Quilt connects two young cancer patients

A few months ago, 26-year old Sandy W. Plett and nine-year-old Lisa Rempel Boschman were strangers. Today, they are friends whose unique relationship developed while making a quilt for MCC Manitoba’s Winnipeg Relief Sale. Their friendship, however, is about more than a quilting project.

This year’s Winnipeg sale brought in approximately $117, 100 for MCC’s Generations at Risk project. Sandy and Lisa’s quilt was bought by Sandy’s uncle for $250 at the silent auction.

Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in fall 2002, Sandy’s ability to work long hours decreased as she progressed through treatment. During the winter months, she began sewing in an effort to keep herself busy and her mind off being sick.

Shortly after her diagnosis she heard about Lisa who had been diagnosed with the same disease. Feeling moved to make a connection, Sandy called Lisa’s parents and made herself available to answer any questions Lisa might have.

In her desire to build a relationship, Sandy looked for an activity that would allow the two of them to spend time together.

“I wanted to make a connection with her but I didn’t want it to feel contrived,” says Sandy. “I thought working together would give us something to focus on.”

Sandy’s husband Barrette suggested quilting. Thinking that sounded like fun, Lisa agreed to try it. The two began the project in mid-April and met whenever their schedules fit and they both had enough energy. Lisa’s parents drove her to Sandy’s home and Sandy drove her back when they were done.

Both Sandy and Lisa have valued their time together.

“We don’t sit around and talk about having cancer but one of us will say something about a test or treatment in a conversation and we just know what the other is talking about,” says Sandy. “It’s nice being around a young person like Lisa. It seems like she just forgets about being sick and goes on with being a kid. I think adults often have a harder time not dwelling on things.”

Then, with a playful glance at Lisa, Sandy jokes, “And it’s helpful to talk with someone who has less hair than me!” They both laugh.

In addition to the connection she has made with Lisa, Sandy says that learning to quilt is a way of connecting with her heritage. She and her husband attend Bethel Mennonite Church; Lisa and her parents attend Douglas Mennonite Church. She feels that donating the quilt to MCC’s Relief Sale has been a way of giving back to the community when she is unable to work.

—MCC news release; Corinne Peters, MCC Manitoba