Best friend's twin son has brain cancer [Archive]

mason204

July 11th, 2006, 11:59 PM

This is one of the hardest posts I've had to write...

I just found out that that one of my best friend's twin boys has been diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumour is fused with the nervous system and is inoperable because of placement. Only 10% of all children diagnosed with this type of cancer live beyond 1 year.

He's just turned 5 and it's a real shock to everyone.

Her boys are everything to her. Both boys were diagnosed with autism about a year ago and she's been dealing with their special needs pretty much single-handedly. To make matters worse, my friend lost her mom to breast cancer about 5 years ago and her sister to breast cancer about 3 years ago. She was also caregiver to her MIL who also died of cancer about 7 years ago. My friend was a huge support for me when I went through my treatment for breast cancer about 3 years ago.

Cancer is a [very bad thing] and somehow always seems to strike the ones you love.

As I type this it sounds surreal. Like one of those e-mails you see but can't quite believe because the facts sound unbelievable.

I would like to put together a comfortghan for both boys and would gladly appreciate donated squares. My friend is a very social person and knowing that a group of people cared enough to put two "blankies" together for her boys would provide her with so much comfort. Not to mention that the boys would have something to cuddle with. She's feeling quite alone right now.

The boys love the Backyardigans. I'm thinking that bright colours might grab their attention (yellow, pink, purple, blue, orange). Here is an example (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/mason204/backyardigans.jpg) of their colour scheme. If you can send 12" squares, I'll put them together and deliver the comfortghans to the family. Please be sure to include your name and addy with your square (for thank yous). Please feel free to PM me if you need more information. My snail mail addy is:

Cheryl Mason
204 Coleridge Avenue
Toronto, ON M4C 4H9
CANADA.

I realize I'm in Canada and hope that this isn't too inconvenient. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I hope you can help.

Daisy

July 12th, 2006, 12:11 AM

I can make a couple to send to you......Do you have a yarn preference?

mason204

July 12th, 2006, 12:35 AM

How wonderful...

I think a good quality knitting worsted would be fine - something that can be machine washed...

Caron SS (we don't have that here in Canada but I've felt it before and it's great), Bernat Berella "4"....

Thank you!!!

Jamie

July 12th, 2006, 01:31 AM

Oh Cheryl, I feel so bad for you and your friend! That helpless feeling, noone understands it until they've been there, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I'll get a couple squares made and out to you before the end of the week. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

cshort

July 12th, 2006, 10:21 AM

Hi Cheryl,
I will pray for your friend and her boys. I will also send you a couple of squares, I have some RedHeart worsted weight in bright variegated colors if that is ok.

Carol

KnicKnac

July 12th, 2006, 10:23 AM

I am so sorry to hear this, I will get a square out to you this week.

crochetlady100

July 12th, 2006, 10:53 AM

I will send a square. God Bless the little boy. and his family

Daisy

July 12th, 2006, 01:57 PM

Is it okay if I use the Caron SS? I checked out the colors of the Bernat Berella "4", but they don't have the bright colors that you are looking for. Sorry, but I do have just one more question......would you like the squares to be solid in color or squares with multiple colors in it? Knowing this, will help me to get started....I will make as many as I can. :hug :hug

KnicKnac

July 12th, 2006, 02:13 PM

Daisy, if you look at post #3 she specifically mentions Caron SS as a preference.

Caron SS has some of the best and brightest colors.

Daisy

July 12th, 2006, 02:18 PM

KnicKnac, I am aware of the yarn preferences, but I wanted to let her know, because she said that she can't get the Caron SS where she is....and I thought it would be a good idea to keep the yarns as similar as possible....even when she has to join and border it.

angelfire

July 12th, 2006, 02:30 PM

One will make two squares one in yellow and one in white. They are the colors that I have right now in SS...had allkinds in RH but SS is really nice.

coolhockeymom

July 12th, 2006, 02:41 PM

I will make two, one in purple and one in orange

KnicKnac

July 12th, 2006, 03:07 PM

Sorry Daisy, I misread your post and completely understood it a different way. I totally see where you were going with your statement now.

