Several months ago my Mother in law shared with me that she was going to start knitting chemo hats for charity. I thought it was a great idea and never imagined that in just a few months time I would know 2 people that would need them. When undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer it is hard to avoid hair loss in women. It often occurs as a side effect to the chemotherapy and is certainly an unwelcome side effect. To make women feel better my Mother in law started knitting these chemo caps in bright jewel tone colors so they could have a little pick me up in their day.
A good friend of mine that I grew up with and went to school with throughout our elementary, high school and college years was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 27. It didn't run in her family at all and was a complete shock. Thanks to her persistence and her own self exam which lead to her diagnosis (just days after a yearly exam at her docs office left it undetected) she has received the treatment she needs to beat the breast cancer. She had to undergo a double mastectomy and subsequent chemotherapy treatment. Without revealing many details all I would like to get across is her amazing good attitude throughout this whole ordeal. The diagnosis and treatment came quickly and she met it with a can do attitude that hasn't wavered. She has inspired me to be a better person. You never know when something absolutely life changing can happen to you. Grab hold of each and every day and make the most of them!
I only hope that I can look at life with the same zest and happiness that my good friend does. She is amazing :) If you are a knitter consider knitting some chemo hats and donating them to a cancer center near you. I know they are so appreciated and a welcome pick me up in a woman's life who is dealing with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. You can find free chemo hat knitting patterns at the resources listed below!
Rolled Brim Chemo Hat (pictured above)
Ridged Chemo Hat
Head Hugger
A couple of tips that my mother in law passed on to me were that you need to use a very soft yarn so it won't be scratchy on bare skin and you need to try and avoid seams as they can be irritating to the skin. She also likes to use bright colors to bring happiness :)
Do you have anyone in your life dealing with cancer? Have you ever donated chemo hats??
