CENTRAL MAINE CHAPTER OF CHEMOCAPS
At the end of September, Maranacook Yarns established
a local chapter of “Chemocaps,” an international group
of caring volunteers who hand-knit or crochet comfortable, attractive
caps to be given free
of charge to cancer patients experiencing hair loss and for whom wigs
are uncomfortable. Chemocaps was founded in memory of Heather Spoll,
a young cancer patient, by her mother, Ronni Spoll, of Pennsylvania.
The American Cancer Society endorses Chemocaps.
Whether you are an experienced knitter or crocheter or picking up needles
or hook for the first time, you can make a difference in the life of
a cancer patient! We are giving the caps we make to the Oncology Clinics
at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta and Waterville, Franklin
Memorial Hospital in Farmington, Central Maine Medical Center and
St. Mary's in Lewiston, and the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Eastern
Maine Medical Center in Bangor. We will expand to other area hospitals
if our
production exceeds the
Clinics’
needs.
Heads bared by chemotherapy can be very sensitive, so soft caps with
no seams and little texture provide the most comfort. Yarns must be
very soft and machine washable (light- to medium-weight acrylic, polyester,
and blends with cotton and wool are preferred). Volunteers may supply
their own yarn, and Maranacook Yarns will stock inexpensive yarns suitable
for this purpose. Free “Heather Spoll No Hair Day Hat Program” patterns
designed by JoAnne Turcotte are available at the shop and on the Internet
at www.chemocaps.com.
For a free pattern click on this link: Hat
Pattern.
We are experiencing a rush of interest and a flood of generosity on
the part of knitters and crocheters. We tag each cap as having been “hand-made with
love,” and
that’s what the Central Maine Chapter of Chemocaps is all about.
I am delighted to be able to coordinate the work of these wonderful
people! Please call, visit, or email Maranacook Yarns for more information
or to sign on as a volunteer in this rewarding effort.
Chemocap Update
2947 caps made by 132 volunteers!
"I'm the outpatient oncology social
worker with the Comprehensive Cancer Program at CMMC. A co-worker gave us
the basket of exquisitely beautiful knit caps that your group provided.
I can't tell you how much our patients love them! I brought them
through the treatment rooms before putting the basket into our wig& turban
resource room, and half of them disappeared along the way. We are so appreciative
that your group has decided to donate some of the
caps to CMMC. " |
Maranacook Yarns is grateful to the following local businesses or
individuals who have donated money for mailing chemocaps or in kind
services to promote the chemocap project or thank volunteers:
Clark Cabinetry, Rt. 17, Readfield, Maine 04355
Lori Douglas Clark, Freelance Writer, Rt. 41 Readfield, Maine 04355
Bonnie Michaud, Winthrop, Maine 04364
Nell Dalheim, Wayne, Maine 04284
Barbara Bright, Readfield, Maine 04355
Mary Jane Kaniuka
Diane Vorpagel
Tina Gomberg
