As I sat in the cold hospital waiting room, with tears streaming down my face, I came up with my own design for a kimono style wrap that ties in the front with a belt. I needed flannel material for warmth, have 3/4 length sleeves and comes to the hip.  The problem, I did not know how to sew. When I went home, I called my friend Judy, a seamstress. Explaining what I wanted, we came up with a pattern for my ideal gown. I bought a used sewing machine and went to buy flannel fabric. I picked fabric that was bright, colorful and festive. I wanted to wear something that was “louder than cancer!”

I spent the next 3 days doing a "Sewing for Dummies" crash course. We started on a prototype, then made multiple changes from there. When the first wrap was finished, I put it on and immediately thought, "This feels like a nice warm hug". I soon started calling it my "Hug Wrap". It was my intention to make myself two. The first time I wore a finished Hug Wrap to radiation treatment, I received many comments from the staff and doctors.  Then another patient noticed what I was wearing.  I asked if she would like me to make one for her and her reply was a heartfelt "YES".  I soon found other patient going through a very difficult time, so I made one for them. And I kept going. As I kept making more of my Hug Wraps, I realized that sewing had become a type of therapy for me. It was bringing down my anger and frustration level. Why? Because, it kept my hands and mind busy and I now had a mission of helping my fellow cancer patients. During many restless days and sleepless nights, I would go downstairs to my kitchen, turn on my favorite country music and start working on Hug Wraps.

By the time I had finished my radiation treatments, I had made a total of 10 Hug Wraps. I gave them to my doctorr and asked that she give them to any patient who might like one. I was soon contacted with requests for more. Seems other patients were finding that wearing a Hug Wrap gave them back dignity and hope during their personal battle with cancer treatments.

Hug Wraps are not just for breast cancer patients. I make them in sizes for children, teens and men.  I make them any length and size to accommodate any cancer patient. I soon found out there were so many other uses.  Patients take them to the hospital to wear after surgery and during hospital stays. Because they are non-restrictive, they allow for easy access to ports, drains and dressing changes. The large sleeves and wrap-around style allows ease for patients unable to raise their arms.  The wide sleeves also allow for patients with an IV or those with lymphedema.  Patients wear them home from the hospital and during recuperation at home for comfort, softness and warmth. Other uses, they can be worn to follow up doctor appointments, for testing, x-rays, scans, mammograms, physical therapy, chemo treatments and daily radiation treatments. I also make Hug Wraps with inside pockets. These are to hold surgical drains, tubing or insulin pumps.

To date, I have made and given out over 350 Hug Wraps, and the number continues to rise. Many patients find dignity, hope, strength and inspiration, because they know that a Hug Wrap was made from one patient for another. I have been there.  They are sewn with love and understanding. I am blessed that I was able to turn so much anger into something so wonderful....Hug Wraps. “I was not able to control cancer but I was able to control what I wore”.

Hug Wraps have been far reaching.  In addition to being mailed to patients all over the US, they have also reached patients in Canada, England and Poland.

Because of Hug Wraps, I have been asked to speak at various churches, hospitals, cancer support groups and cancer survivor events.  I am able to give others hope and inspiration with my story.