Spoken from the Heart

Christine,
I want to thank you once again for the beautiful caps you sent my way today. You can’t imagine how much they are appreciated (well actually I am sure you can imagine!) and loved by the women in my community as well as a few men. You all are angels!
Your caps are not only lovely and but warm too! I have had many return patients that absolutely love their caps. Even in Las Vegas we have cold weather in the winter and in the summer everything is air conditioned and chilly for anyone going through chemo.
Many thanks to all of you!
You are so appreciated!
Gratefully,
Linda
9/2/2010

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Hi Christine,
Thank you very much for sending the beautiful knit hats to our hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital at University Hospital in Syracuse, NY. They are absolutely gorgeous!! My co-worker and I have gotten knit hats in the past from different organizations, but none as soft and well-made as these.
Thank you again for thinking of us. We were wondering if it is possible to receive these knit hats four times a year? We would very much enjoy receiving more.
Thank you again,
Brittany
Child Life Specialist- Hem/Onc Outpatient Clinic
8/23/2010

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Thank you so much for your wonderful organization.  I had my second dose today @ Kaiser Irvine.  They let me pick what cozy cute hat would be best for me.  Thank you for all your volunteers and knitters.  Very kind and most needed and appreciated.  Love Carol
7/30/2010

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From: Kimberly
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 6:47 AM
To: Christine Shively
Subject: I am so happy!
Thank you so much for the hats you sent. I love them. Their so soft on my head. As soon as I can I would love to send a donation for these awesome hats. I’m going to tell the world. I will always remember your program and I very thankful for your kindness during this hard time in my life thank you so much. Please thank everyone who has helped to make these special hats.

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Hello,
I just wanted to thank you for the lovely cap I got today.  I will be starting chemo soon and will have hair loss.  Thanks to you all, I’ll be warm and stylish.
I picked up my cap at the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic in Oakland, CA.
All the best to your organization, Moria
6/25/2010

Chao Family Cancer Center Thanks Knots of Love

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Hi Christine,

Wow, I feel like I have instantly become a member of a big loving family.  I just mailed my first 8 hats on Monday…and have already received emails from you, an email telling me where my hats were donated and the envelope containing the cards, bracelet and tape measure.  I love the tape measure…now I can return mine to the kitchen where it belongs – and the cards are great.  Thank you!
5/28/2010

Thank you Knots of Love, for making my months of chemo a little cozier A big THANK YOU to all the wonderful volunteers and supporters. You have touched so many lives in such a warm and positive way.

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Christine,
I would like to thank all of you for your wonderful caps. On behalf of all of us at the Barbara Greenspun Womens Care Center and all of the women who have received your lovely caps Thank You!!
You are all so generous with your time, your yarn, and your talents. We would like you to know how much we appreciate your kindnesses. You have touched many lives with your beautiful work. You have kept many heads warm with you “Knots of Love”.
Thank You,
Linda
4/29/2101

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This weekend I was thinking it was time to buy a hat as my hair is thinning. I went to chemo today and there were these beautiful hats!
I picked out a lovely purple with a teal stripe and a white button. This really made my day! Thank you,
Rosette at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute at Riverbed Hospital in Springfield, Oregon.
4/12/2010

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Thank You from Pacific Oncology, Vista, California

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“I can tell you what a difference Knots of Love has made. Christine and her organization made me feel pretty for the first time since I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Could match my hats to my outfits, they looked good, wool was not to heavy and your head never got hot and I would walk around the house singing “I feel pretty oh so pretty”. That is the wonderful difference she makes in our lives.”
3/2010

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Christine, I wanted to tell you how wonderfully beautiful the caps are that I got today-they made me cry thinking of the joy they will bring to the ladies when I give them out! Thank you for including Dr Shalan and my patients, your Knots-of-Love TEAM is so awesome!!!
BIG HUGS!

