After Carol Vaughan’s husband passed away in September 2011, she started looking for something to keep her busy in the evenings. Remembering a beautiful throw blanket a friend had crocheted her husband as he battled lung cancer, Vaughan found a way to not only keep busy, but to give back to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center where her husband received care.
The Greenup woman has crocheted 34 lapsize afghans in various colors that represent different types of cancer. Within each afghan is the crocheted image of a Cancer Awareness Ribbon, as well as the word “Hope.” Selling the afghans for $25 each, she has donated the proceeds to the SBL Regional Cancer Center. Several afghans are still available in the SBL Health Foundation for $25 each.
Thankful for the care her husband received, Vaughan said, “It was important for me to find a way to help others and to remember Paul. “ So far, she has contributed $500 for cancer care and placed a “leaf” on the Tree of Life in the Regional Cancer Center to memorialize her husband. Each “leaf” is engraved according to the donor’s wishes as a lasting tribute and can be purchased for a gift of $500.
Vaughan recently place the “leaf” on the The Tree of Life. Pictured (left to right) Cancer Center nurse Michelle Vahling, RN, Vaughan, her daughter, Michelle Peters of Toledo, and Amy Card, SBL Planned Giving director.
For more information about the Tree of Life or to purchase an afghan, contact Amy Card, SBL Health Foundation, at (217) 258-2511. For more information about the SBL Regional Cancer Center, call (217) 258-2250.