From Megan: Debby started making beautiful minky blankets for her family members about 10 years ago. “I learned how to make these blankets from a friend who was making one for her daughter. It takes me anywhere from 8-12 hours to make one blanket depending on the fabric that I use. I love to design and build this gift specially designed for that person knowing how much it will mean to them and bring them joy and happiness. For the people that I’ve made blankets for I made them to match their personality. The blankets that I’ve made for strangers or kids I have never met, I try to design them to be fun with bright colors. I love seeing the reaction I get from people when they see them for the first time. I like to see the happiness it brings them with that initial reaction. I also like knowing that I gave them this gift when they are feeling down. They can see the blanket…and that it will continue to bring them happiness.”

Debby learned about Katie’s disease (Multiple Hereditary Exostoses) about 4 years ago when Debby, Melissa (her daughter), myself (Katie’s sister) and Katie went on a road trip to San Diego.  Melissa and I were going to go to an NFL game. Katie had never been to California so she wanted to go and see the ocean and spend time with their older sister whom lived there. Debby was going to stay with her mother since her father had recently passed away and she wanted to provide her with company. On the drive to San Diego, Katie started suffering a lot of pain in her leg from a tumor that was growing. She tried to hold back the tears but after a couple hours she just couldn’t any more. Her pain was at an 8.5 and sitting in the car was not helping. We stopped at a grocery store and bought her anything and everything they thought would help her with the pain. It was a very very long drive for them. When I joined the family a couple years ago, Debby found out that Katie was having to go through another surgery. She thought how perfect a blanket would be for her and decided to make one for a Christmas present right before another surgery. This was the first time Debby made one for someone that was not immediate family. Katie LOVED the blanket. Her favorite color is purple and she is obsessed with soft, fuzzy objects.  She took it to Shriners hospital and cuddled with it constantly. It is now almost like a security blanket. It goes everywhere with her. It is there with her when she doesn’t feel well. Every time she comes and sleeps over at my house she brings it with her. It is something she will cherish for years and years.

 

From Gina: When Megan met us this past summer, Debby learned about Ava, Oskar and Lucy. Over time, Megan would share stories of what our three children were going through. At Christmas time, Megan called me and asked if they could stop by to drop of a few gifts. When Megan gave the three children their own personalized blanket, I cried my happy tears. Justin said, “This is one of the nicest gifts we have ever received.”

The children grabbed their blankets and cuddled in them for the rest of the afternoon. The blankets from Debby have been used every day in our home. Every single person that visits our home notices them right away. They are absolutely beautiful and we feel very blessed to have Debby, Megan, Melissa and Katie as part of our RUN family.

Thank you, Debby, for the gift of love, your beautiful blankets and your wonderful family.

Much love,

Gina