Our Story:
Jennifer Bystricky was inspired to found Knitting for Cancer Inc. in 2019, two years after her mother, Linda Coffman, fought a courageous battle with cancer. Linda had breast cancer which spread to her lungs. Jennifer was her caregiver until the end, April 16, 2016. Linda’s loving and caring spirit lives on through Jennifer and Knitting for Cancer Inc.
For three years, Jennifer witnessed all aspects of suffering from cancer as her mom’s caregiver. She first knitted a hat for her mom who was having trouble sleeping because pillowcases were scratching her head, leaving slits in her tender skin. She learned about the pain and burning sensation that her mom experienced. Treatment rooms are kept at lower temperatures to prevent the spread of germs, and warriors become extremely cold. The hats and blankets help keep warriors warm.
After her mom passed, she found herself with no one to knit for. To ease her fibromyalgia, she began knitting hats thinking her church would get them to the proper donation sites. The church suggested starting a ministry, but the ministry requires splitting donations with the church. Thus, was the birth of Knitting for Cancer Inc, where 100% of donations are spent benefiting cancer warriors. On February 28, 2019 she started the paperwork, and on March 15, 2019 it was approved as 501(c)(3).
At Knitting for Cancer Inc, every donation is put back into the organization; everyone is a volunteer. The organization has hundreds of volunteers. In five years we’ve brought comfort to over thirty thousand of cancer warriors. Help us warm these special warriors with a donation from you. Donations cover purchasing the materials to deliver the comfort packages directly to cancer warriors and cancer centers all over the world.
Knitting for cancer is a 100% nonprofit organization that knits/crochets hats and blankets for cancer warriors
(using the softest yarn on the market.) Cancer treatment often leaves warriors feeling cold from head to toe and it causes sensitive skin.
Comfort With a Personal Touch
Knitting for Cancer is all about making warriors warm and comfortable. It’s about bringing comfort during a trying time. Warriors love receiving a hand-made gift and knowing that someone cares. Knitting for Cancer Inc. is experiencing its growth due to the tremendous dedication from Knitting for Cancer Team and Volunteers. Teaching knitting classes has led to the expansion of four classes including teaching inmates at Grafton Correctional Institute and growing.
Jennifer and her team deliver comfort packages to cancer centers as well as cancer warriors individually. If you know someone who could benefit from Knitting for Cancer Inc., please fill out our form here. We will deliver a comfort package to your cancer warrior:
Knitting for Cancer In The News:
Jennifer's knitting programs
Jennifer teaches how to knit using a loom she provides. She teaches four classes and counting, including how to knit hats and blankets, and learning new designs. All skill levels are welcome. It’s a great way to meet people while contributing to an important cause. This program benefits both parties: goods are made for donation and the people who knit receive personal reward for the work they produced.
One program for knitting is at Grafton Correctional Institution. At GCI, an inmate first earns the right to enter the program. Several men are currently in the knitting program. The inmates cite benefits such as: team building, concentration, learning how to give back to their community, sharing in a community, and spreading cheer to others. They loved it so much that other gifted inmates painted the Knitting for Cancer Inc. logo on a wall.
Another program is having Jennifer teach knitting at senior living facilities and nursing homes. At one senior living complex a woman said, “It saves us from some of the stressful drama here.” It keeps their minds active and enables them to socialize with others. It creates and builds a special community for them.
Teaching individuals and prisoners to knit goes far beyond knitting hats and blankets for warriors. These activities of togetherness lowers blood pressure and is a coping mechanism for many to keep their minds off their current situation. It provides conversation and a community environment to their otherwise lonely state.
Knitting for Cancer Inc. is all about helping more than just cancer warriors, we’re helping seniors, prisoners, and others by doing our teaching classes.
