3.06.2016

Ohana - Ohana Means Family - The Battle Against Breast Cancer

Why Ohana? Ohana means family in the Hawaiian culture. No, I'm not from Hawaii, and I have only been to visit a couple of times, however my family has some pretty strong Hawaiian ties. When my mom was growing up her grandparents moved from Idaho to Hawaii to help build BYU Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center, this was supposed to be for just a couple of years, but they fell in love with Hawaii, the people and the culture, so much that they stayed there for over 20 years. So, my mom's childhood was filled with trips to Hawaii to visit their grandparents and later her sister and other family. 

Last fall, one of my cousins came up with the idea that for our grandma's birthday we should have a family quilt block exchange. She thought it would be fun to make big, 20" quilt blocks, 2 different patterns in a particular fabric line, each make a bunch of blocks and then swap them for grandma's birthday! My mom came to me with the idea and asked me if I would design a pattern that could be our family block exchange. So, I created this fun, Ohana Quilt. We decided to use Prairie fabric by Cory Yoder for Moda Fabrics.

Each of us made at least 9 blocks, some of us are still working on finishing them, but when we get them all complete, we'll all sew our tops together. 
I'm still working on my quilt, but I can't wait to share it when it's all complete.

I've been keeping this design to just our family ever since I designed it. I absolutely love the pattern, but because I had created it just for our family exchange I knew that it needed a special purpose.

After coming up with the idea for the Battle Against Cancer blocks, I knew this quilt was the perfect quilt to go along with that series. What better way for all of my family to help my mom fight!

The quilt blocks are all 20", so with the sashing the quilt finishes at about 69" square, if you wanted it bigger you could easily make more blocks, or add a border. 

The Ohana PDF pattern is available for purchase for $10.00 and I will be donating 100% of the proceeds to my mom, Kathleen Whiting to help her with this fight against Breast Cancer. 


*****

Thank you again to all of you who have supported my mom in this cause. I wanted to share a few more thoughtful and supportive notes from this amazing quilting community, oh, and I love reading about all of the survivors!!!


Sending my best wishes to you and your mum and all your family. - Lynn, Great Britain

Best wishes to Kathleen. I survived 2 bouts with breast cancer and am still quilting! - Judy, Colorado

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for your mother and for you to find strength and encouragement to be there to support. - Darlene, California

Prayers and Thoughts for your Mom & You! May she feel the love of the quilting community. - Julie, Arizona

I hope your mother will recover. - Vivi, Denmark

I am keeping your Mom in my thoughts as she recovers from her surgery and a big hug for you. - Deb, California

Best wishes for a full recovery for your Mom. - Rose, California

Natalia - This year I'll celebrate 9 years of being cancer-free. I'm hopeful for your mom and will keep you and your family in my thoughts. Hugs. - Lisa, Oregon

Best wishes to your mom! - Melinda, Washington

My sister has stage 4 breast cancer. We believe she will beat it. Good luck and God bless your mother and the entire family. - Joanne, Idaho

Best wishes to your mother for a quick recovery! - Mary, Arizona

3 comments:

  1. Love this pattern and the meaning behind it. I'm with you in this journey , my mother in law was just diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan. As well she had mammogram in dec., lump removed in Jan., and lymph node removed feb. She starts radiation monday so I send lots of hugs your way.

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  2. Healing and encouraging thoughts are on their way from Ohio to your mom and the rest of her family. I love your ideas to raise money and am about to purchase this great pattern. Keep us posted on your mom's progress.

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  3. love the pattern. Best of luck for your family and hope your mom does well.

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