Happy New Year and a Blessed 2009

Our prayer is for everyone in 2009 to find peace, happiness and good health for 2009. May God be with everyone who will undergo chemotherapy for the first time in 2009, for those that have ended their chemo treatments, for those who are in remission and for those that will not survive. May God be with all of you and your families.

Joyce's Chemocap Project will continue and we are hoping that we can increase the amount of caps made. We are getting a lot of requests for caps. One of the volunteers at the oncology center said that it was such a joy to see the faces last week as they were going through the box to find just the right cap for them. We need more knitters and crocheters. Anyone reading this, if you knit or crochet, please give us a call. If you know of someone who can knit or crochet for us, please refer them to us. It doesn't take a lot of time to complete a cap and can be made at your leasure. What is the saying about 'idle hands'?
And thank's to all who have made caps for us in 2008. We truly appreciate you.

Merry Christmas from Joyce's Chemo Cap Project

Merry Christmas from all of the knitters and crocheters to all of you who have cancer, have survived cancer or have lost a loved one from cancer. We hope that our caps have given to each person who wears our cap a little happiness, a little dignity and a little comfort. Each cap was made with love and with a prayer for the person who gets the cap. We wish for you and all your loved ones the joy and wonder of the season. Most of all, we hope that you will all find peace during this special time of the year.
Lena, Vivian and Jan want to thank everyone who has made a cap or caps for our project. And a thank you to all who have donated yarn or money for our project. We pray for a blessing for you and your families who have given blessings to so many. Christmas is a time for giving but you have given all year.
We want to thank Joyce's family who have been so supportive and helpful to us. You are all special people. Joyce did a good job raising you.
And, thank you, Joyce. We love you.

A Christmas Poem

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.
- Norman W. Brooks –

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!

So, They Found Something on your Mammogram

It happens sometimes. You have a mammogram and get a letter that there was something in your mammogram that needs to be checked. Don't Panic!! This isn't unusual. I got a letter last week. I waited for Monday to come to find out what it was. I've never received a letter like that before. They said that there were two spots they wanted to check. So I had another mammogram and then an ultrasound. It wasn't anything. It could have been. But it wasn't. It's so important to get that first mammogram. And a followup is important too. Don't be afraid. Don't shy away from that second test. I could have worried but left it in God's hands. If they found something in the ultrasound, then I'd have it taken care of. But not to worry until there's something to worry about. Mammograms are sooooo important.

First Christmas with Cancer

Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘Little Drummer Boy’ reverberating through shopping centres are a given this time of the year. Joyous Father Christmases with gleeful faces are surrounding us like a halo. If this is your first Christmas with cancer, you might want to run up to them and scream: “Shush!! There are serious things happening in my life!!” But you can’t, and you shouldn’t. Christmas is there for a reason, and will remain as such. There are lots you can do to make this one especially unique.

Remember that you CAN beat cancer. Once you get your trail of thought focused on that fact, your attitude will surely follow. There are many reasons to get out of bed. The nearest-and-dearest people in your life might feel awkward at this time, and are most definitely concerned about your well-being. Start with them. Do something particularly special for their Christmas stockings. Write a poem, make a painting, award someone with a certificate of excellence, knit a scarf, make a family collage, or dedicate a song – anything that is a personal gift from you to them. Some loved-ones that seem to have ‘pulled away’ since your diagnosis can be pulled right back in, with your help. They are just as shocked, worried and bewildered as you with the news of your illness. Not all people know how to deal with these feelings, and are at a loss for words. Show them that you understand, care for them, need them and feel the same. Think of something that will particularly charm each of those people closest to your heart. Become Father Christmas!!

We all have to learn to live life to the fullest. Choose two nice things to do for Christmas. Your energy levels might not be what they were before therapy, so more than two will tire you, and lessen the joy of the occasion. Quality, and not quantity, should be your motto this year. If you have the fortitude to host something, ask for help. It will be great fun having a ‘group preparation’ for a fun celebration. For once, have that storybook Christmas you’ve always dreamed about. Your attitude will make it possible, and your loved-ones will be astounded by your positive spirit.

Another point to consider is the foods associated with Christmas. Fact is, it’s seldom – if ever – the organic, nutritious, vegetable laden tables that will await you. Foods with sinful substances, sub-substances, sugars, fat, creams, wines and all sorts of immune system nightmares are a sure thing. It is only Christmas once. Have a taste, and fear not. Just bear in mind that rich foods might make you nauseous, and your appetite might be in reverse gear. Dish for yourself as for a small child. After Christmas you can always go on a ‘binge corrector’ diet, and stick to raw vegetables and fruit for a day or two.

If you feel like portraying that hidden hippy, gypsy, model, princess or eccentric artist in you – go out and search for the outfit. Get attitude and have fun doing so! Whilst planning or shopping, sing to yourself: “I’m not done yet!” Your ‘boots of stance’ regarding your condition will help you climb the highest Christmas tree.
Adelle Ottavini-Editor of BelleOnline

Christmas Poem

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.
- Norman W. Brooks –

Joyce's Family Picture

This is a Christmas picture of Joyce and her family. A treasure.

