NORWAY — When Deb Skinner of South Paris told her three visiting grandchildren – Hannah, Lukas and Lilley – that she was sewing some comfort items for cancer patients, they asked if they could help her. Especially since, according to Lukas, “My great-grandmother had cancer.”
So, she taught them how to make the small pillows that fit under a breast cancer patient’s arm after surgery, and the “port protectors” that wrap around a seatbelt and ease pressure on the area of the chest where many cancer patients receive their chemotherapy treatments.
“We keep a good supply of these comfort items on hand at our center, as they are essential items that patients are apt to use daily during the period they are undergoing cancer treatment,” said Diane Madden, executive director of the Cancer Resource Center of Maine. “All of the items are new and handmade by many volunteers throughout Maine. I am glad Hannah, Lukas and Lilley could come in to see our center and learn how their good work will have such a huge impact on others.”
And, according to Grandma Deb, “If you teach a child how good it makes you feel by paying it forward, they will be less likely to be looking for ‘feel-good’ activities that may lead to bad decisions.”
The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, at 199 Main St., is a 501c3 nonprofit organization embracing anyone affected by cancer, including free programs, complementary therapies, weekly virtual classes, travel assistance, support groups and comfort. For more information, visit www.crcofwm.org, [1] find it o Faceboo or call 207-890-0329.
PHOTO: From left, Deb Skinner, Lilley Oliveira, Hannah Cook, Lukas Oliveira and Cancer Center Executive Director Diane Madden. (Submitted photo)
