Grand Sponsor Guest Blog: Judy Martin

                                                                                    

Hi everyone,

I’m Judy Martin. I design quilts. I make quilts. I write quilt books. The first was Log Cabin Quilts, written with Bonnie Leman in 1980. The most recent was Extraordinary Log Cabin Quilts, released last fall. In between I wrote 20 other books, including Scrap Quilts, Pieced Borders (with Marsha McCloskey) and Stellar Quilts. To see those books and many others, click HERE.

Over the years I've invented 5 tools, the most popular of which is the Point Trimmer. It allows you to trim the nub off any patch that comes together at a 45-degree angle. This helps you perfectly align neighboring patches and helps reduce bulk. I've also designed several fabric lines.

The most unusual quilt-related thing I've done is design a game called Quilt Show, which has only recently been released. My husband and I are avid game players, and in 2009 we entered Quilt Show in the Rio Grande Games Design Contest. Our game was one of four winners. Our prize was to have the game published by Rio Grande Games, the leading American publisher of European-style games. Quilt Show is a game for 2-4 players. The things you do in the game are the same things you do as a quilter: You collect fabric; you turn the fabric into quilt blocks; you turn the blocks into quilts; and you win big cash prizes at the game’s three quilt shows! 

Right now I’m working on a quilt for a contest. Until this year all the quilts I made were specific projects for whatever my next book was. It didn't hurt that I really liked most of them, but there was always that other motive: It had to be appropriate for the book I was writing. Let me back track and tell you about the last quilt I made.

"The Fabric of My Life: 1969-2014"
Featured in Quilters Newsletter
Dec/Jan 2015 issue

Earlier this year I designed and made a quilt for Quilters Newsletter’s 45^th Anniversary Contest. The quilt had to be exactly 45” square. Since I have been making quilts for 45 years and used to be a senior editor at Quilters Newsletter, the contest was just calling my name. It was a labor of love. I plowed through my fabric, itself the accumulation of 45 years, and cut one patch from each of about 2100 different fabrics. Each fabric almost dripped with fond memories of where it was purchased or how it was used in previous quilts. It was like finding an old scrap book in the attic.

So I made this quilt, in part to enter it in that contest, but primarily because the project spoke to me. The quilt will never be patterned in one of my books. I simply made it because I wanted to, and what a wonderful feeling that was! Oh, and the quilt was the first runner-up in the Quilters Newsletter contest and will be on display at Quilting LIVE! in Atlanta, September 11-13, 2014.

Now back to my present project. Since that Quilters Newsletter contest experience was so good, I didn't hesitate when another contest piqued my interest. I suppose there is a chance this quilt I’m sewing right now could end up in one of my books, but it doesn't matter. I’m enjoying the process of making it.

I choose to support the Hopes and Dreams Quilt Challenge for a couple of reasons. First, I can’t imagine the horror of watching a loved one succumb to this terrible disease. The mother in me wants to help in some small way.

The other reason has to do with giving back to someone whose products I use. I use Quilters Dream Batting for all my quilt projects. So when Kathy Thompson (owner) of Quilters Dream began this program, I was naturally more receptive. It’s human nature to help those who help you.

It would be nice if a year from now I didn't have to sponsor the Hopes and Dreams Quilt Challenge because a cure for ALS had been found and the disease had been eradicated. More likely, one more year isn't going to be enough to wipe out ALS. But one year can make a difference, and eventually we’ll get there.

Judy Martin
http://www.judymartin.com

You can join me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QuiltingWithJudyMartin

Read about Judy our Featured August #battgirls

Dr. Feldman Univ of Michigan

Meet Linda Teufel of Dragon Threads - $1,000 Grand Sponsor of Hopes & Dreams

Say hello to Linda Teufel.

Linda Tuefel owner of Dragon Threads.

Linda has owned and operated Dragon Threads Textile Art Books since 1994.

Linda is also the author of two books, KOOS couture & collage and Quilting Party! Group Quilting for Celbration, Commemoration, and Charity.

Linda loves helping others, whether introducing them to a new idea or twist on a traditional art form, or inspiring someone to make quilts that are donated to others.  She believes in Hopes & Dreams and became a Grand Sponsor the very first year of the challenge in 2009.

