Avid knitters gathered across the country at the various participating venues to knit a square in public. The knitted squares were collected and sewn together to provide breast cancer patients with much needed blankets; sharing a sense of warmth and comfort to the cold experience of undergoing treatment.

The blankets were recently handed out to Dr Carol Benn, trustee member of BHF (Breast Health Foundation) and head doctor at the Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic where guest speakers and breast cancer survivors, among them local celebrity, Lilian Dube spoke about the importance of regular check-ups and being well informed.

Here is an extract from Dr. N.L Hlongwane the Senior Superintendent from Helen Josepsh Hospitals speech:

"Patients with breast cancer suffer multiple losses; these losses run a cold breeze all over the body. No amount of medication or procedure can reach this portion of loss for each patient. In Zulu this is referred to as umzwangedwa direct translates... the type of suffering that each patient can not share with anybody else. The aim of this project is to touch that area, the tip of the left ventricle of the patient's heart.

Saprotex with the help of the public have come with this symbolic cover in the form of blankets; to WARM this area of Breast Cancer patients, indeed this gesture, this abundance of caring displayed by them in the form of these blankets is treating and managing coldness!"

Stitch up a storm: support this year's KIP on the 14 June '08

20 000 kits will be available for all who would like to show their support to this worthy cause. Visit your local yam store to purchase a KIP day kit to find out where your nearest participating venue will be.

Contact details:
Sharon Farr (043) 708 4200
sfarr@bertrand.co.za
www.knit1.net