How will you take part in World Cancer Day 2021?
If you’re new to this worldwide event, it’s held every year on February 4 and lead by the Union of International Cancer Control. The intention of the World Cancer Day is to raise awareness, improve education, and inspire personal and government action.
The current campaign started in 2019 and runs through the end of 2021. It asks that people complete the phrase, “I am…and I will…” guiding them to commit to a specific action.
In my case, my completed phrase (below) is probably no surprise. (You can make your own custom graphic here.)
Even before I learned about this campaign, I dedicated time to making items requested by local cancer support organizations. My next step was helping to promote the event so more people could learn about it and decide to take action in a way that works for them.
4 Things To Do For World Cancer Day 2021
So, if you are looking for something to do to participate in World Cancer Day 2021, why not try one of these four suggestions? Some require materials and a crafty inclination, while others just need a little bit of your time.
I hope you find something of interest so that you too can help spread the word about this important day that is celebrated worldwide. Together, we can help reduce the incidence of cancer.
Without further ado, here are four things makers can to for World Cancer Day.
1. Make and donate chemo port or mastectomy pillows.
Making and donating chemo port or mastectomy pillows is something that seems like a small gesture but is has a HUGE impact for people going through treatment.
If you’re unfamiliar with these support pillows, a chemo port pillow is a small pillow that can be attached to a seat belt or bag strap as a barrier and protection of the port. It keeps things from rubbing and irritating the chemo port area.
A mastectomy pillow is used to post-surgery to provide protection to sensitive areas and underarm support.
Pillow Patterns For Chemotherapy Patients
Making a chemo port pillow is a scrap buster that takes only a matter of minutes to make. I offer two different approaches to this pillow. The size and body materials are the same, but the mode of attachment is different.
You can make a chemo port pillow with hook-and-loop tape or a port pillow with webbing and plastic snaps (whose related video tutorial is shown below).
If the person using the pillow can tolerate essential oils, I also created a tutorial how to make an aromatherapy chemo port pillow.
Pillow Patterns For Mastectomy Patients
Where the chemo port pillow sizes don’t vary much, mastectomy pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One of the most popular patterns is the heart-shaped mastectomy pillow.
For people who’ve had a double mastectomy, you can make two separate heart-shaped pillows or use this free double mastectomy pillow pattern.
There is also a mastectomy comfort pillow pattern that makes room for a hot or cold gel pack to help with healing.
Recommended Products For Port & Mastectomy Pillows
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2. Educate yourself and take action.
If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s always more to learn when it comes to the different types of cancers, treatments, and impact the disease has on patients, survivors, and families across the globe.
What I really appreciate about World Cancer Day are the infographics they offer (below) that provide detailed facts and data so that I can stay up-to-date on cancer’s effects worldwide.
WCD21_Infographic_ENGLISH_FAIf you are inspired by this information and would like to take action, why not reach out to some of these cancer support organizations or a local one in your own community as see how you can volunteer?
3. Make, wear, and gift awareness ribbons to spread the word.
Those felt scraps that you’ve been stashing away? They are likely the perfect size to use for awareness ribbons.
Wearing an awareness ribbon is a small but mighty gesture. Each ribbon color has a variety of meanings and there are also specific colors for each type of cancer.
The ribbons can be made in a variety of sizes and the applications are endless.
I typically make them into pins or earrings. The video tutorial below walks you through the exact steps to make your awareness ribbon look extra spiffy.
I also plan on using them as applique for future sewing projects, so be on the lookout for some additional tutorials!
Recommended Products for Awareness Ribbon Accessories
As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you purchase products using one of the links below.
4. Show compassion and make a chemo care bag.
For cancer patients whose treatment include chemotherapy, a chemo care bag is a thought and useful gift. It is also something that can include as few or as many handmade items as you’d like.
A chemo care bag may include things like:
– A fleece lap blanket
– A warm hat
– A chemo port pillow
– A way to pass the time with something like a crossword puzzle or sudoku book, a magazine, or a fun book to read. (The dollar store is a great place to find books like these.)
If you love the concept but prefer to buy something already pulled together for you, Lemons of Love makes and sends chemo care packages for you.
What Else Can I Do For World Cancer Day 2021?
If one of the above ideas isn’t a fit for you, stop by the World Cancer Day website and read through the additional ideas they offer on how you can take action on February 4th and beyond.
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