When we asked Linda why she continues to support Hopes & Dreams by donating $1,000 in books as prizes each year, she said, "My best friend's mother has ALS and went through it and my Aunt had it, too.  I didn't watch my Aunt go through the daily struggles with this disease, but I saw her from time to time and it's pretty disturbing up close.  My best friends mother was in her body, but couldn't come out having lost all muscle movement.  They got her a machine to help her communicate and then took her to Germany to try testing.  It was very sad. Donating the books is a little thing to do.  It's not finding a cure, but it is something."

Yes, Linda - it is a big something!  If you will, take a moment and click here and tell Linda "Thanks!" for continuing to support the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS as a Grand Sponsor.

Quilts, Baseball, Apple Pie and Hopes & Dreams

Here's to Quilts, Baseball, Apple Pie and Hopes & Dreams

Fireworks, home cooking, family gatherings and our flag waving, national anthem singing American Pride. Those are many of the images we remember in preparing for and celebrating our nation's Independence this 4th of July weekend.

It's "Baseball, Apple Pie and the American Way."  

75-years ago, July 4, 1939, it was baseball and the courage of Hall of Fame first baseman Lou Gehrig that changed the unknown face of one of the most devastating diseases we know, ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

With our Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS, Quilters Dream Batting is working to bring Hope to the Dreams of a Cure for ALS.  And this weekend, Major League Baseball [MLB.com] is also helping to raise funds and bring awareness to ALS.  The below video was produced by Major League Baseball [MLB.com] and features all 30 current MLB first basemen (and a cameo by Yankee Derek Jeter) reciting Gehrig's now-iconic oration.  It was played at Yankee Stadium before New York hosted the Tampa Bay Rays' afternoon game Wednesday, July 3.

[Read Lou Gehrig's Full Speech here]

Too many of our fellow Americans are facing the same death sentence that Lou Gehrig faced - far too many.  Your quilts donated to the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS are making a difference in the lives of our "PALS" - people living with ALS.  They are also making a real difference in supporting research that is close to finding a treatment and cure for ALS.

This year's Challenge is coming to an end - let's make July our month of hope with the dream of independence from the struggles of ALS.  Please encourage your family, patrons, and quilting friends to donate a quilt to Hopes & Dreams by July 31st . (Quilts received later will be part of next year's Challenge.)

If you need additional information, please call Quilters Dream Batting toll-free at (888) 268-8664.

Quilts can be sent to:

Hopes & Dreams

c/o Quilters Dream Batting

589 Central Drive

Virginia Beach, VA  23454

Like our Hopes & Dreams Facebook page to view all of the beautiful quilts and wonderful prizes that have been donated so far!  The generosity of quilters is truly remarkable.

 

If you enjoy our Facebook Page please suggest it to a friend.

Thank you for helping us give hope to our dreams of a cure!

Meet Todd and Liesl Gibson of Straight Stitch Society

Meet Todd and Liesl Gibson.

Todd and Liesl Gibson 

The Gibson's own Straight Stitch Society patterns.

As you can read in the photo above, Straight Stitch Society brings the "fun back to sewing with supercute projects that feature a little attitude and a lot of flair."

The Gibson's also have 'a lot of flair' themselves in supporting worthy causes and they believe the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS is one of them.  Todd and Liesl have been Grand Sponsors of the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS from the beginning.  When we talked to Todd and asked him why they chose to be Grand Sponsors of the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS, and why they continue to be Grand Sponsors, Todd's replied, "Because you asked nicely."  

That nonchalant, happy attitude is also present in the companies Manifesto.

If you have a moment, click here and tell Todd and Liesl "Thank You" for supporting Hopes & Dreams.  

To Todd and Liesl - Quilters Dream Batting and the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS send a big 

for matching the kindness of our ask with the kindness of your support!

Your grateful Hopes & Dreams Coordinator

Canadian Quilt Shop Joins Hopes & Dreams as a Sponsor

Meet Kelsey and Joanie.

Kelsey Morrow (right) and Joanie Morrow (left) owners of The Stitchery Quilt Shop
in Alberta, Canada as well as owners of Patternworkz Design Studio.

We had the good fortune of meeting these two fabulous ladies at Spring Quilt Market in Pittsburgh, PA in May. This mother and daughter team stopped by the Quilters Dream Batting booth to feel all the different types of batting Quilters Dream offers.  Before we knew it, we were in awe of their work!

"Double Vision" fabric line designed by Joanie and Kelsey Morrow for Andover Fabrics.

