Quilt
“Remarkable Women, Inspirational Stories, One Quilt”
Written by: Karen Snider, Practice Manager at York Gynecologic Oncology/Wellspan Health System (2005)
The story of our quilt begins a couple years ago with a diverse group of people including oncology staff, patients, family members and volunteers. But first, to truly understand the story behind the quilt, you must be familiar with the birth of this group. The team we call R.O.A.R!
R.O.A.R! was founded in 2002 when two women, Glenna Vose and Marianne Mills, both with very different lives, were brought together by a common bond. It is a bond that has forever changed their lives. Both of them were touched by ovarian cancer in different ways however they shared a common desire to educate women about this life changing diagnosis. One of these women is an oncolgoy nurse, the other…her patient. The remarkable determination of these women began to enlist others for their group and before long, R.O.A.R! was thriving.
The quilt was an idea started by the group president [Glenna Vose, now President Emeritus] undoubtedly inspired by her patients and peers. She took her idea to the group. The team began asking for people to sew and sponsor squares that would be stitched in honor of someone who life has been affected by the disease. No one could have predicted the overwhelming response from the community or its effect on people.
Each of the 72 squares represents a life. A life of someone who has been affected by cancer. Some were stitched in memory of a mother. Some stitched a square in honor of a physician or the oncology staff. And yet others stitched a square in honor of their friend.
The quilt has proven to be a magnet bringing people together. Those who treat the disease found themselves learning great lessons. Stories of courageous women who overcame great odds and battled a difficult disease. Stories of families who has come together and shown strength and faith after a tragic loss. There is a large segment of oncology treatment that can not be taught in a book or classroom for it is a learned emotional lesson that we live everday. The power of strength when it is needed the most. The power of love when it is shown at its purest.
Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.
The quilt is currently framed in the Women’s Center of the Apple Hill Health Campus located at 35 Monument Road, York, PA 17403. Designed to meet the unique health care needs of women, the WellSpan Women’s Center houses clinical services and educational resources in a warm, compassionate and convenient environment. Stop by and check out the quilt, which is hanging outside of the York Gynecologic Oncology office.
INDEX OF PATCHES:
R.O.A.R!’s MISSION STATEMENT: Stitched and sponsored by Glenna Vose. With heartfelt appreciation to all those who made this quilt possible.
GWEN: Stitched and sponsored by Glenna Vose in memory of her dear friend, Gwen Walton, past secretary and a founding member of R.O.A.R! who died from ovarian cancer on June 1, 2044 at the age of 56. Another lost angel whose beautiful smile is sadly missed.
CADUCEUS: This was sponsored and stitched by Glenna Vose in honor of her friend, Ronald E. Hempling, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist.
CLIMBING ROSE COTTAGE: This beautiful cross stitch is sponsored by Lettie Jackson, ovarian cancer survivor and Secretary for R.O.A.R! It was stitched by Cynthia Wolfe. She said that when she saw this design she felt it was a place to come home to; warm, cozy and peaceful.
IRIS: This flower was sponsored and stitched by Iris Prickitt, an ovarian cancer survivor.
TITMOUSE: This titmouse is sponsored by Jean Botts in memory of her son, Thomas Botts, who died of pancreatic cancer. It was stitched by Micki High.
***HIBISCUS: This was stitched by Kathy Yale and is available for sponsorship.
CARDINAL: Donated by Janet K. Bosley in honor of her granddaughter, Jenny Taylor. It was stitched by Carol Ann Frock, an ovarian cancer survivor.
BEE-MINE: The beehive was sponsored and stitched by Micki High in honor of her husband, Keith for all the love and support he gave her during her treatment for ovarian cancer. Micki is an ovarian cancer survivor and a great cross-stitcher!
DIANA BITTNER: This cardinal was stitched and sponsored by Amanda Bittner, M.D. in memory of her mother who died of ovarian cancer at the age of 60 on April 4, 2004. May she forever watch over her daughters.
LADY SLIPPERS: This square has been sponsored by Amy Lederman in honor of Clarabeth Grossman. She will always be remembered by everyone as caring, honest and thoughtful woman.
HOPE: Sponsored by Marianne Mills in honor of Glenna Vose; stiched by CarrieAnn Frolio. It is the hope of R.O.A.R! that through education, we can decrease the number of women who are diagnosed with late stage disease.
LIFE IS BEEAUTIFUL!: Pooh is sponosred and stitched by Rochelle Schwind in honor of her family and their support as she undergoes chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Life is Beeautiful, Rochelle!
TREE OF LIFE: Sponsored by Marianne Mills in memory of her mother, Mary Specht “who gave me life”. It was stitched by Glenna Vose. (Mary Specht died of ovarian cancer at the age of 53.) Marianne was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer at the age of 45 and is a survivor! She is also Vice President and Treasurer and co-founder of R.O.A.R!
LACEE’S MORRIS: Morris the cat is sponsored by Stephen Miller in honor of his daughter, Lacee Miller, who died of stage III ovarian cancer. He was stitched by Micki High.