Courage

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. Author Unknown

One must not forget that recovery is brought about not by the physician, but by the sick man himself. He heals himself, by his own power, exactly as he walks by means of his own power, or eats, or thinks, breathes or sleeps. Georg Groddeck, The Book of the It, 1923

It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest, June 1995

Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there. Norman Vincent Peale

Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. Dan Rather

When you treat a disease, first treat the mind. Chen Jen

Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway. Mary C. Crowley
If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell. Lance Armstrong

Condolences Sent to Joyce's Family

Mom, I will miss you deeply. The presence of your spirit is with every one left behind. Peace and Blessings. John Ameser

Joyce will be deeply missed by all her friends at the Grand Reserve Seniors Community where we were blessed to have her as one of our "family" for the past few years. Beverly Mason & Shandra Jones Grand Reserve Seniors Staff

I remember a lively Thanksgiving dinner in Dallas where we all told hilarious stories and had a great time long into the night. I knew Joyce for a long time, and she was very nice to us. She battled long and hard, she will be greatly missed. Lisa Smith and Johnny Boggs

Joyce was such a Gem! I had only known Joyce for a few months, but was so impressed by her courageous manner.I am proud to say that I belong to the dedicated women of the Joyce's Chemo Caps and will continue this legacy in honour of your lovely mother. She will be sadly missed. Sincerely Jerri Nix

I met Joyce a few years ago when we went to the museums with the Allen Senior Center. I liked her immediately. Since then, I have grown to love her as a dear friend. Little did I know when I met her,how our lives would be linked together. Because of Joyce and her concern for others, we started Joyce's Chemo Caps. I know that God brought us together for that purpose. Her name and her legacy will carry on. Many in the future will be touched by Joyce's love and care. She was a sweet, beautiful lady and we all loved her and still do. My condolences to the family. You are all a part of Joyce's Chemo Cap Project! Jan Goble

I had the great pleasure of spending a few Thanksgivings and Christmases with Joyce. I feel blessed to have known her. Joyce will be greatly missed.
Jerry Secondine

You will be greatly missed by all who had the privelege of knowing you. Rest in peace as you certainly deserve it.
Dale E. LeBeau

Aunt Joyce will be missed. I can recall many stories that my Mother, Muriel, talked about when her and Aunt Joyce grew up. I was in Dallas a few years ago and remember having a great time visiting her and my cousins. She was always very thoughtful. I have three children, Griffin, Serena, and Ryley; she never forgot to send them a card for their birthday. My family sends sympathy to my cousins and their families during this difficult time. Joe Bethle

Joyce Elaine Schmitt February 26, 1933- November 4, 2008

Joyce Elaine Schmitt, age 75, of McKinney, Texas passed away on November 4, 2008. She was born on February 26, 1933, in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Clarence Earl Kennedy and Betty Johnson Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

She is survived by her sons, John Ameser and life partner Michael Magnia of Plano, Texas; Bill Ameser and life partner Scott Turnbull of Fairview, Texas; daughter, Tracie Burton, husband Tom Burton and grandson Zack Burton of Canton, Michigan; sister, Muriel Bethle of New Castle, Pennsylvania and a host of other family and friends.


In August 2007 after losing her hair for a second time to chemotherapy, Joyce felt uncomfortable wearing the chemo caps with thick seams that irritated her scalp and did little to satisfy her sense of style.  So Joyce and three of her devoted friends from the Allen Senior Center -- Jan Goble, Lena Louter and Vivian Denbow -- founded Joyce’s Chemo Cap Project. Using a seamless pattern and with the softest yarn in hand, this small group of ladies so inspired others that groups in five additional states and London, England have begun Joyce’s Chemo Cap Projects. To date they have made over 3,500 caps, all of which are donated free of charge to various hospitals and cancer treatment centers to give to cancer patients who want them.

Joyce tackled her cancer diagnosis with a strength and grace that inspired her family and friends. She loved to travel, loved adventure, but more than anything else, she loved her family.

We will truly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Joyce’s Chemo Cap Project, 1206 Thoreau Lane, Allen, Texas 75002 and visit www.joyceschemocaps.blogspot.com; or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2008 in the Chapel at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, with Dan Peeler officiating.

To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Update on Joyce

Joyce has been staying at Bill's house since she was released from the hospital. She was in the hospital for only a few days. She's undergoing treatment now and is in good spirits. Thank you for those who sent cards to her. She was happy to receive them.

Joyce

This is the note we received from Bill regarding the test results for Joyce. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Joyce is such a wonderful person and we love her so much. Our Chemo Cap Project wouldn't have started without Joyce's inspiration to knit and crochet caps for other cancer patient's comfort in their fight against cancer.

We met with both of her oncologists and a pain management doctor yesterday to get the results from her latest MRI, and whether or not her biopsy several weeks ago came back as HER2 negative or positive.

