AWA Qatar's Breast Cancer Awareness group started out with the Heart Pillow Project. Barb Phillips, who was a member of AWEP, brought this know-how with her to Doha. Barb’s team has expanded the scope, and they also make Drain Bag Totes and supply “goodie bags” of toiletries. We are now sourcing and providing breast forms as well. Barb says, “The generosity of the women in this organization continues to amaze me.”
After surgery, nursing staff presents the patient with a lovely AWAQ gift bag that contains the colorful heart pillow and drain tote. Based on need, the bag also contains an assortment of toiletry items including shampoos, hair conditioner, body lotions, bath gels, dental kits, slippers, hairbrushes and combs. The heart pillows and drain totes are all lovingly hand crafted by AWAQ volunteers. AWAQ members have donated all the fabric, materials used and toiletries. Over 25 wonderful and dedicated volunteers have worked long and hard to provide enough supplies to last through the autumn 2014. Barb adds. “It’s truly a labor of love. I’m very proud to be associated with these women and the Heart Pillow Project.”
By mid-June, the time of our final delivery to Hamad Hospital before summer, we will have completed well over our goal of 125 heart pillows, 225 drain bag totes, and over 100 goodie bags of toiletries. 100 per cent of the time, labor and materials for these gifts was donated by our members.
There was an article in the Doha Newspaper about AWAQ’s volunteer efforts. This was read by a representative of the Ford Motor Company’s “Warriors in Pink” Initiative and Barb Phillips was contacted. Barb and AWAQ were able to source Models for a Global Ad Campaign that will launch in September as a lead up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Jodi Gentilozzi
AWA Qatar FAWCO Representative