The very origins of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) have our grassroots in volunteer work. We couldn’t continue our mission without the many individuals who have dedicated their time to go the extra mile for our community. In celebration of National Volunteer Week 2021, we are honoring a group of our most impactful volunteers. Staff at VBCF recently received another generous donation from the Richmond/Central Virginia Chapter of the American Sewing Guild (ASG), who hand makes each of our heart-shaped comfort pillows to send to newly diagnosed Virginians across the state. The chapter has donated hundreds of these pillows to breast cancer patients through VBCF over the years, and the smiles and comfort they bring to those in need are a cherished part of our mission work.
These pillows are not only a symbolic nod to the love and strength that VBCF and our volunteers send to individuals dealing with breast cancer, but they serve a very practical purpose as well. The road to recovery can be a bumpy one, literally. Many post-diagnosis and in treatment patients experience discomfort when wearing a car seatbelt during the healing process. These handmade pillows can be tucked between the chest, armpit, and seatbelt to protect healing areas during the ride. In addition, if a patient has to have chemotherapy, a pillow can be helpful to provide physical support and emotional comfort during the process. Plus, sometimes we all need a sweet little reminder of the well wishes and love being sent our way.
One member of the chapter was the link that brought the collaboration together. Beth Hardy, a retired high-school Latin teacher and grandmother of three, has long been driven to be a volunteer. Before becoming involved with ASG, she dedicated her time as a reading tutor for local Richmond youth and adults. Beth’s mother taught her to sew growing up in Arkansas. She fondly remembers the beautiful clothes and quilts that were here inspiration. Little did she know, she would go on to impact more people with her sewing skills than she may have ever imagined. Shortly after her daughter, Katy Sawyer, became VBCF’s Executive Director, Beth and Katy brainstormed this heart pillow project and these comfort pillows have been shared ever since, thanks to our crafty volunteers.
Beth described what inspired her to continue spending time to enrich her community:
“A friend, another retired teacher, encouraged me to join the local ASG Chapter. It sponsors classes in sewing, a national convention, and has a big emphasis on sewing for community service. This is what attracted me, and I served several years on our Chapter Board as Community Service Chairwoman. Heart pillows became one of our continuous projects, and I’ve had lots of help from ASG members. Other projects I’ve helped our chapter with are making teddy bears for children who need emotional support and fleece blankets for children in cancer treatment. At the beginning of the pandemic, many members made masks and scrub hats for the hospitals. The contributions were greatly appreciated.”
The benefits of volunteering seem endless, not only for those VBCF helps but also for those who participate. When we show kindness to others, we might just ignite the next spark to light that path for someone else. As Beth shared with us, “I have enjoyed all of the volunteering I’ve done. With all of the division in our society, positive contributions of my time and sewing have made me feel like I am canceling out some of the negativity.”
Learn more about volunteering with VBCF.
For more information about the Richmond/Central Virginia Chapter of the American Sewing Guild, visit their website here.
Order a newly diagnosed kit and pillow here.
