Caring Quilts is committed to providing beautifully designed, pieced, and machine-quilted quilts to patients at Banner Del Webb Hospital who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer, as well as to members of Grand Stitchers facing any type of cancer.
Founded in 2008 by member Jean Bradford, the program began when she enlisted a few sewing friends to create quilts for breast cancer surgical patients. What started as a small initiative quickly blossomed into something much larger. As the word spread, donations of fabric and supplies poured in, along with many members eager to participate. Soon, the quilters were hosting monthly workshops and multi-day retreats throughout the year. Now led by chair Diana Joy, Caring Quilts delivers an average of over 150 quilts annually to Banner Del Webb Hospital, totaling more than 1,500 quilts since its inception.
K9 Quilt of Honor was brought in under the Caring Quilt umbrella in 2024. These quilts recognize Law Enforcement, Military, Fire, and Search & Rescue working K9’s and their handlers, for their willingness to serve our community, and country, and stand in harm’s way. A “K9 Quilt of Honor” is presented when a K9 retires from service or is lost in the line of duty.
We have the AZ State Director, Shila Winkler, living right here in our community! She goes out personally to make presentations to honor these working K9’s. She says the best part of her volunteer work is getting to play with the K9’s after the formal presentation!
In the State of AZ, we have presented 15 quilts in 2024, 19 quilts in 2025, and 8 so far in January 2026! We are certain that as the Program gains traction, this number will grow and grow. Shila attends the Phoenix Quilt Shows and the Desert Dog K9 Trials in Scottsdale annually to bring awareness of this amazing Program.
“Every quilt can have literally dozens of pairs of hands touch it in the creation process,” Joy said. “From cutting and piecing fabric to quilting, binding and final packaging for delivery, every quilt is a team effort. Each is truly a one of a kind, just like the recipient.”
All members of Grand Stitchers are invited to participate. We have sewing and non-sewing roles for all skill levels, making it a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, socialize, and learn new skills. Participants can bring their own sewing machines or use those provided by the club, as long as they have been certified.