Quilt by Marsha Ahlstrom
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NCCC Quilt by Marsha Ahlstrom
February 11, 2008
Rachel Biety
Communication Manger
7247 Hayvenhurst Ave., Suite A-7
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Dear Rachel:
Here it is—my quilt for the NCCC Quilt Project.
When I found out I had cancer, the only thing I wanted was for someone to give me HOPE. And someone did; my radiation oncologist granted my wish. After my initial appointment with him, he asked if I had any questions—I told him I just need to hear him say something positive. He told me everything was going to be alright. His words where my life line—my HOPE—the encouragement I needed to face each day.
I wanted this quilt to express what HOPE feels like to me so that it might encourage other women facing cancer to tie a knot when they reach the end of their rope, their life line, to just hang on. To me, the butterflies symbolize freedom—from worry, from daily cares, from hopelessness—with the strength to carry us through all the challenges we must face as patients, survivors, care-givers, friends and family members.
I started quilting in April 2004; I was getting ready for a Relay for Life when I decided to make a quilt (my first) for a silent auction and I’ve been going strong since then. Friends convinced me to start entering county fairs and I did; its been a wonderful way to express my joy of being alive and healthy. I have also made several quilts as gifts but I found when they were finished I had a hard time giving them away—they’re part of me. Even though this quilt holds a big part of my heart I couldn’t wait to get it finished and send it to you. Giving this one is easy because of the LIFE LINE I have received from the NCCC through my email pal, Joan.
This quilt is machine-pieced, the butterflies are hand-appliquéd, and the quilting is also done by hand; the binding is hand-stitched to the back to give it a more-finished appearance. I would suggest dry cleaning rather than machine washing, if necessary.
I have one request: Would it be possible for you to let me know where this quilt ends up? I would love to be able to track its journey with the HOPE that it touches many lives with the message that no one is alone.
Sincerely,
