Lapghans of Love came out of desperation to stay busy while I was home trying to survive back to back migraines. I wanted to do something for someone else instead of wallowing in self-pity as I tried my hardest not to give in and give up as I battled chronic migraines and eventually lost my job over it. In our local community, the hospital had just opened up an Alzheimer’s Unit, so I called them and asked if I could help out in any way possible. They stated that lapghans would be wonderful for the residents and would be more versatile than a full afghan. Since I’m not the worlds greatest crocheter by any means I love to make scrap blankets because I don’t have to follow a pattern, which I find very difficult, and my mistakes are not that visible.

Thanks to Stacy B who pushed me to post my dilemma in this forum. I am putting out a plea to all of PBS, not just those I know. We are asking for any yarn or yarn remnants that you no longer want/need. I am taking any type of yarn that you want to send. If it doesn't really go with a blanket for the Alzheimer patients, I'm using the others to make scarfs and maybe hats (if I can figure it out) to the battered women's shelter, cancer patients and to the less fortunate. Also, we just received our first donation of fleece and this is nice, because if takes less time to make the blanket. Also any fabric or batting that you don't want anymore we would be happy to take.

Also, if you would like to participate by creating lapghans, I would be very happy to take them. My goal is to one day have Lapghans of Love charter members in each state. But for right now there is just me. I haven't figured out the legalese of what I need to do with making this a successful not for profit program that benefits more than just the Alzheimer patients, but that will take some time.

This is near and dear to my heart as my grandmother suffered for over 10 years with Alzheimer's before she was finally able to pass away. Her brother had a much shorter bout with Alzheimer, but just as turbulent. Now, my father has Alzheimer. For those of you who don't know me, I'm a daddy's girl through and through. So watching my father go from a very intellectual man with Corey (nephew) being the only other person who could understand what he was talking about, even though the man who can't remember much, uses the wrong words and at times is just like a child. This transition is very scary for him and also us, who are his caretakers.

Let me know if your interested in donating any of the needed items and/or if you would like to submit some lapghans for the campaign.  At that time I will provide you with my address.

I appreciate all of you at PBS who has helped me so far. We are trucking right along and we just keep sending lapghans out to those who want to remember the days of yesteryear, but even more so, what they just ate!

Thank you so much.

Lori Longhurst

Hi Lori, 

     I just had to write to you and say what a great thing you are doing and how it will be much appreciated. I'm involved locally in something similar called Nice Knitters (we also crochet and sew).  We make shawls, laprobes, chemo-hats,baby hats, sweaters and blankets, mittens and hats for the homeless, toiletry bags(to hold stuff for abused women who have to leave home suddenly), Christmas stockings for children's homes, and various other things. The lady who started Nice Knitters keeps track of what each member makes and to which charity it is donated.  The local library where we meet accepts yarn donations.

    I am not in a position to send you yarn since ours is donated but I wanted you to know I support what you are doing. My dad died with Alzheimer's and my mom of Cancer so I can vouch for the great need and appreciation for what you are doing.  Good work!    Linda

Thank you, Linda, for your support and kind words.  I am sorry about your parents, but it sounds like you continue to honor their name by being a part of Nice Knitters.  They would be proud of you.  Also, all of those people that your group gives to is extremely grateful.  In my adult life, my children and I have been blessed by the generosity of others and you don't realize how thankful someone is for something as simple as a hat, until you are the receiver.

Keep up the awesome work and may your group continue moving forward.  Lori

Lori, I think it's wonderful what you are doing.  My grandmother suffered for many years with Alzheimers.  She loved soft things and would've loved a lapghan.  I'm pm'ing you for your address. 

Sending special thoughts to you & your family...

Thank you Sandi, I just PM'd you my address.  Thank you for your donation and I will make an extra soft one for your grandmother.