Crocheting
Comfort
By Dominique A. Salas, Ph.D.
Susan Apodaca weaves love into every beanie for cancer patients.
Beanie Basics
Location:
Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso Breast Care Center
Program Length:
Two Years
For a Beanie:
Contact Georgina Gonzalez,
Medical Clinic Supervisor, at
915.215.4002
Behind every donated cap crafted with care by Susan Apodaca is a heartfelt story of remembrance. Apodaca lost her younger sister, Myckey Lee Jones, to lung cancer in 2016.
“It’s an honor to donate these beanies,” said Apodaca. “Whoever receives one should know that they come from a place of love, in memory of my sister.”
Apodaca proudly carries forward the legacy of compassion her sister modeled. While battling cancer, Jones found the energy to crochet beanies for pediatric patients, despite being a single mother to five children and working multiple jobs.
Soft and breathable, crochet beanies are popular with cancer patients because they offer warmth and comfort, and protect sensitive skin during treatment.
When Apodaca lost her “big little sister,” she was devastated, but inspired to continue Jones’ mission.
“I knew I needed to do this,” she reflects, remembering shaving her sister’s head following chemotherapy. “I want patients to feel pretty, handsome and good.”
Dolores Juarez and her son, Che Juarez
“When my mother was offered her beanie at the Breast Care Center, she felt excited because people were doing something so amazing for people with cancer. She felt this would help everyone battling cancer feel a sense of joy,” said Che Juarez. “In the face of what she was going through, I was so happy to see her face light up upon learning how they’d been crafted. I also felt honored to select a beanie that was made with so much care and intention to uplift others’ spirits.”
Apodaca will be donating beanies for the Borderplex’s cancer warriors again this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I’m getting older, but I’m going to give back as long as I can,” she promises.
