The physical, mental, and emotional challenges that cancer patients face are immense. In order to heal, one must go deep within to maintain positive thought patterns, intimate connections, and motivation to remain active in daily life. Knitting is a tool that provides assistance with all of this and more.

There are many proven health benefits of knitting that enhance the healing process for both cancer patients and their care partners. Research has shown that knitting lowers blood pressure and stress, reduces anxiety and depression, and combats loneliness. Knitting also provides patients with a much needed sense of control within their ever changing cancer journey.

Knitting can also be physically therapudic. Patients report that knitting reduces the tingling and numbness in the hands caused by neuropathy, and joint pain caused by common cancer medications. The repetitive nature of knitting also helps with memory loss and word finding difficulties commonly referred to as “chemo brain.” Knitting is also an excellent diversion to hospitalization, and gives patients a sense of usefulness and purpose by knitting items that can be donated to others facing cancer. 

Feeling inspired by these findings, I developed programs to help promote the physical, mental, and emotional wellness of both patients and their care partners. These programs not only teach knitting techniques, but also provide positive social interactions that are a wonderful source of friendship, support, and encouragement. Coupling these programs with modern medicine brings the focus to the whole person and not just the disease. 

To learn more about these programs click here, or click the “Programs” tab at the top of this page.