Like clockwork, six women meet at lunchtime every Wednesday at the Irell & Manella law firm in Century City, Calif. They do not discuss new clients; nor do they talk about pending litigation or legal briefs.
 Heather Goulet displays several quilts created for City of Hope patients. (Photo by Thomas Brown) |
They gather to stitch and sew, creating handcrafted quilts for City of Hope patients.
In December they delivered 20 quilts — the group’s handiwork for 2008 — to the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center. Over five years, the artisans have created 110 of the thick, colorful blankets for pediatric and adult patients.
“This really is a work of love for us,” said Heather Goulet, one of the Irell & Manella quilters.
The group began when a former employee and experienced quilting teacher shared the love of the craft with her colleagues. Over the years, several members of the group have seen family members or co-workers treated at City of Hope, which brings them even closer to their cause.
Irell & Manella so believes in the quilters’ efforts that the firm set aside a room in the middle of its offices, complete with four sewing machines, for quilting.
Recent quilts went to patients including several women in treatment for breast cancer, a lung cancer patient and adults and children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.
“Each of the patients was touched and warmed by their special gift,” said Natalie Schnaitmann, director of operations at the Biller Patient and Family Resource Center.
In addition to Goulet, quilters include Ann Chach, Chris McKay, Carol Miller, Perla Rothenberg and Barbara Tanezaki.