There is good news and bad news.
The bad news.
The biopsy did come back HER2 positive which means the breast cancer has changed and become more aggressive. The drug she was taking that controlled the amount of estrogen she produces will not work when the cancer has changed to this form. This is why it has spread into other areas of the bone and will need to be treated with two types of chemo and radiation. The chemo drugs they will be using are Herceptin and Navelbine. Herceptin will be given during while she is receiving radiation, Navelbine cannot so we will wait until the radiation is complete.

The good news.

They admitted mom into St Paul Hospital yesterday afternoon so that she can get some stronger pain meds and relieve the pain in her lower back/pelvic area. Now that we know the pain is definitely coming from the cancer and not a muscular issue, she can get ahead of the pain curve, come home and be on meds that will treat the pain and not make her out of it in the head like she has been the past week or so. After about a week of radiation. she should see about a 75% reduction in the pain with hopes of pain free in two weeks.


Joyce is out of the hospital and is staying at Bill's house.

Joyce's Chemo Cap Project is now International!!

Here is information that we received today from one of our knitters. We were so happy to hear this:
One of my relatives is a nurse working in an English hospital. I had previously told her about Joyce's ChemoCap program at the Allen Senior Center. She noted that such a program would be of interest in her hospital and that many volunteer ladies would be glad to use their knitting skills on ChemoCaps. With the help of the Senior Center "ChemoCap Girls", ChemoCap photos, knitting instructions and an actual ChemoCap were sent to England.

Well, a ChemoCap program is up and running in England. ChemoCaps have already been donated to users, and it looks like the program will expand.
A portion of my relative's latest letter reads :
".......................I enclose a photo of our ChemoCaps. Sorry to be so slow in producing some finished results, but here they are, and hope they meet with your approval. My "Ladies" have been very enthusiastic and have produced more than the photo shows. The Chemocaps go to the local Cancer Support Group and to the local Hospice..........................."
She also sent warmest regards to "you dear knitters".

Congratulations to all the Girls involved in the Senior Center program. It appears that an extraordinary, wonderful idea is going to be an international success.

Note from Bill regarding Joyce

As some of you know, Mom tested anemic and had a blood transfusion on Sept. 25th and has slowly recovered from a month or two of total exhaustion and basically feeling like crap. She is really unbelievable considering she felt that bad, and she still endured a week of six different doctor appointments, some of the days running 8 hrs straight and more tests than you could imagine.

Mom had biopsies on September 30th on one area of the scalp and one lesion under each arm. We met with Dr. Schiller, her oncologist, on Monday to receive the results. All three areas were positive for breast cancer, which was not unexpected since the dermatologist suspected they would come back as such. Apparently in about 25% of breast cancer patients the lesions Mom has can appear on the outside of the skin. These areas include under the arms, the chest area, and the pelvis and, more rarely, on the scalp.

Now we are waiting to see if these areas come back as hormone positive, which is what her previous breast cancer has been. If it does come back hormone positive, she will switch from her current cancer-fighting drug, “Tomoxafin,” to a stronger drug in the same class; if it does not come back positive, she will, once again, undergo chemo. Please everyone say a prayer that it’s hormone positive.

Yesterday they took x-rays of her lower back to find out what is causing the pain she has in this area and her thighs. Today a complete bone scan is being performed to check for any other spread of the cancer.

We will be meeting Dr. Schiller on Monday the 13th to review the scans and, if the results are back by then, find out what the biopsies showed.

National Mammography Day is October 17.

For more than 20 years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has educated women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. This year, NBCAM is again reaching out to women with several key messages, most notably, the importance of early detection through annual mammography screening for women over 40. Mammography screenings are a woman's best chance for detecting breast cancer early. When coupled with new treatment options, mammography screenings can significantly improve a woman's chances of survival.

The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. On this day, or throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment. In 2008, National Mammography Day will be celebrated on October 17.

Joyce's Chemo Cap Project goes to Pennsylvania!

We now officially have a branch of the Joyce's Chemo Cap Project in Pennsylvania.

Here is the article that was printed in the Lawrence County Newsletter in Pennsylvania:

If you click on the picture, you will be able to read the article.

Note received from Bill, Joyce's son

First I want to thank you and everyone who is and was involved in setting up the blog, outstanding job!
As some of you know Joyce ( my mother) hasn't been feeling very well over the past month or two. We received a call from her oncologist at U.T. Southwestern on 9/25 letting us know her blood counts were very low and she would need to come in for a blood transfusion (2 pints) the next day. Because the effects chemo has on red blood cells, It's not at all unusual to need a transfusions to raise the cell count back up. Normally this would have been caught a month sooner but because of some mix ups at the lab, her low blood count was overlooked and she and I are relieved. We saw many doctors last week for various things, some cancer related and others just routine. One of those was to a dermatologist to look at two small liaisons that have developed under her arms (one under each), and while we were there had them check the red spot on her head. They feel these all maybe from the breast cancer and after we get conformation from the results this week she will need to have the liaisons removed, the spot on the head will be treated with radiation. I had no idea breast cancer could appear on the outside of the skin but my sister Tracie said her oncologist told her to " always look for anything unusual appearing on the skin especially under the arms or pelvic area" this apparently is where breast cancer can show up. I'll keep everyone posted. I also dropped off 25 caps at U.T. after noticing they were down to 4. Keep em coming gang! Bill

Bill Ameser ABR GRI www.homesoftexas.com"D" Magazine Best RealtorWilliam Davis Realty

If you have something to share, please do.

