Superhero comfort

Quilters thread together for Caleb’s Courage initiative

SYDNEY — Quilters across provinces have come together to help children with critical illnesses recharge in comfort while staying at Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

The Be a Superhero Quilt was an initiative of Carolyn Guy, owner of Whitney Oaks Designs, for Caleb’s Courage.

Guy is a friend of Nicole Forgeron-MacArthur, who is a driving force behind Caleb’s Courage — a legacy fund in memory of her three-year-old son Caleb.

Caleb’s Courage helps children with critical illnesses feel more comfortable as they battle big illnesses like cancer. This includes support like financial for out-of-town medical appointments or athome medical equipment.

It also includes quality of life supports like the Caleb’s Courage Superhero Suite at Cape Breton Regional Hospital with colourful walls, video games and other entertainment.

Over the first year of the COVID-19 lockdown, Guy was going through social media when she found quilt designs by Jennifer Long, owner of Bee Sew Inspired Dolls and Quilts, that inspired her.

The quilts make the person lying under them look like they have the body of a mermaid, elf or ballerina.

Guy thought about superhero quilts for Caleb’s Courage and approached Forgeron-MacArthur with the idea

“I love the concept of it,” said Forgeron-MacArthur. “I loved the idea of being able to provide some comfort for kids when they are in the hospital.”

“The idea is that it kind of inspires them to recharge for the next day and fight their big battles,” Guy explained. “It’s beautiful.”

QUILTERS COME TOGETHER

Guy approached Long about the project and meetings were held through Zoom video calls.

Told Caleb’s story through cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as the growth of the non-profit in his name, Long designed three superhero quilts: one in Batman colours, one in Supergirl’s and one in Caleb’s Courage colours.

Be A Superhero Quilt Designer:

•

Jennifer Long

• Volunteer Quilters: Anne Kerr, Theresa Edwards, Susan Gouthro,

Linda Miles, Diane Blaquiere, Carolyn MacKay, Ginette Chiasson, Regina Mason, Judy Ryan, Brenda Osmond, Gwen Boyce, Carolyn Guy

CONTRIBUTED • MICHELLE LEUDY Nicole Forgeron-MacArthur, left, and Carolyn Guy stand in front of the three different styles of Caleb’s Superhero Quilts being donated to children with critical illnesses.