Rockwall, TX (May 30, 2024) – A small gesture is making a big difference for young patients at Texas Health Hospital Rockwall.
Project Linus, a national nonprofit, supplies handmade blankets to the hospital for children who are ill or may have experienced a traumatic situation.
“Children often feel scared or overwhelmed when they arrive at the hospital,” said Stephanie Taylor, B.S.N., R.N., emergency nurse supervisor at Texas Health Rockwall. “These blankets give young patients a feeling of comfort while they’re going through a difficult time.”
Project Linus, named after Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic character, has been involved with Texas Health Rockwall for 12 years, but one case stands out, Taylor said.
“An 8-year-old boy came to the ER in severe pain. His symptoms required a medical workup, and to take his mind off the pain, we asked what his favorite color was. When we came back into the room with a red blanket, his face lit up with a big smile,” Taylor said.
Rosemary Moore delivers the security blankets to the hospital. The former nurse turned volunteer has been sewing and crocheting quilts for Project Linus since 2008.
“It’s our way of showing love for children who had surgery, lost a parent or even lost their home,” Moore said.
Moore has made more than 2,000 blankets in a variety of sizes, including some sized to fit over NICU incubators.
“I’m 85 years old, and I still love what I do,” Moore added.
The Project Linus Collin/Grayson/Rockwall County chapter runs on donations from the community. For more information, click here.
Submitted by Amanda Uffman, Texas Health. Edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.