When the world seems like it's falling apart, it's important to remember the good people can bring amid brokenness.
One such tragedy was when 25-year-old Minnesotan Peter Stachowicz passed away from a rare brain tumor (anaplastic astrocytoma) six years ago. He was a talented hockey and baseball player who also loved fishing and traveling.
And during the summers, he'd spend time with his grandparents at Lake of the Ozarks.
Don and MaryAnn DeFoy would host at their Lake house in Camdenton, where Pete and his sister loved being on the water. They would boat, swim, tube, and of course fish. Then on Sundays, the family would attend Camdenton Bible Baptist Church.
Pete only lasted 18 months after he was diagnosed. Yet, his family said he never gave up hope.
That sentiment sparked a nonprofit. The Peter Stachowicz Foundation is a Minnesota-based non-profit that offers cancer patients support, comfort, and hope by donating homemade, crocheted blankets.
Many things encouraged Pete through his cancer journey, but something special was a donated crocheted blanket to the Monticello Cancer Center. It touched him personally, while keeping him warm after radiation treatments and during the winter.
"When we tried to find a way to honor Pete after his death, blankets were the perfect answer! Our nonprofit has donated almost 700 blankets in the three years our foundation has been in existence," said Sandie Stachowicz, his mother. "Each blanket is made, washed, sanitized, and sealed in a bag ready for patients to use. Each is numbered and named with a memory of Pete—a sport he played, place he visited, or even an inside family joke. It has a card with Pete's story and the message to never give up hope!"
Last month, Sandie though it would be a fitting tribute to stop by the Lake Regional Cancer Center. They donated 15 blankets to bring comfort and hope to patients. Small things like this can bring joy during a difficult journey. It shows someone cares.
People like Sandie, and all the crocheting angels, show goodness in a world that's dark. For more information about the nonprofit or to donate, visit petesblankets.com
