NFH Volunteers Spread Love and Comfort to Breast Cancer Patients with Cuddles the Cat

              Pillows…they make wonderful head rests at the end of long, strenuous work days.  They can also be great foot props, helping your legs to relax.  But who would have thought they could come in handy for a medical purpose?  The volunteers and Breast Care Team at North Fulton Hospital sure did.

            Sue Bearman is a devoted volunteer at North Fulton Hospital, something she has enjoyed for many years.  She is also a 13-year breast cancer survivor.  Earlier this year she and the other volunteers were approached by Director of the Medical/Telemetry Unit Lori Hall, RN, to provide some type of support for under the arm that could be given to breast cancer patients following their surgeries.  Sue had just the thing.

            “After my surgery 13 years ago, my daughter gave me a throw pillow to use under my arm,” Sue explains.  “It was such a help to me.  I was able to sleep better because I was supported.”

            So when Sue was faced with what to provide for North Fulton’s breast cancer patients, she immediately started developing some patterns that took the form of a cat, lying down.  “They are formed in such a way that they fit right beneath the breast line, right where support is needed the most.  They took no time to make and were so easy to do!”

            Sue also found a way to ad a special touch to each pillow, lovingly named Cuddles the Kitten.  “I just happened to be searching through my paperwork and found a laminated card from when I had breast cancer…an uplifting, encouraging message.  So we decided to use that sentiment and we attached it to the ribbon tied to the cat’s neck.  We must have made a dozen; anyone who gets breast surgery at NFH gets Cuddles.”

            And the patients are loving Cuddles.  Not just a physical gift, serving a very real and necessary function, this simple cat-shaped pillow is a reminder to each patient that she is cared for; that her recovery is important and that she is loved.

            “Thirteen years ago they did not do anything like this,” Sue explains.  “We’ll continue to make as many as we need so that all of the breast cancer patients receive Cuddles.”

            Sue is joined by several other volunteers, including Becky Stiles and Cindy Bunker, to make the Cuddles kittens.  This small gesture is proving to make quite the lasting impression in the hospital.

            North Fulton Hospital is always open to bringing new volunteers into the family!  For more information about volunteering at North Fulton Hospital, please visit www.nfultonhospital.com/volunteer.  Also, learn more about North Fulton Hospital’s Breast Care Program at www.nfultonhospital.com/breast.  

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