A quilt made by volunteers from the Victoria’s Quilts Canada (VQC) organization was presented to a Kamsack cancer patient on September 20 by the Kamsack Cancer Self Help Group.
On behalf of the group, Jan Derwores presented the quilt to Anna-Maria Markopoulou during its first meeting of the season.
The group, which resumed its regular meeting schedule on September 20 after a two-month hiatus during July and August, was formed in 2001 to provide information and an outlet for those who need a safe and confidential space to discuss their involvement with cancer, either as patients or caregivers.
Members of the Self Help Group understand a diagnosis of any illness can be difficult, but a diagnosis of cancer can be intimidating and confusing
The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month in the boardroom of the Sunrise Health Region building located on Queen Elizabeth Boulevard East.
“We meet at 1:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the building,” said Derwores, who, along with Adeline Nykolaishen, shares the co-chair duties of the group. “We are grateful to the Sunrise Health Region for allowing us to use its boardroom.
“It has also allowed us to maintain a small resource shelf in the foyer, which we have stocked with books and pamphlets for anyone who might want them.”
Noting that the meetings are scheduled on a weekday afternoon, and this may make it difficult for some individuals to attend, Derwores added that the group has decided the afternoon format worked best for the majority.”
The group holds an annual fundraiser and is proud to say it has been donating a portion of proceeds to VQC for a number of years.
“Victoria’s Quilts is an organization that is totally driven by volunteers and funded by donations. It provides hand-made quilts to anyone diagnosed with cancer, upon request, and there is never a fee attached, in the hope that these quilts will provide physical comfort for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and spiritual comfort in knowing that they are not facing this diagnosis alone.”
Anyone wishing more information about the group or the meetings is encouraged to contact either Derwores or Nykolaishen.
