Cancer Survivor Makes 1,100 Capes for Chemo Patients

A Tucson woman who beat cancer is now bringing comfort to over 1,100 other patients, one handmade cape at a time.

Terry Kelly was 62 when doctors diagnosed her with stage 2 anal cancer in 2019. The news came completely out of nowhere, and despite an 80% survival rate, Kelly couldn't shake the fear of being in that other 20%.

During treatment, a friend gave her a basket filled with helpful items, including a shawl that became her source of comfort during chemotherapy and radiation. Kelly beat the cancer, but joy turned to heartbreak just two weeks later when her mother received a terminal lung cancer diagnosis.

Her mother passed away three months later at age 80. About a year after that loss, Kelly picked up the shawl that had comforted her during treatment and had a simple thought: "I could make these."

Using her mother's sewing machine and serger, Kelly started creating capes for children, teens, and adults going through cancer treatment. Each one comes finished with a brooch, a ribbon, and an unsigned note of encouragement.

"Probably 9 out of 10 times I don't know who they go to and that's okay," Kelly said. She doesn't need to see the recipients to know she's making a difference.

The Ripple Effect

Kelly's capes are creating waves far beyond individual comfort. She's empowered a 12-year-old patient to distribute capes to other kids fighting cancer, turning recipients into givers. More than 100 of her capes were handed out at CureFest in Washington, D.C. this past weekend, bringing her message of hope to a national stage.

The project opened Kelly's eyes to the depth of love surrounding her during treatment. "Cards, presents, calls, text messages, you name it. I always knew I was loved but I didn't realize the depth until that, so now I wanna give back," she said.

Kelly also mentors other cancer patients through the Cancer Hope Network and is working to partner with local hospitals to expand her reach. She's actively seeking fabric donations to keep creating more capes.

Anyone who wants to help or knows someone who could benefit from a cape can reach Terry at beenthereicare@gmail.com, where her email address says it all: been there, I care.