Knitting for a Difference at St. Catherine Labouré in Concord
By Bonnie Gurzenda
Writer, Sharing the Wealth
Parishioner, St. James, Mason
Area cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are feeling just a bit better about things thanks to Knitting for a Difference, a ministry organized last March at St. Catherine Labouré in Concord. This effort features an enthusiastic and dedicated group of knitters designing and producing "chemo caps" to support cancer patients who are losing or have already lost their hair while in chemotherapy. The caps pay multiple dividends - restoring dignity to the wearers and boosting their spirits while keeping their heads warm.
The ministry was the brainchild of Joyce Rochow who says, "After retiring as pastoral coordinator at St. Catherine's, I was looking for a ministry - one that did not require people to attend frequent meetings and was not too time-consuming for the benefits it provided our community. I have been a lifelong knitter and I thought first of infant caps but there seemed to be a good supply of those around. At the time, my husband was undergoing chemotherapy - he is doing fine now - and that made me think of adults who were losing their hair and needing a cap. Those treatment rooms were pretty cold."
She wondered if there would be any interest in making caps in her parish and discussed her idea with Susan Panek, adult education coordinator, who thought it was a good one and offered encouragement.
Joyce found a book online, Knitting for Peace, by Betty Christiansen, which is being used by groups all over the country who want to start a simple peace ministry. Joyce made copies of several simple patterns found in the book, purchased some knitting needles, put a notice in the parish bulletin and assembled a display at the church. Almost immediately she had 20 volunteer knitters of all ages. Some people told Joyce that they were not very fast knitters, but she assured them that was not important.
The knitters provide their own yarn and some even create their own designs. Patterns and needles are provided free at the church, plus there is a box for donated yarn that anyone is welcome to take from--or add to. Joyce says some of the designs are amazing. "It is really important that the recipients get caps they like and that suit their personal style."
Since Knitting for a Difference began, chemo caps have been donated to the oncology unit at the hospitals in Jackson, Marshall and Coldwater. A woman who works in oncology at W. A. Foote Memorial Hospital in Jackson said, "Some of the patients are "regulars" - those receiving extended treatment - and they look forward to the caps. We keep the caps in a basket and the patients choose the ones they want to wear and keep. The knitters put a lot of thought into making the caps attractive, both knit and crocheted, some are embellished with flowers or designs. There are even camel-colored caps that the men like."
Joyce sends the caps out in bunches of 25 or so and she just mailed out the 300th cap! Now that cold weather is coming, she plans to put up another display in the church to attract more volunteers.
Several of the knitters have sent caps to friends and relatives in other states. One parishioner, Jeanne Yeiter, who prefers to crochet caps, made lightweight versions perfect for summer. "I sent a chemo cap to Florida and when I received a thank-you note, I sent two more. They were taken to a clinic and much appreciated. The caps are a quick project and can be made from leftover yarn. It is a wonderful way to help someone."
Another parishioner and volunteer, Martha Dobbins, says that, although she does not have a lot of time, "this ministry is a great idea and the caps are easy to knit."
In addition to the Chemo Caps, Knitting for a Difference includes Caps for Kids. St. Catherine's knitters are making caps in smaller sizes which are donated to Catholic Charities as well as St. Luke's, a free clinic in Jackson.
Two retail shops there became involved in the Knitting for a Difference ministry after Joyce approached them. Lynn Dorman, owner of "Dropped Stitch," distributes free patterns and her store is a collection point for finished caps. "I offer help," says Lynn, adding, "and my mother says the best thing you can give is time."
Leftover yarn is donated by customers and offered free in the shop to others making the caps.
Pam DuBois, owner of "In Stitches," also offers free patterns and serves as a drop off spot for finished caps. Her store focuses on cross-stitch but supports the ministry's efforts. She says a number of people have visited her store with completed caps. "I like this ministry," offers Pam," and I enjoy the people who come in."
Joyce picks up the completed caps from the shops and sends them on. She says she has no idea how many knitters are participating now. Her formula for success is pretty straightforward; patterns and needles go out and caps come in!
She says both the Jackson and Spring Arbor libraries have copies of the book, Knitting for Peace and it goes out all the time. A group of knitters gathered at the Spring Arbor library just for the fellowship while creating their caps. "People comment that this is their way of giving back," Joyce says. "Unfortunately, nearly everyone knows of someone with cancer - a neighbor, relative or they have been through it themselves."
Fr. Lewis Eberhart, pastor at St. Catherine Labouré, says he thinks the cancer caps project is a great idea. He shares that his late father suffered from cancer. "It is an outreach to the whole community, not just Catholics, and they go to other nearby towns. These caps bring comfort and let people know someone is thinking about them. We do not know how many parishioners are contributing but there is a box in the church hall and there are always caps in it."
Knitting for a Difference has a motto: "Making the world a better place, one stitch at a time." Considering the number of people involved in knitting caps, both chemo caps and caps for children and the acceptance by the patients, the knitters are making a real difference. St. Catherine Laboure’ parishioners are doing something they enjoy. The recipients are being warmed not only by the yarn in the caps, but by the care and thoughtfulness knitted and crocheted into each and every cap.
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