Breast cancer bonds you to humankind in the most curious and unexpected ways. You may never have had these opportunities were it not for a diagnosis and Journey through breast cancer. My life has been extraordinarily blessed by these unintended connections. A connection may be in person or through social media channels where I have had conversations with those who themselves have been diagnosed. This is one of those connections and story of the extraordinary gift of the breast cancer butterfly quilt.
DiepCFoundation.org is the nonprofit organization I opened in 2016 after my own successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction. I knew the need to educate and provide support was a dire need for those affected by breast cancer and loss of breast and why I began the Foundation. The mission of the Foundation continues. This year, the summer of 2021, we celebrate the beginning of our sixth year of serving the breast cancer community.
The Facebook Group and the Breast Cancer Butterfly Quilt
Each day, I open my social media accounts to connect with those in the breast cancer community. The private Facebook group, DiepCJourney: Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy, has grown from a few members at its inception in 2015 to a global community of over 7,400 members. I curate questions, comments, share evidence-based resources, and other information to answer questions and ease concerns for those diagnosed and considering options for breast reconstruction.
Frequently, a member will send me a private message. Recently, Becky, a prize-winning quilt maker did just that. She sent me the photo of a quilt she made. The shape of the ribbon was evident. However, there was very little pink in the quilt. We set up a phone call chat making our connection much more personal.
The Meaning of the Breast Cancer Butterfly Quilt
Becky, the quilt maker, revealed to me the significance of the pattern on the quilt. A breast cancer patient who is recovering from surgery of any kind, mastectomy, or breast reconstruction, goes through an enormous transformation. There is the emotional acceptance your body has changed and will never be what it was before breast cancer. Physical changes take place during treatment, surgery, and recovery.
Look closely in the ribbon shaped like the breast cancer ribbon. The colors explode with the shape of various butterflies, each unique in their own way. The design is framed with a broken glass pattern in soft palettes of blues and greens. It is a message of transformation, hope, and beauty.
An Extraordinary Gift
When the artist sent me a private message with a photo of the quilt, I was left speechless. Becky wanted to give me the quilt to use as a fundraiser for DiepCFoundation. She felt the DiepCJourney: Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy Facebook group provided her with much needed information and support, she would not have otherwise received. I agreed. It is her giving heart and the work of her talented hands paying it forward to others. I know this will land in a comfortable place of honor. I honor Becky today with this blog and photo of her unique talent and the extraordinary gift of the butterfly quilt. She has personalized the back with her signature and a special message.
For more information on how to own this quilt go to: DiepCFoundation Instagram
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
Maya Angelou