They were sharing with us a fabric bundle of their batiks (which many of you know I love!) and before we knew it - Joanie and Kelsey were off to see if Andover Fabrics would become a Grand Sponsor of the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS.  Well, a little bit later, Joanie and Kelsey returned and decided THEY were going to be a Grand Sponsor themselves!  

Joanie sent an email this morning that in part reads:

"Finally...your package of goodies is on it's way!!! Our hats off to you and Hopes & Dreams.  Extraordinary volunteers and organization that exemplify the spirit of helping others.  We get the easy part of making a donation."

They are sending 2 yards each of every fabric you see in the above photo of their Double Vision line - 22 batiks and 18 prints - PLUS patterns!

Joanie and Kelsey share your passion for helping others and have also given of their time, talents and treasures to support Hopes & Dreams.  If you have a moment, send a note of "THANKS" to Joanie and Kelsey by clicking here and check out their design company - Patternworkz - by clicking here.

Andover Fabrics shared a copy of Joanie's pattern "Between the Lines Quilt" in promoting the fabric line which you can access through the Double Vision Fabrics link below the picture of the quilt.

Double Vision Fabrics

If you are in or near Alberta stop by The Stitchery - RR#2 Site 1 Box 6 Olds, Alberta.  If you here in the U.S. and like their fabric and patterns, ask your local quilt shop to place an order through their Andover Fabrics rep.

Joanie and Kelsey - you truly are giving Hope to our Dreams of a Cure for ALS!

Your grateful Hopes & Dreams coordinator

Good Things Do Happen on Friday the 13th!

Hello friends.  It's been too long since we last spoke through the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS blog and today is a fabulous day to get back to you.

Yes, I know. It's...

And on top of that, there's also a...

But, all the negatives are cancelled out, because today is also...

That's right!  Happy Sewing Machine Day.  I didn't know until today that the first sewing machines were made in France in the 1830's and were made to help with clothing production.  It wasn't until 1846, that the sewing machine was were patented in the U.S.  Prior to it's creation, clothes items were sewn together by hand...stitch by stitch.

Much like quilting, it all started out by hand.  Today, quilters are not just using sewing machines, but they are using specially built longarm machines to make amazing quilts, like this one sent to Hopes & Dreams by Barbara Hutton of Carolina Shor, North Carolina.

Quilt made and donated to Hopes & Dreams by Barbara Hutton of Carolina Shor, NC
using the Eureka Pattern by Jackie Robinson.

This Friday the 13th has also brought many good conversations.  From Grand Sponsors like Dragon Threads calling to say they want to keep supporting the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS by continuing to give $1,000 in prizes for the challenge, to a call from Nancy Rosenberger in New York.  You don't necessarily see Nancy, but you know her work.  Nancy in the purchasing agent for Missouri Star Quilt Company.  Yep - the one where you see Jenny Doan "workin' it" in hundreds of videos teaching you step by step how to make quilt blocks - like this Update on Easy Pinwheels.

Well, Nancy heard about Hopes & Dreams and wants to be a part of the great work you are doing.  For Nancy, ALS has hit home too many times.  Her husbands mother, a dear friends in the textile industry - Doug Jenkins - and one of her neighbors have all passed from ALS.  This weekend, she's helping with the Westchester Walk to Defeat ALS.

If you live in the White Plains, Valhalla, Milwood, Chappaque and Westchester areas, consider taking a Walk to Defeat ALS - click here to learn more.  

And if a walk is not possible - rev up the sewing machine and enjoy some creative bliss!

Your grateful Hopes & Dreams Coordinator

Bluebird of Happiness Smile Upon You

What a happy mail week it has been.  Lots of packages filled with Hopes & Dreams quilts from all over the United States.  Each package containing one or more quilts to help us reach our goal of 1,000 quilts by July 31, 2014.

The envelopes addressed to Hopes & Dreams bring special messages of appreciation, like the card above from Darla and Denny Luper of Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania.  

The card reads, "Dear Ladies - Many thanks to you for your kindness. One of your beautiful quilts was given to my husband, who was diagnosed with ALS on August 22, 2013, at Hershey ALS Clinic. What a wonderful, wonderful gift of love.  May God Bless each and everyone of you.  Your quilt will be put to good use and we love sharing your story with family and friends as we show them the awesome quilt you made. With love and gratitude, Darla and Denny Lupfer."

 

Then we received an enveloped addressed to Hopes & Dreams that contained this little gem!

