"We appreciate this stuff," said Julie Quinn, the Voluntary Assistant at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. On Thursday, May 15, 2014, we dropped off two boxes filled with 18 men's hats and 9 shawls at the VA Hospital.

As it has been with most of our donation spots, members in our group are connected to the VA Hospital and have had loved ones treated there.

Amy, Aurora, Axel, Josey, Jenn and Tesha (not pictured) make the delivery at the VA Hospital on May 15, 2014.

Julie Quinn - What a lovely lady!

Julie isn't sure if she's paying it forward or backward. "We had 23 more years with my dad because of the care he got here," Julie said, "and 12 more years with my brother because of the care he got here." She's been an employee there for 18 years, and figures she needs to be there at least 35 years to pay the place back! Recently, her son-in-law was treated at the VA hospital. "I am going to be here forever," Julie said with a laugh.

Julie informed us that items that are red, white and blue are most popular with the vets and their families. We will start collecting red, white and blue yarns, and ask you all later this year to focus on making items in those colors so that we can make another donation to the VA (maybe in December?). Julie noted that shawls and lap blankets are very popular, and they go through many. She encouraged us to make them in large sizes because the laps of veterans aren't small.

"Caregiver stuff is so important," agreed Amy Pass.

There is also a 10-bed hospice facility at the VA campus. "We provide the families with comfort bags," said Julie.

Another program at the VA provides more support to caregivers within 40 miles of the VA. Volunteers go to the homes of patients and hang out there so that the caregiver can get a break.

The arms of the VA stretch out in hundreds of ways. Some of the hats donated through volunteer services wind up heating the heads of young, homeless vets, those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. When they returned, they weren't able to adjust, and now roam the streets.

The radiation treatment at the VA is cutting-edge. When it was purchased, they demanded different equipment than what was being used at the other VAs in the country. Their equipment has a removable piece so that as the area affected by cancer gets smaller, the amount of radiation going in is less and less.

ABOUT THE VA HOSPITAL

According to its web site (http://www.minneapolis.va.gov):

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System hosts one of the largest and most active research programs in the VA health care system. There are currently over 160 scientists and investigators conducting 550 research projects.  Research projects carried on by these investigators cover the gamut of human disease with emphasis on brain physiology, Alzheimer's disease, vascular disease (pulmonary hypertension, abdominal aneurysms), infectious disease (influenza, urinary tract infections), diabetes mellitus (basic biochemistry and clinical management), outcomes-based research (HSR&D)  (sexual harassment, tobacco addiction, PTSD, and polytrauma), heart disease, prostate and colon cancer, hematologic malignancies,  chronic pain,  schizophrenia, addictive disorders, Gulf War syndrome, hepatitis C, traumatic brain injury,  and chemical dependency.

When it comes to cancer, the Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.

There are about 30 new patients weekly at the VA. Providers there have approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.

The department has 8 Medical Oncologists, 4 Physician Assistants, 2 Oncology pharmacists, an Oncology Patient Navigation Team consisting of 1 RN and 1 Program Support Assistant, and multiple RNs, LPNs and Clerical staff providing service in the Hem-Onc Clinic (3V) and Oncology Infusion Clinic (3F). In addition, the Oncology Team has a Social Worker, a Dietitian, and an integrated network with Specialty Care services.

The Minneapolis VA Medical Center hosts an annual Cancer Survivor's Day celebration that takes place in the fall.

The view from the main lobby is incredible, although it is under construction right now. We could only see what it looks like from the second floor.

A display of flags educates folks on how our national flag has evolved through the years.

The parking lot was full of these.

A puzzle in progress in one of the lobbies.

The Fisher House is like the Ronald McDonald house. While their loved ones are being treated at the VA hospital, family members can stay at the Fisher House for free. We are going to look into donating to them in the future.

department has 8 Medical Oncologists, 4 Physician Assistants, 2 Oncology pharmacists, an Oncology Patient Navigation Team consisting of 1 RN and 1 Program Support Assistant, and multiple RNs, LPNs and Clerical staff providing service in the Hem-Onc Clinic (3V) and Oncology Infusion Clinic (3F). In addition, the Oncology Team has a Social Worker, a Dietitian, and an integrated network with Specialty Care services to meet your every need. - See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

Allison Spicher exuberantly praised the two boxes of hats we dropped off at the Minneapolis Hope Lodge on Thursday, May 15, 2014. "They are beautiful!" she said. "They look really warm."

Spicher told us they would make great prizes during Bingo that evening. Plus, they will put the hats out in the box where guests can look through them at their leisure.

