In 2022, I found myself in an amazing trial at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for an aggressive parotid gland cancer. I was there every day for seven weeks, and then every three weeks for the following year. So I was there a lot. Each time I spotted a child there for treatment, I froze. I froze for two reasons, one the heartache of knowing what that child and family were going through, and two, I had the urge to give them a doll as a companion for their journey.

I began making doll sets with the hope that I could be connected with the children. Each set had: A doll (boys and girls) A hospital gown, pajamas, two outfits, a bucket hat, a backpack with a stuffed animal inside, a quilt and a tote bag to carry it all.

I was so grateful when my oncology team set me up with the social worker at The Jimmy Fund (where children are treated). I was all set to bring sets.

Flash forward three years, I still bring sets as often as I can, and always when I have scans. I have heard the sets are treasured and dolls are often toted along to appointments. However, I still have a hard time when I see a child going through treatment.

And as a side note, the trial was a success for me, I am in remission and running, cycling, hiking, traveling and most importantly, sewing.