Many of you know that Katie's daughter Jillian has cancer. They have spent a great deal of time at the hospital, not a exactly a friendly atmosphere for children. All of these visits have opened Katie's heart to areas that she sees a need.
Katie is starting a quilt drive to help all of the other children who are learning to live with a scary diagnosis. I know all of you here at HSB have generous hearts. Let's help Katie help those children and families.
Quilts - When children are admitted to the PICU they are not routinely given quilts and blankets. Katie explains that these blankets help give comfort and help to brighten up the hospital room. Send quilts and blankets only! No crocheted or knitted blankets as these cause hang ups in medical equipment and the blankets are washed numerous times. Click on the quilts link to read more.
Small Toys - Little toys and games help to keep a child's mind occupied during painful procedures and treatments. Click on the small toys link to read more.
For those of you that feel you can't mail anything right now, or feel you should support the children in your own local hosptial, then consider doing just that! It's still all a part of the Team Jillian effort.
You can find the address to mail your items in the quilts link above. Items need to be mailed by the end of May as the Bettendorf family will be moving.
A part of healing is to take your mind off yourself. We can help Jillian heal by helping her give blankets and toys to the other children in her hospital. |
Children are NOT routinely given blankets at the PICU. I know some blankets are given to the foster babies at PCH because foster moms I know have gotten them when they picked up a baby.
Other than foster kids I have not seen blankets distributed anywhere else in the hospital. That is why I wanted to do a quilt drive. Because I don't see it being done already. :)
Thanks for getting the word out. I appreciate it.