"In the News"
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Release May 1, 2006 Waldo County Healthcare, Inc., 118 Northport Ave., P.O. Box 287, Belfast ME 04915 (207) 338-6205 |
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Healing
Shawls of Maine Donates Belfast, Maine – Waldo County General Hospital’s Oncology and Infusion Therapy Department recently received a donated supply of healing shawls from Healing Shawls of Maine. These shawls will be provided to patients undergoing any type of cancer treatment. Cindy Bulkley, Coordinator of Healing Shawls of Maine, initially heard of the healing shawls concept through a friend who knitted them for breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut. |
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At
the time, Bulkley did not know how to knit but the heartwarming thought
of helping others was always fresh in her mind. Bulkley relocated from
Connecticut to Stockton Springs and wanted to give back to her newfound
community in some way. She again thought of the healing shawls concept
and learned how to knit just for this reason.
The concept of a healing shawl is to provide comfort to the recipient. During cancer treatments, patients become chilled so these shawls will provide the needed warmth and the comfort knowing that someone cares. Bulkley says, “I wanted to find my small way to make a difference in someone’s life.” She contacted the Oncology and Infusion Therapy department in January to explain the healing shawl concept. She also discussed this idea with her friends and neighbors and they, too, began knitting the shawls. |
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Each shawl is accompanied with a card that reads, “This healing shawl was made especially for you. Although we do not know your name, we know what you are experiencing. We are cancer survivors or love someone who has had cancer. Our hope is this healing shawl will help heal your body, calm your fears and raise your spirits. As you wrap it around you, imagine hugs from its maker.” Bulkley would like to organize a knitting group for knitters with the goal of knitting enough healing shawls for all patients receiving services at the Oncology and Infusion Therapy department. She is looking for any interested knitters to participate in Healing Shawls of Maine. |
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Individuals
who do not knit but would like to participate can contribute a monetary
donation or purchase the yarn. Bulkley would like to emphasize the
importance of using new, soft, machine washable/dryable yarns such
as, Red Heart Light& Lofty. |
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