If you are going through treatment or have a friend or just want to encourage someone, please email it to us. We will only use your name if you request it. What one person goes through or has gone through may help someone else that is going through the same thing and needs a little encouragement. You can send it to us at chemocaps@yahoo.com.

Note received from one of our 'cappers'

We received this note from Dawn today:

Thank you and the Allen Seniors for the cap. I got a new one today while at the North Texas Regional Cancer Center to match a couple of pair of my pajamas.

I had another one which I still use and has withstood many washings.

Your time and effort is greatly appreciated by those of us who have little or a lot less of the hair we used to have!

I replied and asked her if it was ok to put her thank you on our blog. This is the response that we got from Dawn.

Perhaps my cancer experience would be helpful to others. I was diagnosed with stage 4, an inoperable tumor, lung cancer (I am a non-smoker) in the fall of 2004. I have been on 3 different sets of drugs, each has worked very well up to a point and the side effects have been manageable and allowed me to live a ‘normal’ life. I have the side effects but they have not been devastating as they are with many people. The tumor has been reduced significantly over this period of time. Earlier this year, in March, the side effects were more than I could tolerate and my doctor decided to give me time to recover. The tumor has been stable so I am still off chemo and I am feeling so much better and will have tests and learn more the first part of November.

God has blessed me through every part of this journey and I am walk daily hand in hand with my Healer. I hope I can encourage others to know that God is in control and wants the best for you. I also have many friends and relatives who care and are always there and I Praise God for them and His guidance.

Dawn

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dawn. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I know it will help someone else that is going through the same thing you are and will help others that have a loved one or friend that needs encouragement.

Ribbons of Many Colors

The pink ribbon for breast cancer is probably the most worn ribbon for the support of cancer survivors and cancer patients. Did you know that there are other colors representing other forms of cancer? Here is a chart of the ribbons. If you click on the picture, it will get bigger so you can see which ribbon represents the types of cancer.

Happy Birthday, Vivian

A special birthday to Vivian on September 16. She is currently on a cruise with her mother to Spain, Italy, France and England. We hope she's enjoying the trip. We sure miss her here. She's the glue that keeps things together in our project.

Cap Deliveries

Monday, Sept 14, we delivered 75 caps to the Texas Oncology Center and today, Wednesday, we delivered 75 more to the Baylor Medical Center. We're working on winter caps now and Halloween caps. It'll soon be time to start knitting Christmas caps.
Thanks to all that are knitting the caps making it possible to give them to those that need them.

WANTED!!!!!!

Knitters and crocheters! If you like to knit or crochet and would like to make caps for our project, we welcome new people!! We'd love to have you join us. No regular meetings, you can make your caps while watching TV or waiting in a waiting room for an appointment. We have the patterns. If you don't knit or crochet but know someone who does, let them know of our work. (I should say 'fun'.) Our email address is:chemocaps@yahoo.com.
And tell others of this blog. Thanks to all of our knitters and crocheters. Next week we're making a delivery of caps that are going to put a lot of smiles on the faces of those that need a smile. And we can be proud that we helped them smile.

New Knitter

We want to welcome our newest knitter, Jesse. She joined us on Monday and brought us her first cap on Wednesday. Welcome Jesse!!!

Buttons

Aren't our buttons pretty? They were sent to Matthew from all over the United States. They are like frosting on our caps.

More Chemo Caps

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

We have buttons for our caps

Matthew joined us today along with his lovely wife, Joanna. We enjoyed their company at the center. He brought us a whole lot of buttons for our caps and a lot of yarn too!! Lena, Jerri and I were having a good time picking out buttons and sewing them on the caps. You can see the caps in the sideshow of caps. Here are pictures that we took today. Matthew drew the name for our winner of the lapgan that Mary made and donated to our project. The winner is Joy Dover. I'm sure she's going to love it. These are pictures of all of us at the center today. One of Matthew and Jerri, his mother. Another of Matthew and Joanna.

Trade Fair At Parkview

We had a first booth at a trade fair today at the Parkview Senior Apartments to show our caps and tell others what we are doing with our project. Bob, Vivian, Maria, Mary, Lena, Jerri and Jan worked at the fair. We met a lot of people that were interested in our project. We hope that others will want to join our group by knitting or crocheting. We received a couple of very nice donations from other venders. And we had a raffle of a beautiful lapgan that Mary made out of the leftover yard used to make our caps. The money from the raffle and donations will buy a lot of yarn for more caps. And we found out a few more places that we can take our caps to give to cancer patients. Now we need more knitters and crocheters. Maybe with fall approaching, there will be more wanting to help us. Thank you everyone for participating and for the donations.

