Local People
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 18:06
Led by a breast cancer survivor, parishioners from Our Lady of the Valley Church in Donora have made it their mission to provide handmade dignity robes for breast cancer patients at Monongahela Valley Hospitals’ Charles L. and Rose Sweeney Melenyzer Pavilion and Regional Cancer Center. The group recently donated 26 robes.
Volunteers Sew Robes for Cancer Patients |
“Our breast cancer patients will appreciate these personal gifts of caring. What a loving gesture towards women who are fighting cancer,” said Director of Radiation Oncology Debbie Burkhardt, who is also a member of the parish. “They want the patients to keep the robes.”
The local volunteers gather the third Friday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon in their social hall to cut and sew the colorful robes that open not only in the front, but on both sides. Their fellow church goers have helped purchase the materials and the ladies plan to keep sewing as long as there is a need.
The volunteers welcome help from anyone in the community who enjoys sewing. For more information, contact Rita Demeter at 724-565-1244 or or Vera Klein at 724-379-5759.
In the Photo: Pictured from left are Vera Klein, of Donora; Rita Demeter, of Charleroi; and Father Pierre M. Falkenhan, of Donora, who presented the robes to MVH’s Michele Haftman, RN; Director of Radiation Oncology Debbie Burkhardt; and Marcie Moessner, radiation therapist.