T a m m e D e L o s k e y
Q u i l t e r  A n d  C a n c e r S u r v i v o r

When life gives you a lemon, make lemonade.
When life gives you cancer—make
quilts?

Tamme DeLoskey had a busy professional
life as a nuclear technician when she received
her cancer diagnosis in 2007. She
underwent chemo and radiation, surgery,
and then chemo again.

After treatment, Tamme was unable to return to work.
Her job at Cooper had been given to someone else; and
her health problems made it unlikely that she could
learn a new one. She suffers from neuropathy in her
hands and feet, some equilibrium issues, and shortterm
memory problems.

The idea of quilting came to her during her second
round of chemotherapy when she received a prayer
quilt made by former co-workers. Tamme says, “It
means the world to me.“ And she called Melva Toy and
asked, “Why can’t we do this in our church?”
Tamme and Melva received inspiration and ideas from
the world-wide Prayers and Squares Ministry. Quilts
cannot be bought or sold; recipients must believe in
prayer; and you must receive permission from the recipient
before making the quilt.

Tamme can’t attend worship as often as she wants, but
she says that making quilts has opened up a new way to
serve. “It is my therapy. I never considered myself to
be a creative person, but this has helped me to think
outside the box.” She is now the stay-at-home mom
she always wanted to be, and she says making quilts
allows her to feel like a productive member of society.
Tamme says, “I hope my prayer quilts bring peace and
love and joy and blessings to others.” Tamme, YOU
bring us joy!


This was featured in The Proclaimer, February 7, 2010. 
The church bulletin for the Pitman Church of Christ