Chemo Caps 1

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

One year anniversary

August 1, 2008 marked one year of our Chemo Cap Project. It started by Joyce's comment that she wishes she had something to put on her head when she slept because her head hurt because she lost her hair. Now there are more than 20 people knitting and crocheting our caps, not counting the people that visited us and went back to their home states and started to knit caps too. In our group, we have completed and given out more than 2500 caps in this one year.

And the friendships that have started from this project is amazing. The people that we've met at the chemo infusion centers, the 'cappers' that we've met when we delivered the caps, and the relatives of the 'cappers' that have written to us to tell us how happy the caps have made them. When someone tells us "God Bless You", it warms your hearts and you think that there can't be anything more to make you feel good about what you're doing. Then we'll get a letter from someone thanking us for making their life just a little bit easier. Someone comes along and tells us that they want to help us in our project by donations. It doesn't matter if the donations were large or small or even a skein of yarn. It came from their hearts. One ball of yarn is like a loaf of bread that filled the basket to feed the people.

In essence, our project is made up of knitters, crocheters, supporters and the people who need our caps. And when someone says "God Bless You for what you are doing", the blessing goes to everyone involved.

So we start our second year. And to repeat what was said when we were asked how long we were going to make caps: "When cancer is defeated and there is no need for caps, then we will go on to another project".

Note from one of our "Happy Cappers"

It is so endearing when we receive a note from one of the people who receive our caps. We call them 'Happy Cappers' in our scrapebook. It makes everything we do worthwhile and we feel so good to know that our caps are enjoyed and helpful. Here is a note that we received today in our email. It brought tears to our eyes!

I wanted to take time to type this email to tell you how much joy your box of hats has brought me. Every time I'm in chemo, one of my highpoints, is looking at all the beautiful hats you wonderful ladies have made. I have 3 now that I LOVE. I wear them all evening and at night. They are so comfortable. I know you thought this would be a small gesture, but I'm here to tell you, it is much more than that. It brings love, caring, and giving to strangers in a time of such deep illness a smile, a comfy cap to nurture them, and a smile at the giving of such beautiful women! It is especially special to me, because I can still see my mom Knitting slippers and afghans and I would always wear the Knitted slippers when I was ill for some reason, they always brought me such comfort. Mom died 20 years ago and I still wear the one pair I have left all tattered and worn that my mom made. So I find your hats so nurturing and loving and know the size of the hearts they come from.

Wanted you to know I (we) are eternally grateful!
Much Love and HUGE HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Nancy C

What a great person to do this for us!!!

This is a note that we received from a son of one of our knitters, Jerri. We got goosebumps when we read it. We're finding out every day what wonderful people there are in this world!!!

My name is Matthew Nix. My mother has helped with some of the cancer caps. My mother is Jerri Nix. She had called me and asked me if I had any buttons to help decorate your caps. I have several people from all over the world sending me buttons and some donated yarn. I will be driving down Aug 16th-19th to visit my mom and drop off all the donations. I will also be setting up a page on my website dedicated to your efforts. I so far have over 12,000 buttons to donate. Since I'm a jewelry artist... I will be using some of the buttons to make some nice looking wire wrap button pendants. I want to donate 100% of these pendant sales to get you ladies more and FREE yarn to continue what you love doing. I think it's great that you guys think of others and put so much time and effort into it. I would like to meet you when I come down to Allen in August. I will try to help as much as possible.

You can see Matthew's wonderful website and his beautiful artwork at:

www.createapendant.com

A knitters/crocheter tool box

It seems like a lot of great knitters making our great caps don't have a 'tool box'. Vivian, Mary, Lena, and Jan carry theirs with them all the time. Well, today we decided to show everyone what our tool boxes consist of. Then everyone will know what to add to their toolbox when they decide to make one. We love y'all.

New lady on our team

Yes, we have a new lady on our team. Her name is Sally. She doesn't have much of a personality or looks but she sure is a help to us. She's going to show you some of the caps we've been making. She showed us a better way to show off our caps. We'd love to have more knitters, by the way. So, how do you like our caps and our new model, Sally?

We are so busy

I can't believe it has been two months since we last wrote in the blog. We have been so busy making caps and delivering them. We delivered 125 caps last week to Baylor and Texas Oncology in Plano. As usual they were so happy to get the caps. We were privileged to go to the Infusion center at Baylor Hospital to witness some of the patients going through our new caps. Jackie, the administrator, told us that it is the highlight of their day while getting chemo to look and choose a cap.

To date, we have made more than 2500 caps and it hasn't even been a year yet.
We have met so many wonderful people from this project. We have new knitters and crocheters and we are thrilled when they bring the caps to us. You can see the pride in their smiles when they give us the caps. Today, there were many caps brought into the center to us. Sure makes our hearts warm.

And the variety is really something. Everyone wants to make different caps and as long as they are made of soft yarn, we love them all. You couldn't find prettier caps in a department store. We have a lot of red, white and blue caps for the 4th of July. Those with cancer cannot be thought of as someone who must stop everything to let cancer take over their lives. They are just like everyone else, wanting to celebrate holidays, looking forward to happy times and not dwelling on their illnesses. And we feel so happy that we can help them in their efforts. Cancer affects everyone. We can't forget that!

