Font Size: A A A

Gracefully Crocheted

10 October, 2021

We were blessed this week to receive a donation of handmade crochet beanies from Gracefully Made Crochet, a local artist who makes and donates the hats to cancer patients and homeless shelters.

First off, they are beautiful! We are thrilled to have these available for members of our ThriveNV community. If you or someone you love would like one, please let us know.

Now, the truly touching part of the story.

Rayna is the heart behind Gracefully Made. She said she began making the hats in honor of her friend Grace, who passed from cancer in 2020. Her story, from the @GracefullyMadeCrochet account on Instagram, is heartfelt and powerful. An excerpt:

"We lost Gracie to cancer in June of 2020. In the middle of a global pandemic. There was a walk by wake, where I had 10 minutes to say goodbye. Doesn't seem fair. One minute she is my forever friend and the next minute she is gone.

"Grief. The Oxford dictionary describes grief as a noun. A singular emotion; a singular entity. Medical experts describe grief as a process. A process that gives you time to get through all of the emotions that go along with grief - anger, sadness, guilt, anxiety, despair. Thus, allowing you the space 'to grieve.' But this definition, to me, suggests that the process is finite - that there is somehow an end to all of this.

"But anyone who has grieved knows that it doesn't actually end. The pain and the sorrow get better, I suppose. But it never actually goes away. It come in waves, triggered by memories or, in this case, news of cancer amongst other loved ones."

Rayna said she makes the beanies to channel her grief, and to date has donated more than 200 beanies and shared more than 100 patterns on her website and Instagram. She uses yarns and practices as recommended by Knots of Love, a national nonprofit.

Thank you Rayna for your generous donation!

You May Also Like

Evidence Academy: Peer Mentoring to Increase Cancer Screening
Registration Opens for Evidence Academy
03.04.2024
  • breast cancer
  • breast cancer screening
  • early detection
  • News
Registration is now open for NCC's first ever Evidence Academy.
cancer registrar at computer
NCC Releases Annual Member Survey
11.10.2023
  • News
Nevada Cancer Coalition, each year, distributes a survey to its members to gather feedback on who are members are and what's important to them.
Nevada Legislature building
Legislature wraps with wins and losses for cancer control
07.05.2023
  • advocacy
  • breast cancer screening
  • Nevada Legislature
  • News
  • policy
We are thrilled to share that the bill NCC had worked on for several years is now a law thanks to efforts during the 82n

I have nothing but good things to say about this organization. Starting with the staff, they are caring, friendly, and very knowledgeable! I immediately felt like they were looking out for the best interest of my sick mother. My main contact was Valerie and she provided me and my mother with all… Read More

Grecia, M., Caregiver, Las Vegas

ThriveNV has been an amazing program to work with! I live in a rural part of Nevada, which means that sometimes resources are difficult to find. Working with ThriveNV and Amy Thompson made all of the difference. They were able to connect us with resources and eased the burden of trying to piece… Read More

Bre T., Caregiver and Community Partner, Rural

I have been extremely impressed with the professionalism, expertise, and supportive resources that ThriveNV has provided to our community. Additionally, having bi-lingual community partners ensures that our patient population is afforded the communication and support they deserve.

Kim D., Community Partner, Southern Nevada

Jorge, I am so grateful for you and your organization, both do so much for our cancer community. You have shown the utmost respect, knowledge and care towards me and my health. You listen, answer all my concerns and are always ready and willing to assist me. You always take the initiative and… Read More

I.A., Ovarian Cancer, Las Vegas

I am very pleased with the assistance and guidance I received from the patient navigator and ThriveNV. I will definitely refer my family and friends to this service.

R.C.G, Breast Cancer
ThriveNV has become a resource of resources for cancer patients and survivors in the state of Nevada. The patient navigators have been incredibly helpful as we share resources to help patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. The addition of bilingual navigators has been an enormous value-… Read More
Natalie S., Survivor and Community Partner

Nevada Cancer Coalition's [ThriveNV program] is the best resource in Nevada for everything cancer. They are so knowledgeable and willing to assist whenever needed. I always say, ‘I wish every state had this program because the care and knowledge you all have is unmatched!' They are experts at… Read More

Nicole, Community Partner / Patient Navigator

With the help of ThriveNV and the Nevada Cancer Coalition, CHA has been able to stay up to date on patient resources, whether it's cancer prevention or cancer treatment this Coalition knows it all. Throughout the years, we have collaborated on cancer prevention projects and patient navigation. I… Read More

Liz, FQHC Cancer Care Coordinator, Community Clinic Partner, Northern Nevada

Working together with ThriveNV, specifically with Amy Thompson, made all the difference when it came to giving our mutual patient the resources and the help he needed to get back to good health. By having the support and input of ThriveNV, I found the necessary tools to pave a clear and easy… Read More

Ivonne, Case Manager, Community Clinic Partner, Northern Nevada