Tuesday, July 30, 2019

A Quilt on a Mission

 I spied a quilt I made the other day in a Rotaplast post about their latest mission in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Being geographically challenged I had to look up that location on a map and found it is 8,164 miles from my home in Long Grove, Iowa.  

Rotaplast International, Inc. is committed to helping children and families worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate, burn scarring, and other deformities.  Wrap-a-Smile, a Rotaplast partner, provides quilts for the patients treated on the missions. 

Here's an excerpt from a letter about our quilts from a nurse who worked on several Rotaplast missions: 

"These hospitals we work in have NO linens at all, let alone on the OR tables or recovery rooms or wards. We use these quilts first to wrap each child in as they wait for surgery. It truly comforts them, no matter what age. Then, as they are moved to the OR, we use the quilt to cover them and keep them warm in surgery. This is actually critical to anesthesia and post-op healing. Warmth is critical!

At home we use electric warmers called Bear Huggers. On missions we use your quilts. But – we are very careful to protect the quilts from blood splashes during the IV start and surgery.
Then, as the patients are moved to recovery room, the quilts are a crucial part of the caring, medical equipment, and patient comfort. Again, if patients are not warmed, they do NOT do as well post-op. We cover them in PACU (recovery) again, being careful not to let blood or body fluids touch the beautiful quilts..."



Anyway...the quilt in that operating room was a Wonky Log quilt I made back in 2017 and I was thrilled to see it in use. 


I recently used a few scraps left over from the kite fabric used as the Wonky Log block centers in some  low volume Bright Hopes blocks. When that quilt is finished it will be for me and I'll think of a patient somewhere in Myanmar whenever I see it.



UPDATE JULY 31:

There is now another  Rotaplast post about the little boy named Aung who has this quilt!






Just one more thing...
Sunshine Online Quilt Guild members make quilts for kids around the world. We donate to two programs: Wrap a Smile and Quilts Beyond Borders. Quilts go to kids, teens, and adults undergoing cleft palate surgery and to under-served children, often in orphanages, worldwide.

Please join us if you enjoy making quilts for children in need.

19 comments:

Quiltdivajulie said...

Oh, Cathy - that is so awesome to see your quilt in action so far from where you live!!!!!

Sue SA said...

That is so exciting to see your quilt in action! And fascinating to know how vital a role the quilts serve. I am going to investigate Wrap a Smile from the down under angle, thanks.

Pamela Arbour said...

That is a really nice story. I would have never thought they could get so much use out of a quilt for surgery

elevator_lady said...

What a wonderful mission this group is undertaking. Your quilt is so lovely, and it’s heartwarming to know it’s being used in such a valuable way. Thanks for sharing this info!

MissPat said...

You must be thrilled to see your quilts used like this. This story makes one think twice about the stuff we complain about on a regular basis. Thanks you for being an inspiration to the rest of us.
Pat

Quilter Kathy said...

What a great feeling to know that something you made is providing comfort and smiles a world away! Very generous of you to donate your creations!

mangozz said...

How awesome is it to see your quilt in another part of the world? Especially when it is appreciated!

Teresa said...

That has to be a thrill to see a quilt you made and donated being used so far away. I know that patient was probably equally thrilled to receive your quilt.

Nikki said...

You are so lucky to have been able to see your quilt in action. I just dream about the comfort mine might bring to someone. Bless your actions and you!

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

What a thrill for you knowing your quilt is comforting some child during their surgery. It doesn't get better than that!

Nancy said...

It must be a surprise to see one of your quilts on their blog and, at the same time, so very satisfying to see your quilt in use. Well done!

Vicki in MN said...

How awesome for you to see your quilt in use for this worthy cause!

Louise said...

Oh, Cathy! I'm so, so thrilled for you!! Seeing your gorgeous quilt serving its highest calling in Myanmar makes my heart so happy. I'm so glad you recognized it so we can share in the satisfaction :)

Cats and Calico said...

What a joy to see your quilt be used in such a wonderful way.

Jeanne said...

Amazing and heartwarming! Hugs!!!!!

Ann said...

How thrilling to see your quilt so well used. You are a star!

Elle said...

FABULOUS!!! No greater gift than to hear of the value of our ART!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

This is so wonderful that you have photos of your quilt being used. So wonderful of you to donate it too. Does the child get to keep the quilt, or does it go to the next patient?

Kat said...

Cathy, that is wonderful. Thank you for sharing the story and also the information on how to get involved. I have the same question as Shasta. Does the child get to keep the quilt? Does the medical staff bring the quilts with them Overseas or are they shipped separately? There must be such a great need.

I asked to join the Sunshine Guild, too. Is there a specific size they request?