Pink Ribbon of the Month, December: PinKKnit-a-thon

Somewhere in the Delaware Valley is a woman who beams every time she wraps herself in her 'very special pink scarf.' On the other side of the world is the woman who knitted it. The two never met, and most likely never will. Yet each gave a life-altering gift to the other, both forever connected by about six feet of pink-knitted hope... and the passion of Tara O'Brien and Lisa Scarpello, our December Pink Ribbon of the Month honorees. 

 


 

The story we share of Tara and Lisa has a beautiful lesson for all of us: you don't have to be a corporate sponsor... write a big check... or even give one dime... to make a huge difference in the life of a woman battling breast cancer.  However, what you do have to do is open your mind and your heart to sharing the gifts you've been given-and in the process, you'll find you enrich your own lives, and can even have some fun along the way!

 

 

Last April, the two ladies launched their PinkKnit-a-thon blog, inviting knitting enthusiasts to join them in creating pink scarves to be donated, through grantees and partners of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate, to breast cancer patients in need of a little light along their journey, a comforting gesture and a little warmth-figuratively and literally. Each of the 18 participants purchased her own yarn, and agreed to knit four inches per week. Every week, Tara and Lisa posted a new pattern on the blog site for participants to use to create their four inches.

 

From as far away as Australia and California, to as close to home as West and Center City Philadelphia, needles clicked in a harmony for months as the women knitted their creations-the effort reaching its climax this October when Tara and Lisa delivered more the twenty fabulous scarves to The Affiliate office.

 

"We wanted to do something other than the usual...something tangible which went directly to women who've dealt with this horrible disease," said Tara O'Brien, a resident of West Philadelphia. "Certainly I realize the importance of all the fundraising that happens for the cause. But sometimes the women who are suffering from breast cancer need a more direct gesture of caring.  By giving these scarves, it is my wish that the women who receive them embrace them as a symbol of support. I want them to know that we hope and pray for their wellness and that they are not alone."

 

 "Tara and I believe that the craft of knitting is a great metaphor for the healing process from cancer: it    involves putting garments together, stitch by stitch, building slowly, over time," said Lisa Scarpello, a resident  of Center City Philadelphia.  "We want the women who receive these scarves, to know they are supported in   their healing process, by other women who understood how difficult that process can be. This is what this    project is all about-simply making a small gesture, providing support and compassion to women facing a  terrible disease."

 

 Plus, we cannot discount the impact this project made on the participants, who continually expressed thanks  for the opportunity to make a difference, the friendships it opened and the inspiration it provided in their own  lives. The arrival of the scarves in the Affiliate office also brightened our day and gave us all

a very personal,  unforgettable memory.

 

For recognizing the heart of our mission to empower women in need... for sharing their talents to bring hope to so many... for infusing their own creativity, heart and passion into the Komen Promise, the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate is proud-and so very grateful-to honor Tara, Lisa and the PinkKnit-A-Thon knitters with our Pink Ribbon of the Month. We encourage everyone to share and be inspired by their story.

 

Pictured l-r: Tara O'Brien; Lisa Scarpello; Marlene Lally, Affiliate Operations Manager/Volunteer Coordinator and Nancy Ford, Bookkeeper.

 

 

Check out the scarves at http://pinkknit-a-thon.blogspot.com/ 

 

Love to knit and want to help?

Become a follower of http://pinkknit-a-thon.blogspot.com/ for notices about the next PinkKnit-a-thon project!