Such wonderful people at Baylor

Vivian, Lena, Joyce and Jan went to the Baylor Regional Medical Center today, Thursday, April 24. What a wonderful place and the people are sooooo nice. We met Gigi Steele, who is a retired nurse who volunteers her time at the cancer unit. What a wonderful person. She's the kind of nurse that you would look forward to seeing come into your room if you were in the hospital. She would just brighten your day. And Robin Jacks is in charge of Guest Services. When she saw us, her eyes lit up. She told us how everyone just loves our caps and is all the talk around the chemo center. She is such a nice person, really friendly. We were so happy to be there. We took 50 caps for them to give to patients this time. The caps will last them a little while until we can get more caps made. We sat with Gigi for quite awhile (her day off from volunteering) and had such a good time with serious talk, fun talk and girl talk! The thing that we didn't expect out of our project is all the wonderful people that we are meeting along the way. It seems as if everyone that works there is nice. We didn't get to meet all of them but, if Robin and Gigi are examples of the staff that works there, we are impressed.

There are many nice people in the world, aren't there?

Eva and Luisa

Eva was so moved when she saw people with the caps that she wanted to learn to crochet. Loisa taught her and she completed caps within the first week. Here she is learning to crochet.

Baylor Cancer Center

We started to deliver caps to Baylor about a month ago and they are being well received! I've gotten calls from Gigi, the volunteer at Baylor. She called to tell me how happy the caps are making people. Next week she is going to take pictures and send them to us. The pictures will be of people with our caps. This is a picture of the first time our group delivered caps to Baylor. We're bringing a bunch of caps there tomorrow, April 24th.

More knitters and crocheters

Wow! We have more knitters and crocheters! Carolyn from Wylie came by yesterday, bringing us three caps that she made. She was worried about her seams. She thought that they didn't look good. I looked at the caps and said "What seams?" They were great seams, better than mine. You could actually turn the cap inside out without seeing the seam. We welcome Carolyn to our group!
Our caps are looking very springy! Barbara Overall brought some darling caps in. They actually have a fancy border around them.
Rose is our newest 'new' knitter. By that I mean that she's not only new to the center but she hasn't knit in years. Her goal is to be able to knit and talk at the same time! We get quite a kick out of her.

Visit to Baylor Medical Center

Vivian, Lena and Joyce went to Baylor to deliver our first batch of caps to them. The center was very acceptive of the caps and was so excited to know that we will be delivering more caps to them.

Some new spring caps

Here are some new caps that were sent to Joyce.

New places, faces, and caps

Our project is going very well. We have a couple of new places to bring caps, Richardson Regional Medical Center, Parkland Hospital in Dallas and Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Tomorrow caps will be delivered to Baylor Hospital where they showed an interest in our caps. Two new ladies came into the center today. One of them has a friend who is the sister to Robin Roberts. Robin's sister is in New Orleans where she is also a TV broadcaster. We were pretty excited about that. She's going to tell her about our project.
While we were at the center, a cancer survivor called to thank us for the caps that she received. She just loves them and wanted us to know. I got a thank you note from one of the ladies that I sent caps to in MI. She, too, was really excited about her caps and she wanted us to know that the cancerous tumor is shrinking. That was good to hear too.
We're making spring/summer caps and I think that we're going to have to make more. Oh, we also will be going to a nursing home to find knitters and crocheters!

Our Story Was on line in the Lion Brand website

Here is the story as it was originally entered into the Lion Brand Website.
Vivian and I were having tea with Joyce, our friend who had gone through chemotherapy, her hair growing back nicely. We were sitting at the Allen Senior Recreation Center in Allen TX. Vivian and I were knitting. Joyce told us that when she was undergoing chemo, she had a cap to wear to bed after she lost her hair. She said that the seams were kind of painful when she slept in it. She said that the caps helped because the skin is so tender after the hair loss. Vivian went home and looked up chemo caps on the internet. She found a website with patterns for knitting and crocheting. A few days later, she brought the patterns in. We were so excited to see that we could do something to help those that would need the caps. So we started to knit and crochet. We knew that we needed really soft yarn and we found the Lion Brand yard at the Hobby Lobby store. Others at the center asked what we were doing. They wanted to join our little group. Two weeks later we had 30 hats. We brought them to the McKinney Cancer Center in McKinney TX. They were thrilled to see the different colors and patterns of the caps. There wasn't anyone in the reception area when four of us brought the caps there. Two women came in and had their caps on. When we showed them the caps we brought, they were really excited about them and each picked a cap out. They replaced their caps with the new ones. It was so nice to see the smiles on their faces. One of the ladies had the same situation with her cancer that Joyce did and Joyce was able to share how well she has done since then. The pictures we took showed the smiles on, we who could give and those that benefited from our caps. We are going to continue to make the caps and bring them to the cancer center. We were so humbled by the experience and found something that we can do for others to make their day a little brighter. One never knows when she may be in the same situation.

