The National NeedleArts Association’s Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer Campaign
Brings the needlearts to the 6th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer.
Denver, CO (PRWEB) March 15, 2006
Before the Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer banner was secured to the front of TNNA’s booth, the table was flocked by eager young women — many as young as 20 — wanting to know more. “What is this?” “I’ve never seen anything like this.” “You mean, you’re going to actually teach me to stitch?” “I’ve been looking for something to do while I sit through chemo’ . . . this is perfect!”
The event was the 6th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer co-sponsored by Living Beyond Breast Cancer, TNNA’s non-profit partner in the campaign, and the Young Survival Coalition and was held February 24 – 26, 2006. Over 650 women— breast cancer survivors, supporters and health professionals — came together in Denver CO to learn valuable information, gather support and share their incredible spirit.
This year, TNNA shared the benefits and joy of needlearts with these courageous women, as well. Throughout the weekend, the Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer booth was surrounded by these new stitchers, as they enjoyed learning to knit, crochet, needlepoint and cross stitch during their breaks from the scheduled programming. A few only needed a refresher course as they had learned to stitch as children at their grandmothers’ knees. Most always wanted to know how but had never had the opportunity. Each of them walked away with a smile and a new-found passion for the needlearts.
Many women stopped by the booth just to share their stories about how stitching helped them get through some very difficult times. They talked about the emotional, spiritual and therapeutic benefits of the needlearts – how their knitting or needlepoint kept their fingers nimble and their spirits up during the long hours of treatment.
Local retailers Carole Jacobs of Ewenique Yarns and Denise Seale and twin sister Danielle of Cherry Tree Needlepoint came and brought along volunteers from their shops to help support the event. Joined by Pam Aman, an independent Yarn Sales Rep based in Denver, these TNNA members and customers shared their time and needlearts talents with what seemed to be a never-ending stream of enthusiastic new stitchers. “I’m amazed by the energy and vitality of these courageous young women,” commented Carole. “ . . . and they’re taking to stitching with a real excitement and determination!”
Several of the other exhibitors - organizations and individuals who provide valuable services to breast cancer survivors all over the country – also were excited about what we were offering and have asked to partner with us in their communities. “We really need Stitch to WIN to come to Tampa,” emphasized Stena Campagna, Outreach & FACTors Coordinator of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa FL. “This program is perfect for the people we support.” TNNA retailers in each specific area will be contacted and included in the planning of upcoming events.
Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer is a campaign created by TNNA to help fight the war against breast cancer through the needlearts. Retailers across the country are holding fundraising events in their own communities to reach existing customers, as well as new consumers, in support of this important cause. Proceeds from these events benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC. org).
TNNA is a non-profit trade organization established in 1974 and is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of needle arts, through trade shows, educational seminars, special events, public relations and professional programs that continue to meet the needs of the industry.
For more information on The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) please got to www. TNNA. org. Information about Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) can be found at www. LBBC. org
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