Reported By: Kelley Dunn
Photographer: Gary Russ
They're colorful, soft and will bring a smile to the face of a sick child.
Everyday in Delray Beach--dozens of women are knitting for children they will never meet.
Joan Berman is head knitter and crocheter--she started the group "Knitting for Kids with Cancer" 5 years ago along with her friend, Sylvia.
They send boxes to oncology units in children's hospitals all over the country.
"They tell me the little kids pull them apart and pick out the color they want and I'm so thrilled with that. I'm thrilled that they're thrilled," says Berman.
To date: Joan and friends have made over 7 thousand hats--and 1500 blankets.
"If I saw kids wearing my hat I would cry--if I was in the hospital--oh my god--wearing my hat--it would be so emotionally upsetting," says Berman.
But it would also be gratifying.
"It gives me pleasure especially when you knit and know that a child will be receiving a hat and they're going to be sick and happy they have it and keep them warm. so i make it with love," says Cathy Viner.
It's a hobby with a purpose, one in which you get back much more than you give.
"It make my heart feel good--I'm giving to society.
I've had a good life I retired young as a teacher so I do what I love to do and I feel lucky that I can do that," says Madeline Hincken.
"It's a wonderful thing picking up the hats--distributing the yarn--schlepping--doing whatever I can," says Sylvia Landesman.
Hats and blankets --hand made with care. It's a labor of love for these women.
"I'm working my way to heaven --that's how I'm gonna get there---no other way," says Berman. One hat at a time. The Knitters for Children with Cancer are this week's Kelley's heroes.
Knitting for Children with Cancer
2801 Rainberry Circle
South Delray Beach, Fl. 33445
(561) 243-1399
