Published on January 01, 2010

Cozy Covers Program Keeps Cancer Patients Warm

Dean Foundation Offers Warmth this Winter to Dean Oncology Patients

If you know someone who has undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatment, you know how difficult it can be. During the holiday season or any time of year, a kind or thoughtful gesture can mean a great deal to a patient.

Cozy Covers, a Dean Foundation program, provides Dean Oncology patients with a handmade blanket or shawl. Volunteers donate their time, talent and materials to make the blankets. Each blanket is given to the patient with a special note so that each patient knows someone is thinking of them and wishing them well! The patient is encouraged to bring the blanket back during future visits.

Janice Hoff is a 62-year-old Dean employee and a colon cancer survivor of five years. Janice knows what it feels like to receive a blanket, but has also stitched 15 blankets for fellow cancer survivors.

"Making these blankets is a small way of saying I've been there, I understand," says Janice.  "I want to encourage others to donate afghans and blankets to this great program.  I want the patients to hold on to their blanket and keep the hope alive."

Janice lives life to the fullest each and every day.  Among her many exciting and exhilarating adventures, Janice has been skydiving and parasailing.  She plans to continue trying new things and living an extremely active lifestyle.

How Can You Help?

If you are interested in making a Cozy Cover here's how to get involved:

1. Donate yarn or material that is soft and washable for another volunteer to make a Cozy Cover. To donate materials, call the Foundation at (608) 827-2300.

2. Make a blanket or shawl

• Choose a soft and washable material for your blanket/shawl
• Cozy Covers can be crocheted, knit, sewn, or tied
• The finished size of the shawl/blanket should be approximately 36 by 50 inches

When finished, call Dean Foundation at 827-2300 to arrange delivery. Remember Cozy Covers can be as simple or as elaborate as your creativity allows.

Making Cozy Covers is a great service project to do as a group any time of year. Young or old, everyone can participate in making Cozy Covers. For more information on the program or to arrange interviews/stories, please contact Lindsay M. Ostrowski with Dean Foundation at (608) 827-2321.