Mardi, LVN
3/18/2010

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From: monica
To: Christine Shively
Sent: Fri Mar 12 09:02:29 2010
Subject: RE: Hats

Christine,

Thank you so much for the hats. I received them last night and the timing was perfect! My sister had called me earlier that day and was down in the dumps because so much of her hair has fallen out that she is no longer able to even “stlye” her hair. She was sad and I was feeling bummed for her. Around  7 PM UPS knocked on the door and it was the hats! I was so ecstatic. I opened the package and sat down and cried. I am so touched by the generosity of you and the foundation. I never thought my sister having cancer would bring so many wonderful people into our lives. I took the package immediately over to her and she beamed  when she opened it. She was so happy she was going to wear the pink one with her jeans today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done. We will be making a donation so that other families and patients will be able to smile on their down in the dumps days like my sister.

God Bless you and all the volunteers.
Monica
3/12/10

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From: Joy (Knots of Love Member)
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 5:57 PM
To: Christine Shively

Hi Christine,

I have to share this with someone before I burst! I just had the most awesome experience, I have goosebumps just recalling it. While waiting in the radiology waiting room I began to do what I always do – - – crochet. After a few minutes a woman sitting across from me ask me if I were making a hat. I replied that I was. She asked me if I have heard of a group called Knots of Love. I said that I was making this hat for Knots of Love. She got up and came to me saying she needed to give me a hug. I stood, we hugged, she began sobbing and then I found tears strolling down my own face and I didn’t even know why yet. Her sister had cancer and passed away three months ago. For the past year no one ever saw her without a KOL cap on her head. She went on to say how it gave her sister the freedom to go out in public, to live her final year doing what ever she wanted to do without all the questions about her bald head. Then, still with glistening eyes, she asked me if it would be alright if her family kept those hats or if she should return them to KOL so someone else could use them. When I told her to keep them she fairly jumped for joy. Those hats remind she and her family of the fun times they had with their sister this past year. She went on to say that whenever they got together someone would pick up a hat and say, “remember, this is the hat she wore the time we went . . . . . She couldn’t wait to get home to share the news and the hats with the rest of her family. If I ever had a question as to why I make hats this experience would certainly answer that question. I have been touched deeply!
Joy
3/12/10

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Virginia’s first infusion was today – and receiving a hat from your organization was such a wonderful treat on such a difficult day.  It touched our hearts.  You are all amazing!

Clair 3/2010

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Christine -
I just received a package filled with hats from your organization.
My eyes are starting to tear up as I write this.  I never dreamed I
would be going bald at the age of 28 (or any age, for that matter!),
and even though I have a wig appointment later this week, I am already
starting to lose my hair, and it’s been devastating.  I went shopping
for hats earlier this week, but all of the ones that I could find were
super-light, spring type hats – lots of holes that wouldn’t really
cover a bald head.  I was so nervous that I would wake up, all my hair
would be gone, and I’ve have nothing to cover my head with! Your gift
has been the bright spot of my day, and I am so excited to have
something that I can still feel attractive in, even once the rest of
my hair falls out.  Cancer is awful, but it’s been wonderful to be
reminded that there are amazing people in the world, people who make a
difference in the lives of hurting people like me.

Thank you – truly, thank you.
Kelli
2/23/2010

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Christine…. Love the hats! I’ve worn each one in comfort and style.
You and your other angels are such a strong source of inspiration!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you ♥,
Patti
2/13/2010

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What a wonderful thing you are doing for people like my daughter, Kelli! She was diagnosed with breast cancer last month at only 27 years old and it has been a very painful and scary time for her and all of us. But people like you are one of the reasons she is able to make it through each day and know that everything will be okay (and still look cute at the same time!).

Thank you so much,
Marty
2/13/2010

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Yesterday I took my 81-year-old mother to the Cancer Center for her infusion. She’s confused a lot these days but was utterly delighted by the gift of a beautiful blue cap to wear out in the unusually bitter Oklahoma weather. As for me, I was flooded with gratitude. There are people out there who know what mom is going through, who understand what her family is experiencing, who care enough to give of their time and talents to comfort others in difficult times. Thank you!

Beverly Stewart
2/3/2010

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Thank You Knots of Love! :13

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Dear Christine!