Sorry if I sounded rude.

Daisy

July 12th, 2006, 03:18 PM

KnicKnac......that's okay....we're good :D It's just hard to guess what someone is looking for when we're trying to help out with an afghan....especially when we are all miles and miles away from each other and the only means to communicate is via the "Ville. I guess I just like lots of details....so I don't have to guess in order to please. It would be a shame to make something....and it gets tossed aside because it wasn't right or made from the right yarn or color. All is well :cheer Have a great day! :hug
Daisy.

tlisley

July 12th, 2006, 04:37 PM

I'll make 2 as well. I'll try to have them out by Saturday... better get hookin! :hook

mason204

July 12th, 2006, 06:59 PM

Thank you everyone for your overwhelming response!!

I've just finished stitching two comfortghans together for members of our congregation. Although the squares were made with about 3 different types of knitting worsted yarn, the colour scheme was the same (blues) and the comfortghans kinda "came together" in the end. The end result was quite stunning. I'm not sure about washability though as it relates to mixing knitting worsted yarn brands. Perhaps someone more experienced in this area could comment on this. :think

I didn't want to be too specific on the yarn brand so as to make this project prohibitive to those who want to assist. :hug I think acrylics are pretty bulletproof in the washing machine...

As for colour combinations, solid coloured squares may be easier to blend into the overall comfortghan than variegated squares - I always manage to get squares to blend....so I'm not quite sure on this one.

Sorry for the hesitation in decision making--I'm pretty upset about the situation and not thinking too straight...

Thank you everyone..:hug

scc51055

July 13th, 2006, 07:47 AM

would love to send in one or two! anyone know where to find the carron yarn? I dont think I have seen it at michael's or AC mooe

angelfire

July 13th, 2006, 09:25 AM

oops

theworm

July 13th, 2006, 10:55 AM

would love to send in one or two! anyone know where to find the carron yarn? I dont think I have seen it at michael's or AC mooe

Michael's does carry carron. I bought two brightly colored skeins there last night so I can make a square for this family. :)

CrochetinClara

July 13th, 2006, 11:02 AM

http://static.flickr.com/77/188760282_3a58c1c9aa_m.jpg
This is what I have on hand, I know the yellow, orange and purple are cool for the Backyardigans. I thought my blue and green were a little darker,I wanted to make a blue one, but that's ok. I'll make 2 12" squares using the others and get them out as soon as possible.

CrochetinClara

July 13th, 2006, 11:05 AM

would love to send in one or two! anyone know where to find the carron yarn? I dont think I have seen it at michael's or AC mooe

My AC Moore carries it, they had it stocked next to the RED HEART Light and Lofty..take a look, and if you can find an associate, ask them. They seem to scatter when I need one.

Daisy

July 13th, 2006, 11:46 AM

I got my Caron SS Brites at Walmart.....they had a nice selection of colors.

scc51055

July 13th, 2006, 05:52 PM

thanks for all the tips as to where to find the yarn, might be able to get out tonight to get some!

ChainOFools

July 13th, 2006, 07:30 PM

Hi Cheryl,

I sent you a pm. :)

pineknott

July 14th, 2006, 11:39 AM

2 squares went out this morning,one pink one blue

CrochetinClara

July 14th, 2006, 03:51 PM

I am sending 2 squares out tomorrow. They are orange and purple.

scc51055

July 14th, 2006, 05:15 PM

believe it or not i found some caron ss in a stash in the basement! I have made 2 blue squares and will send them in the morning...also i will send what is left of the skein you may be able to use it to join the squares!

angelfire

July 14th, 2006, 11:19 PM

between my daughter and me we sent out six this morning. Orange, a couple yellow a couple white and purple. They went priority mail so I hope they get there faster

theworm

July 15th, 2006, 06:07 PM

I just finished a bright purple one that I'll try to get into the mail for you on Monday (have to go to the post office for international shipments).

scc51055

July 15th, 2006, 09:31 PM

The squares (2) are on the way.......