The address says SECOR of Saint Charles, Illinois and had this cute 5.5" unfinished quilt block inside. We asked quilters in honor of International Quilting Day to make any block of their choice with the only rule being that it be 5.5" unfinished.  And you are!

We received these 5.5" unfinished blocks earlier in the week from Bunny Filer of Mahomet, Illinois.  All the blocks will be sashed and quilted into a Hopes & Dreams Community Quilt and auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to ALS Research.

The next envelope of quilt goodness arrived in a much larger package filled with several goodies.

We included a new category in this years Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS - "Sew Creative" - because so many of you enjoy making small quilts and table runners, wall hangings, candle mats, etc.  This lovely 16.5" x 21" wall hanging was made by Sara McGinnis of Avon, Indiana.  Sara shared that she used Boldover Batiks to make the wallhanging based on Freida Anderson's pattern "Summer Afternoon." 

Sara sent a lovely note that reads:

"Thank you so much for providing a way for me to contribute to finding a cure for ALS and for your continuing advocacy and fundraising efforts.  My husband was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 and, as he jokingly says, he knows he is playing on house money.  He says the worst thing ALS has done to him is to take away his laugh, but it can't take away his sense of humor.  He is the 'Head Chieftain' of the Kilted Warriors ALS Walk Team in Indianapolis and our team won the National Spirit Award in 2012 due to his cheerleading and finding a way to make everyone at the walk laugh.  While he is dependent on caregiving he makes every effort to enjoy life and smack talk sports with his friends (and he is loving the NCAA right now).

When he saw I was making this wall hanging for Hopes & Dreams, he looked up your website and immediately said we need to send Josh a beer coozie and a pin and magnet for his Mom.  For the last several years at the Irish Fest, he has had to drink a Guinness through a straw but now he says he may be reduced to having a sip or two through the feeding tube.

I have also enclosed a 5.5" square with a spring theme.  I pinned a few music notes in case you'd like to sew the strip across the sashing.  I made a Bluebird because I decided everyone needs a Bluebird of happiness. Best Regards, Bob and Sara McGinnis."

Yes, Sara - everyone needs a Bluebird of happiness.  Ours arrived today in the form of a package from you!

If you are interested in making and donating a small quilted item (tablerunner, candle mat, placemats, wallhanging, quilted bag) to the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS, or even making a 5.5" unfinished quilt block for the Hopes & Dreams Community Quilt, you can send them to:

Hopes & Dreams

c/o Quilters Dream Batting

589 Central Drive

Virginia Beach, VA  23454

Your grateful Hopes & Dreams Coordinator

GOOD NEWS about ALS Research!

Okay, I admit it.  I am not a brain surgeon.  I'm a former radio/TV reporter, public relations/communications director who now enjoys quilting, is an avid music & art lover, and a fan of any and everyone who likes helping other people.  I am blessed to coordinate the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS and know that each quilt donated gives HOPE to our DREAMS of a CURE!

Quick recap for those who may just be learning about Hopes & Dreams.  It was created by Kathy Thompson and Juanita Kelly after their son/grandson was diagnosed with ALS.  The goals of the challenge are to give hope to a person living with ALS (affectionately known as a "PAL") by giving them the gift of a quilt, while also raising money through the sale of quilts for much needed ALS Research.

Thousands have embraced this challenge and in the first four years have given more than 3,300 quilts to a PAL, and have been a part of donating more than $80,000 to ALS Research.  And today, I am happy to say there is really good news on the ALS Research front.

Dr. Eva Feldman, MD, PhD

Meet Dr. Eva Feldman, MD, PhD, Director of the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Reserach Institute, Director of Research of the ALS Clinic at the University of Michigan Health System.  Dr. Feldman is soft spoken, compassionate and cares about people suffering with ALS.  Don't believe me, watch this video.

Dr. Feldman is the principle investigator for the Neuralstem Phase I Stem Cell Trial in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) know by most as Lou Gehrig's Disease.  What is that?  I think I'll let the brain surgeon explain.