YELLOW ROSE: This beautiful yellow rose is sponsored by Tammy Runkle in memory of her mother-in-law, Elaine Barnhart, who died of ovarian cancer on October 11, 2011. She was a courageous lady who touched the hearts of many. It was stitched by Joan Moore.
HAPPINESS: This little bird is sponsored by Betty Lou Sweitzer in memory of her husband, Raymond who died of cancer. It was stitched by Kathy Yale.
MORNING GLORIES: These morning glories were stitched by Glenna Vose in honor of Georgia Shaffer. Georgia is an ovarian cancer survivor, as well as a survivor of recurrent breast cancer. Drawing on her experiences, she is a professional speaker for cancer survivors and oncology caregivers across the nation. Her book, “A Gift of Mourning Glories” answers the question, “Okay, I’ve survived. Now what?”
PURPLE VIOLETS: Donated by Micki High in memory of her sister-in-law Wilma Kingsley. Stitched by Ruth Nix.
***ANGEL: Stitched by Micki High and available for sponsorship.
GRANDMOTHER’S CARNATIONS: These pretty pink carnations were stitched and sponsored by Rachel White in honor of her grandmother, Iris Prickitt, an ovarian cancer survivor.
CAROL: The square is sponsored by Dwight Johnson in loving memory of his wife, Carol, who died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56. It was stitched by her dear friend of 25 years, Sylvia Holland.
GRANDMOTHER’S ROSE: This pink rose was stitched and sponsored by Laura White in honor of her grandmother, Iris Prickitt, an ovarian cancer survivor.
SOCK IT TO ME: This whimsical ladybug, dressed in all color of socks, was stitched by Kathy Yale in honor of Marianne Mills. She LOVES socks!
***FOR THE GIRLS: This darling butterly was stitched by Micki High in honor of all the little girls who have lost their mommies to ovarian cancer. It is available for sponsorship.
***FOR THE BOYS: This little gingerbread man was stitched by Micki High in honor of all the little boys who have lost their mommies to ovarian cancer. It is available for sponsorship.
HONEYSUCKLE – SWEETNESS: This was stitched by Ruth Nix and sponsored by Mary Zeigler in honor of her mom, Linda Zeigler, who is the “sweetest person she knows.”
UNITE TO FIGHT: This patch was sponsored and stitched by Deb Kuntz, an ovarian patient who lost her battle with ovarian cancer, who firmly believed in hope, faith, love and courage.
HELP US: Help us spread the word about ovarian cancer by sponsoring these lady bugs. Stitched by Micki High.
DOTTIE “B”: This pink rose was sponsored and stitched by Kathy Yale in memory of Dottie Biesecker who died of ovarian cancer. What a “classy” lady! (She was a school teacher and loved pink roses.)
LITTLE ANGEL: This little angel is sponosred by Beth Moul, in memory of her mother, Betty Goodling, who died of ovarian cancer. It was stiched by Kasie Taylor.
STARFISH: This square says it all. It was sponsored and stitched by Michelle Bixler in memory of Glenda Smith who died of ovarian cancer.
FORGET US NOT!: These forget me nots were stitched by Glenna Vose in memory of all the angels who have gone before us! They will be forever remembered with love.
HEART OF THE MATTER: This was stitched by Micki High and is available for sponsorship.
LOVE: This was stitched by Micki High and is sponsored by John and Loretta Matter in loving memory of Sharon Leik.
ABSENT FRIENDS: This forget me not is sponsored by Lois Boll in memory of all her friends who have passed way from cancer. It was stitched by Ruth Nix.
***WOOD SORREL: Stitched by Ruth Nix and available for sponsorship.
PURPLE VIOLETS: These beautiful violets are sponsored by Micki High in memory of her sister-in-law, Wilma Kingsley. They were stitched by Ruth Nix.
TEAL RIBBON: The teal awareness ribbon for ovarian cancer was stitched by Micki Hig. This patch was donated by Brenda Davis of Walkersville, MD is in memory of Tammy Hockenberry and “Teal for Tammy.”
THINK OF ME: This clover “Think of Me” is sponsored by Peggy Bell, a cancer survivor, and her mother Bonnie Shortt, in recognition of Dr. McGuinness and his supportive and caring team of nurses. It was stitched by Ruth Nix.
BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET: This beautiful piece of handwork was done by Audrey Stroup in honor of her friend, Iris Prickitt, an ovarian cancer survivor.
***SQUARE LADYBUGS: This whimsical piece was stitched by Micki High and is available for sponsorship.
CINDY SUE!: This heart is sponsored by Beth Watkins, an ovarian cancer survivor, in memory of her sister, Cindy Snyder, who died of ovarian cancer. It was stitched by Iris Prickett.
R.O.A.R! Awareness Ribbon: This awareness ribbon was sponsored and stitched by Clarabeth Grossman, who unfortunately has since lost her battle with ovarian cancer. This was the first cross stitch she had ever made! Great job!
GOD BLESS!: This bear was sponsored by Peggy Bell, a cancer survivor, in honor of her prayerful family and friends. It was stitched by Micki High.
LOVE OF COUNTRY: This flag is sponsored by George Carlson in memory of his very patriotic wife, Barb, who died of primary peritoneal cancer. Stitched by Glenna Vose.