Spring Caps

Now that spring and summer are approaching, our knitters and crocheters are making light, soft (as usual) and springy caps. And we're even making flowers to put on the caps. Hmmm, maybe Mary can make butterflies too! Do you remember when all the ladies wore fashionable hats? Now our 'cappers' can wear beautiful caps for Easter or for just strutting their stuff in their spring caps. Here is a picture of a few of our completed spring caps.

Joyce

Joyce is feeling pretty perky lately. We tease her and tell her that she's getting bossy. We love it though because it shows that she's able to take a more active part in our project. She's going to be our PR person for sending out cards, printing and mailings. Oh, and she's trying to learn how to crochet!! Now that's really an accomplishement!!

Another interview

We were interviewed by Nancy Pacheco yesterday. She is the editor of some of the communitie newspapers in and around Allen. It was a good interview and we should expect to see articles in the April editions. We think that this will generate an interest by knitters and crocheters, expecially some of the elderly ladies living in senior communities that know how to knit but don't really have much to knit. The caps don't take long and they should enjoy completing something that can be used by chemo patients, giving of themselves even in their late years.

Letter from the Office of Robin Roberts of WFAA

We sent some caps to Robin Roberts, the news commentator on WFAA who was diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy. Following is a letter of thanks that we received from her office:

Hello!Robin wishes that she was able to thank everyone personally. Robin has received the wonderful chemo caps along the letter that you sent and they have truly lifted her spirits. She would like to thank you for thinking of her during this time and wants you to know that you too are in her thoughts and prayers. Robin appreciates you support, encouragement and thoughtfulness.Thank you very much.Sincerely, Sonny Mullen

Patterns for knitted caps

Chemo Cap Knit Pattern
Pattern for Knit Chemo CapKnitted on Straight Needles Size #11 (8mm)Yarn: Use Yarn Bee (Airy) Takes approximately 50 yards.Gauge: 10 stitches = 4 ½ inchesGarter stitch – knit every rowK2tog – knit 2 stitches togetherInstructions:Cast on 40 sts on #11(8mm) needles.Bottom of hat should measure 18 ½ inches.Work in Garter Stitch for 5 1/2 inches. Row 1 *K8, K2tog* across row (36 sts)Row 2 Knit 1 rowRow 3 *K7, K2tog* across row (32sts)Row 4 Knit 1 rowRow 5 *K6, K2tog* across row (28 sts)Row 6 Knit 1 rowRow 7 *K5, K2tog* across row (24 sts)Row 8 Knit 1 rowRow 9 *K4, K2tog* across row (20 sts)Row 10 Knit 1 rowRow 11 *K3, K2tog* across row (16 sts)Row 12 Knit 1 rowRow 13 *K2, K2tog* across row (8 sts)Row 14 Knit 1 rowCut yarn leaving 20 inch tail. Run through remainingSts Making a circle and sew up seam. Weave in ends.

Crochet caps pattern

Joyce's Chemo Cap Project Directions for Crochet Pattern 11. ch 3, join with sl stitch to form ring. Ch1,6 sc in ring,(do not join.)place marker in last sc of each round.2. 2 sc in each sc. (12 sc)3. (1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around.4. (1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc n next sc)around.(24 sc)5. (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc) around.6. (1 sc in each of next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (35 sc)7. (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc) around. (42sc)(You can place the marker at the end of this row and keep it there until you do a few more rows. That way, if the hat is too tight or too loose, you can rip back to the marker and either add or subtract stitches from round 8 to adjust the size of the hat.)8. 1(1 sc in each of next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (48 sc)9. (2 sc iin next sc, 1 sc in each of next 7 s) around. (54 sc)((If necessary to make the crown wide enough: (1 sc in each of the next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around))10. Sl stitch into next sc, ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join with sl st to ch 1.11-23. Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st to ch1. (Try on your hat now and see if it's long enough for you. Add a row or two if it isn't long enough. Or take a row off it it's too long.)24. Ch 1, )1 sc in each of the next 8sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. Join with a sl st to ch 1. ((If you added a row after row 9, then so this instead: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 9 sc) around. Join with sl st to ch1.))24-27. Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to ch 1. Fasten off. (These last 4 rounds should curl up to make the Brim.

Joyce's Son Comments On the Cap's

Joyce's Chemo Cap Project

Letter sent to the Mayor of Allen, Texas
With all of the people you meet everyday you may or not remember me as a volunteer the past two years on the advisory board with Allen Animal Control, which by the way is a pleasure to do.

I wanted to let you know about a project that a group of Allen Senior Citizen members have been doing over the past six months, started because of my mother Joyce Schmitt. My mother who has gone to the center since it's opening was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and stage 3 lung cancer in April 2006. After spending several months searching for the right oncologists, getting second and third opinions, she started chemo this fall.
As I'm sure you are aware most Chemo patients loose their hair and because of additional treatments and a second round of chemo that she just completed Mom has not had hair for sometime.
The project I am speaking about of is called "Joyce's Chemo Cap's". a group of Mom's friend's at the center heard her complain about the caps bothering her at night when she slept and her head would get cold.. Out of that comment while having coffee at the center six months ago began a group of members that crochet or knit and have given away more than 1,500 caps to cancer patients, They have helped start groups in six other states. These caps which are by the way beautiful, are donated to hospitals and cancer centers in Collin County.

