100,000 and Counting….

 Instead of writing about my continuing recovery from breast cancer, I am going a different direction with this instalment of The Adventures of Toby the Ta-Ta Tumour and would like to share the details of  “100,000 and Counting”. 

That number is very bittersweet.  As of November 2023, it is the number of quilts that Victoria’s Quilts Canada has distributed to cancer patients since its inception in 1999.  It is a huge accomplishment to be celebrated but at the same time, so very sad that so many people received a quilt because they are afflicted with cancer. 

I was fortunate enough to receive a quilt just after my second chemotherapy session.  On that dull Sunday afternoon in November 2022, I was bald, pale, sick, fatigued beyond belief and wearing my Sunday Best sweatpants – the ones without holes caused by sharp dog toenails.  I remember the volunteer who delivered the quilt to me – a very petite older lady with a sweet smile and soft voice.  She asked me if I knew that someone requested a quilt for me (I did) and she handed me the carrying bag with the quilt folded up neatly inside.  I thanked her with a shaky voice and tears in my eyes.  She said, “We wish you well and God bless you”.  I scurried inside to take a look at my new quilt.  It was perfect, and to this day it remains one of the most beautiful gifts that I have ever received.  I cannot even begin to describe the comfort that it brought to me then and continues too today. 

In February 2023, I started volunteering with Victoria’s Quilts Canada.  I am so proud to be part of this organization.  It is completely run by volunteers, who freely share their talent, time and compassion to bring comfort and peace to Canadians living with cancer.  For Global Volunteer Month, I recently attended the VQC’s appreciation luncheon.  It was inspiring to meet so many members from our branch. Because I work full-time and cannot attend the weekly “sewing bees”, another volunteer gave me a tour of the stash closet.  One of the quilt tops that I had completed out of my own supplies was there in its finished state, waiting for a request for delivery.  I have never seen any of my work professionally completed with longarm quilting.  I was both humbled and proud at the same time. I hope that this quilt brings some solace to whoever receives it.  

Volunteerism is the priority that has most prominently evolved for me since the start of my cancer journey and recovery.  Before, I never put much priority on giving back and paying it forward. Now it means so much and I can't imagine NOT advocating for the causes that have such special meaning for me. 

If you know someone – young or old – who is battling the demon of cancer, and would like to request a quilt, please visit the Victoria’s Quilt website and fill out a request form. There is no cost involved, but donations are gladly accepted with thanks:  https://www.victoriasquiltscanada.com




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