// tabnab protection window.addEventListener('load', function () { // make all links have rel="noopener noreferrer" document.querySelectorAll('a[target="_blank"]').forEach(link => { link.setAttribute('rel', 'noopener noreferrer'); }); }); -->
Join

Woodbridge Woman’s Club brings comfort to Sentara cancer survivors

Members of Woodbridge Woman’s Club donate handmade heart pillows to Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center. (L to R): WWC members Donna Meyer, Phyllis Zimmerman, Mary Ann Nolton, Lucy Williams, and Sentara Cancer Nurse Navigator Heather Byrne.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center press release: Dedicated volunteers from the Woodbridge Woman’s Club (WWC) gather twice a month at the Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center on the campus of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) to put their sewing talents to work creating heart-shaped pillows and other comfort items. Crafted by hand and made with love, these pillows are given free of charge to Sentara cancer and surgery patients. The Health and Wellness Pillow Making Project began as a volunteer-driven, community service project to help support individuals facing cancer diagnoses. People find relief from acute pain by holding the pillows to their chests. Just as importantly, they find reassurance in knowing that people care. “The specific shape of these pillows is designed to be not only comfortable but a visible reminder of the love and support going out to people who are dealing with a cancer or other serious medical diagnosis,” said Sentara Cancer Navigator Heather Byrne. “Every person who receives one of these beautiful pillows is touched to know its origin.”

WWC member Phyllis Zimmerman launched the project nine years ago and continues to sew to this day.  The tally of heart pillows created last year was 170 and the dedicated WWC craftswomen estimate that well over 1,000 pillows have been created since they began the project.

“Nine years ago, I was the chairperson of what was called the Home Life section of the Woodbridge Woman's Club. Our club president at the time asked me to find a project that would be of value in the community. I discovered these pillows that I thought we could make. They are helpful to women with breast cancer because the long ties on the pillow allow you to easily carry it with you, and by adjusting the ties, you can position it under your arm to bring relief where you might be feeling very tender,” explained Zimmerman.

While the pillows were originally made for those with breast cancer, now they are gifted to people coping with various forms of cancer, to radiology patients, and most recently to heart patients receiving care at SNVMC.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

Recent Stories

A Prince William County Supervisor is calling for a review of how the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park contribute to the operation of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, citing concerns about equity as the office expands its public service offerings and technology footprint.

You’ve heard it before: Location, Location, Location. But according to seasoned Realtor Mark Worrilow, that old real estate rule just doesn’t cover it anymore.

The Fredericksburg Area Council of Garden Clubs and the City of Fredericksburg celebrated the 37th Annual Arbor Day on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a special tribute to local environmental champions Anne and Carl Little, along with the organization Tree Fredericksburg.

The Manassas City School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 8, opened with a series of uplifting spotlights showcasing the accomplishments of students and staff across the school division. From regional…

Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:

After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”

Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

×

Subscribe to our mailing list