Volunteers Use Talents to Support Cancer Patients

If you knit, crochet or sew and have a desire to do something to benefit area cancer patients, consider joining the Chemo Cap Brigade, a group of volunteers at South Georgia Medical Center. Volunteers hand make caps, lapghans and prayer squares that are given free of charge to cancer patients at the Pearlman Cancer Center. Valdosta Country Inn and Suites provides disposable shower caps for patients to wear when trying on various hats. Chemo Cap Brigade volunteers Kay Waldron, Jeannie Grow, Linda Runnalls, Annette Woodruff, Floyd Luke, and Elaine Southall display hats and lapghans they knitted and sewed for cancer patients at SGMC’s Pearlman Cancer Center. The group, facilitated by Jeannie Grow, has been active for over five years now with approximately 25 women involved. An average of five chemo caps are given out each day. The group uses yarn and fabric from various donors. “It’s amazing, we’ve never had to buy yarn or fabric,” says volunteer Kay Waldron. “Each month we are shocked by the way our needs are continuously met.” The caps feature tags with a special message from the person who made it. Members say its rewarding to receive thank you cards from recipients or even just to see one of their creations out in public. Most of the members were drawn to the group because they have some sort of connection to cancer, many being survivors; others simply love to sew or knit. “I have a talent in sewing, and I can’t wear that many clothes,” exclaimed Waldron. “This has been a wonderful way for me to give back.”According to Grow there is still a need for more knitters and sewers, as well as donations of new skeins of washable, lightweight, soft yarn. The Chemo Cap Brigade meets the last Thursday of each month to drop off completed caps, trade patterns and see each other’s designs. For more information call Jeannie Grow at 229-244-4152.