Lions Chemo Caps for Cancer Patients
After attending a National Lions Convention, Jenny Peacock was inspired by a heartwarming project that she thought would be perfect for her club to adopt.
Lion Jenny Peacock with the handmade chemo caps. Image Source: supplied.
Started by the Battunga Country Lions Club in South Australia and known as ‘Carolyn’s Chemo Caps’, the project involves making beanies for cancer patients undertaking chemotherapy and consequentially going through the hardships of hair loss.
Jenny along with the other members of the Boroondara-Gardiners Creek Lions Club agreed they too would support the project and began making plans to help bring some comfort to those going through their cancer treatment.
As none of their members were sewers, Lion Jenny connected with local volunteering group GOLD (Growing Old Living Dangerously) where she met Denise, who was looking to get involved with a volunteer group.
Denise was happy to make the caps, sewing them when she had spare time.
To date, Denise has made over 1500 caps which are packed and wrapped by Boroondara-Gardiners Creek Lions members and taken to Eastern Epworth Day Oncology unit at Box Hill for patients.
The fine fabric used for the caps act like a lightweight sock over the head to keep them warm. They are thin enough for wear at home but can also be worn under a turban.
The Club also make a winter version using polar fleece (these can be worn under a beanie too).
Jenny says she noticed a woman at the supermarket wearing one of their chemo caps and started up a conversation.
The woman noted that the cap was one of the best things she’d received during her cancer treatment and that it was fantastic to be able to choose out the fabric in a style she likes (free of charge).
The Club raises money for the fabric through their community fundraising projects including barbecues and Christmas tree sales.
Well done to the Boroondara-Gardiners Lions Club on an amazing project – where there’s a need, there is a Lion.
