On the first and third Wednesday of each month, the Fresh View Café at Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute is filled with laughter, healing and lots of yarn. The group known as the Knitting and Needlework Club consists of cancer survivors or caregivers who meet to knit and crochet scarves, hats and blankets for patients, and personal projects. In addition, the group spends time together talking, laughing and swapping stories, with the mutual interest of healing, shared Ann Spinella, club leader and cancer survivor.
The club started Oct. 9, 2013, making 2018 a year worth celebrating. The club commemorated not only its five-year anniversary but also five years of giving back to the patients through Scarf Day.
On Nov. 13, club members distributed more than 100 handmade scarves to patients receiving treatment at the Cancer Institute during Scarf Day. “Scarf Day is special for our group. The group members identify with the patients receiving treatment. We always get back so much more than what we give, which continues to provide healing for us,” Spinella said.