A group of ladies from the First Baptist Church in George West made 50 pillows for patients who have recently had surgery as part of their treatment for breast cancer.

The pillows were presented to the staff of the Oncology floor at Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline in early October.

Mrs. Bobbie Rodriguez of George West, a breast cancer survivor, went through surgery at M.D. Anderson Hospital earlier this year. When she was discharged from the hospital, she was given a small pillow. The pillow is placed at the site of surgery to help protect the incision from chafing and pressure. Surgery sites for breast cancer patients are often rubbed by arms, seat belts, and clothing and can be very easily irritated.

Rodriguez was so touched and thankful for the gift of the pillow when she left M.D. Anderson, she wanted to give that experience to others.

She and her Sunday school class at First Baptist Church decided to make the pillows to donate. Fourteen women worked to make around 10 pillows a day and donated 50 pillows to Christus Spohn Shoreline.

The ladies made the pillows with straps so that they could be secured around the shoulder and be secure. The pillows are made with soft materials in several different shapes and patterns – even a few blue and green plaid ones for the men who are having surgery.

The group donated the initial 50 pillows to be given to any patient who needs them, with the promise of more to come whenever the hospital needs them. A small group of the ladies who made the pillows were able to visit the hospital and bring their gift directly to the patients. The ladies visited with a patient who had just had a double mastectomy and was very grateful for the pillows and prayers.

The women said they were very happy to be able to share their gifts and prayers with these patients.