(Picture Source: Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville/Facebook)
Sometimes ordinary objects carry special meaning, and according to Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville officials, the quilts given to patients at the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center are far more than just blankets.
They said the fabric is thoughtfully chosen, each stitch is crafted with care, and members of the Greater Lighthouse Church quilt ministry pray over every comfort quilt before delivering them to the Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Foundation.
When the quilt ministry group partnered with the Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Foundation at the start of 2025, officials said no one anticipated just how meaningful the program would become in such a short time. Now, they said, this heartfelt effort has provided comfort to more than 100 people in our community.
Ruth Ann Travis from the Greater Lighthouse Church quilt ministry says their group creates these quilts to offer encouragement and hope to those who are hurting, and they have reached far more people than they ever expected. She added that giving to others has been a blessing to the group as well.
Officials said through the Chemo Buddies program, volunteers at the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center offer support to patients throughout their treatment journey. Each patient receives a care package, including a comfort quilt, on their first day of treatment. These quilts deliver more than just warmth—they are a symbol of encouragement and come wrapped in prayers from friends, family, and caring members of the community.
Betty Williamson, a volunteer with the Chemo Buddies program, said cancer is very frightening and can be isolating. She said every patient has been deeply grateful for their comfort quilt, with some moved to tears knowing that strangers are thinking of them and lifting them up in prayer.
If you’re interested in supporting future projects or initiatives at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, you can reach out to Ashley Galvan at the Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Foundation by emailing ashley.galvan@baptistdeaconess.com.
