NEWS

CCI inmates assist Adena Cancer Center patients

Cindy Remy
Special to the Gazette
Handmade blankets and hats crafted by inmates at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution are available for any patient undergoing treatment at the Adena Cancer Center.

CHILLICOTHE — Patients at Adena’s Cancer Center are often at the top-of-mind for many generous people in our community.

Through donations ranging from cash to the Adena Foundation’s Cancer Fund, to volunteers who visit patients while undergoing chemotherapy, to those who craft hats and more, patients at the Cancer Center know they are being thought of.

Two groups recently came together to showcase homemade items at the Cancer Center. The first is a group includes more than 70 inmates at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution who spend time crocheting hats and lap blankets for patients undergoing treatment.

The group is known as “The Chain Stitch Champions” started just over two years ago.

“By bringing this project to CCI, a lot of inmates are motivated to do something for other people, and they are grateful to be able to pay it forward,” said CCI Social Worker Todd Helmick. “It’s a win-win cause.  The inmates get to provide a community service, and it helps people dealing with cancer.”

Members of the Southern Ohio Survivors group and Adena Cancer Center staff show off some of the goods made by members and CCI inmates that provide comfort for patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

Since the program began in 2012, CCI inmates have crocheted more than 1,400 hats and 300 blankets.

The Chain Stitch Champions is one of the more popular organizations at CCI. “I think the cause is really important to the inmates,” said Warden Assistant Amy Hamilton. “Many of them have been touched by cancer in their families, and it means a lot for them to help out.”

The inmates are said to take great pride in their work. Helmick added, “Many of them will come to me when they have family visit and ask if they can show them their most recent work.”

The yarn used is provided through donations, and Helmick issues just what is needed to make each garment. Once the pieces are complete, another group, the Southern Ohio Survivors picks up the items and takes them to the Adena Cancer Center.

Previously, members of SOS would distribute the hats and blankets to patients as needed. Though earlier this year, the group purchased a large hutch in which to display the one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods.

Patients of the Cancer Center are encouraged to help themselves to the colorful pieces in the hutch, and they are theirs to keep.

“The patients really appreciate being able to have something to keep them warm during therapy,” said SOS member Lynn Bunstine. “They often comment on the beautiful work that goes into the colorful pieces.”

SOS is always looking for volunteers and they are especially looking for donations of soft, unused yarn. For details, contact the Southern Ohio Survivors group at 740-851-7057.