We delivered 74 hat and 1 scarf to the Richard M. Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Minneapolis on Thursday, May 15, 2014. Left to right: Aurora, Amy, Josey, Axel, Tesha & Jenn.

Adults receiving cancer treatments in the Twin Cities area who reside 40 miles away can receive free lodging at the Hope Lodge in Minneapolis.

Team Yarn made its first donation to the Minneapolis Hope Lodge in Minneapolis in February 2013, and surprisingly (to us) Debbie Nelson, our tour guide from before, recalled our group.

"I just think the Hope Lodges are such a great deal," remarked Team Yarn co-founder Amy Pass during our visit. "It's totally impressive."

Debbie Nelson of the Hope Lodge noted that last year was the first year that the Minneapolis facility has been self-sustaining, and they hope that continues.

Learn more about the free services offered at Hope Lodge that we learned about on previous visits here.

Jenn carries in a box of hats.

Cousins Amy and Jenn

Allison Spicher admires our donation.

"We're the family you didn't really want to have," said Debbie Nelson.

It was fun to see the courtyard in the spring, as our last donation was made during the winter. A group of volunteers had planted items just the night before our visit, and it looks gorgeous!

Our group with Debbie Nelson (left) and Allison Spicher (right).

Today Team Yarn reached 1,099 total donated items!! 

Amy and I are SO PROUD of this Team.
On this momentous day, we received a lovely message in our Team Yarn Facebook page email: "This is such a tender, compassionate act of love. Thank you to each of you who commit your time and heartfelt talent to make someone's journey a little less cold. Inspired." ~Jane N.

Team Yarn received a THANK YOU e-mail on April 1!! 

From Deanna L. in Rochester:
I want to thank you for the beautiful hat that you knitted it is MN gophers colors and I love it. I am on my second day of radiation and did not remember a hat from home. It is a little cool outside so I will wear your hat today to walk from Hope Lodge to the Mayo for my treatments. Have a Great Day!! Deanna

Two years in a row, Karen Aalund and her students from Northeast Metro School District #916 have donated hats to Team Yarn's efforts.

In March 2013, our first year, they sent us over 93 hats. This past February, they donated 48. That's a total of 141 hats in two years, making them our largest single contributor! Wow!

What makes this even more amazing is that these students have their own challenges and face a variety of various disabilities and mental health needs. Yet, they are choosing to give back to their greater community. These individuals with needs of their own are recognizing that others have health needs, and they want to help, to show their support. It makes me teary-eyed every time I think of their work.

I chatted recently with Karen via email about their contributions. Here's what she had to say:

All of my students have either a cognitive disability, emotional disability, or mental health need.  They are an amazing group of students who work hard and enjoy learning.  I teach a class called PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System).  It is a simulated work environment where students complete a variety of different work tasks.  At the end we have a good idea of what their skills and interests are, so they can find employment that match those skills and interests.  As part of our school, we focus on professional development of students.  Part of what I thought of as professional development was giving back of ourselves and our time.  Another staff offered to lend me her looms and teach me how to knit so I could then teach my students.  Between buying some yarn and having some donated we were off and running.  When I began the venture, I figured I would call around and see who was in need of hats.  At the time, I lived in Isanti and was reading the local paper and saw that Team Yarn was collecting hats, mittens, scarves and donations could be dropped off at a local real estate office.  I thought “Perfect!”  I didn’t know at the time that a colleague, Kelli McCully, was part of Team Yarn.  After our first donation she contacted me to say “Thank you.”  All I could think of was what a small world we live in.

The students are given a choice to knit or take part in other volunteer activities.  This year all chose to knit.  They find that it’s something that they can do without too much difficulty.  They say that it’s relaxing and something they can do at home while watching TV.  Since they are not my looms, I don’t allow them to go home with the students, but some end up buying looms to continue the activity after our Month of Service.  Last year I had a student who was very gender-biased in his thinking and thought knitting was for girls.  I didn’t make him knit, but after he heard everyone rave about how fun it was, he gave it a try.  He loved it and was able to complete a hat.  His mom was thrilled, as she had looms at home and had tried in the past to get him to attempt it, but with no success.  I see the value in this activity because the students recognize that they are able to give something of themselves to others in need. No matter what their disability, all have found success knitting and they feel proud of their accomplishments.  They learn a life-long activity that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.  Some decided to make an extra hat for a friend or relative that was having a birthday.  I also like that they see the project through from beginning to end. 

I think it’s a great thing that you all do and will continue the tradition of donating to Team Yarn. 

Karen Aaland (Green hair) and her EA (blue hair).  Students were able to choose a color to spray their hair for reaching their goals in the #s of hats knitted and lbs. of food donated.