Debbie Swanson’s 20-year-old niece still has the small fleece blanket given to her when she was a child during a hospital stay to treat her cancer.
That’s made a blanket-making project at Richards High School in Oak Lawn all the more poignant for Swanson, the school’s activities facilitator who has coordinated the annual effort for the past six years.
“This is something we do because they are really special items for the kids to receive when they’ve been hospitalized,” Swanson said, noting for her niece, the act of kindness from strangers “was really kind of special.”
Dozens of students recently stood around tables in the school cafeteria making blankets for pediatric cancer patients at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Each blanket was made of two pieces of fleece and students tied the ends together with yarn. The blankets are adorned with little animals, strawberries and heart and other childhood logos and pictures.
The project was started at Richards 10 to 15 years ago by the National Honor Society and Student Council. In the years since, the school’s Leo Club, Chess Club, Bulldog Buddies and LGBTQIA+ Community & Allies have joined in.
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The blankets, which will be delivered to the hospital by school staff, can come in useful if children are cold as they get treatment or just for comfort.
“Even though it’s a small thing, it can still make a big impact on the children who are sick and to just be there for them in a way,” said Mackenzie Tamer, a senior and Student Council member. “I think it’s really fun to be able to think about the kids you’re making the blankets for. It just makes you feel good to be able to do that.”
Tamer, who visited her 12-year-old cousin in the hospital before he died last summer, said it was also nice to do the project with friends.
“I think it’s a really good way for us to give back to the community, especially to children who might need a little bit of support in the hospital,” said Laryz Catapat, a senior Student Council member.
Staff at Advocate Children’s Hospital said the blankets make a difference.
“We so appreciate the generosity of those who continually contribute to the well-being of our patients at Advocate Children’s Hospital,” said Melissa Cavanaugh, manager of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapies and Education. “The blankets are such a cozy, special gift they can take home and find comfort in them during their recovery.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.