Wednesday, December 12, 2012

What Cancer Cannot Do

We can't control cancer.
We can control how we react.

I know cancer better than I want to.
Lauren, Linda & Elijah

My best friend Lauren's favorite quote was from poet Maya Angelou: “I may not be able to change what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.”

When Jeanne Coverdale was diagnosed with cancer she decided to design a quilt panel of what cancer cannot do. Jeanne unfortunately lost her battle last year, but her positivity lives on through her quilt designs.

This quilt is for Gail. It is full of love, hugs & reminders of what cancer cannot do.



I used a cuddle fabric on the back. 
I've done this on all the quilts I make for those in treatment.

You can purchase the hand printed panel and download the free pattern at Block Party Studios.


© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/
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26 comments:

  1. Pieces to LoveDecember 12, 2012 at 6:59 AM

    What a beautiful heartfelt quilt.

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  2. TheaMinPADecember 12, 2012 at 7:13 AM

    Thanks so much Julie! I've been looking for that panel for months! Now I can make a (another) quilt for my 20 yr old niece - she has bone cancer - and the chemo is making her really sick. She has been really good about her treatments until recently - she is starting to loose her sense of humor as the chemo treatments cause so many side effects.

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  3. mascanlonDecember 12, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    Lovely sentiments and oh so true. It's all about the positive energy, thoughts and prayers of family and friends. This quilt is beautiful because of those things too Julie.

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  4. Cindy SharpDecember 12, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    Beautiful!

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  5. Natalia from Piece N QuiltDecember 12, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    Very cool Julie!

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  6. SandyDecember 12, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Warms my heart everytime I see one of these quilts. It also conveys an amazing quanity of compassion, those that have these simply treasure them! As I know Linda & Gail do!
    Thank you for sharing this!

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  7. GidgetDecember 12, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    That is beautiful, Bless you!

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  8. Amanda MurphyDecember 12, 2012 at 1:50 PM

    That is a radiantly beautiful quilt, Julie! I love the colors - so joyous! What a nice way to commemorate what someone means to you!

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  9. Patricia LessellDecember 12, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    This quilt is as beautiful outside as you are inside and out. You are one very very special person that's for sure. I need to buy that panel - my younger brother has Cancer and he has been fighting it for almost 4 1/2 years.

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  10. Shannon WallaceDecember 12, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    Simply beautiful, and I am sure, each recipient cherished their quilt! I have those labels sitting in my stash. I think I'll sew a purple quilt for our friend Sarah (14) who has battled cancer for over two years now.

    Merry Christmas!

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  11. UnknownDecember 12, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    Beautiful!

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  12. RosyquilterDecember 12, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    Julie, I am humbled... and while I want to shed a few tears in awe of your quilt and your friend, I feel a heartfelt warmth of friendship. Thank you for sharing.

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  13. barbDecember 12, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    What a wonderful gift for your friend. Im not just talking about the quilt, its more than that. It is the love and caring you share with her. She is truely blessed to have a friend like you. We should all be so lucky. I know what a difference just one person caring for or having no one you can change your life.
    I recently found out i have cancer and im trying to put chemo off or not take it at all. And the reason is i have no onein my life to care. All of my family are deceased and my only child, my daughter died in my arms. So what is left? Finding someone to take me to chemo and then come home and be alone? Im sorry to cry on your shoulder but the holidays are very depressing. Barb

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  14. LauraCDecember 12, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    What a great idea and such a beautiful quilt. I'm sure your friend will be touched.

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  15. Amy December 12, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Wow! This quilt really hits home for me. My grandpa passed away from cancer one month ago tomorrow. Just beautiful!

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  16. IHaveANotion ~ Kelly JacksonDecember 12, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    So very true....every word of it. Love the quilt!

    Hugs,
    Kelly

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  17. Cindy MWDecember 12, 2012 at 11:28 PM

    Julie i would just like to say i agree with every single comment on here.
    Thank you so mcuh for sharing where to get the panel, I think Cancer touches the lives of every single one of us, maybe not personally, but our Family and Friends.
    And OMG, I have such a lump in my throat after reading Barb. May God Bless you!!!!
    Barb, I want to offer my sholder as well, please use it.

    cindyw6621@yahoo.com.au

    Julie, I love what you do and where your brain and mind go.

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  18. Nancy M.December 13, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    My sister died of cancer and she refused to be anything but positive right to the end. This quilt is so how she felt about not letting cancer get her down. I love it, Julie. You seem to be such a warm and thoughtful person.

    Barb, I have two shoulders any time you need them. If I live where you live I would be more than glad to take you to chemo and sit with you after. Not sure how to get in touch with you.

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  19. LauraDecember 13, 2012 at 6:43 AM

    What a beautiful quilt Julie. My mum is fighting cancer - i must order that panel

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  20. ValerieDecember 13, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Love the quilt. I have a necklace pendant with that saying. I have also lost many friends from cancer & my niece was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. I think quilts really lift their spirits.

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  21. amy smartDecember 15, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    I love this Julie. I feel like cancer has been circling stealthily to friends and people I cared about and then my Dad was diagnosed this year. Grrr. I think I need to order that panel too. Go away Cancer!

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  22. Beginners Luck QuilterDecember 15, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    This comment is just for Barb:
    Many of us have faced challenges and felt alone - I don't know you and don't know how to get in touch with you but am more than happy to reach out a hand and a shoulder even just through cyber space to help you through your troubled time. I haven't had cancer (touch wood) but my husband lost his first wife to cancer, I lost my Dad to cancer and I have lost through other things. Email me and perhaps our online penpalship may help lighten your spirits - claireandrenald@gmail.com

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  23. Beginners Luck QuilterDecember 15, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    I love you Julie - thanks for this

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  24. MalinisQuiltsDecember 16, 2012 at 8:14 AM

    Beautiful quilt! Love wordings in the block and that Minky cuddle back is YUM!

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  25. SewCalGalDecember 17, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    Great inspiration and encouragement Julie. Beautiful quilt.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  26. dlw0656March 19, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    Barb, as a follower of Julie's work, I think what she has done, is doing and I'm sure will continue to do is so heartwarming. I am on the other side of the world in Aust, but four years ago now I was diagnosed with TWO primary head and neck cancers. My children are grown up, my parents are ageing rapidly, but I can't imagine not having the will to beat the beast. That's why I love my quilting, I might not have enough time to finish everything that's in my head! I am hoping to be cancer free in another three years, I am such a sticky beak I don't want to miss out on anything life has in it. Please, have a change of heart and try some treatment, there is so much to be here for.

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