CrochetinClara

July 15th, 2006, 10:40 PM

I mailed two today, should have them soon.

tlisley

July 16th, 2006, 01:10 PM

Mine didn't get finished for yesterdays mail but are going out in the morning. I used SS Brites, do you want the left over yarn to join with?

Lunatic84

July 16th, 2006, 03:06 PM

I am going to ask a stupid question, but I don't want to send the wrong size. As a fellow Canadian I tend to read things in cms instead of ins. I just want to double check and make sure that I am going to make the right size. It is 12 inches by 12 inches right? I know, silly question :P

mason204

July 16th, 2006, 09:03 PM

Thanks again, everyone!!

A few answers:

1. Yes, 12 inch squares please. I prefer inches to centimetres. The metric system still confuses me.

2. If you can include the leftover "brites" yarn for joining that would be great. It never occurred to me that since I can't find the yarn in Canada, it would be difficult to join the squares with the same type of yarn unless I had some given to me. :oops

3. If you click "gift" on the customs form at the postoffice (which I'm sure you would anyway), I won't have to pay a fee for duty.

I can't wait to see the squares. I'll be sure to post photos of them as I receive them. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

:hook

midnightexpression

July 16th, 2006, 09:14 PM

I'm really good with squares if I take some pics of colors I have can you tell me if they're ok?

Daisy

July 17th, 2006, 03:15 PM

I'm just about to go to the post office.....my three squares are on their way.

CrochetinClara

July 17th, 2006, 04:36 PM

3. If you click "gift" on the customs form at the postoffice (which I'm sure you would anyway), I won't have to pay a fee for duty.

Cheryl,
I didn't have to click on anything, she just took it, weighed it and said "Canada huh." and I said "Yeppers" and she said " Ok, $2.90 please." I hope you don't have to pay for it! Oh man, let me know! :eek

dragonfli

July 17th, 2006, 05:02 PM

Your friends situation hits so close to home. My heart breaks for her and she and her boys will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will get some squares in the mail to you ASAP.

dragonfli

July 17th, 2006, 05:44 PM

This may be a dumb question to you pros but it there a particular hook size you would prefer for the squares? I know 12 X 12, but, what hook size?

angelfire

July 17th, 2006, 06:52 PM

I use whatever hook works for the gauge of the pattern I am using

dragonfli

July 17th, 2006, 07:52 PM

Well, I granny without a pattern lots of times and just use whatever size hook I am feeling at the moment. I just finished a blanket for my nephew using M, which made the blanket really soft and loose, but he loves it because he is batman and it ties up easy for his cape!! He says it squoooshes really good for knots and mom can gettum out pretty easy without cussin. He is 5.

theworm

July 17th, 2006, 09:09 PM

I got two squares to the post office for you today. I hope you can use them. They're not grannies, but they are 12".

dragonfli

July 17th, 2006, 10:45 PM

Oh crumb! Did you want just solid squares or grannies? I just assumed grannies, dah! Let me know.:think

ChainOFools

July 18th, 2006, 07:44 PM

Hi Cheryl,

I sent you squares today, hope they will be suitable for your needs. :D

dragonfli

July 19th, 2006, 05:36 PM

Mason204:

:mailMailing squares tomorrow with remaining yarn for joining. Can't wait to see how it looks when you have it all together. Still praying for the twins.

mason204

July 20th, 2006, 10:38 AM

Hello everyone:

Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

I received 4 squares in the mail today! Two beautiful blue (aqua) squares came from Sherri (scc51055) and I received two gorgeous squares (one pink and one blue) from Linda (Pineknott). I was literally floored at how close the colours were to the Backyardigans characters. When I showed the squares to my daughter, she knew right away which character each colour represented. Thanks so much ladies!!
As for pattern....I'm not too particular about whether they are all traditional grannies or not. As long as they meet the 12" requirement, any pattern should be fine. So far, all 4 squares I received are traditional grannies and look like they were made with a G or H hook (I crochet loose, so I may be off in my guess).The boys are going to love these 'ghans.

