The Cushion Story

Breast Cancer Comfort Cushions was set up by Paula Summerfield in late 2002 after undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

Paula had an experience some years before which gave her the desire to do 'something' for breast cancer patients. It took a while for the idea to come to fruition, but in 2002 the circumstances finally came together for her.

After using a cushion in hospital to bring some physical comfort to the wound, she felt that being a Christian who loves needlework, she would use her gifts and abilities to benefit other women in the same situation as herself.

Within days of returning home from hospital Paula began sewing. Since then Breast Cancer Comfort Cushions 'grew like Topsy'. By 2007 BCCC had sewing groups from the Latrobe Valley to the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and onwards to Geelong. Paula has also assisted the set-up of other independent groups throughout Australia and even overseas, most recently in Holland, Mexico and South Africa, as the result of ladies receiving the Gift.

Although she began the project and administers the work, Paula has not worked alone. Along with Paula, a wonderful team of volunteer women (and a couple of men!) enthusiastically do all the work required to produce these lovely free gifts, making it their project too.

We hear many heart-warming stories, some of which bring tears to our eyes, helping us appreciate our own friends and families even more.

From late 2002 until December 2005 the West Gippsland area, through their several sewing groups, had made and given away 1000 'Gifts of Comfort' and demand is increasing with 721 having been distributed in 2006 and over 800 in 2007.