Conkerr Cancer is an organization that makes pillowcases for hospitalized children.  Over 930,000+ pillowcases have been delivered to hospitalized children in just seven years to 250 hospitals, creating 'miles of pillowcase smiles' for the children and their parents.  Thousands of volunteers around the world, are joining together to brighten the lives of these children with a simple act of kindness by making cheerful and kid friendly pillowcases.  

Cindy Kerr, from Pennsylvania, started making fun and bright pillowcases for her son Ryan to use when he was receiving chemotherapy treatments. She started making them for other kids receiving treatments.... and Conkerr Cancer was 'born.'  Cindy Kerr even won Martha Stewart's first 'Dreamers into Doers' award of $10,000.00 in 2007!                                   

There are 3 hospitals in our region that are participating in this program:

- Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN; the pillowcase drop off location is Hancock Fabrics in Kingsport.

- Niswonger Children's Hospital in Johnson City, TN; the drop off location is Hancock Fabrics in Johnson City.

- Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA; the drop off location is Jeannine's Fabric and Quilt Shop in Abingdon.

Each pillowcase uses ¾ yard of fabric for the pillowcase and 1/3 yard for the border.  The website  conkerrcancer.org has directions for making a standard pillowcase; they must be washed, (preferably in unscented detergent, and without using fabric softeners or fabric dryer sheets) and packaged in Ziploc bags. The children get to take home their pillowcase after they are discharged.  Won't you join us?  It's amazing how much a cheery and colorful pillowcase can brighten up a child who is hospitalized!