Petersburg Cancer Support Group
Tree of Life History I am sure you have noticed the colorful "tree of life quilt" at Petersburg Medical Center or at the "Beat the Odds" run. We thought you'd like to know how it came to be. It started with Annabelle Baker's idea of a quilt that would be hung at the hospital to commemorate those who have struggled with cancer. She brought the idea to the Rain Country Quilt guild and they decided to take on the project. Darcey Judy designed and drew the pattern of the tree. It was then decided to cut it into 19 pieces to imitate a crazy patch quilt. To make the pattern the proper size, freezer paper was taped to the wall in one of the hangars at Pacific Wing, and the pattern was blown up, with an overhead projector, to the size the quilt is now. 19 guild members each took a piece of the pattern home to make their vision of what they saw for their piece. A group met at the Luthern Church basement to combine all the pieces, and it was amazing how easily they went together. Grazina Frohlich quilted it, beautifully, I might add, and Everett Kissinger and Jimmy Martinsen constructed the hanger. It presently hangs in the hall outside the laboratory at Petersburg Medical Center. The idea was to randomly adhere various colored and patterned leaves to the quilt in memory of those we love who are or were battling cancer. So, each fall, Darcey Judy and Kris Kissinger bring the quilt to the "Beat the Odds" event to give anyone who wishes, the opportunity to add the names of their friends and loved ones to the quilt. This has been a very successful endeavor. It is our hope, though, that one year there will be no need for new leaves! There is a plaque, on the wall next to the quilt at the hospital, with more information about it. Anytime you would like to view the quilt or read that information, you are welcome to do so. -Beat the Odds Committee. www.beattheoddspsg.org |
Petersburg Cancer Support
The Petersburg Cancer Support Group is a free, unstructured, anonymous gathering of people impacted by cancer. Discussions range widely and may include recovery strategies such as nutrition and exercise, dealing with fear, loss and grief, celebration of good test results, advice about doctors and hospitals. The group meets the first and third Friday of each month at noon in the library conference room. Group Facilitator: Lea Stanton Gregor, NCC, LPC True North Counseling and Consultation LLC 907-650-7292 lea@foundtruenorth.com www.foundtruenorth.com |