World Cancer Day 2022 is February 4th, so I thought I would share 15 ways you can honor and support people impacted by cancer.
If you’re unfamiliar with World Cancer Day, it “was born on the 4 February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.
The Paris Charter aims to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness and mobilise the global community to make progress against cancer, and includes the adoption of World Cancer Day.” (Source: World Cancer Day website)
The theme for World Cancer Day 2022 is “close the care gap” and, as always, the website has a variety of materials (e.g., toolkits, posters, and infographics) to support your efforts in spreading the world about the impact cancer has on communities across the world.
Handmade Goods That Help Cancer Patients
A theme that addresses “closing the care gap” may seem like something geared towards larger organizations actively working within the healthcare community.
There is a place for makers as well, though.
In almost every state in the US, there is a small nonprofit in need of some of your handmade goodness.
To get you started, here are some breast cancer support nonprofits and here are three nonprofits that need port pillows.
So, if crafting things by hand is how you like to support family, friends, and the community then the list of 15 DIY projects for cancer patients below will provide several fun options for you in 2022.
Face masks are still a daily-use items across the world which means it's good to have extras on hand.
This envelope wallet for face masks is a fun way to carry extra disposable face masks in your car, purse, or bag.
You can have fun with your fabric choices and even customize the back of the wallet with the person's name if you want to make it extra special.
Please note: The CDC guidelines on face masks has shifted since the initial onset of the pandemic so it's important to take a look and see what suits you and your family best.
This tutorial explains an easy way to make a custom Mother's Day bangle bracelet, but the concept can be applied any time of the year.
If you are designing a bracelet for a cancer survivor, for example, you can select bead colors from the designated awareness ribbon colors of the cancer you are recognizing.
You can also use letter beads to spell the word "survivor" or "warrior" or just the initials of the person receiving the gift.
The options are endless when it comes to designing a custom bangle.
Handmade card designs with flowers are a beautiful, flower-filled way to brighten someone's day.
Many cancer patients may have a problem with fragrance so this is a way to give someone 'flowers' that won't post a problem in any way. ,
Paper crafts are an all-ages craft that you can do year round and all kinds of nonprofit organizations are always in need of creative notes and cards.
If you are looking for a new project for your Cricut or Silhouette, these free SVG files are a great addition to your SVG library.
You can add these SVG designs to a t-shirt, tote, pillow, and more.
I originally designed this virus protection kit pattern for children going back to school.
It's a great option for anyone, really, who wants to have key materials like anti-bacterial wipes and extra masks with them at all times. It will also fit tissues if need be.
The size is perfect for a backpack or large tote.
The recovery time and overall discomfort a mastectomy patient experiences varies for each patient.
One of the things each one needs, however, is the ability to shower comfortably with their drains.
So, this DIY mastectomy drain bag holder tutorial provides an easy and inexpensive way to make a drain bag holder in less than 10 minutes.
If you are looking for ways to give back to the community, this is a great project to make and donate to your local cancer center.
This clear toiletry bag for women takes around 10 minutes to make and can be customized with different patterned ribbon.
This toiletry bag tutorial walks you through how to make a bag that measures 8" x 8" but you can easily change the dimensions to fit the zippers you have in your stash.
For nonprofit organizations that distribute hygiene kits, this clear toiletry bag is a another worthwhile project to make and donate.
A port pillow is a small, rectangular pillow that chemotherapy patients use with a seat belt to relieve pressure and possible irritation around the port.
A chemo port pillow can also be used around the strap of a purse or bag strap to make carrying things more comfortable.
After gathering the necessary materials, this DIY port pillow take around 5 minutes to make and is the perfect fabric scrap buster.
If you are looking to make some pillows to donate, please consider these three cancer support organizations.
When you make and wear an awareness ribbon, you can help bring attention to a cause that's important to you.
This tutorial walks you through a super easy four-step process to make an awareness ribbon pin or earrings with felt scraps in several sizes.
You can also use these ribbons as applique and more!
A chemo port pillow is an essential item for someone going through chemotherapy.
Some patients, however, still need their port for additional infusions after their main treatment. And, those patients may even be able to return to exercising.
So this port pillow for exercising is for anyone who is wearing a sports bra or tank top as an under layer.
This mini port pillow keeps the fabric from rubbing or irritating the port.
If you're looking for a simple way to start crafting with duct tape, this tea wallet is the perfect beginner project.
This tea wallet will brighten someone's day and you can customize this as well with a DIY duct tape sticker.
Add some tea bags to the wallet and you have a thoughtful and useful gift for a cancer patient.
Recovery and comfort for double mastectomy patients are greatly improved when they have a mastectomy pillow to keep the top of their arms from touching their incisions or drain tubes.
This double mastectomy pattern is free and an easy project to sew.
A chemo care bag is helpful and kind way to show support for someone going through chemotherapy.
The bag often includes simple items like warm socks or a blanket, lip balm, and even some tea - anything that would make chemotherapy easier for a patient.
This fanny pack tutorial will walk you through how to make a small fanny pack with a strap that uses a plastic adjuster.
This free pattern is perfect for carrying the essentials for walking, hiking, and even a quick errands around the city.
The design was originally created to carry a chemo pump for cancer patients whose infusions are completed at home.
For patients who have a single mastectomy, this heart-shaped mastectomy pillow is the most popular.
The free mastectomy pillow pattern is a straightforward cut, and the step-by-step tutorial is easy to follow.
You can use 100% cotton or even flannel for an extra soft touch for this pillow.