An update...
My friend's son starts 6 weeks of daily radiation today. He was fitted with a port in his chest early this week as the doctors thought it was the easiest way to administer sedation to him for each treatment. Because of his young age, they worry that he will not be able to remain still during the treatment, hence the sedation. Please pray for him and his family....

pineknott

July 20th, 2006, 11:34 AM

your guess is correct on mine, I used an H hook
Continued good thoughts for that little boy.Linda

scc51055

July 20th, 2006, 03:31 PM

i believe i used the g hook on mine! what a pro you must be to be able to tell! I have found that I too crochet loosely, I have bee doing more things where i must check the guage.....If you need more squares please let me know.....:hook

cshort

July 21st, 2006, 02:22 PM

I went to the post office this morning and mailed 2 "cool mint"(aqua blue) squares with the extra yarn this morning. It's a good thing I went early because it's storming now.

froggy

July 21st, 2006, 02:37 PM

Cheryl, I am so sorry that this is happening. I don't know that I could cope with the whole situation. Do you still need more squares? If so Let me know.

angelfire

July 22nd, 2006, 01:50 PM

wondered if you ever received the ones sent by global mail more than a week ago?

mason204

July 22nd, 2006, 11:22 PM

angelfire: Nope, I haven't received them yet. Not to worry - my hubby suspects that the mailperson doesn't deliver on Fridays. I expect I'll see something on Monday. I'll let you know asap!

froggy: Thank you for your concern.:hug I'll definitely let you know if I'm short squares. :)

Thanks to all who have sent squares.:manyheart I'll keep everyone updated as soon as I receive them.

Daisy

July 23rd, 2006, 10:10 AM

I sent mine global express and they said that you would have them in two or three days........and that is already past. I think you would have gotten them by now. I hope nothing happened to them.

angelfire

July 23rd, 2006, 10:18 AM

I sent 6 by global express on June 14th (as stated in a prior post)they said two to three days and that should have been by the 17th at the latest...that really concerns me.

mason204

July 23rd, 2006, 04:36 PM

One of the problems I have when I receive or send packages via regular mail to/from the U.S. is the sporadic nature of delivery. I suspect that, for some reason, the packages sit at customs and are then usually delivered all at once. Sometimes the packages arrive in 3 days, sometimes they arrive 2 weeks later. My husband and I have noticed that we never seem to get much mail (if any at all) on Fridays. We jokingly think that someone at the postoffice just decides not to work too hard on that day. Our maillady is super prompt in her delivery schedule and is a hard worker. I think the problem stems higher up.

On a positive note, the packages always arrive - I haven't had any lost in the mail yet. Unfortunately, they seem to take their own time. If anyone sent me packages and used a tracking # (do you get that with global express?), please check it online as I haven't received the packages. I'm not sure if you get your money back if the packages aren't delivered as promised. I'm a newbie in that area.

Please rest assured that as soon as I receive the packages, I'll post the information here immediately. I'll also ask the maillady when I see her what the holdup might be.

Thank you everyone for your patience.

Cheryl.

dragonfli

July 23rd, 2006, 05:19 PM

Hey did you receive the three squares I sent last week? Just curious. Let me know if you don't get them by this week and I will follow-up with post office.

Laurine

mason204

July 24th, 2006, 02:21 PM

Daisy:
Great news! The Purolator truck came about 30 minutes ago and delivered your generously-sized box!! Inside were 3 squares (orange, yellow and purple). The colours were so bright my daughters went "ooooh" when I opened the box. Also inside were 8 (count 'em) 8 balls of Caron Simply Soft in various bright shades. Lots of yarn for joining the squares. :manyheart

I can't express in words how much your generosity will mean to my friend and her family. :hug

God bless you!

