Leslie Salzillo is facing an extremely difficult and frightening situation with great grace, courage, dignity, and an open heart. 

She has advanced breast cancer and will be undergoing a double mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery and other treatments (chemo, radiation) as yet to be determined.  The mastectomy will be happening at the beginning of the New Year, so we have some time to get a community quilt made for her that she can take with her to the hospital. 

Yes!  We can surround Leslie with loving words, all stitched together in a soft, warm, portable, community support system we call the community quilt.  How do we get started?

First, leave a message of love and support for Leslie in the comments below.  I will {{{{hug}}}} you to let you know I have picked it up.  When the list of messages is complete, I will transcribe the messages onto muslin in archival ink which will be heat set for permanence. 

Then my sister and I will sew them together with colorful fabrics in a pattern we will design just for Leslie.  When it is done, she can take the quilt with her to any appointment, wrap up in it at home, smile at the messages, cry into it if necessary (the quilt can take it!), and always know that many, many people are wishing her well and sending her thoughts of healing at every moment of every day. 

She will be able just to touch the quilt and know that we are all there for her.  That’s powerful support!