Ortonville- The quilt is mostly pink and white, with intricate, feminine patterns of ribbons, flowers, polka dots, hearts, dresses and soft stripes.
It will soon be auctioned online as part of QuiltPink, a fundraiser to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer foundation.
Brenda Heffernan, owner of Mabelena Quilting Supplies and Comforts, says 33 women donated squares for the quilt. Her shop is one of thousands nationwide participating to raise funds.
‘It’s a good feeling and hopefully someone will pay good money for it,? says Heffernan, who was inspired to participate in the event by a desire to help and by one of her employees, Jerri Decker.
Decker was diagnosed in June 2004 with breast cancer. She never felt a lump, rather, she noticed her left breast looked different. A mammogram did not detect the tumor, but it was finally confirmed on ultrasound.
‘I was shocked,? says Decker, 52, who has no family history of breast cancer.
She had chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy and finally a mastectomy and radiation before getting the all-clear in January 2005, and says she feels great now.
Decker calls the quilt project inspiring.
‘It’s amazing what women do for other women,? she said. ‘It’s an amazing thing how much people care? like the people at the quilt shop.?
Online auctions of more than 4,000 quilts, including the quilt from Mabelena, will begin after May 1. For more information, visit www.quiltpink.com