Source: poster by Wladyslaw Teodor Benda, 1918, Red Cross Museum
Leprosy patients are treated so abominably and shunned by others—one of those horrors in the world that most people do not want to think about. I discovered a way to help via Linda at Touching Others With Leprosy blog. Last year the Junie Moon Bandage Brigade made 69 bandages. When laid out end-to-end, we created 276 feet of love.
You can use this badge on your blog.
Bandages are inexpensive and super easy to knit. Making even one bandage will help someone who is suffering and is something you can do while watching a movie.
Finished bandages are hand-delivered to leprosy villages in Vietnam by non-profit, 501(c)(3) veteran organizations such as such as Development of Vietnam Endeavors (D.O.V.E.) and Tours of Peace Vietnam Veterans (TOP). If you do not knit or crochet but want to help in some way, you can go directly to these sites to make a monetary contribution.
Each bandage is a blessing of love for those afflicted with leprosy. Gauze bandages don’t last and can’t be washed. Our knit or crochet bandages can be laundered and re-used by the patients—a “green” effort if you want to look at it that way.
Sign Up
Amanda Cathleen's daughter Corra made this sweet tag to accompany her bandages last year.
Please leave a comment on this post and then email me (link is in right-hand column) with your name, mailing address, and blog or Flickr URL (having an online presence is not required). I’ll post a list of participants and link to your blog—when your bandages are received, I’ll note that next to your name.
You can see the list of 2008's big-hearted participants here.
Pattern Instructions
There are new requirements this year for the size yarn due to climatic issues in Viet Nam. So those of you already knitting away (like me), don’t worry—your bandages are still needed. Click here for the pattern instructions.
Deadline
Bandages should be at my house by February 14 so I can package and ship them to Linda. Please remember it takes about 4–5 days for mail to arrive in Tucson from the east coast and then I need to mail the aggregate out.
Resources
Source: Photo by Dub Scroggin
- Bandage Knit/Crochet Instructions
- D.O.V.E.
- “Leprosy Today” at the World Health Organization Organization
- TOP
- Touching Others With Leprosy blog
11 comments:
Sign me up, June! I'll try to get at least one done!
Whops... I was really behind in comments. But reread all the blogs I'd missed and now... I can comment. Isn't that pathetic??
I'm going to have to skip the Bandage Brigade this year. I am in over my head. Just got an email about the next Photoshop class... registration opens tonight and it starts... next week??? It's not self-paced like the class I'm taking now. Which means assignments to turn in, etc. But, it's one of my goals for 2009.
I used to play bridge... in HS, college, then Couples Bridge and then belonged to a bridge club. But I haven't played in 20+ years. Good for you for jumping in... in your cashmere turtleneck.
I loved Ayn Rand and read her books during my college years. I should go back and reread them. I loved The Fountainhead!!
We used to play battleship alot. Growing up, games were one of our biggest indoor activities. Such fun memories.
Now that I've taken up a hunk of your comment space... I'll give you a virtual hug and see what my husband's up to.
Joni
I'm in! I kept at it during the year in between other projects, so I'm planning on sending you twelve.
bless your heart June. I would think the yarn should not be synthetic though or can the skin tolerate a synthetic material? I haven't knit in years ... I'll follow that link you gave and see if they accept PayPal.
I love that you're doing this incredibly kind gift -- and spreading the word too.
Junie:
I read your post and was struck dumb. My dear Grandma Leezie, who was born in 1898, and passed away 1994, knitted these bandages all the time. I would NEVER had thought that this need continued in this day and age. She did this 50+ year ago!!
Definately put me down to do some -- for those in need, and the memory of my sweet Grandma.
Many thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory,
Bonnie
I wish I could knit/crochet but I never learned, so I'll have to contribute to the cause monetarily through the links, June. It's fantastic that you are contributing bandages again this year!
Hugs, Pat
I want to knit at least one of the bandages. Will do more if it goes fast. I've been knitting prayer shawls recently, so this will be a change.
So good to have you back - I always check your blog first thing -always so interesting!
Jane
This post inspired me to write my own post about making leprosy bandages as a child and again as a result of this post. You can read it at craftnectar.com. In the mean time you can count on me for one. Thanks for the memories.
June, I will try to get one done too! What a great idea--I never knew this need was there! (p.s. I found your post via craft nectar blog....)
My friend Connie (http://sweetconnie64.blogspot.com) and I decided to make bandages in a knit-in next Sunday. Count us in for at least 2!
I just found your post; I will attempt to finish a bandage and get it to you before Feb. 14. Thanks for organizing this! I was looking for a new project last night and here you are.
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