The final results of this trial have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, "Annals of Neurology.  The Wall Street Journal printed the press release on the results which you can read here.  The release states, in part -

"In "Intraspinal Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Phase I Trial Outcomes," results were updated from Phast I interim data, reported earlier, to include data from the last six patients in the trial.  These six patients were the first to receive cervical stem cell transplants.  Three of them were also the first to be transplanted along the length of their spines, in both the lumbar and the cervical regions.  The results showed that NSI-566 human spinal cord stem cells can be safely transplanted in both the lumbar and cervical spine cord segments, did not accelerate disease progression, and warrant further study on dosing and therapeutic efficacy.  Furthermore, the researchers were able to identify potential therapeutic windows, suggesting that more injections, as well as multiple injections, are better and may increase both the length and the magnitude of the potential benefits.  This is consistent with the hypothesized neuroprotective mechanism-of-action for this cell therapy."

I'm not a brain surgeon.  But what I read is, (1) there is a "safe" way to transplant neural stem cells into the lumbar and cervical spine cord segments (the surgery did not harm the ALS patients), (2) that the transplant "did not" cause any acceleration in the progression of ALS in the patients (the stem cells did not increase muscle weakness), and (3) the results showed improvements in patients and the results suggest that additional stem cell transplants may help continue to provide, 'preserved strength and preserved function' of muscles in ALS patients at Dr. Feldman referred to in the video above.

Phase II is now underway at the University of Michigan, as well as two additional sites - Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

You need to know that Hopes & Dreams quilts have been given to some of these patients at the University of Michigan and we will most certainly share quilts with patients at Emory University Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Your time, talents and treasures are surely making a difference.  You are giving the gift of HOPE to OUR DREAMS of a CURE!

We will have more on this research in the days ahead.  Stay tuned.

Your Grateful Hopes & Dreams Coordinator

SPLISH SPLASH QUILT BASH!

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Five years.  

The Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS is five years old.  When Kathy Thompson, Juanita Kelly and the staff at Quilters Dream Batting started the challenge they hoped to receive 100 quilts in the first year. They received 1,500 quilts.  

In the next three years to follow, Hopes & Dreams has given more than 3,300 quilts to "PALS" - people living with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) - through a relationship with ALS Chapters across the country that is more like a wonderful friendship than service project.

In the fourth year, the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS became an official 501(c)3 non-profit called Hopes and Dreams, Inc., and has been blessed to be able to give more than $80,000 to ALS Research.  Research that is helping to create the technology to successfully implant stem cells into ALS patients without any adversity, offering the hope of treatment.

Five years.  

As Benjamin Franklin knew, sometimes it may take a little while for sparks to ignite and light the flame of energy and persistence, but when it comes, it is a force to behold.  For the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS, a new spark has been lit and the energy resulting from that spark is exciting.

Earlier this year we asked quilt shops and quilt guilds across the U.S. to help us with the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS and many immediately jumped on board.  These shops are having Sewathons and special Quilt Drives for Hopes & Dreams and we are thrilled.

Two quilt shop owners called and told us that they had seen the Hopes & Dreams Entry Forms inside Quilters Dream Batting, and honestly had not paid much attention to it.  But for them, this year the challenge hit home.

Susan Pettengill with The Joyful Quilter Quilt Shop in Glenville, New York and Sharon Kaiser with Quilt-N-Bee Quilt Shop in Traverse City, Michigan have both lost a loved one to ALS.  

Alden Pettengill

Meet Alden Pettengill, Susan Pettengill's cousin.  Susan told us she wanted to be a part of Hopes & Dreams to honor her cousin who died of ALS.  Susan writes, "My cousin, Alden, had an incredible passion for life and adventure.  I will always remember him as strong and athletic, with a very kind and loving spirit.  His legacy continues on through the Alden Pettingill Foundation, started by his family after his death.  In some small way, I hope The Joyful Quilter's support of the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS honors his memory and helps other families like his."

Cheryl

Meet Cheryl, Sharon Kaiser's neice, who died of ALS at the age of 50.  Sharon wrote that Cheryl was always willing to share her gifts with others and that she wanted to participate in Hopes & Dreams to share that with families who also have a loved one living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).  Sharon writes, "One of the last things I did with and for my neice was to finish a quilt for her middle son.  Cheryl had chosen McKenna Ryan patterns for the blocks and combined them into a quilt which depicted her love for her son and Colorado.  I had thought that ALS was a rare disease, until it hit our family.  I now realize just how rampant this disease is and anything I can do to fight this disease will be a triumph for Cheryl and all who suffer from this terrible disease."

Susan and Sharon decided they wanted to take their mutual passion to conquer ALS to a different level - and thus the "SPLISH SPLASH QUILT BASH" is born.