Friend inspires Cap Creation

Joyce's Chemo Cap Project

From an article in Neighborsgo section Dallas Morning News December 15, 2007
After finding out that their friend Joyce Schmitt was diagnosed with cancer, friends Jan Goble, Vivian Denbow and Lena Louter of Allen started the Chemo Cap Project. Joyce had mentioned to her friends that the caps she had to sleep in hurt her head. because of the seams. So, Jan, Vivian and Lena started looking for patterns on the Internet for Chemo Caps. The patterns they found suggested using yarns that were soft to the touch. Jan and Vivian bought yarn and started making Caps. They then asked Joyce to approve the yarn and make sure it was soft.

On August 2, 3007 the friends started making caps at the Allen Senior Center. Several others at the center joined the project. Because many of the women can crochet and knit, they gathered patterns.

Some members such as Lena focus mainly on making children's Chemo Caps. Lena has made more than 100 children's cap and sent them to the Scottish Rite Hospital and St. Jude''s Children's Hospital.

Since the group started, they have grown to more than 20 women who knit and crochet caps. Because members have shared news about the project with family and friends, the idea has spread and groups have formed in Florida, Georgia and Virginia.

They also are now working with the McKinney Cancer Center and the Plano Cancer Center to distribute adult caps. The only stipulation members had was that the caps be given to patients who could use them at no cost.

The group has recently renamed the Chemo Cap Project as "Joyce's Chemo Cap Project".

Without Joyce's friendship and understanding about the need for comfortable caps, her friends would not have known there was such a need. Because of all of the support received members are glad to donate the "caps" .

Seniors Create Caps for Cancer Patients

Joyce's Chemo Cap Project

Article appeared in the Dallas Morning News section Neighborsgo August 2007

Allen Senior Recreaion Center members Vivian Denbow, Jan Goble and Lena Louter recently became invovled with Chemo Caps, a group that donates their time by making caps for cancer patients.

They created the group after a mutual friend of theirs, Joyce Schmitt, was diagonsed with cancer. She remarked that the hats she had to sleep in hurt her head because of the seams. After hearing this Vivian searched the Internet for a pattern to make a more comfortable fitting cap. The site visited suggested using yarns that were soft to the touch. So Jan and Vivian went shopping for yarn and started knitting. Joyce having the final approval on whether the caps were soft enough.

Others at the center who were not able to knit or crochet began donating money or yarn for the project.

In August the group donated 30 Chemo Caps to the McKinney Cancer Center. It was a humbling experience. We met two cancer patients and they were so happe to see and feel the caps that both ladies immediately took off the hats that they had on and put on our Chemo Caps'

Joyce's Chemo Cap Project

The Chemo Cap Project was started by Jan Goble, Lena Louter and Vivian Denbow after a mutual friend Joyce Schmitt was diagnosed with cancer. Joyce said that the caps she had to sleep in hurt he head because of the seams. We found patterns on the Internet for Chemo Caps. The patterns suggested using yarns that were soft to the touch. Jan and I bought yarn and started making the caps. We asked Joyce to "approve the yarn" to make sure it was soft. We started knitting the caps at the Allen Senior Recreation Center on August 1, 2007. Several of our friends at the center have joined us in making the Chemo Caps. Since many of the women can crochet and knit we have patterns for both types of caps. The caps are great for sleeping or being out on the town. Our Allen group had grown and now we have over twenty women knitting and crocheting the Chemo Caps. Our project has been shared with family and friends and spread to Dallas, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Pennslyvania, Iowa and Virginia.
Some of the senior who can not make the caps have either donated money or yarn to the project.
We found several cancer centers in Collin County that wanted the caps. We are currently working with the McKinney Cancer Center and Plano Cancer Center to distribute adult caps. Our only stipulation was that the caps be given to patients that could use the caps at no cost. Lena's main focus had been on childresn's Chemo Caps. Lena has made over 100 plus children's caps and has sent them to St Jude's Children's Hospital and the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.
In October we proudly renamed our Chemo Cap Project "Joyce's Chemo Caps" because without her friendshp and understanding of the great need for Chemo Caps we would not have know there was a need.
With your support over 1,500 "Joyce's Chemo Caps" have been made and distributed to cancer facilities in Collin County, and across the United States. Since the need is so great we are currently looking at additional facilities where we can distribute our caps.
If you know anyone who would like to join our group and make Chemo Caps, please contact Jan or Vivian. also if you know of a person in need of a Chemo Cap, they may contact either one of the Cancer Centers that have been mentioned.
Thank you all so much for your continued support. Each and evey one of you had made a difference in someone's life for your committment to this project