Knit hats for IBC Awareness 2024
Posted on 28. Jun, 2024 by ibcneco1 in News
BOSTON (June 28, 2024) — Crafters from Boston and communities north and south are making hand-made chemo hats for women undergoing breast cancer treatment at area hospitals. The community crafting project is in recognition of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Massachusetts.
Community crafters will knit and crochet hats to be donated to the Breast Health Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Last year, more than 120 hats were donated, and some hats were also given to patients at Beth Israel Hospital.
Knitters from the Whitman Council on Aging have begun creating hats. Last year, the group made dozens of hats throughout the summer. Auntie Zaza’s Fiber Works in Easton is also participating again this year. Stop by the shop on 104 Main Street in North Easton for supplies and to learn more about donating a chemo hat.
This is the second annual Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Last year, Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a provision that permanently sets aside the second Tuesday of October as a day to educate and build awareness about this somewhat rare form of breast cancer. Massachusetts is one of only a few states that have a permanent Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Sean Garballey of Arlington. The initiative was launched by IBC-New England, a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to building awareness and education about IBC.
IBC represents from 1% to 5% of all breast cancer cases. The disease however, can be aggressive. Its symptoms are atypical and do not usually present with a lump. IBC is also diagnosed more often in younger women.
“Gathering together to make crafts is a great way to contribute to a cause, learn from each other, and build awareness and educate,” said Sue Asci, of IBC-NE, 24-year IBC survivor, and organizer of the project. “This year we hope to expand our locations for drop-off and crafting, as well as include more cancer centers in our overall donation.”
The hats will be collected at the beginning of September. To learn more about the project and how to get involved, or to donate hats, contact Sue at 781-447-0848.