Healing in All Shades of Pink
All Shades of Pink brings comfort and hope to those with breast cancer.
When you hear All Shades of Pink, you probably think of breast cancer -- and rightly so. Pink has become the color of choice for fighting this insidious and all too common disease. If you've ever worn a pink ribbon, known a woman suffering from breast cancer, or worried about yourself or a family member contracting the disease, All Shades of Pink is the charity for you.
Merry in Maryland
All Shades of Pink is a Maryland group founded in 2007. Its mission "To help women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer." The group helps family members cope, provides non medical advice, offers referrals, and provides emergency financial assistance.
In a country where over 200,000 women contract breast cancer each year, All Shades of Pink is dedicated to making a difference one person at a time. They strive to "perform acts of kindness to as many breast cancer families as [they] can reach," and they are always looking for help and support.
Knitters, Get Your Needles Ready
One of the most popular endeavors All Shades of Pink has come up with is its pink comfort blankets. These blankets, created by volunteers, give patients comfort in times of pain and trials, reminding them that they aren't alone and providing a buffer against loneliness, worry, and fear.
All Shades of Pink prides itself on its volunteers, each blanket being as unique as its creator. Naturally, the blankets themselves are shades of pink and white, and the charity's website provides a crochet pattern for a completed afghan. If knitting is your passion, though, who's going to say no to a hand-knit gift of love?
Lending a Hand (or Two)
Obviously, the first way you can help All Shades of Pink complete its mission is by knitting a comfort blanket of your own! If you live in the Maryland area, you can meet with the group at their monthly blanket making gatherings, where you can even learn how to crochet if you're a beginner. Otherwise, consult the charity's website for information on how to donate the fruits of your labor.
If you love the idea of supporting breast cancer victims but don't have the time to knit an entire afghan, there are still many ways you can help out. All Shades of Pink takes many donations for their blanket program, including Red Heart yarn (in white, petal pink, baby pink, rose pink, or light raspberry), crochet hooks, sewing machines, or even scissors. They also need office supplies -- everything from envelopes to cameras.
So if the fight against breast cancer is near and dear to your heart, visit the All Shades of Pink website and start pitching in today.