Stitches of Love

Thanks to the support from the community and Avera volunteers, the Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry provides a functional and comfortable lap quilt as a symbol of a patient’s journey through cancer. Serving as a tangible expression of prayers from countless volunteer quilters, each quilt is tied and blessed. Since its inception, nearly 4,800 prayer lap quilts have been given to newly diagnosed cancer survivors.

Geared to provide dignity, generous gifts and dedicated volunteers also sew Dignity Robes for cancer survivors undergoing radiation treatment. This special robe is specially sewn to allow the least amount of exposure to help maintain dignity while enduring treatment. These robes also provide the gift of hope as each one is distributed at no cost to the patient. To date, over 2,000 dignity robes have been sewn thanks to our loyal volunteers.

Currently, the group of sewers and quilters spend their time stitching in a dedicated sewing room on the Avera McKennan campus. We are grateful for the dedicated volunteers that serve Avera and are looking for additional help in both areas. New volunteers could join existing groups or form a new group. Either way, it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together and have good conversation and make new friends.

Pictured from left to right: Cindy M, Carol K, Kay S, Sue H, Rita K, Margaret P