We spoke with Deborah Van Steenbergen, Founder and President of Quilts That Care, along with Maura Yerger, Vice President, about their organization that makes and donates quilts to cancer patients at 20 local Connecticut facilities.
Quilts that Care was founded in 2012 by Deborah Van Steenbergen and a handful of friends. Together they have provided more than 5,700 hand-made quilts to cancer patients across the state. The organization has a dedicated group of more than 65 volunteers who craft the quilts which are then are distributed through partnerships with 17 facilities devoted to cancer care.
Deborah began accompanying her husband Robert to The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center in Waterbury, CT in early 2012 as he underwent cancer treatment. She was disheartened to see so many patients going to and coming from treatment alone. She wanted to help bring comfort – even just a little – to those going through so much. She combined her passion for quilting with her drive to help, and soon after Quilts That Care was born.
At first, the group set out to create 12 hand-crafted quilts by the end of 2012 to give to cancer patients undergoing treatment at The Harold Leever Cancer Center. In a matter of a few months, Quilts That Care expanded to over 50 members; and by the end of the 2012, the group had created 107 quilts. As of March 2021, they have donated over 4,000 quilts made by over 100 volunteers.
Each quilt is handmade by a single group member or a team of group members. Some quilts are created with a specific patient in mind featuring a favorite color or hobby, but all are lovingly created for the same purpose – to provide warmth and comfort to those undergoing cancer treatment. Their inspiration is, and forever will be, each and every individual cancer patient. Their hope and strength inspire us all.
VISIT HERE for more information on how to support this amazing cause.
Pictured with Allison Demers: Deborah Van Steenbergen, Founder and President of Quilts That Care, and Maura Yerger, Vice PresidentPhoto: Meredith Krapek