Pillows Aid Breast Cancer Patients, Making Them Helps Overcome Grief

DENNISVILLE – “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is a proverbial phrase to encourage optimism and a positive, can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. For two local women, it’s what they do when friends need help. 
When Debi Papperman was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in May, she asked her friend Doreen Verity if she would consider making a pillow that could act as a cushion for mastectomy and breast reconstruction sites.
“My grandmother used to make them for women with breast cancer,” Papperman, a school nurse, said, “and I remember how helpful they were for patients.”
The pillows look similar to cushions used on airplanes to support a neck for sleeping, Papperman said. Her long-time friend knew how to sew, so Papperman asked Verity if she would help.
“I had no clue what she was asking me to do at the time,” Verity admitted, “so I went online and did some research. I made one really quickly and asked Debi if she would be my guinea pig as I tried making them.”
The timing of Papperman’s request couldn’t have been better, as Verity was struggling with the sudden death of her teenage grandson. “I was still in shock six months later,” Verity said, “and this gave me a purpose. It was something I could invest myself in and do, and gave me an opening to see the light.”
Today, Verity has made nearly 300 pillows that have been given to breast cancer patients around the area.
“I had three requests that I made before making them,” Verity said, “First, I requested they be given free, and they are. Second, they each have a Bible tract on them, which is a folder that tells a Bible story. Third, they also each have a witness pin, which has colored beads on it. Those beads can be used to tell how Jesus can be your Savior.
“I told Debi that God gave me a purpose, a reason for going on,” she added, “and I get the blessings of doing this. It gives me comfort to be able to help.”
Papperman said the U-shaped pillows could be used to cushion the spots where chemo ports are placed in the upper chest area, to help soften the tightness of a seat belt across the chest, and to help raise the arms up for relief. “I am always giving them out when I go for treatment and to doctor’s visits,” she said.
One thing Verity said she quickly realized was that men get breast cancer as well, so she had to revise her designs and colors to include “manly,”  or more neutral fabrics and colors.
“Sewing these pillows fills a gap for me,” Verity said. “You don’t ever get over a death of a loved one, but God has given me a purpose. This gives me comfort to be able to help.”
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.