a linky set up so you can link up your progress - or lack of it (and believe me, I'm right there with you!)  But I'm hearing about all kinds of quilting going on for the challenge, and this is your chance to share!  I hope you'll stop on by and link up - and it doesn't have to be a new post - if you've posted about your H2H quilt in the recent past, feel free to link up that post.  That will be next Sunday, April 20th!

Hugs!

Sarah