*************************

An update to this thread:

The mail lady just arrived. I received:

*2 squares from Theworm (one blue and one bright red) - I just love the colours.
*4 squares from Jamie (beautifully multi-coloured)
*2 squares (one orange and one puple) from Chainofools (kiki). Wonderful!

Boy, you ladies do great work!!

The square count is now at 15! I'll be starting the first comfortghan and will divide the squares amongst the two comfortghans when appropriate. I did notice that some of you who donated made a square for each boy.

Cheryl.

mason204

July 26th, 2006, 03:19 PM

Delivery Update...

Angelfire (Bonnie): The squares sent by you and your daughter arrived today. They are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks to both of you, the square count is now at 21.

I have to say that I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of this group. :manyheart I've started placement of the squares for the first comfortghan and am well on my way to do the same for the other one as well.

I think it's safe to say that no more squares will be required. I believe that the remaining squares in transit will fulfil the need for squares for the second comfortghan.

I'll keep you posted as I receive squares and on the progress of the comfortghans. I'll also give you periodic updates on my friend's son.

Cheers. :hook

theworm

July 26th, 2006, 03:23 PM

Please post pictures when you join them. It will be nice to see all those bright colors joined together! I hope the boys like them!

calliope1779

July 26th, 2006, 06:46 PM

I do hope everything will be okay for the boys and their mother. They are all in my prayers. My mom just went through treatment for breast cancer all this past year and I know that the chemo takes a LOT out of a person. Bless his heart! :heart

angelfire

July 26th, 2006, 11:02 PM

I am glad they finally arrived...global priority @ 12 days . I was getting worried

mason204

July 27th, 2006, 02:41 PM

cshort (Carol): I received your lovely two blue aqua squares today plus some yarn for joining. Thank you very much.

I'm now at 23 squares. :manyheart

Thanks all!!

Update to post on July 28th:

Dragonfli: I received your box of 3 squares plus yarn today. Also hidden inside were two Backyardigans readers for the boys. My friend will go "nuts" when she sees these as Backyardigans stuff is really hard to come by in Toronto. Thank you so much for your kind gift. I knew your squares were coming so I saved a special spot for your squares in the comfortghans.

dragonfli

July 31st, 2006, 11:29 AM

Update to post on July 28th:

Dragonfli: I received your box of 3 squares plus yarn today. Also hidden inside were two Backyardigans readers for the boys. My friend will go "nuts" when she sees these as Backyardigans stuff is really hard to come by in Toronto. Thank you so much for your kind gift. I knew your squares were coming so I saved a special spot for your squares in the comfortghans.[/quote]

My 8 year old picked out the readers to enclose. She wanted to do a square (she crochets pretty good), but has not yet mastered the granny square so the readers were her contribution and made her feel like she was helping. Thanks for mentioning, when she wakes up this morning I will show her your post. Can't wait to see your comfortgans!!! We are sending lot's of positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Laurine

mason204

July 31st, 2006, 02:05 PM

Hello all:

Guess what I did over the weekend???
I finished the first comfortghan! :clap

Here are some photos:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/mason204/th_comfortghan1-b.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/mason204/comfortghan1-b.jpg)
You can click to see a larger photo

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/mason204/th_comfortghan1-a.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/mason204/comfortghan1-a.jpg)
You can click to see a larger photo

Yup, if you think the squares look bright in the photo, you should see them in person! :sun Especially when standing in the sunshine as I did for the phototaking.

When I sewed all the squares together, my daughters said "mommy, I'm not sure if they all go together". After I added the edging, my girls were delighted with the results. It's amazing how edging on an afghan can bring so many assorted colours together!! :yes

I tagged each square so I would remember who sent each square and to help me with placement. I tried to evenly distribute squares I received between both afghans. That's what those ratty little tags are for that you see in the photos. I intend to replace them with nicer tags once I'm finished.

