Welcome

What is a port-a-cath?

A port-a-cath is a small port placed beneath the skin of a chemotherapy patient. This enables doctors and nurses easier access to the patient's veins and is also less uncomfortable on the patient. 

However, wearing a seatbelt is often uncomfortable as the port is placed right along the seatbelt path. A Port-A-Cath Pillow attaches to the seatbelt to protect the port from irritation.

Who are we supporting?

We are currently supporting the Texas Oncology Centers of Keller, Grapevine, and Bedford, and  Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints in Fort Worth.  

Please remember, we need pillows for both male and female patients. 

Pattern Materials

• Cotton fabric (two 5 1/2” x 9” rectangles)
• Sew-in Velcro (5⁄8-inch width)
• Polyester fiberfill 

Directions

1. Cut two pieces of fabric into rectangles that measure 5 1/2” x 9”. 
2. Cut 2 pieces of Velcro that measure 4” each.
3. Layer the two pieces of fabric right sides together with the velcro strips in the middle. (ensure the velcro are facing so they will attach to one another)
4. Sew all the way around, leaving a 1.5” opening for turning. 
5. Turn the fabric right side out.

Directions

Using cardstock, print the two pattern pieces and tape together. Seam allowance is already included.

Cut out the heart shape.

Take one Fat Quarter and fold in half, right sides together.

Trace the shape of the heart on the wrong side of the Fat Quarter, using a pen, pencil, or marker.

Cut out the hearts and sew together, leaving an opening on one of the straight sides for turning.

Turn right side out.

Stuff firmly with Poly-fil.

Sew opening closed.

Memory Box Liners for Cook Children’s Medical Center

Cut: 12-inch squares of solid pastel color cotton flannel or minky-type fabric

Serge: Serge all four edges to finish

NOTE: If cutting out small batting scraps and flannel scraps, cut them approximately 4 inches square.

I have the embroidery file in PES format that I can send to you. If you need a different format, let me know.

Hoop a piece of flannel, wrong side up. (No stabilizer)

Put batting on top of flannel and do first stitching.

Place flannel (right side up) on top of batting and do second stitching.

Remove hoop from machine and trim around the outside of the stitching for the top layer of flannel and the batting. Do not cut the bottom layer of flannel.

Replace the hoop in the machine and do the third stitching (satin stitch).

Depending on the size of your hoop, you may be able to stitch several G button covers in one hooping. A 5 x 7 hoop will allow you to make two in one hooping.

Remove hoop and trim all your G button covers, including the slit in the middle.

Use a Kam-snap or a large sew-on snap for closure. We don’t use Velcro for closure.

This tutorial shows how to make them on a sewing machine. I don’t recommend this method. It’s challenging to keep all the layers lined up. The tutorial will give you an idea of what they look like.

https://www.cookchildrens.org/siteassets/documents/giving/stitch-a-wish/item-gbuttoncover.pdf