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Donor Family/Recipient Correspondence | Gift of Hope Donor Quilt
Inspirations: Tribute Book | Programs & Getting Involved | Reference
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How to make a patch
How to send your patch
Personal stories
 Honoring legacies and connecting lives, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network and its Donor Family Advisory Council are piecing together a quilt honoring the men, women and children who have given the gift of hope through organ and tissue donation. The purpose of the quilt is to help families pay homage to their loved ones' legacies, as well as extend the impact of their precious gifts through public awareness. Transplant recipients can also contribute quilt patches in honor of their donors.
As quilt panels are completed, they will travel throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana for display at public awareness events, memorials, meetings and other special events. The panels will remind the public of the gift that is organ and tissue donation, and of those who selflessly gave that gift and enabled others to live.
 The quilt patch should be an eight-inch square, allowing for a half-inch seam on all four sides (design should be within seven inches). It's very important that the patch meets size regulations so it can be included in the quilt without difficulty. If a patch does not meet requirements, it may be returned.
- Any fabric color or type is acceptable. You may wish to incorporate sentimental materials such as baby blankets, high school jackets, ties or favorite sweaters.
- Do not "finish" the patch with quilting or backing.
- Sew everything securely and avoid using glue, as it may dry out over time.
- Crayons, paint, permanent markers, glitter, thread or any other medium may be used to design the patch.
- The patch may also be adorned with photographs, poems, quotes and symbols, as well as names and dates. To include photographs on the patch, either laminate them or have a copy shop transfer them directly onto the fabric.
- If you wish to create a patch, but you are unsure of what to do, ask friends and relatives for input and help.
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- The best way to send a patch is through an insured carrier or registered mail.
- Enclose the patch in a zip-lock plastic bag to ensure that it arrives clean and safe.
- Take a picture of the patch before sending it to Gift of Hope so you will always remember your design.
- Include your name, address and phone number on a separate piece of paper and mail it along with your patch and/or story and a signed authorization form to:
Attn: Quilt Project
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network
660 N. Industrial Drive
Elmhurst, IL 60126-1520
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Every patch of the quilt represents a life and tells a story. We invite donor families and recipients to share stories about their patch designs, and what participating in the quilt project means to them. Stories will appear on this Web site, as well as in booklets that will travel with the quilt panels.
To include your story, please mail it along with your patch and completed authorization form. Story submissions must be 100 words or less.
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In addition to creating your Gift of Hope Donor Quilt patch, you may also wish to create a patch for Patches of Love, the National Donor Family Quilt.
For more information, click here. |
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