Warm help: Neuss women sew pillows for breast cancer patients

Warm help: Neuss women sew pillows for breast cancer patients

in a small, lively fabric shop in Neuss, "Emmeline", around 30 women, while Uschi Hellmich, 63, cheered on with full energy: "Girls, we have a lot before! Today we have to sew at least 50 new pillows!" The atmosphere sprays from creative energy, while the women work between colorful fabric bales and sewing machines. Your mission? Sewing heart cushions that give women comfort after breast operations.

hearts for hope

since 2013 Hellmich and their team have already manufactured over 1000 of these special pillows and distributed them into hospitals in the Region. These hearts are not only pretty to look at, but also help to relieve the wounds after an operation. "Due to the heart shape, the pillows fit perfectly into the armpit," explains Hellmich. "In addition, we show with every heart: you are not alone. Every pillow is an individual gift, much more important than painkillers."

In Germany, around 70,000 women develop breast cancer every year, often combined with surgical interventions. The pillows, which are made in Neuss with a lot of passion, offer the women concerned not only physical but also emotional support. The idea originally comes from an American nurse and has now spread worldwide. There are numerous such initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia.

together against the pain

The women themselves bear the costs for the fabric, supported by donations so that the pillows remain free of charge for the patients. "I am a big fan of volunteering," says Hellmich enthusiastically while packing her finished hearts. "Here we have a great time together, everyone loves sewing - and at the same time we make others happy. What can there be better?" The pillows are a radiant example of solidarity and support in difficult times.