As the Program Coordinator for the Patient and Family Resource Center at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, I have had the pleasure of working with Tanya Parieaux, her wonderful volunteers and the Knit for Life™ program for the last 3 years.

Of the many programs and support activities we offer at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance I can say without a doubt that Knit for Life™ is not only our most successful and well-attended program, but also one that patients and families really look forward to and even plan their visits around!

There are many aspects of the program I think make it such a success. First and foremost is the high caliber of volunteers that Tanya recruits. They are knowledgeable, friendly, warm, accepting and understanding. Like Tanya, they all bring a passion for what they are doing to the group.

Learning to knit is a great skill for the patients and families to learn. It helps to pass time for patients receiving treatment and occupies a caregiver that is waiting for long hours. More important than the knitting however is the camaraderie of the group. Throughout the 2 hours a week that the Knit for Life™ group meets, it is not uncommon to hear chattering and laughter from the area in which they meet Many times it takes patients away from their treatments, worries and fears. Other times, not unlike a support group, they share their concerns and update the group on their progresses or failures. They are like family, the group understands. And like a family they laugh together, they cry together, they grow together. Most of all they have fun and learn to knit.

Tanya had a vision and a passion and through that has created a program that touches the lives of many people. She is a true leader, a great organizer and an asset to the cancer community.

Knit for Life™ is an invaluable program, one that the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and I are proud to be involved with.

Lisa Horton
Program Coordinator
Patient and family Resource Center
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance