The Duncan Project: Quilt #99 Jaelyn Faye donated by Mary Duke and Terry Powell

Friday, January 15, 2021

Quilt #99 Jaelyn Faye donated by Mary Duke and Terry Powell

Quilt #99 was given to this adorable 9 year old girl Jaelyn Faye by Mary Duke and Terry Powell. The quilt was requested by previous quilt recipient Heather Welch.

This girl with the infectious smile has been dealing with the effects of her cancer for 4 years now. Heather Welch writes:

Jaelyn was diagnosed with a stage 3 supratentorial anaplasic ependymoma brain tumor July 17, 2017. She had a 6 hour surgery where they removed the entire tumor. Before and after surgery Jaelyn started losing mobility in the right side of her body. She then traveled to Seattle with her mom for treatment. They stayed at the Ronald McDonald house for 2 months while Jaelyn received 33 round of proton radiation. She goes to physical therapy to work on walking and waking up her right foot. She has very little mobility from her ankle to her toe. She has had clean scans since her surgery. She is 3 years cancer free! She now has MRI appointments every 6 months. With all that, this kid does not let all of this stop her from doing fun things with her family. You will see her running, ice skating, bike riding, doing gymnastics, singing and so much more! She's absolutely amazing!

She loves her purple quilt.

This little gal just inspires me. There is sunny love in the stitches for this amazing girl.

I also want to give a shout out to Mary Duke. She has been such an important part of The Duncan Project. I don't know the exact number she has donated but it is significant. In addition, she has inspired me to keep going. I remember one day when I came to her home with a quilt that I had machine quilted only to find out that the stitches were too loose. I knew I needed to unpick the entire back (hundreds of thousands of stitches). I was teary and my friend Mary grabbed two seam rippers and helped me unpick a large portion and sent me off with renewed energy to complete the quilt which became one of my favorites.

I am so grateful for all the talented quilters who has participated in The Duncan Project. You are my mentors, heros and friends. I have been richly blessed.

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The Beginning

The Duncan Project was conceived one day shortly after Duncan's passing while I was out walking the dog. At the time, I was praying and pleading for understanding and acceptance. One of the tender mercies I received was a very clear answer that it was God's will and that "it's okay." Armed with that knowledge, I looked for a way to process my own grief, while turning my heart to God and honoring Duncan. To learn the lessons Heavenly Father has for us and in response increase my love and support to those in need.

I remember distinctly two separate occasions in my life of great distress where I received a handmade quilt. These were not merely blankets for warmth (which in one instance was very much needed) but works of art. The best loving hands have to offer and I felt deeply comforted. I could feel the love in the stitches.

My mind started to contemplate if these quilts could be created as a comfort and a way to show love to those in time of joyful or difficult transition. Would this also be the means of healing for my broken heart? The Spirit whispered yes. I have invited close friends and family to join me in making quilts and identifying recipients. In this blog, I will tell the stories of givers and receivers. So the journey of a 100 quilts begins....