They call themselves, simply, the Women of St. Raymond, and they go about their work quietly. Yet, for more than 40 years they have supported St. Raymond de Penafort Parish and its mission of faith, service and compassion. Think the prayer shawl ministry and altar linen care, for starters.
But this month, their annual commitment to make pillows for cancer patients drew lots of attention, far beyond the confines of the Mount Prospect church.
The Women of St. Raymond and their Comfort Pillows for Cancer Patients project were featured in videos promoted by the Archdiocese of Chicago and in another piece that aired Oct. 13 on a CBS 2 Chicago news broadcast. Not only was their ministry heartwarming, but it takes place each October, during breast cancer awareness month.
Each year, members gather at tables in the parish’s community room to assemble 100 pillows. They have a variety of pastel-colored fabrics and instead of sewing, they hand-tie each heart-shaped pillow before stuffing them.
Dot Sheehan started the project after she and a friend attended a Church Women United meeting and saw members crafting these comfort pillows. They brought the idea back to the Women of St. Raymond, with this simple premise: to offer warmth and comfort to those facing illness.
“We make pillows for cancer patients, but they can be used for heart patients too,” Sheehan says. “They can be placed over your chest, under your arm, or behind your neck. I’ve seen how much comfort they bring.”
Dot Sheehan, founder of the Comfort Pillows for Patients Project
One of the women in the group is Irene Zaporowicz-Short, who received one of the pillows when she was undergoing treatment at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for breast cancer.
“I walked out with a pillow, and honestly, especially when you have all of the stitches and everything else, and your seatbelt,” Zaporowicz-Short says, “having that softness up against the seatbelt made a huge difference.”
Now, she gladly gathers with the women to pay her gift forward: “It makes you remember your journey and that you’re still here.”
Ginny Neugebauer chairs the project for the group. Last year, after the Women of St. Raymond made the pillows she delivered 40 of them to Lutheran General. They were given to patients within one month.
“We just never realized how a little think like a pillow could bring so much comfort to someone,” Neugebauer said. “It’s really rewarding for us.”
Tish Chapman serves as president of Women of St. Raymond. She was surprised when a communications specialist from the Chicago Archdiocese reached out to her about featuring the comfort pillows project in the Faith & Fellowship Highlight series.
“These stories celebrate our community’s dedication and impact,” Archdiocesan officials say, “showcasing our mission’s transformative power. These stories are designed to inspire and uplift, reminding us of the profound difference we make together.”
Chapman was thrilled to help the group get some recognition, she says, and she eagerly helped set up the interviews and video recording.
“Our ladies are very generous in giving of their time, talents and treasures,” Chapman says. “This was a very special way to affirm it. I have received positive feedback from our members as well as parishioners at large. I am very proud of our group.”
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