I also have to thank everyone for making perfect 12" squares. You ladies certainly know how to crochet. My last experience with joining squares took way longer because I had to crochet extra rows to make smaller squares exactly 12" and in some cases, I had to rip out rows from squares because they were too big. In every case, each square was "just right" which made the joining go by so quickly.

I hope you like the end result.:ty

I'm waiting another day or two before starting the second comfortghan as there are squares from two ladies that haven't arrived yet.

Oooh, I'm so excited. My friend and her boys will :manyheart these.

:hug -- Cheryl.

dragonfli

July 31st, 2006, 02:16 PM

Absolutely adorable!! Soooooo colorful and cheerful. I showed my 8 year old and (I couldn't believe it) she cried!!! She said, "Mommy those boys are going to just smile and smile"!! Beautiful work!! Everyone!!

theworm

July 31st, 2006, 02:20 PM

That is so cheery!!! It looks GREAT!!

Breger3

July 31st, 2006, 02:22 PM

Those are beautiful, I'm sorry I didn't see this post sooner! My daughter has autism, so they have a special place in my heart. :heart I will be praying for them. Please keep us posted how they are doing.

Daisy

July 31st, 2006, 02:41 PM

Cheryl, I am in absolute AWE! The afghan turned out gorgeous! I can't wait to see the 2nd one. You have done a beautiful job with the squares....and they look GREAT! Bless your heart for doing this beautiful and comforting deed. :hug

scc51055

July 31st, 2006, 05:47 PM

What a beautiful afghan! you did a great job and surely will make the boy's day! I am proud to say that i participated in such a wonderful project and it makes me want to do more. also, thank you for the kind words about our squares! i was worried that they wouldnt be good enough or the right size!:cheer :clap :c9

pineknott

July 31st, 2006, 06:06 PM

I loved how it turned out,everyones squares are beautiful.

cshort

July 31st, 2006, 08:35 PM

Oh Wow! It's beautiful! I'm sure the boys will enjoy the different colors and texture patterns.

Carol

ChainOFools

August 1st, 2006, 01:36 PM

Cheryl,

That is just fabulous!! You did a wonderful job joining and bringing all the squares together. I can't wait to see the second one!

KnicKnac

August 8th, 2006, 07:54 AM

That turned out simply GORGEOUS! You did a wonderful job!

Daisy

August 8th, 2006, 11:25 AM

The afghan is gorgeous? Oh my, let me say that again.....it's GORGEOUS!
You did a fantastic job on it! The colors are just beautiful......and again,
It's absolutely GORGEOUS!

coolhockeymom

August 8th, 2006, 03:29 PM

That turned out wondeful...and I love the look of sunshine

mason204

August 8th, 2006, 06:45 PM

An update...

I received a beautiful orange square from Crochetlady100. Not to worry...the orange fits in quite nicely with the other squares. :)

It may be another week before I start the 2nd comfortghan.

In an almost unbelievable turn of events, my own cancer decided to recur at my routine checkup last Thursday. I knew this could happen but was still surprised when it did. I started chemo again last Friday (my 3rd time). I'm feeling better but one nasty side effect is extreme pain in my right arm that started two days ago. I'm typing with one finger (very frustrating to a girl who types about 120wpm). The most maddening of all is that I CAN'T CROCHET. I think that upsets me more than the cancer.

I just want a normal life!!! I'll keep everyone posted on the ghans. I may have difficulty with the edgings but I can probably sew the squares together in the meantime.

crochetlady100

August 9th, 2006, 08:09 AM

I am so sorry to hear your news, my prays are with you. My niece is going thru the chemo and just had surgery, just take it slow and dont over do.

theworm

August 9th, 2006, 09:42 AM

Oh Cheryl! I'm sorry to hear your news, but glad that you caught it and have gotten into treatment quickly. You've been so generous helping these boys and their family. Let me know if there is any way I can help you! With something for you or more things for the boys! It must be very frustrating for you, but lots of wishes and prayers are going out for you!!! :hug:

coolhockeymom

August 9th, 2006, 02:52 PM

Cheryl I am sorry that you are goiing such a bout of pain. I know how difficult that it can be when the cancer re-surfaces. May prayers and positive energy is winging your way

froggy

August 9th, 2006, 02:57 PM

KnicKnac

August 9th, 2006, 03:55 PM

I am so sorry to hear of your news. Hoping you start to feel better soon.

