Cancer support group wraps members in warmth

Members of Knit 1, Help 2, cancer support group at Have Ewe Any Wool say they enjoy gathering together for knitting and support. Pictured from left are Georgeia Locurcio, Carolyn Baumet, Betty Rogalski, Elaine Regan, Betty Juan, Linda Maslona (store owner), Kay Booth and Kim Alexander-Thomson. Carolyn Baumet left her doctor's office alone after being told she had cancer.

A widow, she was lost, "blown away" by the news and not sure what to do next.

Baumet said she went into Have Ewe Any Wool Yarn Shop, on Main Street in Snyder, just because she was passing by.

"I was so upset. I introduced myself to Kathy, and I just starting bawling," Baumet said.

Kathy Smith, who has since died from cancer, gave Baumet a hug — supporting her as she dealt with the news.

That is the type of atmosphere found at Have Ewe Any Wool's cancer support group. Each of the members knit, and they gather on Wednesdays, to talk, work on a project and most importantly, to laugh.

One of the comedians in the group, Kim Alexander-Thomson, has recently been through a lot: four surgeries in four months. She jokes with the other members while being assisted by store owner Linda Maslona with her knitting.

Alexander-Thomson recently offered a name for the group, "Knit 1, Help 2," which was happily accepted by the group.

"Everyone takes such care of each other," Maslona said.

Most of the members, such as Betty Juan, learned of the group while shopping at the store. She has been battling the disease for 15 years and has been called, "a real survivor" by the group.

They would stop in for supplies and return each week for support.

Each new member receives a prayer shawl. In addition to offering the feeling that someone is there supporting the wearer, it offers real warmth when going through appointments and treatments.

Elaine Regan, a native of WNY now living in Florida, found herself drawn to the yarn shop while dealing with her cancer.

She returns for treatment, and two months ago she went through surgery.

"I left with my prayer shawl. I left feeling, 'everything is going to be OK,'" she said about a stop into the shop.

She continues her treatments, traveling back and forth from Florida to New York and stops in to see her group members when she is able. Regan said jokingly that she should start a Florida Chapter — but everyone down there is too busy to sit and knit.

Kay Booth has been battling cancer for 15 years and has found the support group and the yarn shop are a great combination.

She goes to Have Ewe Any Wool to buy new yarn and for projects she makes while going through chemotherapy treatments.

Maslona opens her shop to the members, offering a place to gather, and is there to help with any knitting question.

"They aren't dwelling on it. If they want, they talk about it," she said.

It's also a place to get help and information from someone who is dealing with cancer or has been through it. The conversation is completely candid, completely from the heart.

"It's not like an ordinary group; it's not structured. We don't focus on a topic, we ad-lib, complain. If we want to talk about it, we do, or if we don't," said Betty Rogalski, of Depew. "I feel God brought me here."

During a recent meeting, the members sat around the coffee table, knitting, and sharing their stories.

Georgeia Locurcio of West Seneca said she had never knitted before joining the support group.

"I was looking for someone to talk to," she said when she learned of the group.

"The group has offered good information, good humor, good friends," Alexander-Thomson said.

Together the women count down their treatments, and then celebrate when a member finishes treatments and receives good news. They also come together when a member receives bad news.

If anyone is interested in the support group, call 839-7800.

Have Ewe Any Wool has been hosting the support group for nearly four years and is located at 4551 Main St., at Berhardt. Smith, referred to in the beginning of the story, was one of the women who inspired the group. She battled cancer for 10 years before passing away in February 2007.

The members remember her as a "super lady" who was an inspiration and had phenomenal strength.