Well, “what to my wondering eyes should appear,” three of the most beautiful crocheted caps in different colors and in different crochet patterns!! Now I can sleep more comfortably without scarves, baseball caps, even occasionally an old wig to keep my head warm both daily and nightly.

Thank you and your organization for this truly amazing venture that keeps us all looking beautiful and feeling snuggly too!

Sincerely,
Janet
1/21/10

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Thank you Knots of Love for the hats for my beautiful Mama! She loves them! She is doing great and the hats really make her feel beautiful after losing her hair after radiation . . . thank you all who knit or crochet these sweet little caps! God bless you all . . .

Cheryl May
Madison, MS
1/19/10

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1/11/10
Two thank-you letters from VA medical centers in California and Vermont.

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Christine,

I am astonished at how you all at KOL have taught me over the past six months how much of an impact one individual alone can have on the world around them, let alone a team of dedicated souls. I thank God for all of you – from the Board of Directors even through the slow pokes like me who have every intention of starting that first cap (the yarn is all there ready to go!) — you have blessed some of the neediest people in the world at some of the darkest times in their lives. You spread sunshine and love wheverever you go.

I cannot thank God enough for what you all do.

Fi
1/2/10

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Dear Christine,

I was inspired to get involved with Knots of Love after watching the All Star Game in 2009 when President Obama spotlighted volunteerism. The KOL spotlight is what inspired me. I shared this idea with a friend at work who agreed that she also wanted to be involved. After shipping our caps, we were so very impressed with the feedback and praise that we received from your organization! We have been surprising each other with something new we have received from KOL via email, snail-mail and telephone! We really didn’t expect anything in return. Thank you for appreciating our gifts!! We look forward to knitting/crocheting more this year for KOL!

Happy New Year!

Most Sincerely,
Tawny Beckmann and Janice Soares
Rhode Island
1/1/10

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Hi Christine!

I got the caps today! They are beautiful! I gave them to Carla today and we held each other and cried. She was so happy to be able to give her sister a gift that is so beautiful. My best Christmas present was today!

Thank you again!
Krista
12/09

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Update from Robin: Jill has unfortunately been very, very sick, but one of the things that keeps her going strong is the love for her caps. She wears a different one each day and is so thankful for gifts you have shared with her.

12/09

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Your caps warmed my heart to the core.

Sher
9/09

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Christine,

I just wanted to express my heart felt thanks to the Knots of Love organization for the chemo cap that I got at Cedars Sinai Outpatient Cancer Center!

I am just beginning treatment for Multiple Myeloma, will be getting a stem cell transplant in a month and was asking my nurse where I could get a beanie for when I lost my hair and she brought me a great chemo cap from your organization.

Thanks again, your efforts are appreciated.

Mahalo and Aloha,
D.R.
8/09

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Seeing new caps in the basket is a little slice of heaven when the patients check in for their treatment. I’ve helped one of my favorite male patients pick out one that’s “the most masculine.” I’ve helped women find the perfect ones in their favorite colors.

You are truly an angel. I thank you . . . on behalf of all of the patients I see who wear your darling caps. You have no idea how much of a difference you make in their lives. May God bless you in everything you do.

Amy, RN
7/09

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Here at CMCC, we see so many women with advanced cancers and they typically are enduring harsh chemotherapies throughout the remainder of their lives. These caps are a reminder that someone is thinking of them, and sending them the symbolic love and warmth that they represent.

Linda
06/09

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Thanks for allowing us to be a part of KOL and the opportunity to perhaps bring a smile to someone’s face who is going through the fight of their life. Thank you!

Carol Knots-of-Love Member
6/09

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Every week I peak at your wonderful precious very talented creative hats they make chemo and all it involves easier. Thank you. Thank you for sharing this with us during this time.

Victoria
5/22/09

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I clipped out the article and soon broke out my old crochet hooks . . . it’s been years since I’ve made anything. It’s taken a few caps to get the hang of things again (I’ve also made a few that would fit a bowling ball), and find I truly enjoy making these caps. A few years ago my sister-in-law passed away from lung cancer and I’m sure she would have been deeply touched by such a kind and warm gesture of a home-made chemo cap.

Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Have a wonderful Easter! God bless you richly!

Carol
4/09

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Dear Fellow Knotters and Knitters,

Soon, Christine will be sending caps to the Gabrail Cancer Center in Canton, Ohio where two of my nephews received treatment this past year or so. In speaking with my brother in Ohio today I asked for the name of the treatment center where his son Frank and son-in-law Ray received treatment for their cancers. I later told him caps would soon be sent to that center in memory of the two young men. My brother was overcome with emotion and asked why we would do that when we don’t know anyone receiving treatment there now. I simply said, “Because we care and because we can.” He is so appreciative and deeply touched by our actions. So, on behalf of my family I wish to thank each and everyone of you for your time, your talent, your yarn, and most importantly your caring and love that went into each cap. My nephews did not survive their cancers but there are so many more patients whose lives can be made a little more comfortable with our caps. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Joy Boda
4/09

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I was writing to thank-you SO MUCH for the ADORABLE hats you sent us from your organization!!! I can’t tell you how many people have stopped and looked at them and made positive comments about them!!! We just LOVE them here!!! We just wanted you to know how much we appreciated your donation!!

Thanks again!!!!
Meghan Chandler, RN
Chemo Infusion Suite
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

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I am so blessed to be able to witness the smiles when a patient receives one of your hats. So important to know just how well received your gift of kindness is to them.

Teryl MacDougall
Glendale Adventisti Medical Center
2/09

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Hi Christine,

I am writing on behalf of my mother. My mom recently retired in 2007 where she was an operating room nurse for 42 years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2008 when she went in for a mammogram. She had her mastecomy done in November, and started her chemo treatments at Nevada Cancer Center in Las Vegas. She has STAGE 2B, and just finished her second treatment. She has two more treatments!! When we went in today to get her shot, her chemo nurse said a box had arrived from Knots of Love with some hats. The pictures that are attached, shows the one she LOVED!! In Chinese having a lady bug means LUCK!! So she ended up taking that one, and LOVES IT!!

I just wanted to thank you and your team who create these hats!! They are FABULOUS!! On behalf of my mom and I, please extend our thank you!

Nicole
1/09

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Dear Christine:

Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer four months ago was one of the toughest things I have ever gone through. But when you get a bag of the cutest, warmest, made-with-love hats passed around the chemo room, what a joy. What touches me most is that people who will never even know me cared enough to take the time to make something that makes me feel better ’cause my head is warm and i look cute. I need to look cute right now; it’s good for my heart. What you do is even better for my heart. Thank you again from the top of my cute, warm head to the bottom of my heart. God’s blessings to you all.

Debbi Bowes
11/24/08

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Thank you for your continued support of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our staff and patients are thrilled with every shipment of hats from Knots of Love!

Mindy
10/15/08

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Dear Knots of love,

I am currently a patient at the Mayo clinic in Phoenix, AZ. I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and I have been undergoing treatment for four months. I have been coming to the outpatient section for three months now and the room is always cold and the blankets here don’t seem to do the trick. There was no way to stay warm . . . well that was until today. A box of hats arrived at the Mayo OPIV and because of your kindness and caring I now have something to wear that will keep me from feeling cold for the several hours that I am getting treatment here. There is however, one benefit of it being so cold in here . . . when I leave treatment the 105 degree temperatures outside become a welcome. On behalf of myself and all the other patients as well as the Mayo Clinic OPIV ward I want to send a heartfelt thanks for your gift as well as your time. Thanks again!

Nathan Day
09/08

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You have no idea how useful I feel making these caps. A lot of love goes into each cap with well wishes for each wearer.