This is the first time two quilt shops have created teams of quilters to see who can make and donate the most quilts and quilted items to the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge.  While the 'official' start date is May 1st, the enthusiasm for this challenge with quilters in Glenville, New York and Traverse City, Michigan has already begun and quilts are already being donated.  Susan said on the phone recently, "We would love to send you an 18-wheeler loaded with quilts."  [All joking aside, we would LOVE them!]

This challenge has lead to yet another.  Talking with Susan and Sharon is such a blessing and well, the 'fun' lead to another challenge - they decided to go after me!  Well, I (Jennifer, your Hopes & Dreams Coordinator) accepted the challenge and in year six - it will be the "Splish Splash Quilt Bash" between the States of New York, Michigan, and our Hopes & Dreams "home" State of Virginia.

Yes, you read that right.  Three States, three 'anchor' quilt shops - now to include Sew E-Z Quilt Shop and it's owner Freida Doubts here in Virginia Beach, Virginia - working to encourage as many quilt shops and quilt guilds and individual quilters in their states to make and donate quilts and quilted items to Hopes & Dreams.

And we couldn't be more excited.

What about you?  Would you like to be an 'anchor' quilt shop in your home state, or be a 'Hopes & Dreams Ambassador' for your state and try to be a part of our challenge that will begin August 1, 2014 and continue through July 31st, 2015?  YES!  Then give us a call toll-free at (888) 268-8664 or email us at QuiltersDreamBatting@juno.com and say you want to take part in the "Splish Splash Quilt Bash."  We will send you the challenge rules and help you generate some excitement in your state.

Energy and Persistence.  Together it gives HOPE to our DREAMS of a CURE for ALS!

Your Grateful Hopes & Dreams Coordinator

With Thanks!

I have to say I have THE best job working with caring and talented co-workers, and getting to touch and feel the artwork of thousands of quilters across the United States (and Belgium and Australia!).  The quilts you are donating to the 2014 Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS are coming in daily and soon my desk will have it's own walls made of brown and white boxes!

U.S. Postal Service and UPS Boxes will with Hopes & Dreams quilts (plus a few delivered in person!).

On occasion the mailman brings letters that touch our hearts.  They may be addressed to "The Dream Team," "Hopes & Dreams," and even "Kathy Thompson and Juanita Kelly," but they are for YOU, too!

Like this lovely floral card from Rita Straub.  Rita sent her note to Kathy and Juanita, mom and grandmother to Josh Thompson.  Rita writes -

"Dear Kathy and Juanita - My husband, Hank Stroub, has been diagnosed with ALS.  Barbara Goscho, the Pastoral Care Counselor at the Milton Hershey Medical Center Neurology Department, presented my husband with a lovely quilt made by you and your Dream Team.  It was very cold the day of his appointment and the quilt kept his legs toasty.  He's been using it ever since.  Thank you for the quilt and for all you do to support the ALS cause.  Sincerely, Rita Stroub."

YOU are a part of the Dream Team.  And also made the day of another "PAL" - person living with ALS.

This card is from Mary Gray of Rockford, Illinois.  Mary writes -

"To Hopes & Dreams Quilters, Thank you so much for the quilt.  It was hard to grasp my diagnosis which was last November.  I am enjoying the quilt - it is so beautiful.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness.  God Bless you, Mary Gray."

The Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS challenge year runs August 1 and ends July 31st of the next year.  After we have photographed, posted on Facebook, and cataloged each quilt received, we send a note to all of the ALS Chapters across the U.S. and let them know we are ready to send them as many quilts as they would like.  Some Chapters actually ask for quilts year-round and we ship them the number of quilts desired at the expense of Quilters Dream Batting.  Many ALS Chapters enjoy receiving dozens of quilts around Thanksgiving and Christmas to share during holiday parties and home visits.  One of the ALS Chapters that always looks forward to receiving Hopes & Dreams quilts is the Florida Chapter.

They sent this Thank You note that reads:

"Thank you for the Quilts with Hopes & Dreams of a cure for ALS.  From: ALS Association Florida Chapter - Central Florida Region in The Villages, Florida."  If you read the notes on the right hand of the card you will see several PALS who sent along their thanks for the quilt they received that keeps them warm.

So, let me add my THANK YOU as well.  One of my favorite sayings is, "There is not enough darkness in the world to extinguish the light of one small flame."  Your time, talents and treasures to make a quilt to give to another is that flame of hope and love that can never be extinguished!

Your blessed and grateful Hopes & Dreams Coordinator