Wilmot Patient's Handmade Quilt Project Gratefully Repays the Medical Team for Saving Her Life
In the heart of the Wilmot Cancer Centre, a vibrant and poignant quilt catches the eye of everyone who passes by. This unique piece of art was created by Nancy Jaquish, an owner of a dog grooming shop and a beacon of hope for many.
Diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer near her Utica-area home in 2018, Nancy found solace in the quilt-making process as a means of coping with her cancer treatment. The quilt, an intricate tapestry of her journey, features an outline of her body, including scars from surgeries, and quotes that inspire her. It also includes trinkets received from clients, a testament to the support she received during her darkest hours.
Nancy attributes the breadth of the Wilmot team, both on the front lines and behind the scenes, as the true inspiration for her work. She formed a special bond with Hazel Pugh, volunteer coordinator at Wilmot, and was supported by her family, friends, and children throughout her treatment.
Nancy's treatment plan involved chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Despite two separate hospitalizations on Wilmot's seventh and fifth floors, she remained hopeful and determined. Even when she experienced a cancer relapse about a year after her treatment started, she continued to check in with her team at Wilmot and underwent regular scans to ensure her cancer does not progress.
The quilt, displayed at the Wilmot Cancer Centre, is more than just a piece of art. It serves as a symbol of resilience, hope, and inspiration for those going through similar experiences. Nancy hopes that people passing by at Wilmot will feel supported, cared for, and hopeful when they see her quilt.
In a beautiful twist of fate, Nancy is now expecting her first grandchild. She spends a lot of time outdoors, backpacking and kayaking, with someone special in her life. Despite the challenges she has faced, Nancy remains an embodiment of strength, courage, and determination. Her story is a testament to the power of hope, the importance of community support, and the healing power of creativity.
The intricate tapestry, a reflection of Nancy's journey through cancer, incorporates quotes, scars from surgeries, and trinkets that symbolize her resilience against medical-conditions like cancer. Nancy, inspired by the Wilmot team's medical care and support, crafted this quilt as a source of solace during her science-driven treatment.