M. Chase
08/08

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Premiere Oncology and the Premiere Oncology Foundation are proud to have benefited again and again from the kindness and generosity of the Knots-of-Love team. It’s a true labor of love. As executive director of the Premiere Oncology Foundation, I am often asked “what can I do” to help cancer patients and my usual response is that there are endless opportunities to give back, including knitting much-needed caps for Knots-of-Love to donating dollars for Phase I research and psychosocial programs for cancer survivors. The hundreds and hundreds of caps we receive from Knots-of-Love are so greatly appreciated by cancer patients. Each time I have the honor and privilege of handing a patient a beautiful new, colorful cap, I can see a smile and I am always greeted with a warm embrace. A gift of kindness as simple as a handmade cap is a reminder to all cancer patients that there are countless volunteers who genuinely care. Christine is an angel who founded Knots-of-Love motivated to do her part for cancer patients. Each time my cap basket starts to run low, a quick e-mail to Christine is always responded to immediately with a “yes, they are on their way.” If you know of anyone who loves to knit, be sure to spread the word. We have many patients, caregivers, friends, family and healthcare professionals who are now knitting and donating yarn to this incredibly worthy cause.

Robbie Gluckson
6/08

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Dear Knitters and Knotters,

On behalf of the patients we serve through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a million thanks for the incredible caps! We’ve distributed them through staff at a county hospital, through an infusion center at a major medical center and through a social work department in a community hospital in an outlying area of our chapter. And a special cap for a young gentleman with a “cold” head! Each cap is unique and amazing and thank you for sharing your time, effort, creativity and yarn with our blood cancer patients!

With much appreciation,

Gail Sperling, MPH
5/08

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On behalf of the patients at Cedars Sinai Outpatient Cancer Center, I want to extend our sincere appreciation for your very thoughtful donations of hats. We gave them to our patients who were receiving chemotherapy, and they loved them! You can’t imagine the joy a gift like this brings to the patients.

Today in the midst of our busy schedules, most of us fail to take the time to think how we can help others. Your simple act of kindness exemplifies how one company — or even one person — can make such a difference to so many. Very truly yours,

Diane Gabay, RN, MN
5/08

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I love the hat I got to choose while at chemo at Dr. Nanci’s office. And I also love the concept of your organization. Wish I knew how to knit.

Heart felt thanks,
Kris
4/08

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What a nice surprise to receive one of your “Knots of Love” caps at my recent chemo treatment. I am starting to lose my hair for the fourth time! I am grateful to be a 5-year survivor of ovarian cancer, still in treatment. Attitude, faith and family and a remarkable doctor at GOA makes it all possible.

With many thanks,
Cathy
4/08

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You made so many people smile with your knots-of-love hats. The patients were so grateful and had big smiles. I saw this lady with a yucky hat coming into the hospital, I offered her a few hats. She said she had cancer and has no hair and needed them for warmth. So many great stories and heart felt gratitude by many.

Love and God Bless,
Carol
3/08

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Thank you for all you do. What a great gift of love.

Rose
3/08

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Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts to our cancer patients. They truly appreciate them.

B Kane, MD
3/08

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Just a quick note to let you now that the caps you sent are beautiful! They are a big hit in the UC Irvine Medical Center Infusion center. Thank you so much for thinking of us!

Mindy Iselberg
2/08

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Your gifts are so comforting to our patients. Your efforts are precious gifts that will bring warmth to all who wear them.

Thank you,
Jim Honey
2/08

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Some people have a special gift for making sure that everyone is taken care of. They always remember the little things that make others feel loved. What a wonderful organization you have put together. It is quite uncomfortable to be bald -– you are either too hot or too cold. Having to deal with wigs, scarves and hats is an undertaking all on its own. Much love to you.

2/08

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Thank you and may God bless your hard work.

1/08

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From all of us at the Cancer Resource Center, our sincere thanks to you and everyone else at Knots of Love. The hats have been a wonderful treat for our patients and are just beautiful. Thank you for your support and generosity.

Warm regards,
Jane
1/08

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Just a note to say thank you and how much I appreciate the lovely knitted cap I found rummaging through the bag in the chemo room #509. What a treat. It made my day!!

12/07

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I appreciate your effort to bring pleasure into the lives of our patients at the Hoag Day Center.

Geit Ballard
5/07

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Thank you again for your generosity and support. Your caps are absolutely beautiful and they are so appreciated by our patients.

Warm regards,
Jane Mortimer
4/07Chao Family Cancer Center Thanks Knots of Love