:(

dragonfli

August 9th, 2006, 06:36 PM

I am so sorry to here your knews. I will say a prayer for you each day and pray for a speedy recovery and that soon you will be crocheting again.

Laurine

Daisy

August 9th, 2006, 06:43 PM

Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear of your cancer coming back. My prayers for you, are going straight up to the highest of places. Keep up your treatments and get better real soon! Do take good care of yourself! I care......I really do! Sending hugs and prayers your way! :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug

scc51055

August 9th, 2006, 07:14 PM

I too am sending warm thoughts and a few prayers your way! Feel better soon!

ChainOFools

August 11th, 2006, 08:37 AM

Cheryl,

I'm so sorry to hear of your news. I hope you are feeling better soon. You are in our thoughts. Take care. :hug

mason204

September 15th, 2006, 02:15 PM

Hi everyone....

Sorry for such a delay in posting. As you may remember, I was unable to crochet due to a chemotherapy side effect. I'm happy to report that in the past week I've been able to crochet again. I have no lingering pain in the arm. Thank goodness. :)

As a result, I finished the second comfortghan. Here's a photo:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/mason204/th_comfortghan2.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/mason204/comfortghan2.jpg)
[please click for larger image]

Now comes the part where I package everything up for delivery to my friend. I'll keep you posted on the response from the boys....

Her son has finished radiation and is doing better than even the doctor had expected. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary measure until the tumour grows again but my friend intends to spend every moment she can with her son until then.

I can't thank you all enough for the hard work and support you've given this project. I had every intention of finishing this way sooner but, as you know, life doesn't always work out the way you want it to.

theworm

September 15th, 2006, 02:17 PM

I was thinking about you, Cheryl! Glad that you are doing better! Are you finished with your chemo, now?

The afghans for the boys came out beautiful! Such cheery colors! I'm sure they'll love them. It's so nice of you to do this for your friend!

scc51055

September 15th, 2006, 04:25 PM

I have been thinking of you often and looking for your posts! glad you can crochet again! Your work is beautiful and so are you for doing this for your friend and her family! take plenty of tissues with you when you see her and give the blankets...................hope you continue to feel better

pineknott

September 15th, 2006, 05:34 PM

glad you are feeling better,the afghan worked up wonderfully.
take care.Linda

dragonfli

September 15th, 2006, 05:42 PM

I have been wondering how you are feeling and while I had subscribed to the thread and hadn't gotten any notices of new postings, I checked it once a week just in case. I am so glad you are feeling well enough to crochet. I know that crocheting certainly makes me feel better. The comfortghans worked up beautifully, you did such a great job. I know they will be snuggly and comforting for the twins. Thank you for the update and you are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Laurine

mason204

June 30th, 2007, 05:40 PM

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. The little boy with the brain tumour passed away last Saturday after a year-long struggle with cancer.

His funeral was held today and I wanted everyone who contributed to his comfortghan to know that his mom cherished the blanket. During the service, his twin brother helped to lay the blanket over his casket. As you can imagine, it was a heartbreaking moment. To my surprise, the priest wrote his homily around the blanket and remarked at how each square was made by people located across North America and how there was so much love and support surrounding this family.

Although the doctors told my friend at diagnosis that at most he had a few months to live and probably a year at best, his quality of life was pretty good up until a month ago. He was able to attend his pre-school graduation and celebrate his birthday.

Attending the funeral was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. We are all saddened here but I wanted to thank everyone again at Crochetville who contributed for your generosity and support.

God bless.

Cheryl.