Sisters of Hope quilt raffle exemplifies hope for those dealing with breast cancer

  • By Dave Mast
  • April 18, 2010
  • 494
                        
Support is an important part of anyone’s life. When dealing with something as traumatizing as breast cancer, it can make a world of difference. For more than a dozen women around Holmes County, support has become something that they have grown to rely on. Sisters of Hope, a breast cancer survivor group from Holmes County, have learned to lean on each other. They understand the value of being there for someone who has been through the excruciating experience of staring down one of the nation’s top killers and surviving. Having each other there for comfort, to share laughs, life and sorrows with, can be as therapeutic as any doctor’s visit. “This is very important for all of us,” said member Betty Wengerd. “It gives us a boost to be together. It picks up our spirits when we’re down. I go home and I feel different than when I came. I think we inspire each other to live life to the fullest.” “It also makes us appreciate every single day,” added Ruby Hochstetler. “It’s comforting knowing that we are here for each other.” The members, who range in survival from two weeks to 24 years, meet the second Monday of the month from September through May at St. John’s Church in Millersburg. There, they quilt, catch up on their various treatments, listen to keynote speakers and simply bask in being together. “We invite anyone who is a breast cancer survivor to come and be a part of our group,” said Cheryl Shaver. “It’s such a good time of fellowship and healing, and we certainly have plenty of fun together.” In honor of those still fighting the battle with cancer, and those who have passed away because of it, Sisters of Hope members have made a quilt, which is being raffled off on June 18, during the Relay for Life weekend. The 101-by-110 queen-size quilt was pieced together by Hochstetler, and then the two dozen women went to work on creating the quilt, showing again that something beautiful can come out of the most dire of circumstances. The quilt is, of course, pink, signifying the united efforts to stamp out cancer once and for all. “We were looking for a fundraiser for our Relay team, and we thought about a quilt,” said Shaver. “We knew we had a good number of experienced quilters, so we got a pattern and went to it.” The group members gathered at Hochstetler’s house and set forth on creating the beautiful piece of art, which is also functional. They are looking forward to seeing how much the quilt raises for Relay, but more importantly, they are excited about the opportunity to take part in the Relay events. “I think more than anything, we are looking forward to seeing more survivors, sharing our stories of hope and rejoicing together in life,” said Shaver. “It’s amazing how many people are touched by cancer, but there is a lot of hope out there to those battling it.” Tickets for the quilt raffle are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets are on sale from now until the drawing. Participants need not be present for the drawing in order to win. All proceeds will go toward Holmes County Relay for Life. Those interested in joining Sisters of Hope should call Shaver at 330-674-7974 for further information.


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