TEXAS BLUEBONNET: This Bluebonnet is the state flower for Texas and was sponsored and stitched by Louise McGuinness in honor of her son, Dr. Timothy McGuinness.
SPRING IS NEAR: This robin in sponsored by Jeanne Smith, an ovarian cancer survivor, in memory of her mother, Vivian Lawrence who died of cancer. Stitched by Glenna Vose.
BUDDIES: These sweet animals are sponsored by Kathy Allen in memory of Regina Riley who died of ovarian cancer. They were stitched by Micki High.
GOD SMILED: God Smiled is sponsored by Helen Conway in memory of her brother-in-law, David Kreiner who died of cancer. It was stitched by Micki High.
A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL: This darling cross stitch was sponsored and stitched by Gloria Radacille who died of ovarian cancer in March, 2005. As she said “into each life a little rain must fall.”
FOR YOU, ALWAYS!: These kittens are sponsored by Jerry and Helen Schell in memory of their aunt, Barbara Schell who died of cancer. They were stitched by Micki High.
LADY IN RED: In memory of Diana Bittner, she loved the color red almost as much as she loved life! She is sadly missed by many. Sponsored and stitched by Glenna Vose.
FORE!!!: In honor of Dr. Timothy B. McGuinness. Sponsored and stitched by Micki High.
INFUSION OF LOVE: Sponsored and designed by staff of the Apple Hill Infusion Center. Stitched by Carol Berkheimer, RN, in honor of the women receiving chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
ALWAYS HOPE: This was stitched and sponsored by Micki High. Not only is Micki an ovarian cancer survivor, but the stitching force behind this quilt project. Without her we would never have gotten this accomplished!
WHAT A LADY!: This shoe was stitched and sponsored by Michelle Bixler in memory of Rosie Griffin who lost her battle to ovarian cancer in 2001. Rosie will always be remembered for her leopard pocketbooks, tops, shoes, etc. What a lady!
SMALL VIOLETS: This is sponsored by Jeanne Smith, an ovarian cancer survivor, in memory of her mother, Vivian Lawrence, who lost her battle to ovarian cancer. It was stitched by Kathy Yale.
SMELL THE FLOWERS!: Stitched by Darlene Goodling in honor of Dorothy Lentz – a very artistic lady! When she is not undergoing chemoterhapy for her ovarian cancer, she is making everyone ladybug pins and magnets!
BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE!: These little butterflies are sponsored by Florence Bowers in memory of her mother, Zina Wertz, who died of cancer. They were stitched by Micki High.
ROSE 1917-1991: Stitched by Shirley Doll in memory of her mother, Rosellen Lippy.
PINK VIOLETS: Donated by Jean Botts in honor of Karen Botts, an ovarian cancer survivor. It was stitched by Ruth Nix.
SMILING LADYBUG: Made in honor of Christine Taylor by her grandmother, Janet Bosley. Stitched by Shirley Doll.
MEMORY ANGEL: This angel was stitched and sponsored by Hyris Feldman in memory of her mother, Lee Feldman, and her husband, Charles Wills.
***THE PARADE: These ladybugs on parade were stitched by Ruth Nix and are available for sponsorship.
BEST FRIENDS: Sponsored by Peggy Bell in honor of her husband, Scott for all his love and support during her cancer surgery. Stitched by Micki High.
RAMONA: Sponsored and stitched by Debbie Kinard in emmory of her mother-in-law, Ramond Kinard who died of ovarian cancer. She was known as Billie to her family and “Moanie” to all of us – her second family. She loved Travis Tritt and boy could that girl dance! Another sweet angel sadly missed by all.
SAIL AWAY!: This square was sponsored and stitched by Micki High in honor of her surgeon, Dr. Fernando O. Recio, M.D.
GROSSBEAK: Sponsored by Deana Albright in memory of her dear friend, Jeanette Cartwright who died on December 28, 1994 of ovarian cancer at the age of 42. Stitched by Shirley Doll.
***MORE PRETTY VIOLETS: Stitched by Ruth Nix. This is available for sponsorship.
R.O.A.R! LADYBUGS: This square is dedicated to Iris Prickitt by her daughter, Sylvia Prickitt-White. It was stitched by Micki High.
HEART OF THE MATTER: In loving memory of our beloved mother, Marilyn Adele Essertier Lee, 1926-1982. “Loved by all.” Gone, but never forgotten in our hearts. Love you, Nancy and Marilyn. Stitched by Micki High.
TULIPS: Sponsored by Tina White in honor of her grandmother, Iris Prickitt, an ovarian cancer survivor. Stitched by Glenna Vose.
We need sponsors for a few more patches! Are you interested in sponsoring a patch for $25.00? Click on the image below to be directed to PayPal, where you can complete your sponsorship. Not only will you be sponsoring a great organization, but your donation is tax-deductible! (Please be sure to include the patch name when going through the donation process — click on the “+” sign under our name and type the patch name). Please contact Kelly at (717) 668-7723 or info@ovarianhope.org with any questions. Thanks in advance for your support.